You are right, Neil is great. His cover of Don Gibson's "Oh, Lonesome Me" on After the Gold Rush is a wonderful instance of transformative interpretation. He has written so many fabulous songs, like "Cinnamon Girl", "Heart of Gold", and "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", and has one of the most distinctive voices in rock.
Petty has penned more than a few good songs, and the Heartbreakers are a tight unit. Funnily enough, one of Petty's best songs was given to someone else, Maria McKee. It was called "Ways to be Wicked".
I believe that the missing Wilbury was Clapton. I agree, it was lovely that Orbison got some serious recognition and went out swinging.
I missed the biography you mention (funny, 'cause I have seen some too many times). He didn't sell out, which implies angling for greater commerciality. He simply went in directions that his earlier admirers were not necessarily prepared for, like "Jokerman" and "You Gotta Serve Somebody", both great songs.
I have known Dead Heads. Nice people, but often zonked, and too mellow.
Joni could do just about anything. Joan Baez did a good version of "Simple Twist of Fate" on her Diamonds and Rust album......... |
