A worthy tribute album
Howard Roseman | North Vancouver, BC, Canada | 08/23/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the third Zevon tribute album. The first, "Dad, Get Me Out of This: String Quartet Tribute to Warren Zevon" (Vitamin Records, 2003), had its moments but cannot escape being typecast as a novelty item. In 2004 came "Enjoy Every Sandwich: The Songs of Warren Zevon", issued by Zevon's latter-stage record label, Artemis. Featuring the heavyweight presence of icons such as Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt, David Lindley and Ry Cooder, and Don Henley, as well as relatively newer artists like Pete Yorn, Steve Earle, The Wallflowers, Jill Sobule, the Pixies, Adam Sandler (doing a fine and faithful version of "Werewolves of London"), and Warren's son Jordan Zevon (who stands out from the rest with his soulful interpretation of his father's unreleased gem "Studebaker"), this record is about as good a tribute as one could ever hope for. There are also two versions of Warren's sentimental swan song "Keep Me in Your Heart", one performed by his good friend and sideman Jorge Calderon (backed by Jennifer Warnes), the other an instrumental rendition by Van Dyke Parks. Perhaps the album's only miscue is the whispered rendition of "The Wind" by Zevon friend (and fellow OCD sufferer) Billy Bob Thornton.
The current, and presumably final, Zevon tribute is from Wampus Multimedia, who have released prior tributes to Jonathan Richman (2001) and Lou Reed (2003). As with the previous reviewer, Mr. Cohen, I had not before heard any offerings from the group of performers herein. But I share his opinion that this is a valuable album for both Zevon aficionados as well as fans of excellent songwriting. Obviously, not every cover song will appeal to every listener, but that is almost beside the point. The album is a wonderful testament to Zevon the songwriter - hearing these familiar words and verses sung by mostly unknown up-and-coming artists tends to isolate the brilliance of the songwriting skill in a more tangible way than was possible with the likes of Dylan and Springsteen.
This is not to say that the performances are mediocre or indifferent. After a couple of straight-through listens, my favourites so far are Phil Cody's "Splendid Isolation" (certainly as good as Pete Yorn's EES cover), The Simple Things' "I'll Slow You Down" (which in my opinion achieves the rare feat of surpassing the Zevon original), Last Train Home's "Desperados Under the Eaves" (perhaps Warren's best-ever performance, absolutely unbeatable and therefore courageous to attempt), the evocative vocals of Simone Stevens on the until-now unheard "Warm Rain" (with guitar and keyboard accompaniment by Jordan), and the highly energetic and infectiously fun effort of Robbie Rist's "Mr. Bad Example". I expect the number of favourite tracks to grow for me in the future.
What I also hope for is that, 15 or 20 years down the line, when Jackson Browne and David Lindley are taking it easy on their front balconies, some of the artists on this compilation are continuing the admirable practice of including a Zevon song or two in their live concerts, and intrigued first-time listeners are digging into and enjoying the back catalogue of one of the best-ever American songwriters. I thank Wampus for doing their part to help accomplish this.
"
A mixed bag, but a must for fans
David Cohen | Los Angeles, CA | 08/22/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Warren Zevon was such a unique talent and such an intelligent performer that his versions of his own songs can seem definitive. Zevon himself didn't think so (He once said that Linda Ronstadt's version of "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" was far superior to his own.) but it's still sometimes jarring to hear other artists play his songs.
Those who know and love Zevon's records will probably have a mixed reaction to "Hurry Home Early." These aren't the titans of the music business who joined together on "Enjoy Every Sandwich." As the editorial review says, they're emerging artists, all unknown to this reviewer. Some of the resulting tracks are pure pleasure: The Simple Things' version of "I'll Slow You Down" is similar to Zevon's but fresh and lively. Roughly Enforcing Nostalgia's "Run Straight Down" is even more haunting than Zevon's overproduced track on "Transverse City." Robbie Rist's "Mr. Bad Example" is gleeful, high-energy fun. Alpha Cat's smoky "Reconsider Me" is touching in a different way from Zevon's; "please consider me" she pleads. "Warm Rain" is lovely and leaves you wondering what other gems Jordan Zevon might find in his father's papers.
On the other hand, Brook Pridemore's up-tempo guitar-strummin' version of "Life'll Kill Ya," while it has its own integrity, trades the wry humor and intelligence of Zevon's piano performance for, well, nothing of substance. (The way Zevon's piano ends in mid-phrase, unresolved, is a chilling musical metaphor for the unprectability of death.) And Tom Flannery's gentle, almost wistful cover of "Boom Boom Mancini" makes me wish someone would smash his guitar against the wall a la John Belushi in "Animal House." Yes, the song *can* be done that way, but *should* it? Like some sort of musical Dr. Frankenstein, Flannery has tampered with things best left alone.
All in all, though, this is a must-have for Zevon fans and an intriguing anthology for fans of intelligent songs and these emerging artists. Their appreciation of Zevon's songwriting craft is evident here, and those who remember the man himself must in turn appreciate seeing his musical legacy carried forward so well."
I predict this motel will be standing ...
Earl B | Auckland New Zealand | 11/25/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Awwww, it's very, very good. To me it rates comparison with two other tribute albums, "The World's a Wonderful Place" for Richard Thompson and "I'm Your Fan" for Leonard Cohen. All 3 present tributes from lesser-known artists (Roughly Enforcing Nostalgia, anyone?) that somehow shine a little brighter than the tributes from bigger names on "Enjoy Every Sandwich", "Beat the Retreat" and "Tower of Song" - which are all worthy in their own right.
"Desperadoes Under the Eaves" (just listen to the intro) and "Carmelita" are highlights, but really it's all good.
And the cover image is a nice touch.
I think Warren will be smiling.
"
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1