In the mid-90s, when columnist Dave Barry wrote about bad songs, the number one reader submission was Jimmy Webb’s “MacArthur Park.” I love this song in all its 7+ minutes of bloviated glory (especially when its lyrics speak of when we “were pressed in love’s hot fevered iron like a striped pair of pants.”) And I’m proud that the library owns it on CD in many different versions, but definitely start with the original with Richard Harris, star of Camelot.
So, in general, if you’re looking for specific songs to listen to, use the Advanced Keyword search in the Catalog, put the song title in quotes (e.g. “MacArthur Park”), and limit it to the material type that you want (e.g. “Music CD”).
If you want to sing this hit with piano accompaniment, do another Advanced Keyword search, but this time use the material type of “Music Score.” You’ll find it in Classic Songs of the 70s. When you’ve practiced it and it’s ready to perform, please let me know. I’ll come listen.
– Tim
3 Comments
March 4, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Is this wonderful piece available in your streaming collection?
March 4, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Great question, Cathy! While the famous pop versions (Richard Harris, Donna Summer, etc.) of “MacArthur Park” are not found in our streaming audio databases, there is one version in Naxos Music Library [note to readers: the streaming audio databases can be found under Music on the Research Databases page]. It’s a thrilling brass band arrangement by the wonderfully named Grimethorpe Colliery Band. Enjoy!
– Tim
March 4, 2008 at 10:26 pm
I don’t know… I can handle “MacArthur Park” because it’s just so, je ne sais pas. However, I would have to cast my bad song vote for, “I’ve never been to me” for the obvious classic line, “I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to me, ” used about 4-5 times in the song. What does that mean?! And it does not win points for being on a great movie soundtrack, “The Adventure of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.”
Don’t even get me started on country song lyrics…