The Everly Brothers
Glen Campbell
Listen/Download – the Everly Brothers – Bowling Green
Listen/Download – Glen Campbell – Bowling Green
Greetings all.
I hope the new week finds you all well.
I had planned on bringing you the Everly Brothers (original) version of ‘Bowling Green’ for a while.
Fortunately for all of us, whilst I was a-digging through the crates I discovered that I had another, very groovy version of the song already, by none other than Glen Campbell.
I should start out by saying that the recent news of Campbell moving in to an assisted living facility due to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease was saddening.
Glen Campbell is one of those artists who had enough mainstream success that the true depth of his talent (and discography) is often overlooked.
He was an important part of the famous Wrecking Crew studio outfit, as well as having recorded some very cool albums for Capitol in the 1960s.
Though he is often thought of as a country-pop artist, he had excellent taste in covers and recorded many great songs by folks like Harry Nilsson, Donovan, Sonny Curtis, The Bee Gees, Otis Redding, Dorsey Burnett and even Paul Revere and the Raiders.
The song I bring you today was first recorded by the Everly Brothers (on their excellent ‘Everly Brothers Sing’ LP) in 1967.
‘Bowling Green’, written by the Everly’s bassist Terry Slater with Jacqueline Ertel (I don’t know why she’s not credited on either of these labels) was a Top 40 hit for the brothers in the Spring of 1967.
Campbell recorded it later that year on his ‘Gentle On My Mind’ LP.
While the Everly’s version features their unmatchable harmonies, Campbell’s take on the song sports a much livelier arrangement by none other than Leon Russell!
Interestingly, the song was recorded again, a year later by the Gosdin Brothers, who gave it a slightly more countrified feel.
Both versions are excellent, and I would recommend picking up both albums (especially the Everly Brothers LP which has some surprising, even psychedelic touches) if you find them.
I hope you dig the sounds, and I’ll see you next week.
Peace
Larry