"Wichita Lineman" - Who does the best remake?

MplsSteve

[The Antiyuppie]

REM’s is a lot better than you would expect. I wonder if one of the band members did it for their parent(s). I’ve read that a lot of “oldie covers” get made this way.

[Ackackadack]

I listen to a radio station that plays both the Glen Campbell and James Taylor versions (KLBB AM 1220 out of Stillwater, MplsSteve) and for some reason they play the JT cover slightly more often than the GC version. I cringe whenever they do. There’s nothing like the original. For me, it’s that slow riff played close to the bridge that’s got 60’s written all over it. That and Glen’s got the better voice for this one. Don’t get me wrong, I do like JT’s other stuff a lot, just not this one.

[Revel]

One of the sadder songs by Campbell.

The Fate of Man:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRawHdrdQ5U

[OrangeHoof]

It’s probably not on YouTube but Boots Randolph’s instrumental version is one of my favorites.

[yup2394871293]

James Taylor must die. Along with Snuggle bear.

[yup2394871293]

Mind you, I’m not sure if the Snuggle bear did a rendition of it.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

It’s probably just me but I had a hard time picturing a rastafarian as a “lineman for the county” singing about how the “stretch down south won’t ever stand the strain” and snow.

[smokingfrog]

I like the Craig Ferguson version.

[Celtic Conservative]

There is a Keith Urban live version floating around the web that I like rather a lot. Keith has mentioned in interviews that Jimmy Webb is one of his favorite songwriters. BTW, it was recorded at the world trade center in early 2001.

CC

[SatinDoll]

You just had to put this up on a Wednesday night, didn’t you?

Now I just have to go to youtube and find Glenn Campbell singing this damn song!

[Salamander]

Stretched reality right to the snapping point, dinnit?

:)

[AmericanInTokyo]

Weird Al Yankovic’s was the best one to date, so far.

[wideawake]

The Meters did the best version.

[newfreep]

Agree 110% - Jimmy Webb’s “ten easy pieces” is a GREAT album of his songs. “Whichita Lineman” sounds so much more haunting on his album with only a piano and his voice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlEpKhSHTyQ

[My hearts in London - Everett]

I like Keith Urban’s rendition. I usually love anything by Johnny Cash, but his, I thought, was terrible!

[Hot Tabasco]

Nope. Nobody touches Glen Campbell. Not even close.

IMHO, any attempted remakes of original hits are insults to the original artists and show me a lack of artistic ability to write their own songs.

[ArrogantBustard]

That’s criminal.

First Degree Aggravated Musical Assault.

[cornfedcowboy]

later

[fieldmarshaldj]

Nonsense. Some people do better than the original. Although this one is Glen Campbell’s signature, so nobody does it better. I think of “Moon River” and Jerry Butler performed it better than Andy Williams.

[OB1kNOb]

My daughter has had the priviledge of playing a jam session with Glen’s old uncle Boo a few years ago. He was the one who taught Glen how to play the guitar. In his mid-80’s uncle Boo hobbled around like any elderly person, but put a guitar in his hands and his fingers became as fluid as water. Amazing dexterity.