One of my weekly visits to the EeewwwChoob involves listening to musical theory maestro Doug Helvering’s take on various modern songs. (I’ll link a few of my favorites below the fold at the the end of this piece.)
I was astonished that he had never heard of Mason Williams’s Classical Gas, truly one of the cornerstones of late-60s music, so I looked forward to hearing his opinion.
To my surprise, he didn’t just take in the original, but also a version by legendary guitarist Tony Emmanuel. Not that I have a problem with listening to several versions of Classical Gas, mind you.
Anyway, here’s Doug’s take on the original and Emmanuel’s version. (I’m not so sure about Emmanuel’s version, mind you, although the guy is a frigging legend and a virtuoso, so he gets a pass from me, in spades.)
And speaking of versions, did anyone know that Glen Campbell covered the piece as well, and blew it out the park? Less successful was that of British violinist (and Thailand Olympic skier) Vanessa Mae, but at least her violin-playing is far better than her skiing.
So there you have it: same song, played differently four times. All good, really, because did I already mention that Classical Gas is, truly, a classic?
Doug’s takes on:
Genesis: A Firth of Fifth (seriously dorky theory stuff warning)
Emerson Lake and Palmer: Tarkus (see above)
Beatles: Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
Enjoy, y’all (as Doug would say).
Wow! Glen Campbell really did knock it out of the park! Being about the same age, I grew up loving this, of course, but had not heard it in years, thanks for reminding me.
When I took piano lessons (for about 2-3 years back in late grammar school), I did this on the piano. I don’t play any more I never really did after stopping lessons, which is a shame. What a great piece!
I’ll check out the others later, especially Tarkus.
JC
As a kid we used to belt out “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy” at the top of our lungs in our most annoying voices just cause we had all the lyrics easily memorized. Made fun of the song. Had a gas. Never knew that Glenn was as talented as he was. Now, watching clips, holy cow that man was good.
For half a century I have been addicted to Mason Williams version of Classical Gas. He infected my young mind and I never recovered.
Tommy Emmanuel’s version is so far over the top it almost hurts to listen to. When I do listen to it I’m exhausted and need a nap.
I spent most of my life thinking Glenn Campbell was the Wichita Lineman and I was fine with that. Then I seen a video of him, I think in Branson MO, and was blown away by his 6 string prowess. I think he was playing a red strat.
I’ll take Tommy Emmanuel anywhere any time; then again I’m noted for my lack of taste
More gas (with a bit of 25 or 6 to 4).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-beeayCdzPU
And speaking of…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_torOTK5qc&list=RD9_torOTK5qc&start_radio=1
I’m not a musician, but I think maybe Leonid & Friends outdid Chicago’s original 25 or 6 to Four. They didn’t just cover it; they performed it, smashed it, nailed it!!
I only hope some of those guys didn’t get consumed by the Ukraine war.
I remember seeing and hearing Classical Gas along with the original video on the Smothers Brothers TV show in the late sixties. Very memorable.
For a long time before he was a star in his own right, Glenn Campbell was a very in-demand session guitarist, and one of the wrecking crew session players that played on many 1960s hits.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZgBexrZvM0
Did Glenn Campbell ever *not* knock anything out of the park? I recently saw the clip of him playing McCartney’s “Mull of Kintyre” on the bagpipes on the Merv Griffin show. Talk about prodigious talent!
It’s been claimed that Campbell couldn’t read music. I’ve never understood A) what that means and B) how it could be possible that he spent 40+ years operating at his level and never learned. Can you do what he did from charts or “by ear”? I can only believe it’s just part of the legend.
Kenny,
You would be surprised how many musicians (especially guitarists) cannot sight read music.
Including, but not limited to Eric Clapton, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, all of The Who the list goes on. I don’t think Tommy E can sight read.
Most guitar songs (indeed most pop music) is made up of a very small number of standard chords. Blues based songs typically three chords E,A and B for blues in the key of E, for example. Then if you learn the corresponding pentatonic scale you can solo / lead play along.
If you learn about ten chords (I kid you not) and some strumming patterns you could play a version of 99% of the songs you hear on the radio.
Learning to play like Tommy Emmanuel however is a lifetimes work.