“Meet Glen Campbell” is the title of the legendary guitar player’s latest album, but if you don’t already know who he is, it’s unlikely covers of Foo Fighters, Green Day and Tom Petty are going to reel you in. Still, Jackson Browne’s dour “These Days” is a song so perfectly suited for Campbell’s voice it’s a wonder it never popped up on one of his ’70s LPs. A song with a lot of history, Browne wrote it when he was 16 and peddling songs in New York. Nico covered it first, followed by The Allman Bros. and a string of SoCal country rockers, before Jackson revisited it for his second album, “For Everyman”, in 1973.

by Mark Emge

Country star Glen Campbell is taking on the John Lennon classic “Grow Old With Me” on his new cover album, “Meet Glen Campbell”. Other artists to have their work Glen-Campbell-ized on the album include Scottish lads Travis, American rockers Foo Fighters and even punk-rock greats Green Day. All the songs were picked by Glen as tracks that had inspired him musically over the years, and the eclectic ensemble offers a unique new take on some musical gems of note.

by Marijke van Niekerk

American music would sound a whole lot different without the contributions of Glen Campbell. He played guitar for Phil Spector, Ricky Nelson, The Velvet Underground and The Mamas & The Papas. He was on The Beach Boys’ seminal “Pet Sounds” album and replaced troubled Brian Wilson on the road. He played on Sinatra’s “Strangers In The Night”, for crying out loud, as well as “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’” by The Righteous Brothers! Which pretty much exonerates his descent into drugged-out variety-show host in the ’70s and ’80s. For “Meet Glen Campbell”, the legend takes a shot at those he influenced, covering John Lennon, U2, The Replacements and “Walls”, a Tom Petty song.

by Mark Emge

Believe it or not, when American country star Glen Campbell released “Meet Glen Campbell” in August, the man was releasing his 59th album! On his new effort, Campbell pays tribute to modern bands, including covers of songs from U2, Foo Fighters and Green Day, who see Campbell covering their classic tune, “Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)”. The album brings Campbell full circle from a lifetime of ups and downs. He said: “I really made some bad choices. Drugs, drinking. Stupid things that you do. But I cleaned up and now, life is wonderful. With this album, there is no theme but they are all good. If they’re good songs, you can put them anywhere, good is good in the music business.” In October, Campbell will head to the UK and Ireland for a tour. Find his schedule at www.glencampbellshow.com.

by Martín Wagmaister