Warren Zevon's the Top Album

Warren William Zevon was born in Chicago, Illinois in January 24, 1947 and passed away in September 7, 2003. Warren Zevon's father was William Zevon, who was a Russian Jewish boxer. And his mother was Beverly Cope Simmons, who was a Mormon from Salt Lake City. Warren Zevon was a rock singer-songwriter and musician. He composed dark and humorous songs of political and sometimes historical themes. Zevon was among the best new artists to have emerged in the 1970's. In 1978, Zevon made a breakthrough with the released of his third album, "Excitable Boy." "Excitable Boy" was said by 'Rolling Stone' to be one of the most significant albums in the 1970's. Here are the greatest songs ever written by Warren Zevon included in his Top album, which is also my favorite, "Excitable Boy."

1. Johnny Strikes Up The Band. This song contains Jazz influences mixed with Expressionist dissonance. I totally enjoy listening to the Jazz tunes. Johnny Strikes up the Band reflects modern day life in the 1920's.

2. Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner. This song is a collaboration of Warren Zevon and Lindell. Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner is about a mercenary, Roland, who has a reputation as the greatest Thompson Gunner. Roland is murdered by one of his fellow mercenaries, Van Owen, who blows his head off. Roland then becomes the 'headless Thompson gunner,' a sort of ghost. Zevon used dark humor in Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner. This song truly reflects the third-world conflicts of the 1960's, which is why this song was so significant in the 1970's, and even today.

3. Excitable Boy. This song was composed by Warren Zevon and LeRoy P. Marinell. Excitable Boy also contains macabre humor. This song tells the story of a crazy boy, who takes 'little suzie' to the junior prom, rapes her and kills her. And people just keep on calling him, 'excitable boy.' Maybe during the time that Excitable Boy was written, it was Zevon's dark way of saying that nothing's being done of all the violence going on in the world. He may be laughing at the authorities for their lack of efficiency.

4. Werewolves Of London was written by Warren Zevon, Waddy Wachtel and LeRoy P. Marinell. Werewolves Of London, a Top 40 hit! Warren Zevon's masterpiece. This song is one of the main reasons why the album, "Excitable Boy" is Zevon's Top album in my ears. Werewolves Of London has been famous for its dark and humorous lyrics, "I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand..." When I listen to these lyrics, I want to laugh, and at the same time I get a mysterious feel as the song goes on. It gets creepy, but I love it!

5. Accidentally Like A Martyr was Zevon's one-time performance with Bob Matthews playing the bass, Steve Parish playing the drums and Jerry Garcia playing the electric piano. I can definitely relate to the lyrics of this song, "The hurt gets worse and the heart gets harder," I was so hurt at some point in my life that I couldn't trust anyone for awhile. Now, when I feel sad or disappointed, I tune in to this song. Accidentally Like A Martyr always makes feel as if I'm not alone.

6. Nighttime In The Switching Yard was composed by Warren Zevon, Waddy Wachtel, Jorge Calderon and David Lindell. Nighttime In The Switching Yard is a simple song about a train. How many times have we stopped and listen to the train passing by, the tracks? I mean really listen? Well, Zevon did, and even wrote a song about it. I like the rhythm of this song, makes me want to hop on a train.

7. Veracruz. Zevon named this song after the battle of the Mexican port of Veracruz in April 21, 1914, which lasted six months. The battle was related to the Mexican Revolution, which brought poor relations between the U.S. and Mexico. It seems to me that Veracruz is Zevon's cry to stop the battle. He says in the song that everyone must leave Veracruz because they're going to be killed. Even though is sad listening to this song, it's also interesting how I can get a feel of what was going on during this time.

8. Tenderness On The Block was written by Warren Zevon and Jackson Browne. This is a cute song about a girl, who is growing up and starts to meet boys. Listening to Tenderness On The Block keeps me in a good mood.

9. Lawyers, Guns, And Money. This rock song features Zevon playing the piano in a four-piece band. I love that sound. Zevon tells the story when he took a waitress home. The waitress was with the Russians, which it was quite risky in Havana. I find Lawyers, Guns, And Money quite entertaining--how he is in trouble now, and asking his dad for help. Every time, I listen to this song, it feels as if I'm watching a movie.

Warren Zevon has always been one of the most interesting artists I ever heard. His lyrics may be a little over-the-top, but that is what spices it up for me.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lawyers,_Guns_and_Money

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_occupation_of_Veracruz

http://www3.clearlight.com/~acsa/introjs.htm?/~acsa/songfile/ACCIDENT.HTM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Werewolves_of_london

http://www.lyricsondemand.com/w/warrenzevonlyrics/excitableboylyrics.html

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/305224/Johnny-Strikes-up-the-Band

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_the_Headless_Thompson_Gunner

http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/305224/Johnny-Strikes-up-the-Band

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren_Zevon