My Back Pages (An Occasional Series): Special "Print is Dead!" Edition

And speaking as we were last week of Warren Zevon's Exciteable Boy, here's what I had to say about it in the January 1978 issue of Stereo Review. (If you have trouble reading the below, just click on it to embiggen.)

I think that's a pisser of a review, actually, and -- unusually for me -- in retrospect I'd hardly change a word.

I should also add that I'm particularly amused by the "irony of the beholder" joke. 😎

La Fin de la Semaine Essay Question: Special "I'm Not Gonna Even Bring Up the Hall of Fame Issue" Edition

From his 1978 masterpiece Exciteable Boy, please enjoy the late great Warren Zevon and IMHO the most beautiful song from same, the haunting "Veracruz."

The reason I mention all this is because...well, okay. I'm gonna get a little verklempt here.

The short version is that Friend of PowerPop© (and moi) Phil Cheese just gifted me the greatest birthday present I've had since I don't know when.

A double album vinyl version of the aforementioned Exciteable Boy LP from Mobile Fidelity. In a pristine, never been played package, cut from the original master, and -- dig this -- pressed at 45 rpm.(!!!!!!)

I really lack the words, but I'll just say -- and you'll have to take this on faith -- that the above version of "Veracruz" sounds absolutely pathetic by comparison with what I just listened to at home thanks to Phil.

Anyway -- bless you, dude, and I owe you big time.

Which brings us now to business. To wit:

...and your favorite (or least favorite if such a thing is possible) Zevon album track (or cover version of same by another artist) is...???

Here's my nominee, in case you were wondering. For least fave.

Wow. Not really very good. But hey -- they meant well, at least.

Alrighty then -- and your choice(s) would be?

And have a great weekend, everybody!!!