- September 13, 2024
- B-Sides, Columns
- By Doug Collette
- 16 Comments
With fifty years’ hindsight, Jackson Browne’sLateFor TheSky(released 9/13/74) stands as his definitive work. Most of the entries in his discography, from his earliest eponymous release (often called ‘Saturate Before Using’ based on its cover graphic) to his latest, 2021’sDownhill From Everywhere, have more than a few brilliant moments.
However, none of those twenty-some records capture and sustain the essence of Browne’s art like his third effort. It is a unified piece of work that wholly deserves cover art as striking as the image displayed on the front (an homage to a Rene Magritte painting referenced in such self-deprecating fashion in the liner notes that it precludes any pretension).
Ironically enough, however, the key to the fall 1974 LP resides in its least significant composition, “Walking Slow.” The penultimate track of the eight is by far the most upbeat, lyrically and musically. Yet it almost sounds forced, as if the author is pushing himself to embrace the high spirits described in the lyrics (available in printed form in their entirety on the 2014 CD remaster).
‘Don’t know why I’m so happy…I’ve got no reason to feel this good’ Jackson sings on, not coincidentally, one of this LP’s shortest cuts (only the relatively abandoned escapism of “The Road And TheSky” is of lesser duration). And, hardly surprisingly, Browne and his sensitive core of accompanists capture the ambivalence in their musicianship. Indeed, the deceptively bright outlook, corresponding to the jaunty tempo, is a marked contrast to the generally somber and occasionally ominous atmosphere of the remaining thirty-five minutes.
With its forlorn vocal delivery and skeletal arrangement, the title song that begins the album sets a tone that also pervades “Farther On” and the fitting closing of an implicitly topical piece called “Before The Deluge.” The continuity of emotion(s) arising from those songs is directly reflected in the arrangements, not the least ambitious of which is that of “TheLateShow,” complete with David Campbell’s ascetic orchestration (like the rest, co-produced by Browne and the man who mixed the record, Al Schmitt).
Jackson’s band of the time, including the brilliant (now deceased), David Lindley, is similarly in tune with each other. Permeated with judicious silence, their accompaniment adds only the slightest ornamentation, the latter’s guitar lines intermingling with Jai Winding’s piano and organ notes. Meanwhile, bassist Doug Haywood’s and drummer Larry Zack’s drum patterns reside not underneath that instrumentation but inside it: the unobtrusive rhythm section works like a heartbeat and, in so doing, the pair’s playing heightens the introspective intimacy of this music.
Meanwhile, a corps of harmony singers add warmth to a delicate and detailed depiction of the fragile feelings that arise within narratives like that of “Fountain of Sorrow.” The voices of Eagles’ Don Henley, that iconic band’s frequent collaborator JD Souther and a kindred spirit in the person of Dan Fogelberg, emphasize the momentous nature of the characters’ interactions in the songs.
Browne’s own studied piano playing radiates a gospel element that also imbues the music with a deep, genuinely religious fervor. As does his singing on a track such as “TheLateShow:, “which is not blessed with a great range of voice, Jackson turns that liability into strength via the level tone he maintains. As a result, the poet-laureate of California folk-rock approaches his accounts of life’s turning points–for himself as well as those close to him–with a saintly and benevolent air.
Whether sounding like excerpts from a personal diary or a first-person account of profound rapport with another, the performances onLateFor TheSkyrepresent vivid glimpses into human relationships (personal and political) that, a half-century after their first release, continue to resonate with fundamental truth(s).
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It has often seemed to me that Jackson’s Late For The Sky album stands alone in the pop music world in its accomplishing the near impossible goal of probing the depths of human feelings and the eternal struggle to bring meaning to a world devoid of solid understanding. That someone would be capable of blending those musings with such complimentary music, is staggering to comprehend.
See AlsoSermons. [Vol. I.] - Christian Classics Ethereal LibraryFONTBONNE, MARIE-ANTOINETTE (Jeanne-Marie), named Sister Delphine – Dictionary of Canadian Biography"And the Stars of Heaven Shall Fall"Reply
Jackson’s music has accompanied me on my life’s journey ever since I first heard him, 50+ years ago. My life is richer because of his shared talent. I appreciate the honesty, tenderness & grit of his compositions. I appreciate this man & his music more than words can say.
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Jackson is an old, best good friend who has been with me & my life for over 50 years. From my tween years with my friends, listening to Jackson’s albums over & over, to adulthood when the depth & power of his brilliant lyrics & music, he has touched our souls & hearts over & over. It’s been a wonderful 50 plus years, thank you Jackson.
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I remember hearing Late For The Sky in “Taxi Driver”, watching Deniro rocking the chair with his foot until he knocked the tv over. His face, and the song playing struck such an image for me. Always comes to mind when i think back on any significant loss.
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Living in Daytona Beach in 1974, I heard Late For The Sky, on an FM radio station, and went to Volusia Mall Records, and bought it the same afternoon. Fifty years later, it is one of my prized LPs and CDs….
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Jackson Brown’s “For Everyman” has been my favorite song, and basically what I have longed for, since I heard it in 1974. I’ve even asked my son to play that at my funeral, whenever that may occur.
JB is an amazing artist, and this song brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it.Reply
Every bit of your music has inspired me my entire life. I’m a bass player. Maybe we could get together some time? Dee Browning
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The pretender has been a blessing to me and my wife all these yrs.So greatful to have him in our lives.Still plug in at least 3 days a week from all his music.His spirit and music will carry generation to generation!
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No doubt his best album. Such an incredible lyricist at such a young age. JB will always be a big part of my life
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I fell in love with Jackson when his first album came out. I was 16. He was and is such a huge part of my life. His music speaks to my soul. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen him in concert. The show at Red rocks in 2018 was magical. He didn’t tour this year. I know it’s got to be tough on him but I really hope I haven’t seen him for the last time yet
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How privileged are we to have such an intuitive lyricist and musician help us navigate every joy and frustration of this life? JB has helped me through the darkest times, and has helped me celebrate incredible heights. One of my first questions I’ll ask someone upon meeting them is if they enjoy Jackson Browne’s music. Their answer tells me so much about their character. I’ve attended his concerts since I can remember (1984?) and still follow his tour schedules. Last time I saw him was in Vegas – truly a great show!
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Like everyone who knows and loves us music , he wrote my life . I missed a day of school and JB came on a talk show. I was 17 my girlfriend pregnant with our daughter
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Every album is a reflection of what’s going on in his life he is amazing how his feelings come out in his music
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“Late for the Sky” has always been one of my two or three favorite albums for all of the reasons that everyone is recounting and sharing here. What will always be unbelievable to me is that he was about 20 years old when he wrote those songs! To me that makes the album a profound work of art!
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I have loved JB ever since I can remember my sister playing his music and hearing it all my growing up years he makes me feel that some of his music was written for me and my sister I feel a connection to him and his wonderful music.
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Big any song and listen to his own different versions through the years. And his songs sung by others…”there’s a train every day, leaving either way”. Bonnie Raitt singing My Opening Farewell…what wonder…awe..
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