Warren Zevon - Envoy
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Free Music Notes for Envoy
Free Music Review: A Perfect Re-Issue
Hit: 5 Stars
The first thing anyone will say about this release is (and should be) to point out that it has shamefully not been released on CD before. This release, above all else, is long, long overdue. That said, thank goodness it's finally here, though it took the artist's death to make it happen.
The Envoy is a lost masterpiece, created at a time when (musically) Zevon still could do no wrong. The title track is outstanding, still sounding current in its comments about conflicts in the Middle East. It's wonderful to hear the great Lindsey Buckingham join in on "The Overdraft" with his signature backing vocals (which, as usual, are more like a second lead-vocal than simply a harmonizing voice in the background). The Envoy contains one of the best jokes to be found on any rock album (other Zevon albums contain many of the others) in the song "Looking for the Next Best Thing," punning on the phrase "next best." This album rocks as well as it moves emotionally with the slow songs; it tells stories and jokes as only Zevon albums can; and it does it all with energy and enthusiasm. (Much credit is due as well to the excellent work of the band, too, particularly Waddy Wachtel's once-again stunning lead guitar.)
I call this re-issue "perfect" because of the way it finally solidifies Zevon's catalog. The remastering is fantastic. Other than the synth sounds that clearly place the recording in the early '80s, it sounds like it could have been recorded this year. The bonus tracks included are very good, particularly the instrumental "Word of Mouth," and the liner notes are well-written by Rolling Stone's David Wild.
It may not have been appreciated at the time of its release, but, finally given the treatment it deserves, The Envoy comes through in every way.
This is the cd Zevon fans have been waiting for.
Free Music Review: If you don't have this, you're truly missing out!
Hit: 5 Stars
Warren Zevon was 35 years old when The Envoy, his fifth and final album for Asylum Records, was released. He'd had one sizable hit with 1978's "Werewolves of London", but further chart success was not forthcoming.
The stakes were high for Zevon, and it's obvious from listening that he gave The Envoy his all. The album features all of the unique qualities of Zevon's songwriting, from the songs too lyrically intelligent for the average music fan to the songs too lyrically morbid for radio airplay to the touching genuine love songs that only he could write. And as usual, his entrenchment in the Los Angeles scene led to the finest sessionmen joining him, with, among others, guitarists extraordinaire Waddy Wachtel and Danny Kortchmar, bassists Bob Glaub and Leland Sklar, drummers Russ Kunkel and Jeff Porcaro and harmony singers Lindsey Buckingham and Graham Nash joining in at one point or another.
The album, unfortunately, tanked so bad that Zevon lost his record deal and relapsed. But like the mighty phoenix, Zevon would only rise again years later, sober, with albums that were generally both lyrically and musically superior to albums of others in his age group.
And when he fell off of the face of the earth again, he could only rise again. Only death could stop him in the end, but not before he confronted it on his final album, recorded entirely after his being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
In short, "The Envoy" is a great album from an unjustly underrated songwriter that showcases some of his greatest, if least-known, songs. But they're all his greatest songs.
Free Music Review: The Great One Before The Fall
Hit: 5 Stars
THE ENVOY is the third album Warren Zevon recorded after he got clean and sober the first time. Unfortunately, he'd soon fall off the wagon after drinking wine for a ritual purpose (he was Jewish), and wouldn't be heard from again for five years. However, this is still a great album, which, as the editorial review said, could be called "The Excitable Boy Grows Up." The title song is a tribute to diplomat Phillip Habib, and "Looking For The Next Best Thing" describes a feeling of being willing to settle for less than you'd hoped for. On the other hand, Zevon's wild streak still shows itself in songs such as "Ain't That Pretty At All." This album shows that even just before an addict falls off the wagon, they can do great work. However, the sense of desperation here could be a lesson to a person with ANY kind of addiction, including the perennial horse-lover who gambles every penny away at the races to the point where he or she can't even afford the bare necessities of life.Free Music Review: One of Zevon's most fully realized works
Hit: 5 Stars
Starting with the title track and it's chillingly prophetic, "Nuclear Arms in the Middle East," THE ENVOY fires on all cylinders and supplies the listener with the essence of Zevon's talent. Thought provoking numbers like the rocking title track and the elegiac "Jesus Mentioned," rage with a sense of humor("Ain't That Pretty at All"),and another look at damaged relationships with one of Zevon's most pathetic narrators ("The Hula Hula Boys") all make for one of Zevon's most balanced works. Added to this is one of his sweetest love songs, "Don't Let Nothing Come Between You" with its wonderfully childlike chorus and you have a fine example of Zevon's range. This is one of Zevon's best and it's nice to see it out on CD.Free Music Review: classic Zevon
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a great album. If you have listened to any Warren Zevon this album will be familiar. I don't recall any hits from this album, but every song is good.