Zevon, Berman & Souther

Reflecting on some of the dear departed.

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: