Jackson Browne - Fan Letters & Reviews
March 1999
I really liked what Brenda said about having a "Jackson Day." I do the same thing sort-of, but I usually can't help just playing them depending on my mood. If I recall correctly, Hold Out was the first album in which Jackson actually says "I love you" (to anyone) in a song. Is this right? When I went to the music store to get this one back in 1980 I was surprised to find that where the records used to be were CD's. I felt embarrassed because I didn't even know what a CD was! Luckily they still had albums. Then it occurred to me that the only time I EVER went specifically to get a new album was when JB had a new one. The time in-between albums must have been long. Don't get me wrong I do listen to other music (sometimes). I like a lots of other classic rock, some new rock, some folk & some country. I just don't make a special trip to buy usually unless it's on sale. But for Jackson's I pay full price. No problem. I wonder also what ever happened toabout Karla Bonnoff. Anyone know? Someone told me she was very very shy. (I think) she sang some with Jackson years ago. Also gotta say that I loved the albums that David Lindley put out, "El Rayo X," and "Win this Record." Good stuff. I so much respect his talents. (Salute to all)
Depressing??
Reading Mike's view about JB's music being very depressing, I come to think of hearing Jackson saying in some interview: "Pain seems to pop up in songs just because it pops up every now and then in life". I also remember Jackson saying "half of the song is what I'm trying to say, the other half is what happens when someone is listening" So, Mike, you may get depressed listening to JB, but there are so many people, like me, who could not figure how it would be to live without his music. Jackson's songs can at times put words to all these feelings that we're all so familiar with, but still cannot describe properly. Yes, I still often cry when I hear "Late For The Sky" or "My Opening Farewell" (After more than 25 years these songs still touch me to the bone), but listening I also get a wider perspective, all this human sincerity in the lyrics makes my own feelings from my own separations change from emptiness, anger and blame to some kind of sensitive understanding and mature forgiveness. That is not depressing!! To me it is pure magic!!
Although Jackson has many great lyrics (pearls, some people call them) I have a favorite that nobody I've talked to about Jackson seems to notice until I mention it. It is on The Pretender album which I know is not everyone's (including critcs) favorite but it's an awesome album and the lyric that I think is just one of the best I've ever heard is the last line on "The Fuse"
...I'm gonna tune my spirit to the gentle sound of the waters lapping on a higher ground...
Is this the greatest or is it just me?