Glen Campbell: Last Studio Recording a Gem (Rhinestone?)

Ghost on the Canvas--Glen Campbell--He's not the fresh-faced guy in the 1960s and 1970s who had what some called "countrypolitan" hits: "Gentle on My Mind" (written by the late John Hartford), "Galveston," "Wichita Lineman," "Rhinestone Cowboy" and others.

These days he's in his mid-70s; it's been announced he's battling Alzheimer's disease; and he says this is his last studio release (since he's touring, I figure there'll be a follow up live recording).

So, you may ask, "I haven't paid attention to Glen Campbell in years, or maybe never, so why should I now?"

I realize some hip tastemakers may not immediately give Mr. Campbell his due. He really wasn't part of the hippie folk scene of the 1960s, and his records had strings on them so he wasn't "rootsy." He had a popular mainstream television show--Johnny Cash did, too, by the way--and his image was wholesome, instead of "counter-culture."

But did you know that he struggled for years for solo success (his first single was in the late 50s, about a decade before the hits)? And did you know he was part of the "Wrecking Crew" (which included Narrows alum Leon Russell)? The crew consisted of crack studio players brought in by producers. Mr. Campbell, per the recording's notes, played on "Good Vibrations," "You've Lost that Lovin' Feelin' " and other important records of the period.

So, the fact is Glen Campbell was no overnight sensation. He worked hard, and was a heck of a guitar player and singer. And I liked most of his hits; come to think of it, I liked ALL of his hits.

Ghost on the Canvas is a superbly crafted recording, with songs contributed by Jakob Dylan, alternative rocker Paul Westerberg and others. Contributing musicians include surf guitarist Dick Dale (from Massachusetts by the way) and Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen.

So has Glen gone hip and rootsy?

Not really. If you liked "Galveston," you'll like Ghost on the Canvas. And if you appreciate heartfelt music that is well-written, well-produced, and well-performed, you'll like it too. One more note: the last track "There's No Me...Without You" sounds like a John Lennon recording, probably deliberately.