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
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“ 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
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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
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46 illinoisentertainer . com june 2017