The last time I saw a full length Jackson browne set, was the day after he was inducted into the rock and roll Hall Of Fame.In 2004. A weird night for me, my date left at intermission because her ex called and wanted to meet up and Bruce Springsteen, who inducted him, came on stage and sung "Take It Easy".
Browne was in a great mood but his insecurities shined through from time to time. "This isn't just vindication for me, it's vindication for you as well. It proves you were right for sticking with me all these years."
No, actually, it vindicated nothing more than that he was buddies with Jann Wenner.
What was vindication was a mindblowingly brilliant retrospect.
I can always be a bit on the fence with Browne, he is another great songwriter who can't write songs any more, and even when he could, just about all his political songs are useless. But as a songwriter everything from "My Opening Farewell" to "These Days to "My Stunning Mystery Companion" are gorgeous, melodic, perfectly attuned songs. And he killed em live.
Unfortunately for me, I am going to see Coldplay (though I am seriously considering blowing it off for this), on Friday, August 3rd. If you are not, do yourself a favor and catch Browne's solo gig. The man will blow out all your preconceptions. he really is a Hall of Famer.
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