Got It Covered: Everywhere I Go

It's been a while since I posted an installment of Got It Covered, hope you enjoy this one.

In 1993, Jackson Browne released his tenth studio album titled I'm Alive. On it, Browne returned to the familiar territory of love lost, while easing away from the political flavor that marked Lives in the Balance and World in Motion, his previous two albums.

While I'm Alive didn't break any sales records, it did become certified gold, and more importantly, it gave back to his fans the music they wanted to hear. The song "Everywhere I Go," features Browne's initial foray into a reggae beat, with Scott Thurston on backing vocals.

A little over a year ago, Music Load Records released a Jackson Browne tribute album called Looking Into You: A Tribute to Jackson Browne. It's a two-disc set and it's highly recommended. It would seem all of Jackson's friends lined up for a chance to be included: Keb Mo doing "Rock Me On The Water," Lyle Lovett singing "Rosie," Joan Obsourne with "Late For The Sky," "Lucinda Williams on 'The Pretender," and Don Henley with "These Days." Yeah, it's real nice.

My favorite of the collection is the cover of "Everywhere I Go," sung by Bonnie Raitt and David Lindley. It's a light, airy version and of course, there's Bonnie's voice.

Take a listen.

For a little peek into the recording of it, check out this video.

Fun, don't you think?

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Don't Want To Be "Running On Empty"

The past week or so has been sort of a blur. A fun blur with music (Springsteen) and interviews (Jamison), and ok, maybe a little alcohol induced bluriness... but I digress.

Anyway it's been a while since I went on a play date over at Lance's MyBlogCanBeatUpYourBlog and did the 100 Word Song Challenge. So this week Renee picked the song, and I think Lance knew this one would sucker me in, so let's just do it.

100 Words using the song as a prompt... however you want to. This week's song is "Running On Empty," by Jackson Browne. 

This time let's take the title literally.

At least twenty miles. Nothing between here and Towson. Not even decent cell service.

For the tenth time in as many minutes, Lenore checked the rear view mirror for the headlights behind her. Too close. Too close for too long.

The red light on the dash had also been on for too long. Not gonna make it.

Hoping he would pass, she slowed, but the hairs on her arms told her all she needed to know. She was in trouble. Capital T type trouble.

As the motor died, Lenore pulled over and watched the headlights behind her do the same.

So my Public Service Announcement for the day is... make sure the damn tank has gas in it.

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MixTape Tuesday: Just Chillin'

Chill music, slow jams.. why not? That's the theme of Jen's MixTape Tuesday playalong.  I missed the free-for-all last week, combination of no time and too many possibilities. My mind was spinning just thinking about it. So when she slowed it down for this week, I figured I could jump back in.

Back in the day, yes way back in the day, whether you needed some good road trip music or just wanted to chill out, the band of choice was The Allman Brothers. Many years have come and gone, but that hasn't changed. So let's start this party with what I see as I look outside this morning.

"Blue Sky"

Jackson Browne is chill. Always love his imagery, and this song is no different.

"You Love The Thunder"

Going back to the day. So many evenings were spent at my friend MJ's place. Her and her sister occupied the three room attic of her parent's house, and her parent's never came upstairs. Can you say party time? There was lots of chillin' and lots of party favors of all sorts. This was one frequent tune on the turntable, yes turntable. Santana, from the Abraxas album.

Singing Winds, Crying Beasts"

While it might not be a slow jam, it is chill. Simon & Garfunkel, from the Bridge Over Troubled Water album, it's a song that always puts me in a better state of mind.

"Only Living Boy In New York"

Bringing it home for the last song. Definition of chill: Sam Cooke.

"Bring It On Home To Me"

As usual, a hell of a party Jen. The music can't be beat.

A Look Back: No Nukes

In 1979 a group of musicians under the acronym MUSE (Musicians United for Safe Energy) organized a monumental concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City, to support the idea of a nuclear free world. The concert known as No Nukes, was recorded and released the next year as a feature documentary and a live triple album.

The performances from this show are legendary. Springsteen, at this point gaining a reputation for his wild, all-night-long live shows, is finally caught on film. James Taylor singing with then-wife Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, The Doobie Brothers, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jackson Browne, John Hall...the list goes on.

Today, we will take a few samples from that great concert.

James Tayor & Carly Simon "Mockingbird" ...just an incredible and joyful performance
Bruce Springsteen "Thunder Road" ...show a little faith there's magic in the night, you ain't a beauty but hey you're alright. yes indeed.
Doobie Brothers "Taking it to the Streets"... with a little help from their friends
Jackson Browne "Running on Empty"...hard to find a better version
John Hall "Power"...the unofficial anthem, with JT, Doobies, Carly etc.

One of the first, but certainly not last time when musicians came together for a common cause. This one was absolutely magical.

If you need to see more, check out TheMusicMan34 on youtube, his channel has the entire concert split into seven segments.

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Better Late Than Never: Jackson Browne

One song today.

Just one beautifully written song telling of the realization that sometimes love doesn't quite last forever. Most of us know the feeling. It's not a good one, and not many of us could so eloquently convey the feeling of a heart both broken... and hardened.

"Late For The Sky" by Jackson Browne.

There are at least thirty songs by Jackson Browne I could showcase, and on another day we may take a listen to a few others. But today, we will just listen to this beautiful goodbye. Read the words as you listen to the song.


"Now the words had all been spoken and somehow the feeling still wasn't right
And still we continued on through the night
Tracing our steps from the beginning until they vanished into the air
Trying to understand how our lives had led us there."

If it was good, you try to talk it out, until talking becomes excruciatingly painful.

"Looking hard into your eyes, there was nobody I'd ever known
Such an empty surprise, to feel so alone.
Now for me some words come easy, but I know that they don't mean that much
Compared with the things that are said when lovers touch"

Have we changed that much, or did we never really know each other?

"You never knew what I loved in you, I don't know what you loved in me
Maybe the picture of somebody you were hoping I might be."
Awake again, I can't pretend, 
and I know I'm alone and close to the end 
of the feeling we've known."

Realization, maybe it can't be fixed.

"How long have I been sleeping
How long have I been drifting alone through the night
How long have I been dreaming I could make it right
If I closed my eyes and tried with all my might
to be the one you need."

Have things really been bad for so long and we just never realized?


"Awake again, I can't pretend, 
and I know I'm alone and close to the end 
of the feeling we've known."


"How long have I been sleeping
How long have I been drifting alone through the night
How long have I been running for that morning flight
Through the whispered promises and the changing light
Of the bed where we both lie...late for the sky."


 Always wondered if the last line...the bed where we both lie was meant to describe just where they slept or the fact that the relationship has turned into a lie. Perfect end.

Listen to two tastes of this very poignant song. First up a live, almost haunting version then the studio cut.

"Late for the Sky" ...live
"Late for the Sky"...studio

Simply written, simply heartbreaking, simply brilliant.

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