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January 24, 2006
If it's too old, you're just... dumb.
One of the first musicians I could recognize by sound, and who's name "meant" anything to me was Jackson Browne. The Pretender and Running on Empty were (and still are) two of my favorite LPs from my dads (sparse) record collection.
My dad had Jackson's self-titled first release (not actually titled Saturate before Using, apparently) on reel-to-reel. I didn't hear it as often, 'cause it was a bit of a production number to set it up. The same held true for stuff like Pete Seger, who has somehow escaped my record collection thus far...
Anyway - wandering through a Borders a month or so back, I discovered that Jackson Browne has a "Solo Acoustic" album out - and I picked it up the other day, along with Tina Dico's new album (but that's another story).
Listening to it in my office, as I type, I'm struck with the grace, power, and depth of Jackson's writing and performing. His songs have an agelessness, a certain sadness, and often biting lyrics. A bunch of his stuff (including the Solo Acoustic Album) is on Rhapsody, give him a listen. First time or repeat, it's worth it.
YOUR BRIGHT BABY BLUES
I'm sitting down by the highway
Down by that highway side
Everybody's going somewhere
Riding just as fast as they can ride
I guess they've got a lot to do
Before they can rest assured
Their lives are justified
Pray to God for me baby
He can let me slide
'Cause I've been up and down this highway
Far as my eyes can see
No matter how fast I run
I can never seem to get away from me
No matter where I am
I can't help feeling I'm just a day away
From where I want to be
Now I'm running home baby
Like a river to the sea
Baby if you can see me
Out across this wilderness
There's just one thing
I was hoping you might guess
Baby you can free me
All in the power of your sweet tenderness
I can see it in your eyes
You've got those bright baby blues
You don't see what you've got to gain
But you don't like to lose
You watch yourself from the sidelines
Like your life is a game you don't mind playing
To keep yourself amused
I don't mean to be cruel baby
But you're looking confused
Baby if you can hear me
Turn down your radio
There's just one thing
I want you to know
When you've been near me
I've felt the love stirring in my soul
It's so hard to come by
That feeling of peace
This friend of mine said
"Close your eyes, and try a few of these"
I thought I flying like a bird
So far above my sorrow
But when I looked down
I was standing on my knees
Now I need someone to help me
Someone to help me please
Baby if you need me
Like I know I need you
There's just one thing
I'll ask you to do
Take my hand and lead me
To the hole in your garden wall
And pull me through
(c) 1976 SWALLOW TURN MUSIC
Posted by dberger at January 24, 2006 1:17 PM
Comments
Jackson Browne was the first concert you ever went to. You were only 3 or 4 when Dad and I took you to LA to the Universal Ampitheatre(I think it was there) to see him.(and you say we weren't 'hip' back then.:)...)You loved the music and entertained the folks sitting next to us by 'singing' along softly when you could.
Posted by: Mom at January 24, 2006 3:01 PM
jackson browne is one of several artists whom i love, but am unable to add to my collection. i agree completely with what youve said (agelessness, sadness, biting lyrics...), but its that whole sadness thing that gets me. his music is so loaded for me with memories and emotions (including nostalgia) that i dont think i could really listen to it without getting really sad, and missing you guys even more than i already do.
Posted by: mike at January 28, 2006 2:25 PM