I really like the music of Jackson Browne and have been listening to it for many years and have seen him in wonderful live-performance concerts a couple of times. He writes or co-writes most of his own material and is an excellent lyricist.
So, for your delectation and delight I have made links to five of his best songs on You Tube. Just click on the titles to be taken there!
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| Jackson Browne, then and now. |
We begin with a recording made with the talented Irish musician Sharon Shannon of Man of Constant Sorrow.
Next is a song that he has to play in every live show. This live version is out of synch but it is from a unique album which featured all new songs recorded live in various places including backstage and hotel bedrooms but mostly on stage. For this song he always has the road crew on stage gathered around the piano to sing the backing. Enjoy Rosie.
This is a song which my wife Leah really loves and so do I. It's very different from his usual style but I never tire of listening to Linda Paloma.
Next up is a wistful song called Jamaica Say You Will. It has been recorded by Joe Cocker, Tom Rush, The Byrds and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band among others.Lastly one his very best songs: The Pretender. A wry commentary on contemporary life with superb lyrics:
"I'm gonna be a happy idiot
And struggle for the legal tender,
Where the ads take aim and lay their claim
To the heart and soul of the spender.
And believe in whatever may lie
In those things that money can buy
Though true love could have been a contender.
Are you there? Say a prayer for The Pretender
Who started out so young and strong
Only to surrender."
12 comments:
"Say a prayer for The Pretender
Who started out so young and strong
Only to surrender."
ahhh the heartless ageing process... look at the two photos :(
Fabulous lyrics, poetic really. I don't suppose he looks so bad for 68!
Hi Bazza, Jackson Browne came to perform at my small high school at the height of his fame--it caused a lot of excitement. I don't think it was a normal stop, but his manager or someone was an alumnus and arranged it.
--Jim
Jackson Brown is one of my favorites from years gone by. I enjoyed his music and he was a handsome man. He had quite a reputation but it looks like he weathered it well. The words from The Pretender are so good.
Hi bazza,
I'm not really familiar with the music of Jackson Brown, but I do remember that "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow" was covered by The Soggy Bottom Boys in the Coen Brothers movie, "O Brother Where Art Thou", which starred George Clooney. In fact, I think there were a number of versions of that song on the soundtrack album, which had a decidedly Bluegrass Country feel to it. I'm sure that this version can be found somewhere on the internet, probably on You Tube. It would be interesting to hear what you make of it.
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Hi Jim. Wow, that must have been a real treat. I first saw him here in London at The Royal Albert Hall - I was well past school age!
Hi Arleen. I think the lyrics from The Pretender are possibly his best but he wrote a lot of good stuff. There's song called You Love The Thunder which has lovely words.
Hi David. He has a relatively low profile in the UK although many of his songs have been recorded by others. The Jackson Five had a hit with Doctor My Eyes and The Eagles with Take It Easy.
I only knew Jackson Browne from his hits. Thank you for introducing me to these wonderful new (to me) songs. I knew "A Man of Constant Sorrow" from O Brother Where Art Though but the other songs are all new to me.
Hello and welcome. I first heard Man of Constant Sorrow on an early Bob Dylan album and I think it was old even then!
Hi Bazza - I'm not the most musical - thus I'll be delighted to be back to listen to some of these - but I definitely recognise his name ... and now can link him with the music and lyrics ... there's been some amazing lyrics that are 'hidden' in amongst the music of our era ... cheers and thanks for opening up our eyes to him and his achievements - Hilary
Hello Hilary. You have a generous spirit! Thanks for commenting; I believe you will enjoy the music of Jackson Browne.
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