REM - Wichita Lineman - 1994

[@jamiemassey6552]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Bravo Jimmy Webb.

[@heidigretel]

yes i agree :))))

[@Snakefinger1000]

It's nice to see that someone knows it's a Jimmy Web song, Cheers.

[@georgefuller5426]

Snakefinger1000 grew up in oklahoma city , was a teenager when Jimmy wrote this ... Jimmy does it best

[@HunchbackJack]

Massey Four Yes. Not a big fan of country music, but Jimmy Webb is one of the great American songwriters.

[@mikoldin9510]

Massey Four AV a word

[@stacey021375]

"And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time." One of THE best lines in country music. Love this version. Michael Stipe's voice is just sweet on this song.

[@sartainja]

Amen.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Absolutely.

[@MrANDYGEEZER]

Robbie Williams & escapes stated that was the best line written 😉

[@philipredford633]

I thought I could not love REM anymore and then they sing the greatest song ever written and sing it beautifully

[@richardwallace6313]

and Jimmy Webb apparently was horrified when Glen told him he had cut the song, because Webb sent a draft and thought the song needed more work

[@MrZerosphere]

With respect, it does make you look back at how great a singer Glen Campbell was.

[@doobeedoo2]

YES

[@BrooksSmithMusic]

He was . . . but this song was written by Jimmy Webb.

[@doobeedoo2]

@@BrooksSmithMusic yes but it is just so hard to cover a song that Glen sang and sing it better. Just like it is hard to cover an Orbison song or Sinatra's big songs: you can look like a Timex next to a Rolex.

[@BrooksSmithMusic]

@doobeedoo2 the original comment said "what a great songwriter Glen Campbell was," but it looks like the commenter has now edited that to "singer."

[@KenMcMunn-bp5xv]

Well Stipe comes across as more the skinny younger guy working with the older bigger guys,but he does it well.

[@westwingr]

Absolutely beautiful. Terrific cover by R.E.M. Over 50 years later and it still brigs a tear to my eye.

[@solarguy1702]

My dad's favorite song. He's gone now but I loved it!

[@parrotheadstx]

My dad's favorite too. He passed in 2016.

[@ottoboxer]

First song I sung to my now wife of over 40 years. And I was then a lineman proud and worked with the best of people.

[@troydaigle7902]

We love and need some lineman in South Louisiana, especially after hurricanes 😢

[@KenMcMunn-bp5xv]

@@ottoboxer Thank you for sharing that memory.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

"and I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time" - great lyric, Jimmy Webb

[@mcortezwriter]

I remember getting up early one summer morning in 1995 and seeing this on the MTV. I recorded it onto VHS and from there dubbed to tape. It's as evocative now as it was then.

[@rickdorsey3990]

Geez folks, nothing is ever as good as the original. I do not think Stipe ever intended to make over or out-do or come close to Campbell. I think he simply admired Campbell and this particular song, and felt compelled to honor him with a go at it! Quit hating!

[@HunchbackJack]

Actually, I think it was Jimmy Webb he respected more than Campbell. Webb wrote the song; Campbell's version is just the most popular cover of it.

[@Beemerboy324]

I would venture that Freedy Johnston's version is better (whatever that means) than the Campbell version because the guitars are so beautifully intertwined. Either way it's a classic song.

[@howardnewmark9087]

Well, he wrote it with Campbell in mind.

[@MMZS528]

yeah it kind of fails...have to disagree though that there is nothing better than originals. ive heard some great covers.

[@racketman2u]

Campbell didn't "just cover" the song; Jimmy Webb wrote it for him, quote "“He and (producer) Al DeLory were obviously looking for a follow-up to ‘Phoenix.’ And I remember writing ‘Wichita Lineman’ that afternoon. That was a song I absolutely wrote for Glen.” unquote

[@alexnora8210]

What a wonderful voice. Amazing interpretation! The best version of this song I've ever heard.

[@davidwilliams1238]

brilliant REM at their most beautiful ! interesting

[@Tonithenightowl]

Glen Campbell will always own this song but REM outdid themselves and in their own style. Excellent !!!!!!!!!

[@josebegui]

Agree - you can't top Glen backed by the Wrecking Crew.

[@Tonithenightowl]

@@josebegui I had to come back to the channel, it's been a while and I couldn't remember which Glen song was being discussed lol Glen started out as a studio musician if I recall so he knew "good" when he heard it, yes :o)

[@Tonithenightowl]

@Huawei is a criminal organization. He had it all and could connect with his audience. One of our legends.

[@robc5051]

I love Johnn's version personally. It's more gruff and less "pop" to me I also love Glen's version as well. I have a lot of memories attached to Johnny Cash's version though so that's the biggest sway.

[@Tonithenightowl]

@@robc5051 I'll look up Johnny Cash's version, I don't remember it being played on the radio but then I didn't listen to country music in general... unless a crossover hit like this.:o)

[@jamesmarable8158]

Such a great song, never should be interrupted

[@sgpatt1969]

My thoughts exactly, criminal!

[@7000fps]

Is there a full version of this without the moronic interview slopped over the solo?

[@jamesgibbons6292]

Would have been perfect.

[@mugsypea]

This version during sound check tears me apart. Absolutely beautiful!

[@roseannes2967]

Yes, the very discussion resonates with the songs purpose. Very poignant. Plus, I love Michael Stipe and his artistry and the fantastic musicians performing in this take.

[@robmaddison8645]

it's the follow up to Driver 8.

[@bluesque9687]

Micheal Stipe brings a unique character, mood, feeling, to whatvr he sings... and this is such a beautiful rendition!

[@tgallison8569]

I couldn't believe REM would even attempt to do a old country classic, much less do it well. I think they did a great job. Bravo

[@eddieschwab864]

REM might be a rock band but they are from Athens Georgia and at least as far as growing up country is in the blood and in the bones so for it to have an influence would not be a shock at all and to do a rendition even if it's not cut to a major recording on an album also is no surprise

[@brockp59]

Earlier, they attempted Roger Miller's King of the Road (album Dead Letter Office). Don't expect a tasteful rendition like Wichita Lineman though!

[@GorgeDawes]

Yep, that came at the end of a long day in the studio when they had clearly made an early start on the evening’s refreshments!

[@melaniemurphy4233]

“And I need you more than want you & I want you for all time”. Best line ever written. Nice cover.

[@phaelon56]

Jimmy Webb was a genius songwriter.

[@jennyshreve2493]

Gosh, this really puts layers into Wichita Lineman

[@Kaacee71]

This is one of my favorite songs. Not very many people can sing this as nicely as he did.

[@GM1258]

A great rendition of Glen Campbell's hit. Done with taste and respect in honor of one of the greatest musicians of our time.

[@elainefrei3027]

I don't think there are many things more counterintuitive than REM covering this song, but I'm so glad they did. This is beautiful.

[@heidigretel]

i agree, beautiful :))))))

[@Mattteus]

they did also cover Aerosmith

[@afterpodcast]

Amen!

[@wmarkdyer]

+Mattteus I remember them being big fans of Lou Gramm's Midnight Blue. (A somewhat forgotten 80's gem).

[@matthewstetson711]

+Mattteus TOYS!

[@jayce189]

One the best covers of this song

[@はたととと]

I've watched this video hundreds of times since I first met. Michael's vocal and beautiful melody resonates with me.

[@LarcheOsborne]

I loved the song when Glenn Campbell first sang it, and I love this cover too. The one bad thing about it is cutting to an interview in the middle.

[@chrisbajdek6105]

And substituting "pain" for "strain" in the lyrics... How can that stretch down south feel pain?

[@LarcheOsborne]

@@chrisbajdek6105 Oh, I missed that. Listening a second time, I've picked up a couple of changes, not a single one of which was for the better. James Taylor did an amazing cover of this song, second only, in my opinion, to Campbell's.

[@kenlegg9042]

Wonderful version ! .. Michael has that haunting vocal that only he can add to an already known classic :)

[@Dontbecheekyonce]

Love michael killing it ❤

[@BPB9973952]

1st time hearing this, one of my favs for sure, nice job

[@kevincragun4259]

REM has always covered great songs. And it's always great.

[@JJordan-Photo-Design]

Thank you REM for carrying this song on.

[@Danimal1577]

Jimmy Webb, one of the greatest songwriters of all time.

[@myriamkeppens2140]

so, so beautifull? Goosebumps....

[@lesliehilesgardener6959]

Great Song so anyone playing this is Fine....love to see you

[@BelindaKyle]

Just goes to show you that not only can Michael Stipe pull off any song he likes, but that Jimmy Webb is an enduring songwriter.

[@sthom3521]

Peter Buck's guitar...just the right feel. Excellent

[@subwaygoddess1]

Michael Stipe's voice sends me to Heaven. I'm flyin

[@barbaramcdadegordon3881]

REM: I always liked their sound. Wonderful cover of this iconic song. (...it “doesn’t” look like rain-his English teacher would be proud!😊)

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

I really like that he sang it as he felt it.

[@thompsontouchstone9579]

Such a good song. You don't have to be old to appreciate.

[@suetheron4495]

a beautiful and evocative song, and very uniquely American

[@whkrause]

Once you get over the novelty you realize they are laying down one of the deepest grooves ever.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

So true. Like a prayer actually.

[@queensquish]

Wow never heard REM do this before! Such a beautiful song ♥️

[@raelraven2]

Glen Campbell's version can't be bested, but then again I've never heard a bad version of this song. It is quite simply one of the finest-crafted pop/country songs ever.

[@dparis2172]

GNT has entered the chat....

[@betseysmith8832]

I stumbled on this by accident. It is the best thing ever! I love it!

[@festeradams3972]

Excellent cover, hadn't seen or heard this. I was around when Glen Campbell first did it, and Glen helped me transition away from what the parents listened to....Thanks, Glen. R.I.P.

[@kinghead]

I love Michael Stipe's voice and this is a decent cover. Big fan of REM too, but gotta say Campbell's vocal is far superior. Transcendent. I don't think they were trying to outdo it, perhaps just honor it.

[@mr.ishmael7801]

Laurence Whiting They probably know they can"t outdo Campbell so I doubt they tried too hard. Probably just wanted to do it their way.

[@AndrewSowerby]

Absolutely - they're Jimmy Webb and Glenn Campbell fans and wanted to pay tribute. There's a vulnerability in Stipe's interpretation of the song that really serves it well, I think.

[@Danimal1577]

Glen was one of the greatest vocalists, guitarists, and entertainers of our time. A savant

[@pradeepkheruka810]

I got to say that I absolutely love Andy William’s interpretation of this song! It really tugs at the heart strings!

[@lindaalonso5452]

I hope I can meet mr stipe one day I just want to give him a great big bear hug .

[@christinerodamer1923]

A beautiful tribute! Great job REM!!!

[@SAFC674]

"And I need you more than want you. And I want you for all time." If you know a better lyric please post.

[@DKNY707]

SAFC674 choose not a life of imitation

[@Thevoiceofreason84]

SAFC674 just because your paranoid don't mean they're not after you

[@kennedyknew8701]

Lime and limpid green, a second scene: A fight between the blue you once knew. Floating down, the sound resounds around the icy waters underground. Jupiter and Saturn, Oberon, Miranda and Titania: Neptune, Titan ... stars can frighten

[@scottburchell1242]

And now the dark air is like fire on my skin and even the moonlight is blinding

[@dildooflaherty6027]

Loving her was easier than anything I'll ever do again...Kris Kristofferson.

[@vickielynne9493]

without a doubt ...gorgeous singing ....thank you for sharing this much loved by me song ...

[@lucyxyz]

thanks for posting this. I saw them sing this live and have always wanted to hear it again.

[@RebekahCurielAlessi]

Whoa. What a treasurable memory.

[@tracey6768]

❤❤❤yes.. beautiful.. awesome honor to Glenn Campbell..a legend...i love this since i was a kid.. I'm 60 now. Shout out from Texas❤ March 2024

[@kathleenloucks9012]

Holy smoke this is just beautiful. Tears....

[@jefftollison3848]

a wonderful rendition of a great classic.. the song is truly unique in that every artist who performs it seems to find a way to personalise the emotion...

[@edt3844]

A great cover of one of Glen Campbell's most beautiful songs, but NO ONE will ever do it better than Glen. His voice and masterful guitar playing, which is considered by his peers to be the best of any genre, cannot be outdone.

[@davidshowmaker4408]

This is the first time I've heard another artist cover this song, great job! Love REM

[@bartmix8994]

REM, great band, Michael Stipe, great singer

[@davecarl77]

Who would have thought they would cover this song, Great voice, great cover!

[@blainekeller6057]

Great rendition !! Super group !!!

[@racerx6041]

This is amazing. Up until now I'd only heard Glenn Campbell sing this song. Wow.

[@subwaygoddess1]

This is such a beautiful cover, so sweet, sultry and soulful. ✌️🎶

[@JohnSmith-mw2hh]

If you like sultry, smooth, and soulful, check out Colin Hay- Wichita Lineman!

[@Cynthia431964]

Love this. Love REM. All their music sounds so wonderful, even the cover songs. I had the EP, with this song stolen from my car just after travelling 1 and 1/2 hours out of town to buy it. I had to go back to Toronto to get another copy. Couldn't live without it.

[@fredlinne]

Respect done to the genius Mr. Webb

[@RacerPaul3]

One of the greatest songs of all time and the boys did it right. I could watch this 10,000 times (and probably have) 🤣

[@debjones60]

Oh my, this is so very beautiful . Michaels beautiful voice and the way Mike Mills moves and smiles right at the start...whoa .... so sexy. Bravo guys. All class. I’m so glad you covered this song.

[@urankjj]

Very sweet, brought the memories right back. Thank U.

[@troydaigle7902]

2020...STILL BAD ASS

[@soulone22]

It's too bad this actual "1994 Rehearsal Version" was never released. It was such a gem, and takes me back to the most beautiful years of my life. Thank you REM; We really did have our day in the sun.

[@peggyolson6511]

Michael Stipe could sing the phonebook!

[@hunterericson6782]

peggy olson that was hilarious

[@lindaalonso5452]

He’s a Legend . You will see in 20-30 years . REM superior

[@redmachinenc]

@@lindaalonso5452 u couldn't be more correct. Powerful pipes

[@pushon2342]

Remember kiddies, Classic music never goes away. Great song + great band = another timeless recording. One day I guarantee, you'll understand what I mean.

[@mmllgg2471]

Great cover! Well and done! Thanks!!!

[@michae13james10]

Oh how I wished they had put this as a studio song on an album, maybe monster or new adventures ... so very them at the time and a perfect cover Peters guitar solo is so graceful and beautifully simple. Loved this video and it all Captured them perfectly on that tour.

[@Ambienz1]

I remember this documentary as part of the Monster tour (and its still on a video the other side of the world... somewhere). I still remember thinking such a shame to cut such a version of this song up with the interview. This blew me away when I first heard it and been searching for the original for years. Thanks for posting... great tour and memories.

[@chrismartin1956]

Amen!

[@tiktokplaza517]

My ex and I had 2nd row center tickets to the Monster tour because her sis won them in a radio station contest. Her bf however was a sports fanatic and there was a Tyson fight that night. So we got the tix, for free of course. Turns out Tyson knocked the guy out in the first round. It was incredible!

[@AlyciaG36]

Awesome Michael/REM ❤️🎶

[@derekstocker6661]

Really surprised how beautifully performed this lovely song has turned out by REM. I really thought nothing could compare to the great Mr Glen Campbell but this was a damned close second!

[@GotLotsaFaith]

OMG...So good to find this. Just saw CNN's Glenn Campbell special last night and have had his music in my blood at high levels ever since... Hope to keep it there.

[@troydaigle7902]

Whether you like country or not, jimmy webb was bad ass, so many groups and artists covered this song, stone temple Pilots and Glenn did a awesome remake of this song...INCREDIBLE

[@laridee22]

I love it when newer artists try to cover old artists' work. It makes it easier to prove how much better singers from the 60s and 70s were.

[@vivaldi1ett]

These guys have got to be the sexiest band they just ooze charisma

[@rickyg6053]

Literally makes me smile and is timeless !

[@afterpodcast]

"...And I need you more than want you, and I want you for all time..."

[@HunchbackJack]

Yeah, that's a nice lyric. Jimmy Webb knew how to write 'em.

[@michaelwiselka5723]

That was nice. Thanks guys for that wonderful cover.

[@lukinmanetti7969]

"Searching in the sun for another over-load..." - amazing lyric sung by the greatest lyricist since Dylan (IMO), and it's not even his... Love it!

[@carycary3822]

Lovely song and good that R.E.M. brought it to their audience who may not have otherwise heard it.

[@joymcguire]

One of my favorite Jimmy Webb songs.

[@patriciajollie9687]

Thanks glen rip buddy. And thanks for. all the childhood memories and vibes and 60s love america did used to be trying to do right

[@deirdremcadams7766]

I love Glen Campbell's versions as much as the next person. His is a clear, pure voice and he plays a mean guitar. But I like this version too (absent the interview). The way Micheal sings the line about searching in the sun for another overload embodies what I like about his interpretation of this. Admittedly, the use of the word "pain" instead of "strain" misses the point of what happens to electrical lines when heavy snow falls on them. But I still love the look, feel and sound of this video. And it is lovely to see him so young.

[@tralala1958]

yup, yup, yup... them were the days. best version of this great song since john hartford and glen campbell. i had forgotten about this, lost my tape in katrina...thank you for this!

[@soulone22]

Best Version EVER!! If only they had not interrupted this amazing gem with an interview. If there is an unedited version of this video with the entire song, please upload. The live version they put out is not nearly as moving as this practice session. They were all just so chill and in the moment that it came out so silky smooth.

[@markheberlein1224]

I agree with ever word you said. I wish they’d properly release this version.

[@sbnbpt]

They did! It’s a b-side of Bittersweet Me. It’ll also be part of the 25 anniversary edition of New Adventures in Hi-Fi.

[@suesutton9226]

​@Stefan Baumgartner yep I bought this at Christmas as soon as I saw it in the shop - already had the new adventures in hifi which is fantastic - every track - but this b sides and rarities is outstanding !

[@annemarieliebel7280]

RIP Glen Campbell; gorgeous rendition of the Jimmy Webb song he made famous. Thank you for sharing your talents with us :)

[@Bellybutton1]

Its not about whether or not one version is better than the other.....what it is....one band interpreting this beautiful song sung by Glen Campbell in their own way to honor it..great job by REM

[@briteness]

+Katie Finwall No! We MUST determine which version is better!!!

[@eddieschwab864]

Although Glen Campbell was the one to make it the most famous Jimmy Webb wrote it. But he was always more of a songwriter than anything else. Besides this one of the better covers was done by Dwight Yoakam.

[@donnakreischer2243]

What a great compliment well done!

[@amusement420]

I always though they could've released a double album of hi-quality cover songs.

[@marthacunningham2028]

"That stretch down south won't ever stand the strain"

[@davidjones9661]

@marthacunnigham2028 Thank you. I guess with Stipe, it's almost always about the pain... The line (pardon the pun) doesn't really make sense, the way he alters it.

[@amandatolleson7740]

Beautiful!

[@gordondonahue4810]

I like this!!! Not to take away from glen Campbell. This version resonates in a way that’s hard to explain. Clean, simple and memorable. When this pops up I always listen.

[@bayrockwhk]

well, i thought no one could do it like glen...but i was wrong. this is a superb cover....still has that air of "sadness" in there. i was unaware that rem had covered it. many thanks for posting heidi!

[@hoborock007]

Okay, listen to this.. Then go listen to the original

[@allandrummond2420]

This had been my fave REM vID , And amazing glen version

[@ifaiful]

wow, this one is beautiful!!!

[@mrbriscoe2001]

Great Job.Especially The Vocals.A Great Song is a Great Song,no matter the Genre..

[@Po1itica11yNcorrect]

Never was a huge fan of REM, but they did an admirable job covering this classic. Unlike when Guns 'n Roses took a hatchet to it.

[@TheGlobalfrog12]

Never knew they covered this ...amazing