knotheadusc's Full Review: Jackson Browne (Saturate Before Using) by Jackson ...
For years, the only Jackson Browne album I had in my musical library was his awesome 1977 live album, Running On Empty. Then, one thing led to another and I happened across Bonnie Raitt's 1995 live disc, Road Tested, which included a cover of Browne's poignant song "My Opening Farewell". I liked it so much that I bought Jackson Browne, Browne's self-titled 1972 album that closed with "My Opening Farewell".
Jackson Browne is as old as I am and still very appealing. It's often mistakenly called Saturate Before Using, because the words appear on the front cover, which is supposed to look like a water bag that needs to be saturated before its first use. Complicating matters is the fact that Saturate Before Using also appears on the spine of the CD jewel case. I don't know... Saturate Before Using seems like a more interesting title for an album than Jackson Browne does.
Fellow military brat and German born Jackson Browne is noted for his pensive, introspective lyrics and expressive piano playing. To me, he comes across as an everyday, average guy, with an average appearance and a low key style. And yet, his songs express so much in such a personal and intelligent way. Jackson Browne includes ten of Browne's songs, two of which were reasonably big hits for him in the early 1970s. The liner notes are very sparse, with just a track listing. The album runs for about 41 minutes.
Browne's decisive piano leads into "Jamaica Say You Will", a mellow song that really sets the tone for Browne's laid back style. I love to hear the gorgeous harmonies from David Crosby and Leah Kunkel, who back up Browne on the chorus of this song. It wasn't a radio hit, but I think it could have been.
The pace kicks up slightly with the gently strummed acoustic guitar introduction for "A Child In These Hills". When I listen to this song, I can hear the early 1970s in the form of the lead electric guitar, played by Jesse Ed Davis. Even though it's a little dated, however, I still like this song, which includes a railroad inspired harmonica solo by Jimmie Fadden. Browne's vocals are strong and sure and I hear the sound that will stamp his music in the coming years.
"Song For Adam" is a beautiful, thoughtful song played on acoustic guitar with gentle viola playing by David Campbell. This song is the story of an old friend Browne had who committed suicide. The melody is very appropriate for the subject matter and is beautifully arranged. The strings are a nice touch. Browne's vocals are pensive and somber... just a touch wistful.
The piano driven "Doctor My Eyes" was a hit for Jackson Browne in 1972. I swear, this song still sounds fabulous to me, with its distinctive piano undercurrent and steady thudding beat. It's timeless.
Musically, "From Silver Lake" sounds a little like another variation of "A Child In These Hills". The one thing that really stands out to me on this song, though, is Browne's beautiful piano playing and the backing vocals most notably provided by David Crosby.
"Something Fine" is a slow, almost literary song featuring Browne's acoustic guitar. The lyrics suggest a guy who's world weary and tired, looking back on his life and taking stock of what he's seen. This song seems like an odd love song to someone friendly and familiar who takes care of him... introducing him to "something fine".
Jim Gordon's funky organ begins the uptempo song "Under the Falling Sky", another song that sounds very 70s, yet still sounds great. Russ Kunkel's rolling bongo drums give this song an interesting texture. When I listen to this song, I can almost hear shades of early Springsteen, with its windy melody and Kunkel's skillful and energetic bongos. It's very creative.
"Looking Into You" is a gorgeous, expansive song played on piano, with just a hint of country as Sneaky Pete Kleinow plays pedal steel. Browne's lyrics in this love song are poetic. Browne sings "words and music will never touch the beauty that I've seen, looking into you... and that's true." I can't help but think Browne's lady is very lucky.
The gospel tinged "Rock Me On The Water" also got some airplay. I've always liked this song, which sounds like it might have fathered Browne's later hit from the 1980s, "Tender Is The Night". The melody is uplifting and almost a bit stately. The words are full of hope and purpose, as if Browne is calling his brothers and sisters to help their fellow man. It never fails to make me smile. Maybe it's a good reminder for today's times.
Jackson Browne closes with the soothing "My Opening Farewell", a song with a haunting melody highlighted by Browne's acoustic guitar and delicate piano playing. The first time I heard this song, Bonnie Raitt was singing it with a little help from Browne. I knew I had to hear Browne's original and I must say, I prefer it. The words are comforting, suggesting a difficult goodbye scene. Browne sings,
There's a train everyday leaving either way
There's a world, you know
There's a way to go
And you'll soon be gone -- that's just as well
This is my opening farewell
It's as if he's reminding her that though it hurts to say goodbye, life goes on. And goodbyes don't have to be forever, even if that's what they turn out to be sometimes.
I think Jackson Browne's debut album is a winner in many ways. The music is timeless and interesting, played by a strong group of musicians. The lyrics are poetic and revealing. This isn't an album one might play at a party. Instead, it's the kind of album one would listen to alone or among close friends... the kind of music that prompts deep conversations or deep thinking.
I like all ten of the songs on this CD, though I prefer some over others. The fact that I can listen to this album from start to finish and really enjoy it makes me feel it's worth a five star rating... and makes me miss the days before MTV.
Jackson Browne's Web site: http://www.jacksonbrowne.com/
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