The new record repeats some of the riffs of Life'll Kill Ya, but the artist's ego is further in the background. Zevon collaborates with the poet Paul Muldoon and others on this record. The thing that drives me crazy is that Zevon, with far more self-conscious artisty than Bob Dylan (who seems more and more a weird force of nature arcing across the twentieth century), Zevon has been developing a literary song craft that might have the power to transform the art. Way back at the beginking of his recording career, Zevon wrote,
Carmelita, hold me tighter
I think I'm sinking down
And I'm all strung out on heroin
On the outskirts of town
I pawned my Smith-Corona
And I went to meet my man
He hangs out down on Alvarado Street
By the Pioneer Chicken stand.
The first hundred times I listened to this song I heard "Smith-Corona" as Smith and Wesson, buying the whole outlaw rock persona. But it wasn't a gun, Jack, it was a fucking typewriter. My Ride's Here feels cool, distant, even quiet. At the same time, it rocks like all hell.
Word has it that Zevon is recording even as he lies sick in bed. He has told the press that he's not going to turn in a maudlin record at this late date. Blake knew, they dance in hell.
I was staying at the Westin
I was playing to a draw
When in walked Charlton Heston
With the Tlets of the Law
He said, "It's still the greatest story"
I said, "Man I'd like to stay
But I'm bound for glory
I'm on my way
My ride's here . . ."
Article comments
1 - Gordon Coale
Thanks for getting me to finally listen to Warren. Wow! I've been listening to his earlier stuff -- my next two CDs will be Warren's new ones.
2 - adamsj
Nice job.
You're particularly on to quote "Carmelita", particularly the part you quoted. I sing that part to myself all the time--the words and music blend perfectly, even with my icky voice.
I stuck the link to the piece I wrote on Zevon in the URL field above--you might enjoy it.
3 - adamsj
And I got the link wrong, too--but it's right in this one.
No, I haven't been down to the the chicken stand.
4 - KDCain
I enjoyed this review. Zevon has been my favorite artist since "Excitable Boy" & "Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School". I've seen him perform 3 times & have heard numerous unauthorized recordings of live performances. It IS true that sometimes he sings "Smith & Wesson" instead of "Smith-Carona" on Carmelita. I believe he has also sang "Smith & Wesson...up on the shelf", occasionally during "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead". A S&W model 29 .44Mag also graces the album Excitable Boy (if memory serves correctly). He will be sorely missed.
5 - Susan
Wanting to read something decent and current on Warren, I knew to look for it here. And your post is spot-on. Beautiful piece.
I was also curious to hear your take on his Letterman show appearance last week.
6 - Bruce
I thought I heard Warren sing, "In Ireland, in Labanon, in Madison and Berkeley" during "Roland" Did anyone else note this? If yes, did he do this often?