Plastic Jesus

Post date: May 10, 2012 7:15:24 AM

Several years ago now (2005), I managed to see Jack Johnson at the Molson Ampitheatre in Toronto.  One of the interesting parts of his set was when he played "Plastic Jesus" and morphed it into his song "Fall Line".  I had never heard "Plastic Jesus" before but it was such a paradox; a seemingly religious folk song that actually was more tongue-in-cheek parody.  When I investigated further I found that Paul Newman had played the song in "Cool Hand Luke", but that it really was an American folk song from the '50s.  As such, there are several version of the lyrics, but I've used the ones that Jack Johnson sings.

I've been playing this song for years, it is such a simple yet effective song.  I decided to give it a folk-country feel.  I recorded several versions but this is what stuck.  There are seven instruments in total used here (including vocals).  Can you guess what they are?

Production notes:  The first track recorded was rhythm guitar using a Larrivee Parlor Koa.  A click track was used to ensure timing with all the overdubs.  Next, ukulele and mandolin tracks were recorded and panned slightly L/R.  The vocals were laid down next, and then the lead guitar parts using a Strat.  Finally, the harmonica and melodian tracks were recorded.

Plastic Jesus (MP3)