Solo Acoustic Volume 2 : Jackson Browne : Review : Rolling Stone

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

ANTHONY DeCURTIS

(Posted: Mar 20, 2008)

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Review 1 of 2

4of 5 Stars

These are the albums that we (those of us who have been following him for these thirty six years) have been waiting for. The only thing that could have improved these collections would be the presence of the "polyester king" and his magic fiddle! Yes I am referring to Mr. David Lindley, who played on many of Mr Browns collections and tours.
These collections are not the whole Jackson Brown legacy. There is a whole history of touring with some of the best musicians. It must be noted that these people pulled three tours in one summer (That of Browne, James Taylor, and Crosby-Nash)! Jackson Browne also toured with a wonderful band from Central America.a tour that produced some really nice arrangements of his material.Then we have the times that he would help out at fund raisers where he and Mr Scott Thurston would do some material. The point is that there is enough material to creat a box collection in the same vein as that or Dylan's Biography or Springsteen's Live collection!
No one ever captured the drums on "For Everyman" in concert like Mr Russ Kunkle! Trust me when I say that the 1974 tour was very funny indeed!
These collections are wonderfull and really give truth to Mr Warren Zevon when he sang these words: "I saw Jackson Browne drinking a pina Colatta at Trader Vics and his heart was perfect". Besides did not Graham Nash name is son Jackson!

Mar 22, 2008 20:27:52

Review 2 of 2

4of 5 Stars

Stipped down and bare, this companion piece to the first 'Solo Acoustic' reveals the caliber of even his lesser known songs, which in this format come through as gems in their own right. Leads me to wonder whether Jackson is often guilty of sameness as a producer/arranger, because with a different arrangement for the original versions, these songs might have also become classics. I would love to see Jackson relinquish production more often to producers with a different vision like Daniel Lanois or Mitchell Froom, who might reveal something in Jackson's songs that hadn't been noticed before. If Dylan, U2 and Richard Thompson could do it, why not Jackson ?

Mar 11, 2008 09:14:02

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