MOVE OVER NEIL YOUNG ENTER JACKSON BROWN!

[lonestarnot]

http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/05/09.html#a8225



http://movies.crooksandliars.com/JBrown-lives-in-the-balance.wmv

[IndyOp]

1. Sorry - It is already on the greatest page.

It has been on Thom Hartmann's webpage for months...

:patriot:

[lonestarnot]

6. Missed the video until this am. Thanks IndyOp!

Couldn't be a more perfect visual! Hat's off! :patriot:

[babylonsister]

2. Most excellent! That song isn't that new, is it? But

I'd never seen the video before; very powerful, and he has such a good voice! :thumbsup: Thanks!

[lonestarnot]

9. No not a new song.

[saltpoint]

3. Jackson Browne's "Lives in the Balance" is a Reagan-era song (1986),

written about the U.S.-backed "freedom fighters" and other nefarious doings in Central America.

Sadly, it's still an extremely pertinent message. George W. Bush's administration has continued the atrocities elsewhere, and Browne's lyrics and commitment are still worth our attention.

[jbnow]

29. I thought they should

have played that song as background music during the vice presidential debates when cheney compared the Afghanistan situation to El Salvador. He talked about the guerrilla insurgency there but the free elections to which he was an observer. How much better things got there...

I listened and thought of that song. I could not believe he brought up such a shameful part of our history and wondered how he could think we were that stupid.

But it turns out we are. Never heard much outrage about that from the press.

[saltpoint]

30. It didn't fool you, jbnow. You were on that from the word 'go.'

You got it a while back and never looked back, is my guess, and that's why you bring up the association now.

Hells bells, give yourself some credit. I mourn with you that so many people are fooled, but that doesn't mean you haven't done your part of the bargain.

And yes, what a soundtrack that would have made!

[Zen Democrat]

4. The song "Lives In The Balance" was written about Nicaragua in 1986.

And it sounds just as relevant, perhaps more so, in 2006. I do love and prefer the original version, but the new acoustic is great stuff as well.

[lonestarnot]

8. I think it is fantastic!

[henslee]

5. Neil move over for Jackson? I dont think so. Maybe Dylan. But

not a lightweight like Jackson Brown.

[lonestarnot]

7. LOL You're kidding right?

What there's not room for two?

[saltpoint]

10. Jackson Browne a lightweight? Them's fightin' words, henslee. Let's

you & me step outside in the alley.

____

I fall in with Eric Alterman on Jackson Browne, that is, I find him indispensably brilliant. Those recordings held enormous resonance for many people who were politically conscious during the horrifying Reagan years, when death squads roamed Central American villages, and our government was coordinating their funding.

Browne's recordings succeed politically on a large scale and also very personally.

I rise to his defense because his songs have risen to mine for a long time.

[henslee]

13. I thought carefully before I posted. I knew I'd get flamed. And yeah,

I like his politics and a few songs. But musically/he is not that interesting. Its just my opinion. I dont want to meet you in the alley. My bones hurt.

[saltpoint]

14. Let me tell you what would happen in that alley. First, I'd

hand you a copy of a CD of your choice, based on your tastes in music.

Second, I'd shake your hand and tell you I'm happy you're on the blue team and not the red team.

Third, I'd invite you back in for the coldest beer you ever saw.

We're teammates and the goal is to oust these Republican liars and thieves, and I'm proud to suit up with ya.

:toast:

:dem:

[henslee]

16. Whew.

[tibbiit]

60. i agree with you about jackson

I have always liked his politics and those few songs like the Walk me on the Water song... but he is just boring. (Same with that band I can never remember their name from california who are the most boring band in history who sing about bringing in the sheaves)
boring
tib

[Horse with no Name]

17. I love Jackson Browne

I last saw him in Dallas a few years ago.
I can't imagine him ever being referred to as a lightweight.

FOR AMERICA

As if I really didn't understand
That I was just another part of their plan
I went off looking for the promise
Believing in the Motherland
And from the comfort of a dreamer's bed
And the safety of my own head
I went on speaking of the future
While other people fought and bled
The kid I was when I first left home
Was looking for his freedom and a life of his own
But the freedom that he found wasn't quite as sweet
When the truth was known
I have prayed for America
I was made for America
It's in my blood and in my bones
By the dawn's early light
By all I know is right
We're going to reap what we have sown

As if freedom was a question of might
As if loyalty was black and white
You hear people say it all the time-
"My country wrong or right"
I want to know what that's got to do
With what it takes to find out what's true
With everyone from the President on down
Trying to keep it from you

The thing I wonder about the Dads and Moms
Who send their sons to the Vietnams
Will they really think their way of life
Has been protected as the next war comes?
I have prayed for America
I was made for America
Her shining dream plays in my mind
By the rockets red glare
A generation's blank stare
We better wake her up this time

The kid I was when I first left home
Was looking for his freedom and a life of his own
But the freedom that he found wasn't quite as sweet
When the truth was known
I have prayed for America
I was made for America
I can't let go till she comes around
Until the land of the free
Is awake and can see
And until her conscience has been found

[saltpoint]

18. Horse with no name, I envy you your hearing Jackson Browne in

Dallas.

I have never heard him live, but have all the recordings. I hold them in high regard, and find in those lyrics -- both the political songs and the intimate, personal songs -- revelations. No upper case 'R', just life revelations, but they stay with me.

Some of those pieces on LIVES IN THE BALANCE really put the wood to Ronald Reagan. Reagan himself might have been ga-ga at that point and probably never heard of Jackson Browne.

But Jackson Browne sure had heard of Reagan.

[Horse with no Name]

21. He was an awesome show

He sang for about 3 hours with only a couple of breaks. The only other concert to compare (and I have been to many) was Neil Diamond's "In America" tour (another awesome concert).
It was in an amphitheater type setting in September.
What was really inspiring was that there was such a mix of people.
People came in After-Five attire and others came in jeans.
Some sat on the grass. Some in seats.
The Pretender has always been one of my favorite albums, and the title song, in particular, probably my favorite song.
I'd love to see him again. It was well worth the money--and if I remember correctly, we paid over $50 apiece for the tickets.

[saltpoint]

23. Well, it was fifty bucks well spent. Good for you. I can enjoy it

vicariously, even after the fact. It just had to be a fine evening.

I like "The Pretender" also. Browne must know by now that that song went into a lot of people's brains and hasn't left. It's one of those songs that just inhabits people. "I'm gonna build myself a house/in the shade of the freeway..." My god that's so deep in my brain it will never come out, and I don't want it out anyway. "Where the ads take aim/and lay their claim/to the heart and the soul of the spender..." Jesus, what a writer he is.

[Horse with no Name]

25. "And believe in whatever may lie

In those things that money can buy
Thought true love could have been a contender
Are you there?
Say a prayer for the pretender
Who started out so young and strong
Only to surrender"

:loveya::loveya::loveya:

[saltpoint]

26. Yes. I hope Jackson Browne is around for a long time to come. /nt

[bullwinkle428]

44. I saw him back in summer '86 with my brother, and he put on a fantastic

show! I'm sure it was probably less than $20 per ticket at that time, but concert tickets have jusmpe in price almost as much as gas has, these days.

[JerseygirlCT]

45. Yeah, and I think they know they can soak older audiences for

even more.

Cheapest Bonnie Raitt tix this summer around here start at $45, and then you add $9 for handling and another $2.50 for who knows what...

[JerseygirlCT]

33. He's really good live. I've been lucky enough to see him three

times. In fact, my screams appear on the Running on Empty album -- where they break on the Road to NJ at the Garden State Arts Center. My two friends and I thought the concert audience that night was a little too sedate (they just kept yelling for Doctor My Eyes...) so we screamed.

Last time I saw him, he was touring with Steve Earle (terrible sound -- couldn't hear a word he said, all a big loud roar) and Keb Mo (who's also a doll in person as well as an excellent performer).

I'd see Jackson Browne every chance I get. He and Bruce are on the no-way-I-would-willingly-miss list!

[saltpoint]

34. JerseygirlCT, you have got it together. Those are your screams, huh?

Excellent.

Sounds like you make it your business to go to the right concerts.

[JerseygirlCT]

36. LOL - I'm such an old fart, but yeah, I try

Hey, I took my kid to Fall Out Boy the other night. That gets me mom points, doesn't it?

And yeah, those are my 17 yo or so screams on The Road. From the lawn seats -- that is to say, cheap seats, lol!

[saltpoint]

39. Ok, now hold on. You are doing better than just trying.

You're succeeding!

Both then & now!

Hat's off for ya!

:thumbsup: :hi:

[JerseygirlCT]

40. Thanks! It's fun to find fellow fans! nt

[lonestarnot]

19. WOOODAMN WHOO OLD CRUSOE! ILOVEYOU!

A Jackson fan!:loveya:

[saltpoint]

22. Hi to you, lonestarnot. I didn't know you were in the Jackson Browne

camp.

That definitely speaks volumes about what kind of listener you are.

From that very first album, whatever it's called (Saturate Before Using/Los Angeles, California) (?) I was hooked. The music came from some completely unexpected place and landed smackdab into my head and I still know every damn syllable of those lyrics. I had them memorized quickly because I loved the music, and just never let go.

He's musically talented and politically principled. Hard combo to argue with.

As always, nice to see you around on these boards, lonestarnot.

[lonestarnot]

24. Likewise old crusoe!

Jackson Brown love him lonnnnnnnnng time! mmmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmm

[Horse with no Name]

27. When I was 16

I used to babysit for this couple that lived next door. He had a MASSIVE record collection--and every single Jackson Browne album to date.
He is the one that turned me on to JB. It's a love affair that has lasted for 27 years (so far).

[saltpoint]

28. You stumbled onto a treasure trove, then. From early on, you must

have heard lyrics like:

"To those gentle ones my memory runs
to the laughter we shared at the meals
I filled their kitchens and living rooms
With my dreams and my broken wheels

It was never clear how far or near
The gates to my citadel lay
They were cutting from stone
some dreams of their own
But they listened to mine anyway..."

When I first heard lyrics like that, it knocked me out.

[JerseygirlCT]

37. He really is amazing. A true American poet.

And the music is also beautiful.

Geez, the guy has all that and the looks, too!

[kath]

57. Several different types of songs, all wonderful.

The political ones, the slow ones with such amazing lyrics, like "Farther On" quoted in your post, (his website was playing the acoustic version of "For a Dancer" when I visited the first time today - knocked me out! Also "Fountain of Sorrow"), the rock-ier ones, the wryly funny ones like "Ready or Not".
And then there's "Rosie" - perhaps the greatest song about masturbation of all time! :-)

There was a thread about the video in GD:Politics earlier today:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2615522

[JerseygirlCT]

31. He's definitely a more polished writer as well

Although I like Young's new album just fine, if you force me into a choice, Jackson Browne wins.

[GeorgeGist]

11. Paging Hugh Moran...

:rofl:

[henslee]

56. You guys crack me up.

[sendero]

35. Uh...

...I really don't think you can characterize Jackson Browne as a "lightweight". He's a great songwriter, and his talent is somewhere in the vicinity of a talent like Neil Young, who I love.

[SalviaBlue]

12. NOT a lightweight!!

Jackson Browne is a brilliant lyrisist. He has been at the forefront of political activism for at the past 20+ years.

I saw him last year with Steve Earle and he did Lives in the Balance. He said his son asked him to revive it and he thought the timing was appropriate.

Just a quick spin through my IPod reminded me of some of his more political lyrics.

Looking East

Information Wars

Till I Go Down

Casino Nation

World in Motion

The Word Justice

How Long

My Personal Revenge

Anything Can Happen

When the Stone Begins to Turn

I Am a Patriot

[donco6]

15. I've always liked Lawyers in Love.

I found it to be a telling indictment of American values.

[lonestarnot]

20. Another Jackson fan!

::loveya:

[SalviaBlue]

42. Jackson Browne is my FAVORITE songwriter

I have seen him in concert several times and have ALL his albums. I love Jackson!!

[lonestarnot]

49. I've never had the good fortune to see him in concert. Always have to

work it seems. Slave labor you know.

[JerseygirlCT]

32. This album's been out quite a while. It's marvelous, though. nt

[hippywife]

38. This has been for me one of the most

definitive anti-war songs ever. It gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.

Jackson Browne has been in the forefront of the anti-nuke, anti-war movement for a very long time and I am very grateful for his constant voice.

[JerseygirlCT]

41. Oh I almost forgot that! Remember the MUSE concerts?

(Or am I that much older than you?)

Yes, he was instrumental in setting those up. And I have to correct my JB concert count to 4!

[saltpoint]

46. Ok now, this isn't FAIR! I've never heard him even once and you've

heard him 4 times!?!?!? Damn!

I love his "Crow on the Cradle" solo awfully well on those recordings.

And Graham Nash, Carly Simon and James Taylor lift the place off the ground with that first verse of "The Times They Are A'Changin'".

Great recording all around -- and you were THERE.

I told you you had it together.

[JerseygirlCT]

47. Well, I was late...

Lots of traffic for the high holy days that September getting home from college, and then my former boyfriend was late, and then he swore he knew how to find our way there avoiding the turnpike... we spent way too much time in Clifton, NJ, lol.

But I didn't miss Bruce, and I didn't miss Jackson, and I so remember Before the Deluge with the whole crowd singing. Was worth all the stress of getting there!

[saltpoint]

48. "Some of them were dreamers / and some of them were fools...

...who were making plans and thinking of the future

And with the energy of the innocent / they were gathering up the tools

they would need to make their journey / back to nature..."

Wow. If you heard that IN PERSON in that hall that night, you got the ground zero vibe.

Bravo.

[JerseygirlCT]

58. Thanks, Old Crusoe

I'm having fun remembering it all, thanks to you!

Bravo yourself!

[lonestarnot]

50. Did you watch the video? So damn excellent. sooooooooooo excellent!

[Harper_is_Bush]

43. Bite your fucking tongue.

[lonestarnot]

51. Bite me...

[Harper_is_Bush]

52. Charming. An accounting for taste...rare.

[Harper_is_Bush]

53. LOVE Jackson Brown. Huge fan since 1988.

And even then, I was joining a large fan base!

I've never heard this version, thanks for posting it.

edit: He'll never occupy the same space as Neil Young though :) Go pick up Neil Young "Unplugged" or "Harvest" and tell me anyone can occupy his space.

[lonestarnot]

54. Already picked up duddie! Peace.

:toast: To Neil and Jackson!

[Harper_is_Bush]

55. Ah-man. And to Ray while we're liftin'!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1FTmuhynaw

cheers!

[lonestarnot]

59. weeee yooodamnhooo Ray! 27 year veteran CIA!

red rummy dummy dumfounded truth to power week last week! :toast: