"Wichita Lineman" - Who does the best remake?

MplsSteve

[MplsSteve]

Well, maybe it's a sign that I've got way too much spare time on my hands. But here are some re-makes of Glen Cambell's 1968 hit "Wichita Lineman".

No one can really do justice to this song. Here are some links to versions of the song done on YouTube. Tell me which one you like - or don't like:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QutLsCCY2yw&feature=related - REM's version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwG9mypJhoU&feature=related - Johnny Cash's version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kmex-3CGTv0&feature=related - Sammy Davis Jr's version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JoXKpHKgUg&feature=related James Taylor's version

By no means is this every re-make. They're just a few that I pulled off YouTube. if you know a better version (other than Glen campbell's), post it.

After watching all four versions, I like REM's best. Well, what's your opinion?

[MplsSteve]

Dammit, sorry about that. I thought each version would link properly.

[Mr. Mojo]

I’m a big Sammy Davis Jr. fan, but he didn’t pull it off convincingly, imo.

The winner: The Man in Black.

[Nachum]

You liked REM’s? Whew. That was my least fav. At least James Taylor could sing it in the same the key.

Sammy Davis could hit the hit the notes, but I just can’t get into a non-country version of his.

Nope. Nobody touches Glen Campbell. Not even close.

[dfwgator]

Agreed. Glen is probably also one of the Top Ten all-time guitarists.

[Lazlo in PA]

You are highly mistaken in believing there is one better. There is absolutely no remake of this song worth a bucket of spit. Sometimes the original is as good as it gets. Now there may be a better Rhinestone Cowboy out there.

[Noob1999]

There is only one, and there will be only one version of Wichita Lineman.

The one I fell in love to my girlfriend in 1968.

[RckyRaCoCo]

Simple, but well done... Fretkillr

Glen Campbell/Jimmy Webb...great combo.

[shibumi]

Capturing the “je ne sais quoi” of the Southern Midwest American Nouveau Frontier, this stirring rendition speaks to the Marlboro Man Cowboy in all of us.

Enjoy .....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqz3lgnroVc

(I know this is the Ultimate Version ‘cause he said so.)

[AnotherUnixGeek]

There’s got to be a William Shatner version of this. If so, that’s automatically the best version.

[Inyo-Mono]

Country singer Wade Hayes days a great job with the song, but Cambell’s original is the best.

[Salamander]

Oh, HELL no.

[Lazlo in PA]

I generally don’t think about drinking Red Stripes while I am smoking a joint on the beach when I listen to this song. This is by far the worst version I have ever heard. Sammy Davis hit just the level of funkiness that I can tolerate on this tune. This guy is way over the line.

[freejohn]

There’s got to be a William Shatner version of this. If so, that’s automatically the best version.

Would you settle for "Gentle on my mind" by Leonard Nimoy?

Spock sings Glenn

[stormer]

[jobim]

We share a memory. Mine was Trish T. in Nashville when I was a junior in high school, driving down with some buddies to introduce them to my cousin Mary Beth, a real Southern Belle. We were Chi-town Yankees. Boy did I fall under her spell with that song on the radio.

[Bullish]

IMO nobody could ever top Glen’s version of the tune.

But it’s such a great song I hope they keep trying.

[Revolting cat!]

Glenn’s own live “remakes” are better than the original.

[Irishgirl]

Jimmy Webb himself does the best version of this song on his album “Ten Easy Pieces”. Second best is James Taylor. I’ll always love Glen’s version, too.

[Revolting cat!]

Some originals are untouchable, and shouldn't be touched.
Other tunes are for the taking and interpretation.

Looking at the fog today and the sunshine trying to get through, I thought of the Stones' Blue Turns to Grey from 1965 today.
Came back home and found several versions on YouTube.
Check them out, but I think all are trash, dated, and silly. The Stones rule.