Glen Campbell and Jimmy Webb

[Dee]

This Is Where I Came In
The Song Cycles of Jimmy Webb
StylusMagazine.com
By: Matthew Weiner
Published on: 2005-02-28

Stylus Magazine_The Song Cycles of Jimmy Webb_By Matthew Weiner-gcf.jpg (22.86 KiB) Viewed 10603 times

A well-written, in-depth article about the songs of Jimmy Webb.

http://www.stylusmagazine.com/articles/ ... y-webb.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Cowpoke]

Another new interview with Jimmy Webb...

Wonderful quote about Glen's voice...

“He had an instrument like no other. Like a silver curve of glass, polished glass. His voice never broke between his chest and his falsetto. Not that you could tell because he had so much control over it. That's how he was able to go out on the road and sing Brian Wilson's part when Brian was unable to meet his obligations with The Beach Boys. Glen went out and sang all those songs … I can't even think those notes … the fact that he could do that and almost causally do it is pretty astounding.”

And again about them being on the opposite sides of the political spectrum but being perfectly aligned musically...

“He and I, when we first met, were not politically aligned. He was of a different stripe than I was. I was a hippie and he liked to play golf, you know. I wouldn't touch a golf club. I would be afraid it'd turn me to stone. The first thing he ever said to me, when I walked into the studio, he said 'When are you going to get a haircut?' We kind of got off on a rocky start. Down through the years, we were able to craft some remarkable pop music together and when it came to music, the playing field was level. We had a special communication between us. We could communicate without speaking. Live on stage, we were aware of probably what the other guy was going to do maybe before he even knew what he was going to do.”

http://www.goupstate.com/article/201602 ... ?p=1&tc=pg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Cowpoke]

Remember also that when Galveston was to be performed on the Goodtime Hour, Tommy Smothers wanted to show a video montage of soldier fighting and dying in the background. And Glen said they didn't understand what the song was about. It was about a guy longing for home.

A question that also interests me is.... was Glen pro-war or anti-war? Well, after doing some research about Glen's political viewpoints (and I must stress I don't think Glen's political viewpoints really defined who he was as a person) I would say that his viewpoints were rather subtle. Of course, Universal Soldier (1965) was outright anti-war. And in a tv magazine interview from 1968 Glen also suggested he was against the war. However, what I think Glen really meant was that he didn't think the USA should get involved in such a conflict and, most importantly, sacrifice the lives of their young men for it. Glen's support was always with the soldiers, the people who were out there risking their lives (and for what?). On the internet over the years I read many comments by ex-Vietnam soldiers who were equally thankful to Glen, for singing a song like Galveston. Because that was exactly how they felt when they were there. On the other side, back in those days, Glen very much respected and had faith in the president and the US government, realized they had a tough job and he supported whoever was in office. (BTW, this changed in the Clinton-era but that's another story). And, protesting against the war would also imply not supporting the US army and as I said, Glen was always in support of the US forces.

I hope this makes sense!

[jay]

Thanks for pointing out that fountain. You think that was Kims idea? lol

[Mike Joyce]

Potato/Potato.
Jay,
Jimmy actually says at the intro to Galveston on the In session DVD "It was a little faster than I had intended it to be but I wasn't complaining because it went top 10"
As we all know Don Hoe, gave the song to Glen after he had scored some hits with Jimmy's songs. Don's version was the original ballad version but it didn't do anything on the charts till Glen added his magic touch.
With regards to the Glen original hit version, when it is played on the radio the intro hits you hard and makes you sit up and listen. The ballad version, as you say Jay, draws you in gently but very effectively.
BTW, in reverse, Bruce Springsteen recorded Born in the USA as a slower protest song but the power version became the anthem and although good, the message was completely lost to the listener.
I think that in some respects that could be said of Galveston as well. As Jimmy once said "Many people listen but not everyone hears".
Jay, did you notice the fountain in the Youtube video of Glen being interviewed by Lorianne Crook. It is an Ovation guitar, Adamas model I believe. You can see it at the 6.30 point.

[jay]

Tomato/tomato

Jimmy probably said "OMG" when he heard Glen do the "march" version of his ballad. He probably said OMG when the royalties started rolling in, also. Glen put Jimmy on the map...in about the same way he put Ovation on the map. Shows how versatile Galveston is and Glens vocals on it, when a ballad, w/o a doubt, shifts the whole mood of the song...it draws you in...instead of makes you want to tap your foot. The power of Glen's vocals...

Reminds me of Neil Sedaka, who had a hit with Breaking up is Hard to Do in the 50's...sang it as a ballad, for the 70;s crowd, and BOOM...another hit. Totally changed how the song was perceived.

I have a video of Glen singing Galveston, playing a 12 (with no accompaniment), a little faster than the ballad,bpm quite a bit slower than the march... very classy.

[Mike Joyce]

Sorry Randy, the video doesn't work off this link. If you go to Youtube you will find it there.

[Mike Joyce]

Hi Randy,
If I offended you I apologise, that was not my intention.It was just a jokey comment. When I talk with people about various things we all use humour to keep it light. Perhaps it doesn't work when typing a comment, but as I said before, you have read my posts for years and when ever have I been intentionally insulting to anyone on this forum? I totally respect everyone's right to their opinion and I love to chat with people with different views because that way I feel I may learn something new which I had not considered before. Anyway I hope that satisfies you Randy and we can go back to the original discussion. In fact I don't recall having such a long discussion with you before Randy, so I hope we can continue talking about the wonderful music Glen has given us over the years and enjoy reading each others points of view .
I take your point about Glen only doing the slow version with Jimmy but he has done the faster tempo with Jimmy as well. Go to 3.45 on the video to hear Galveston.
Regards,
Mike

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbTCTbGjfck" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Randy]

Mike, here is the problem , the no soul comment is light hearted on your end and insulting on my end. It's like if you don't see it my way then you must be without soul. The fact of the matter is , I don't remember Glen ever performing that slow version , except in the presence of Jimmy.

[Mike Joyce]

Randy, I love the faster tempo version. When I play it at the folk club I always do the faster tempo version because that is what people remember from the hit record. My point is that the slower version is also excellent and is one of those occasions where I think Jimmy had a point. And I think it says a lot for Glen that he could perform both versions and make them both perfect. I just don't understand why anyone who loves the original song and its lyrics would not find it more moving especially they way Glen delivers the lines of the song. I am sure the audience who gave Glen a standing ovation did so because of his great performance of the song vocally and instrumentally on the night, but I would think ,many there would haver loved the ballad version equally. I doubt anyone there would have said the ballad version "is no good"
Obviously Randy,everyone is entitled to their opinion and let us not forget music is very subjective. But as I used to say, I don't choose the music I like, it chooses me.
Anyway Randy, I didn't intend any offence by the "soul less" comment, that was meant as light hearted retort to your earlier comments. I would hope by now you would know that is the last thing I would want to do to a fellow fan on this forum. I just want to enjoy a good discussion on topics of mutual interest with other fans. That's why I love this forum
Best wishes,
Mike