Every so often, I re-discover Linda Ronstadt. She's one of those artists/bands that you forget about, and then say to yourself, "I forgot! I should listen to this more often."
And then you don't, but I wish I did.
What a voice. Heart-piercingly pretty, eye-wateringly beautiful, kick-ass raunchy.
And what range. She was part of the countrified folk-rock movement that shifted American music's centre of gravity from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the late 60's and early 70's. Then she rode the punk/new wave thing with a string of great records. Then broadway, and operetta of all things. Then easy listening, mariachi, lullabies ... it doesn't stop. I guess she figured out how to grow older gracefully.
But it's those late 70's rockers that I really love. Fabulous singing, terrific production from Peter Asher, tasty guitar playing from Waddy Wachtel ... perfect.
And an awesome collection of covers: Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, The Stones, Neil Young, Mowtown, Elvis Costello, Warren Zevon. Each one true. Each one fresh.
I don't know who else is in the band, but when I go to that bar my first Saturday night in Heaven, I expect Linda Ronstadt to be the singer.
And then you don't, but I wish I did.
What a voice. Heart-piercingly pretty, eye-wateringly beautiful, kick-ass raunchy.
And what range. She was part of the countrified folk-rock movement that shifted American music's centre of gravity from San Francisco to Los Angeles in the late 60's and early 70's. Then she rode the punk/new wave thing with a string of great records. Then broadway, and operetta of all things. Then easy listening, mariachi, lullabies ... it doesn't stop. I guess she figured out how to grow older gracefully.
But it's those late 70's rockers that I really love. Fabulous singing, terrific production from Peter Asher, tasty guitar playing from Waddy Wachtel ... perfect.
And an awesome collection of covers: Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry, Roy Orbison, The Stones, Neil Young, Mowtown, Elvis Costello, Warren Zevon. Each one true. Each one fresh.
I don't know who else is in the band, but when I go to that bar my first Saturday night in Heaven, I expect Linda Ronstadt to be the singer.
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