A Quiet Normal Life: The Best Of Warren Zevon - Warren Zevon (1986)
ideated from: a favorite album that starts with ‘Q’.
Maybe it’s a cheat, since this is a best-of comp, but it really is the record that introduced me to Warren Zevon. It’s not an exhustive collection of his best from the late 70s and early 80s, but every song is a great example of what he could do. Zevon had a kind of nihilistic sense of humor, even about serious subjects. His lyrics are often chilling and funny at the same time.
If all you know about him is the absurdity of Werewolves Of London, I’d highly recommend you give this one a spin.
Tracks I Liked
Play It All Night Long - A grim and blistering response to Skynrd’s Sweet Home Alabama, which is itself a sort of response to Neil Young’s Southern Man.
Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner - Probably in the top five of songs that taught me a fair amount of actual history.
Accidentally Like A Martyr - A gorgeous and haunting ballad. Dylan possibly got the title for his record Time Out Of Mind (more about that one shortly) from a line in this song, since he has covered it often.
