Continued from page 32 sized hardback book features movie stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and essays describing why the planned RCA release of the soundtrack never materialized. Phillips’ final lyric in the album-closing theme song( unused in the film) serves as a fitting tribute to David Bowie as the movie’ s lead character, but also works as a prophetic epitaph for an era-defining artist.“ The man who fell to earth through space and through time, maybe he’ ll change your life the way he changed mine.” – – Jeff Elbel
7
“ Where’ s the Playground Susie” was an additional collaboration with songwriting soulmate Webb, and Campbell sings it for all he’ s worth. Campbell’ s own“ Friends” could fairly be considered filler, but it seems heartfelt. Jerry Reed’ s“ Oh What a Woman” sounds like fare that would have suited Elvis Presley at the time. The song would definitely not pass as a modern feminist anthem. The playing by Campbell and the Wrecking Crew, however, is hot stuff.
– Jeff Elbel
7
GLEN CAMPBELL Gentle on My Mind Wichita Lineman Galveston
( Capitol / UMe)
Heralding the release of his final studio album Adiós this summer, a trio of Glen Campbell’ s classic country-pop albums from the‘ 60s have been faithfully reissued. Released in consecutive years from 1967- 1969, each album was led by one of Campbell’ s most enduring singles. The gem of gems is the untouchable grace of 1968’ s Wichita Lineman, completed by Campbell and producer Al De Lory before songwriter Jimmy Webb had actually finished writing the lyric. Campbell’ s baritone guitar takes the place of the unfinished third verse, underscoring the emotional gravity of what fan Billy Joel once described as“ a simple song about an ordinary man thinking extraordinary thoughts.” The remainder of this album fails to scale the heights of the lead single, but shows Campbell’ s rich voice, tasteful musicianship, and instinct for playful songs like countrified“ Ann” and heartbreakers like“ If You Go Away.” Still, Campbell’ s version of“( Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” isn’ t going to make anyone shelve their Otis Redding records. The tumbling guitar and winsome melody of 1967’ s Gentle on My Mind was recorded with Campbell’ s compatriots from famed session players The Wrecking Crew. The arrangement foreshadowed Harry Nilsson’ s 1969 hit version of Fred Neil’ s“ Everybody’ s Talkin’,” and Campbell covers Nilsson’ s own“ Without Her” on this album. He also takes touching turns at Donovan’ s“ Catch the Wind” and Roy Orbison’ s“ Cryin’.” Campbell scored another chart-topping hit with the crossover title track to 1969’ s Galveston, again featuring players from the Wrecking Crew. Webb’ s tale about a heartsick Vietnam War solider goes down with the sugar of Campbell’ s anthemic delivery. The melancholy follow-up single
JOHN LEE HOOKER Whiskey & Wimmen
( Vee-Jay)
Celebrating the year that would have included his 100th birthday, Vee-Jay has released a new 16-track overview of John Lee Hooker’ s bracing blues on vinyl, CD and digital formats. With the exception of 1993’ s " No More Doggin "( released when Hooker was 80), the songs run from 1955’ s“ Time is Marching” to 1969’ s spartan but super-heavy“ Grinder Man.” In the latter, Hooker takes the role of a tough-talking butcher who“ stays open night and day.” He only serves women, and it sounds like business is booming. The set leads with signature songs including the jumping“ Boom Boom” and talking blues“ Boogie Chillun’.” The thrills continue with the hot-blooded“ I Love You Honey” and grooving“ Big Legs, Tight Skirt.” There’ s light-hearted fare like the upbeat“ Dimples”( recorded with Jimmy Reed’ s band) and the low-down recrimination of“ It Serves Me Right.” The mastering work is detailed, lively and full-sounding on vinyl. Credits include recording and release dates, chart positions, and whenever known, the other musicians in Hooker’ s band. Joe Hunter’ s roadhouse piano and Hank Crosby sax amplify songs including“ Frisco Blues,” and legendary Motown bassist James Jamerson propels“ Boom Boom.” Liner notes include revealing anecdotes from Hooker with the stories behind some of his best-known cuts.
– Jeff Elbel
7
46 illinoisentertainer. com june 2017