From the Vault: John Hiatt's "Slow Turning"
Good Morning!
Today we’re listening to “Slow Turning” by John Hiatt
I think everyone should take a road trip at some point in their lives. Few things are more educational than getting in a car and hitting the open road.
The recipe for a successful journey:
Throw your map out the window.
Stick to Blue Highways whenever possible
Listen to AM radio for a good portion of the trip (this is where the “real” America can be found), and work in some John Hiatt wherever possible.
Optional: When your friend swears he knows a shortcut through the Dakotas that winds up adding several hours to the trip1, take it in stride — that’s also part of the adventure.
My road trips used to involve a half-crushed pack of Parliaments on the dash, a Case Logic CD holder on the front seat, and no maps.
The world was wide open.
These days the cigarettes are long gone, an aux cord replaced the CD binder, and my car is full of soccer cleats and Subway wrappers.
But John’s still there wailin’ away, sounding better than ever. Even when we haven’t left the parking lot.
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Today it is clear that Hiatt’s influence is being found among younger generations of Americana singer-songwriters. With his natural and uncontrived fusion of country, folk, soul, and rock, his work represents four dimensions of the best of music genres. He is most successful when all four come together in one song. From the natural soul of his voice, the country and rock-based arrangements, to his blues/folk transitions, it all becomes purely John Hiatt, one of the most original American singer-songwriters of the last three decades..
Click here to read more about Hiatt.
Listen:
“Slow Turning” by John Hiatt | Slow Turning, 1988
Click the record to listen on the platform of your choice.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this track!
Thanks for being here,
Kevin—
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This really happened, btw.
As usual, you come through with a home run!! Love, love, love...did you know I LOVE...this song!!! My favorite verse:
“Time is short and here's the damn thing about it
You're gonna die, gonna die for sure
And you can learn to live with love or without it
But there ain't no cure”
Sums up the disease of alcoholism and to just get on with it by learning how to live one day at a time.
Kevin, 🫵 ROCK!!!
Such a great album - will queue it up today.