"Dude's definitely not going out softly."

[Amerigo Vespucci]

Glen Campbell
Ghost on the Canvas
Surfdog



By WILL HERMES
AUGUST 30, 2011

No way was the country-pop megastar of "Rhinestone Cowboy" fame going to make a sparse fixin'-to-die record à la Johnny Cash. Billed as Glen Campbell's farewell to music (the 75-year-old singer was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's), Ghost is baroquely arranged drama that echoes his string-swelled Seventies hits. Yet this biographical album, penned by Campbell and some unlikely contributors (including the Replacements' Paul Westerberg), is introspective and often haunted. Campbell's soaring tenor has gone a bit shaky with age, but the years have added an edge to his singing. Dude's definitely not going out softly.

Listen to "Ghost on the Canvas": http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/ghost-on-the-canvas-20110830

[panader0]

1. Never really cared for Glen

Did he ever record a song he wrote? Not Rhinestone, not Witchita Lineman, not By The Time I get to Phoenix.
Tanya Tucker tore him up.

[Fumesucker]

2. How many of his hits did Elton John write?

Not everyone is cut out to be a singer/songwriter.

[Bluenorthwest]

3. Elton John wrote the music to all of his hits, and a few for others

Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics.

[Fumesucker]

6. I wasn't trying to diminish Elton..

I've actually met him a few times and like him personally, he drives his own car and even books his own appointments, my ex ran a salon he frequented for a while near his condo in Buckhead GA.

And Taupin was the name I was trying to think of, thanks.

[Kath1]

4. I'll Checik It Out

Thanks for posting that. I'll be sure to check it out. Glen Campbell's "Wichita Lineman" is a memory from my childhood. He was part of the "Bakersfield" country sound. Hard for me to believe he is 75. I love those last Johnny Cash albums and I will be sure to listen to this.

[monmouth]

5. The cover is awesome. Fuzzy, just like the horrid disease he has, that's

how it starts. I wish him well.

[dixiegrrrrl]

7. Alzheimer's.....sheesh.

Bizarre to be a big star and then, not remember it.

edited to add: just listened to a few cuts from the album, his voice has held up nicely.

[provis99]

8. did he write that song "Galveston" that he sang?

"I clean my gun, and dream of Galveston"

crazy ass lyrics; sounds like a guy about to shoot an ex-girlfriend.

[Tanuki]

9. It's about a soldier

who is facing battle and dreaming of home and the woman he loves. Like many of Glen's biggest hits, it was written by Jimmy Webb.