Appreciate the pull quote! And agree - this and his previous self-titled album are arguably perfect. Love that you highlighted the underrated Nighttime in the Switching Yard, and I’d also put Veracruz in the same category.
Has to be. And we should keep talking about it because if the rumors are true David Gilmour will pay us 100 pounds each just to not bring that song up.
Not surprising, but compelling story; what a mess we can make of life! Reminded me just a little bit of Mark Lanegan in the excesses playing out under all that music. Thank you for sharing this link!
Here's one in which we totally agree. Zevon, underrated even in his prime. Classically trained with rock 'n' roll veins. If anything held him back, it was Stolichnaya or similar. As one in recovery, I have heard or used the phrase, "my drinking scared even Bowery bums." In a time of rock 'n' roll excess, Zevon frightened even his most excess-driven peers. The after party never ended, which makes me mad at him because the songs: so distinctive, so sublime. One lucky day recently, I heard "Muhammad's Radio" on my radio, and for a moment and an earworm, the stars were aligned.
I like almost everything he ever did, but my favourite has to be 'Bad Luck Street in Dancing School'. It's funny, romantic, preposterous and deeply moving.
Can’t remember which album it’s on, but WZ did a cover of Steve Winwood’s Back in the High Life that stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it. Also recommend his biography I’ll Sleep when I’m Dead, where I learned that young Zevon met and admired Igor Stravinsky, who apparently lived close by.
You had me at “a bit of funk” and now I’m rocking to the sound of “Nighttime in the Switching Yard”. The instrumentation is lush! Cool harmonies in the bridge as well 😎
Yeah, you probably should've put the album higher on your list, but somehow #41 feels right for Zevon, who was a hidden gem's hidden gem. I cherish this album. I owned the tape and the CD; now I own the record. It's got range, it's got depth, it's got everything, except for Desperados Under the Eaves, which is probably my favorite Zevon song. Also, what took the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame so long? Zevon should've been an easy call. Great post, Kevin!
Yes, have a shiny black copy and this will inspire me to pull it out and have a listen (been a while)! It's a superb album and whether Warren sees himself in the songs, all the best fiction is based on reality. I wonder if the waitress worked at Lee Ho Fook's?
We all know he should be in the RRHF… and we’ve heard this record… what I would have found more interesting is your take on his career arc… from “Excitable Boy” to “Keep Me In Your Heart” is a long strange trip indeed…
I've circled back to listening to some of his songs tonight bc of your article. Thanks for it. I'm glad he got some recognition. I'll listen to more of his stuff soon too.
This album title song came on my Spotify shuffle this morning! Looking forward to reading this at lunch!!
Right on! I hope you enjoyed it.
Appreciate the pull quote! And agree - this and his previous self-titled album are arguably perfect. Love that you highlighted the underrated Nighttime in the Switching Yard, and I’d also put Veracruz in the same category.
No problem! Yours was a great read, and a heckuva playlist too!
Ok is the ‘he can get down with the best of ‘em’ a swing at David Gilmour’s Blue Light? If so, 👏
Good question, but is that you mention it, I kinda hope it is.
Has to be. And we should keep talking about it because if the rumors are true David Gilmour will pay us 100 pounds each just to not bring that song up.
Veracruz can even—weirdly—get me behind the eyes, and the opening track is waaay up on my list of best openers ever. A perfect album indeed.
100%
Ok, you've got me listening to this today.
Yes!
Doesn't Mick Fleetwood play drums on Werewolves?
I think you’re right! John McVie as well, maybe? I’ll have to look it up.
I've mentioned it before, but this profile of Warren Zevon is both excellent reading (if occasionally grim) and gave me a much better sense of how his life and music fit together (not easily): https://www.theringer.com/music/2018/9/7/17830460/warren-zevon-career-music-albums
Thank you for this!
Not surprising, but compelling story; what a mess we can make of life! Reminded me just a little bit of Mark Lanegan in the excesses playing out under all that music. Thank you for sharing this link!
Thanks you.
Here's one in which we totally agree. Zevon, underrated even in his prime. Classically trained with rock 'n' roll veins. If anything held him back, it was Stolichnaya or similar. As one in recovery, I have heard or used the phrase, "my drinking scared even Bowery bums." In a time of rock 'n' roll excess, Zevon frightened even his most excess-driven peers. The after party never ended, which makes me mad at him because the songs: so distinctive, so sublime. One lucky day recently, I heard "Muhammad's Radio" on my radio, and for a moment and an earworm, the stars were aligned.
Thank you, Professor! Distinctive and sublime absolutely nails it.
I like almost everything he ever did, but my favourite has to be 'Bad Luck Street in Dancing School'. It's funny, romantic, preposterous and deeply moving.
Another great record!
Zevon ❤️
Can’t remember which album it’s on, but WZ did a cover of Steve Winwood’s Back in the High Life that stops me in my tracks whenever I hear it. Also recommend his biography I’ll Sleep when I’m Dead, where I learned that young Zevon met and admired Igor Stravinsky, who apparently lived close by.
Whoa! Thats some wild proximity. I haven’t read the book, but have been meaning to forever. I gotta change that ASAP!
You had me at “a bit of funk” and now I’m rocking to the sound of “Nighttime in the Switching Yard”. The instrumentation is lush! Cool harmonies in the bridge as well 😎
Right on! I’m glad you liked it.
Yeah, you probably should've put the album higher on your list, but somehow #41 feels right for Zevon, who was a hidden gem's hidden gem. I cherish this album. I owned the tape and the CD; now I own the record. It's got range, it's got depth, it's got everything, except for Desperados Under the Eaves, which is probably my favorite Zevon song. Also, what took the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame so long? Zevon should've been an easy call. Great post, Kevin!
Thank you, Michael!
I also might put The Wind up there as a close second to Excitable Boy. It captures Warren's spirit and it breaks my heart.
Mine too. 😢
I stumbled upon it in the new Used section at my local record store yesterday. Been on heavy rotation ever since lol
Yes, have a shiny black copy and this will inspire me to pull it out and have a listen (been a while)! It's a superb album and whether Warren sees himself in the songs, all the best fiction is based on reality. I wonder if the waitress worked at Lee Ho Fook's?
We all know he should be in the RRHF… and we’ve heard this record… what I would have found more interesting is your take on his career arc… from “Excitable Boy” to “Keep Me In Your Heart” is a long strange trip indeed…
It sure is! We’ve also covered Sentimental Hygiene, and the Hindu Love Gods project.
Fair…
And those two records? You could not make that up…
I've circled back to listening to some of his songs tonight bc of your article. Thanks for it. I'm glad he got some recognition. I'll listen to more of his stuff soon too.