AshK
I have to thank fellow collaborator Gary Steel for highlighting the wonderful diversity that makes us all unique.
He handed me a CD this morning and indicated that I might like it. Hmm the new Jackson Browne and David Lindley live double CD Love is Strange…what’s the catch I wondered? As someone who owns a bunch of Jackson Browne CDs with yet more in the vinyl bins, you might say I’m a bit of a fan; even went to see him live last year. Steel reckons he managed two songs from disc one and gave up – just not his scene.
Well instead of meeting my deadlines, I’m listening to disc one right now on a set of multimedia speakers that are in for review (so I’m working after a fashion) and I have to say that I’m really enjoying this CD. Take it Easy with Lindley on the fiddle? Yes please! They say there’s nowt so strange as folk…I can only hope Steel’s strangeness continues unabated, the freebies are more regular that way. CD review to follow.
I just don’t “get” Jackson Browne, the same way I don’t “get” that Aussie songwriter so many people rate, Paul Kelly. With songwriting, there are a bunch of things that make a piece compelling: a composition that isn’t predictable (and hopefully intrigues), a set of lyrics that isn’t predictable (and hopefully intrigues), and sounds that (you guessed it… aren’t predictable, and hopefully intrigue the listener). To me, Browne has none of these things. At the same time, I know he’s critically revered, and I’m sure it’s intelligent and heartfelt and, well, we all hear with different sets of ears, right? So Ash, you’re welcome!