Posted on 05/11/2011 8:57:59 PM PDT by MplsSteve
Well, maybe it's a sign that I've got way too much spare time on my hands. But here are some re-makes of Glen Cambell's 1968 hit "Wichita Lineman".
No one can really do justice to this song. Here are some links to versions of the song done on YouTube. Tell me which one you like - or don't like:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QutLsCCY2yw&feature=related - REM's version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwG9mypJhoU&feature=related - Johnny Cash's version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmex-3CGTv0&feature=related - Sammy Davis Jr's version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JoXKpHKgUg&feature=related James Taylor's version
By no means is this every re-make. They're just a few that I pulled off YouTube. if you know a better version (other than Glen campbell's), post it.
After watching all four versions, I like REM's best. Well, what's your opinion?
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.
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.
It’s probably not on YouTube but Boots Randolph’s instrumental version is one of my favorites.
James Taylor must die. Along with Snuggle bear.
Mind you, I’m not sure if the Snuggle bear did a rendition of it.
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.
CC
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!
Stretched reality right to the snapping point, dinnit?
:)
Weird Al Yankovic’s was the best one to date, so far.
The Meters did the best version.
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
I like Keith Urban’s rendition. I usually love anything by Johnny Cash, but his, I thought, was terrible!
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.
That’s criminal.
First Degree Aggravated Musical Assault.
later
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.
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.
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