Glen Campbell: Ghost on the Canvas

The ultimate 1960s session man turned 1970s “Rhinestone Cowboy” is riding into the sunset. Glen Campbell played on Pet Sounds as part of the storied Wrecking Crew; a decade later, he was king of pop’s rodeo, with the aching authority of one of the great countrypolitan voices. In June, he revealed that he has Alzheimer’s. This album and his autumn tour will be his last. Words such as dignity, stoicism and class come to mind. Most of all class. The songs are either co-writes with producer Julian Raymond or supplied by the likes of Paul Westerberg. Surf-guitar hero Dick Dale guests on “In My Arms”. The glitzy rocker “It’s Your Amazing Grace” is upbeat and affecting. “A Thousand Lifetimes” echoes the riff of “Wichita Lineman”. Still on form, Campbell’s fundamental optimism shines through on Jakob Dylan’s “Nothing but the Whole Wide World.” What a life, what a trouper. He sounds grateful; we should be, too.

Glen Campbell

Ghost on the Canvas

(Surfdog)