Like 2005's Vol. 1, this reflective journey through Jackson Browne's catalog restores him to his coffeehouse roots — and to splendideffect. Once again, the performances are live — drawn fromconcerts around the world — and unadorned. Browne accompanieshimself on either guitar or piano, while reaching back for gems like 1973's "Redneck Friend," and "My Stunning Mystery Companion," from hislast studio album. This stripped-down context emphasizes the longingeven in upbeat singles like "Somebody's Baby," his 1982 hit from the Fast Times at Ridgemont High soundtrack. And the quietness in histreatment of a political song like "Casino Nation" only adds to itsdevastating force. Between songs, Browne speaks about his life and musicwith moving candor. His recollections of a brief love affair in England deepen our appreciation — and his performance — of the 1972classic "Something Fine." This is Browne at his best, engaging hisaudience, his own experiences and the world around him, all in songsthat will not lose their resonance any time soon.

“Help Me”

Joni Mitchell wrote and recorded this song for her album Court and Spark, but she had to switch from her regular band to make the song sound exactly the way she wanted. "I had attempted to play my music with rock & roll players," she told Rolling Stone. "They’d laugh, 'Awww, isn't that cute? She's trying to teach us how to play.'" Mitchell switched to a jazz band, Tom Scott’s L.A. Express, and scored the biggest hit of her career in the process.