What is the first business of one who practices philosophy? To get rid of self-conceit. For it is impossible for anyone to begin to learn that which he thinks he already knows. — Epictetus, from Arrianus' Discourses
Rousing. Blues Brothers. Electric country boogaloo. "Say You Love Me" is all that and the shotgun starting point of The Outsider from longtime lyricist Rodney Crowell, released today.
It was billed as country but it was more. With his long-time writing and professional relationship with Emmylou Harris and a whole host of other country luminaries, and pre-teen musical roots, this album is a culmination of disparate ideas. Here he seems to really push and test what he likes as well as what he can pull off.
But, damn this job. I'm finding out I like country — just nothing that's played on the radio nor most of the names I hear.
Now that doesn't mean the disc doesn't wear on me some or that I can listen to the entire CD frequently. For me it's one of those discs that goes into the collection and when looking for something different to listen to my hand will be drawn to it, though I may not exactly remember why.
There area treasures here; centered around the synchronous complex locked-in rhymes. Hey it's not surprising that a man who has written and released 11 albums of material plus written hits with Emmylou Harris. Johnny Cash, and country stars of today, can play with words the right way.
The "Obscenity Prayer" is a big FU to those who give everyone else the big FU:
You're trying to get me to show some compassion.
Man that's so out of fashion.
Give to me my Aspen winter.
Sorry about the World Trade Center.
I can't help the ones in need.
I got my own mouth to feed.
Give to me my Playboy channels.
And killer weed and sheets of flannel.
Lay me down upon my bed.
With pleasant dreams to fill my head.
Just look at what this world is coming to.
And there ain't one damn thing that I can do.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
I don't have a net to land on.
I don't have the base of power.
I don't have the extra hour
Article comments
1 - Johno
Wow, Temple. Great review. I need to pick this up!!
<smarmy bastid>
And do I remember a few months ago a comment from you on my review of the "Essential Rodney Crowell" to the effect of you don't dig country music but thought you might check this Rodney Crowell guy out I made him sound so good?
You're welcome.
</smarmy bastid>
;)
2 - Temple Stark
No smarm - you did make him sound good.
And I was glad to listen. I see again on your Essential ... review that you have high disdain for most recent country, too. I think that was the affinity.