This week, I am reprinting a post I did on my old blog back on October 1, 2012. This was a celebration of Glen Campbell, who died this week. there were his top three songs, in my opinion:
1. Gentle on My Mind (1967): Although Campbell is best known for his performances of Jimmy Webb's songs (see #2 and #3 below), this John Hartford tune is my favorite. This is just a relaxing and happy song, that goes down like a smooth beer on a hot summer's day. Speaking of John Hartford, here is a video of Campbell performing the song live with Hartford:
2. Galveston (1969): This is one of those rare songs from the viewpoint of a soldier that doesn't make a comment for or against war, which is ironic since it came out in 1969 (right in the middle of the Vietnam War). No, Galveston is just about a soldier who misses his girl and his hometown. Although the sentiment of the lyrics is sad, the music supports them in the most beautiful way possible. For the video, I found a copy from Glen Campbell's old show Goodtime Hour (anyone remember that?):
3. Wichita Lineman (1968): To Wikipedia for this description:
Jimmy Webb's inspiration for the lyrics came while driving through Washita County in rural southwestern Oklahoma. At that time, many telephone companies were county-owned utilities and their linemen were, in fact, county employees. Heading westward on a straight road into the setting sun, Webb drove past an endless litany of telephone poles, each looking exactly the same as the last. Then, in the distance, he noticed the silouette of a solitary lineman atop a pole. He described it as "the picture of loneliness." Webb then "put himself atop that pole and put that phone in his hand" as he considered what the lineman was saying into the receiver.Why Wichita instead of Washita?
Campbell said it was because "Wichita sings better."
May your weekend go down as smooth as a Glen Campbell song. I will return on Monday for more blogging.
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