This is truly a masterpiece for Warren, a love note written for family, friends and fans.

THE WIND
WARREN ZEVON
Artemis Records

By Brenda Cowan

Beware, everyone! There is "disorder in the house," for Warren Zevon has once again ventured into the recording studio. The CD hits you with the above lyric (from the song of the same name) being bellowed out by Warren and Bruce Springsteen, each playing with passion and excitement, so full of life and in there lay the irony because Warren was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer last year, given only three months to live. He reacted in typical fashion, first making a sarcastic statement hoping he lived long enough to see the new James Bond film, and then heading into the studio to start recording like mad. His friends all joined him in this historic recording frenzy captured by the VH1 documentary, (Inside)Out: Warren Zevon.

Death has always been a fascination for Warren and now the reality of it has become his motivation. He is as irreverent and brilliant as ever. His dry wit is evident in his insisting on recording Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." It will make you smile and cause a catch in your throat when you hear him shout to Saint Peter, "Open up, open up, open up."

The darkest song has to be "Prison Grove." It comes complete with a soul-shuddering moaning that could almost be mistaken for a funeral dirge. Ry Cooder's slide guitar just oozes with sadness as he brings you around to the mournful finish. You can't help but focus on the inevitable ending we all face.

"Dirty Life & Times" opens with the line, "Some days I feel lke my shadow's casting me." What's not to love about writing like that! His reflection on his life is meaningful, but in the wonderful ironic way of his. He makes it easier for you to know he is actually saying goodbye to us. He holds nothing back here. But then, he never did.

This is truly a masterpiece for Warren, a love note written for family, friends and fans. Hopefully, you will all learn to love this man's work as I have. As I wrote this, I learned that Warren died quietly in his sleep and I am unashamed to say that I am crying, sad and heartbroken. But, in Warren's own words, "I got to be the most fucked rock star on the block, at least on my block. And then I got to be a sober dad for 18 years. I've had two full lives." Very full indeed!

You can order The Wind from www.artemisrecords.com, or find it at any self-respecting record store.

Page last updated: May 04, 2004

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