Thursday, July 9, 2009

Mohammed's Radio


In the 1970s I discovered Asylum Records, the record label created by David Geffin solely to provide Jackson Browne with a recording contract. Asylum had some pretty great artists in addition to Browne such as The Eagles, Joni Mitchell and Linda Rondstat. But one of my favourites was an artist signed in 1976, Warren Zevon.

Zevon played with the Everly Brothers and toured with Manfred Mann in the 60s and attempted to launch a solo career in the early 70s. His songs were often, dark, sardonic and funny - sort of macabre version of Randy Newman. The big boost to his career was provided by record label mate Jackson Browne who allowed Zevon to perform in the middle of Browne's concerts. That's where the following priceless performance of Mohammed's Radio comes from. Sadly, Zevon died of cancer in 2003 at the age of 56.



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