Features Disc of the day
Art Garfunkel
Watermark
(Columbia Records, 1977 )
Frizz-topped choirboy glides all over the J. Webb songbook. MOJO messageboarder nails the appeal.
Glen Campbell is perhaps the best-known interpreter of the songs of Jimmy Webb, but this Webb-produced album has Art essaying some very fine versions of nuggets from the Webb songbook. Where Campbell is manly, square jawed and brooding, Art is light, keening and pure. His version of You Might As Well Smile (called Shine It On Me here) is good enough to stand toe to toe with Glen’s, which is saying something indeed, and his take on Crying In My Sleep is exemplary. Sure, Art doesn’t have the grittiest voice in the world, but the airy clarity of his tone suits the twisting beauty of Webb’s songs perfectly on this album. The Chieftans conjure up misty Celtic beauty on She Moves Through The Fair, and on Wonderful World Paul Simon and James Taylor provide a bed of yummy harmonies for Art to glide over. Scared off by Art’s overused black waistcoat/white shirt combo, the receding afro, or memories of Bright Eyes? You needn’t be. This is a magnificent LP, where you will find some of the most exquisite and timeless versions of some of the most beautiful songs ever written.
gottenbold
Posted by Danny_Eccleston at 6:00 AM GMT 17/04/2008
Further Listening
Glen Campbell – Reunion: The Songs of Jimmy Webb (EMI)
Jimmy Webb – Ten Easy Pieces (Angel)
James Taylor – JT (Sony)
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