Warren Zevon - Stand in the Fire

They sound like they're having so much fun...

Buy this CD-it's infectious. I especially like "Bo Diddley's a Gun Slinger" and the ad-libbed version of "Mohammed's Radio". The band is very good as well.

Great WZ before he became older, wiser (maybe) and a better singer. Also get Learning to Flinch for a totally different side of this complex, very talented and very underrated performer/writer. This one is more fun but LTF is a better showcase of his musical ability.

September 3, 2008

Full out all on brilliance - live!

This is how a live album should be done. It's fantastic, electrifying, and hard to only listen to it once when you put it on. This shows just what a musician Zevon was. The passion that comes over is astonishing and does his great songs justice. This CD is more like an experience - I strongly, strongly recommend it. August 12, 2008

Criminally Perfect

I've waited a long time for this CD. When the album arrived back in '81, it was quite a shock. Zevon had emerged from the "California rock" scene, and no one expected such a hard-rocking live album from him. It showcases his brilliant songwriting and showmanship, along with his incredible band. Each track is a gem in its own way. Contrast the hauntingly beautiful melody of "Mohammed's Radio" with the original rocker "The Sin."

Three things are criminal:
-that Stand in the Fire isn't on every short list of best all-time live rock albums,
-that Warren only got to tour with a live band for a few short years (by 1983, after The Envoy, his live performances were mostly one-man shows). Whether with a band or by himself, , Warren was incredible live.
-that he left us too soon.

If you are even a causal fan, buy this! It is accessible, entertaining, and sounds as fresh today as it did 27 years ago (did I just type that? God, I'm old.)


May 20, 2008

The Flames Did Rise When Zevon Performed Live

After the stunning success of Frampton Comes Alive!, the music industry flooded the marketplace with live sets in obvious hopes to recapture that lightning in a jar.

At the apex, such releases like Stand in the Fire captured the unbridled energy of a true artist like Warren Zevon, who was as comfortable stretching his power as a storyteller on stage as he was crafting classic arrangements in the studio.

This July 1981 release was not simply a jaunt over familiar turf; there are two new selections - the title cut and The Sin - and one new cover, Bo Diddley's a Gunslinger. And the CD includes four additional cuts - Johnny Strike Up The Band, Play It All Night Long, Frank and Jesse James & Hasten Down The Wind.

Not only capturing a moment in time, it shows an artist at the height of his commercial prowess, while dazzling audiences with a sizzling set of songs.


May 17, 2008

Superb in every aspect of the word

Being a fan of Mr Zevon it was really great to hear from him again, and the bonustracks as a superb gift!
Great live recording! April 6, 2008

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