...it sounds like he's amping the country side with it being a banjo...
The banjo bit actually goes far back in Glen Campbell's musicology - one of his supporting musicians for many years was John Hartford, a virtuoso of that melodic percussive instrument. Bela Fleck is currently performing with one of John's old banjos a playing a tribute piece. Starting as a session musician with the Beach Boys (an oddly inventive and experimental band, if you get past the top 40 hits) Glen has made over 70 recordings in a 50 year plus history. Quite a compliment on both sides for producers Julian Raymond and Howard Willing to choose Sing as part of the repertoire for this release. I respect the comment about meanings and authors, but as interpretations go, the phrasing, inflection and dynamics show a great understanding of the lyric as well as the melody. Your favorite actor interprets lines and you love it. You may not love this cover, but it is performed with skill and passion. Where's my beer?
The only Glen Campbell song I know and really love is 'Witcha Lineman' that really is a classic song.
Fair play to him, his 'Sing' cover while he sings it differently to the original doesn't sound half bad. His U2 cover sounded cool on that trailer aswell. I might have to check this album out.
The people who are slagging him off for doing these covers should cut him some slack. Everyone's entitled to cover songs and he is 72, fair play to him I hope I'm still playing guitar at 72! Fair enough if it's not your taste but he really deserves some respect for having a go. I'm all for his cover of 'Sing'. I bet Travis are over the moon that he has covered one of their songs.
