Warren Zevon, R.I.P.
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Damn! Farewell, Zevo.
All the press about Zevon -- but am I the only one who knew him solely from "Werewolves of London?" I don't think that I know of a single other Zevon song.
RIP, anyway...from the outpouring of condolences, he sure seems loved and appreciated.
How about Excitable Boy? Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner? Both off the same album (remember those?). Zevon had quirky lyrics, strange liner notes, but damn, if anyone deserved the title of musical artist in the last twenty years, he'd have got my vote. Vaya con Dios.
Another of my favorites was "Lawyers, Guns & Money". Solong, WZ
I made a special point of watching Letterman last night, to see what he and Paul S. would do with the news, and I was not disappointed. The tribute was both moving and appropriate, on many levels. I can't help but think that any of the WZs we've heard about down through the years, from the "sleep when I'm dead" hellraiser to the artist struggling against time to finish one more album, to the grateful grandfather who survived long enough to meet his grandkids, would have appreciated Dave's approach. If you didn't see it, catch the rerun (guests: Andy Roddick & Jack Black), and you'll see what I mean.
"That one's for you, Warren." Priceless.
My college speech team listens to Warren Zevon on every van ride. He has brightened many a day for me the last few years. And, yes, Excitable boy and Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner are classics. Does anyone remember Painting by Numbers?
Sentimental Hygiene was a great album.