oharris69
oharris69
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By the Time I Get to Phoenix...

Posted almost 5 years ago
Folks tend to forget that before he became a Country/crossover superstar in the late 60’s/early 70’s, Glen Campbell was a well-respected and oft-utilised session man alongside colleagues Leon Russell and Bruce Johnson in Phil Spectors “Wrecking Crew”, and responsible for some great fretwork in the producers’ legendary “Wall Of Sound” for the likes of the Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers and also for the Beach Boys during their most orchestral, instrumental period. Campbell even toured with the Beach Boys as a live entity while Brian Wilson stayed home and created musical genius. As for the gig last night, pretty much all the hits were covered in the 90-odd minute set, starting with “Gentle on My Mind”, following with “Galveston” and also including Jimmy Webb-penned hits “By the Time I Get to Phoenix” and “Wichita Lineman” and mid 70’s crossover smashes “Country Boy” and “Rhinestone Cowboy”. Of note was Campbells addition of guitar soloing during many of the songs, adding a fresh touch to the tried and true while demonstrating and reminding of his virtuosity on the Strat. The band were tight and clean, keeping it simple. A particular highlight was the note-perfect cover of Mason Williams’ “Classical Gas”, a hit and Grammy-winner in 1969 alongside “By the Time...”
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Comments (3)

  1. dermahrk
    dermahrk says The Webb-Campbell collaborations are pretty awesome. I bought a CD of a "reunion" CD of the two of them - actually some kind of compilation but missing the big hits. Still, there was a lot of tasty material on there. You may or may not buy Jimmy Webb (many harbor a hatred of that goddamn cake in the rain) but, if not, I would suggest his latest The Last Of The Renegades (or somesuch) or the Ten Easy Pieces CD.
    Permalink posted 11/12/2006
  2. missjunk
    missjunk says My parents were really into Country & Western when I was growing up. I, of course rebelled, and was into punk then "New Wave". Now as an adult, I'm finding old country kind of cozy and comforting. Like an old pair of slippers.... Thanks for this nice post, I will have go and find some Mr. Campbell today....
    Permalink posted 11/12/2006
  3. jorgegarcia
    jorgegarcia says Man, this brings back some memories. My parents had a Glenn Campbell album when I was a kid, and I used to love some of those old songs. Wichita Lineman, Houston, Galveston, Rhinestone Cowboy, and several other songs that I can't remember the title of, but that I just loved because they were just like perfect pop songs. I'm also gonna go out and dig out some of those old albums...good post, dude. Sound like a fun concert. I bet there was a lot of fans singing along.
    Permalink posted 11/12/2006

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