He is the furthest thing from a role model, but I suppose he is in some ways my North Star: Warren Zevon. I wrote this tweet when I was thinking about another song, David Berman's “Trains Across the Sea,” a few days after he (Berman, that is) died. In “Trains Across The Sea,” Berman meets up with a lady called Shady Sides — I mean, he does a lot of stuff — but Shady Sides is definitely part of the whole situation. Scotch and penicillin — who hasn't been there? Berman sings, “and she said.” And then nothing for two measures. Just plinking piano and guitar. Then: “It's been evening all day long.” I guess this permanent midnight is why I associate these two songs. And also in the way that on “Desperadoes Under the Eaves,” Zevon lets the air conditioner have the floor for a while.
I heard J.D. Souther died today, or was it yesterday, and was sad to hear about that. I have been tough on the Eagles, as one is but I always dug his style. The surprise turnarounds on “New Kid In Town” are the envy of any other songwriter. Souther, Berman and Zevon I hope will jam tonight in the weirdest roadhouse outfit heaven has on offer, permits provided. I'll see you soon enough.
(Zevon artwork courtesy of Hamell.)
Here’s Berman, for your pleasure:
I do own multiple copies of the Eagles’ Greatest Hits in different media. Yes, I have also seen The Big Lebowski and I love it very much. Let’s just let Souther cook:
The looks people give when I say I don't like the Eagles. Most people do like them. Of course they're catchy, and good, just not for me. i always wanna say, ``Have a listen to Uncle Tupelo.''
For prime JD, check out Bonnie’s version of “Run Like a Thief”
Unrelated to that, when I saw your painting of Zevon, I told Ed I wanted one exactly like that.