The Smiley Smile Message Board

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2013/06/14/hear-jimmy-webb-duet-with-lyle-lovett-song-premiere/

But MacArthur Park????

Jimmy Webb is indeed a genius, but "MacArthur Park" is a really rancid piece of crap song.

When a cake is left out in the rain for an extended period, a rancid smell will develop. That is especially true when the frosting has a high butter content.

"MacArthur Park".... I like Donna Summer's version, and Sinatra's.

I think it will be interesting.

I've seen Jimmy perform that song live and it isn't something you forget.

He's a very enigmatic performer and he almost seems to channel the music, I would say to anyone if you have chance to see him play, just go.

It's one of Brian's all-time favorites.

I love MacArthur Park simply for the fact that it is so ridiculously overblown - it's a very funny song (intentional or not)  :lol

Often the first is best. For me,It's Richard Harris all the way, followed closely by The Four Tops

I really hope this is Jimmy on lead with Brian doing a crazy, wall-of-Brians backing vocal arrangment.

Probably because there's a reference to cake in the lyrics.

Brian's barely audible in the sample clip, but it gives an idea of the overall performance.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C7OB6Y6/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Andy Williams' version is THE definitive version for me.
It tones down the cheesiness and he sings it fantastically. The outro where he nails the powerful high note is amazing.
Makes the original sound like an awful cover. The arrangement is great too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eE2LSDL1nY

Mac Arthur Park is one of those pop classics that probably couldn't get played on the radio anymore.  The instrumental sections in the song are fantastic, as is just about everything else on this masterpiece.

Couldn't hear Brian at all; but there's some GREAT songs on that CD. Think he should have had Brian instead of Amy Grant on Adios , tho

Pretty sure I hear Foskett in there  :lol

Guess this is a good example of different tastes. I REALLY tried to listen to Andy, but it didn't take long before I was retching and searching for the antidote. Found it 5 minutes into Glen's version and his amazing guitar playing:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZINUEmXGWhI

Weird Al is the definitive version:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gh4zvQfDhi0

That was great!!! I never saw that one before. :lol

Excellent taste sir and I could not have said it better. I have always been a fan of this song.

As terrible as the Stars and Stripes album is as a whole, the version of "Caroline No" with Webb's orchestrations and Timothy B. Schmit singing lead is absolutely beautiful.  It makes me think if the whole album had been an orchestral collaboration with Jimmy Webb, it could have been great.  The country idea was so misguided.  But on that one song, I think it's just terrific.  I don't know if that's a popular opinion at all, I don't think I've ever heard it discussed on here.

This is one of the dullest songs I heard, nothing could save it, even Brian's beautiful wailing & Glen's epic guitar. Nevertheless, The Four Tops managed to add some tastefulness & Richard Harris did quite a strong performance. But still, there's nothing special for me in the subject, more so the melody.

Btw, agree with Rocky Raccoon - Caroline No is just wonderful! My favorite track on Stars & Stripes.

I just discovered this song with Brian.  Not bad, although I still prefer Andy Williams' version.

I thought the song was great.  Bought it on 45 when it came out.  Was it on RCA?  I seem to remember a red label.  Maybe 'My Boy' on the flip?  Then a few years later while I was working on the campus radio station at College I got this...and played it occaisionally.  Those were the free-form radio days....

Maynard Ferguson MacArthur Park

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fC6ykRiQcvA

If you were of age when this song was originally released it was actually quite special