Introduction
"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: An Anthology" is a collection album launched in 1996 by American singer-songwriter Warren Zevon. With its release, the anthology aimed to provide a detailed summary of Zevon's musical career, which spanned over three years. The two-disc collection functions 44 tracks, consisting of Zevon's most popular hits, rarities, and previously unreleased material. The album acts as a homage to a skilled artist and a lively tip of his remarkable contribution to the rock music scene.
Background and Release
Warren Zevon began his career as a folk-singer in the mid-1960s prior to getting notoriety for his combination of rock-and-roll, pop, and country music. He eventually ended up being a respected songwriter, who crafted amusing, literate, and frequently dark lyrics, and emotive music. By the mid-1990s, Zevon had actually built up a varied variety of music, which was ideal for an anthology.
"I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: An Anthology" was released by Rhino Records in May 1996. The album showcased the tremendous level of Zevon's songwriting capability. It collected a wide range of his music, ranging from his 1969 launching solo album "Wanted Dead or Alive" to his 1995 studio album "Mutineer". The compilation likewise included material from his 3 albums with Asylum Records in the late '70s and '80s, in addition to a choice of live recordings and tracks from his more experimental jobs.
Included Tracks and Highlights
The anthology consists of a few of Warren Zevon's a lot of notable hits, such as the timeless "Werewolves of London". The track, which blends an appealing piano riff with Zevon's entertaining lyrics, became his signature song and reached No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978. The collection also features other popular Zevon tunes, like "Lawyers, Guns, and Money" and "Excitable Boy".
In addition to the hits, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: An Anthology" includes lesser-known tracks that are nevertheless highlights of Zevon's profession. One such example is the poignant "Desperados Under the Eaves", a reflective ballad that integrates gorgeous piano and strings with poetic lyrics about privacy and resignation. Other standout tracks include the cheeky "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" and the reflective "Hasten Down the Wind".
For die-hard fans, the anthology includes rarities and previously unreleased material. Some noteworthy inclusions are the lovely "Empty-Handed Heart", featuring Linda Ronstadt, the mournful "They Moved the Moon", and the previously unreleased "Frozen Notes", an evocative piano-driven track.
Legacy and Influence
The release of "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: An Anthology" solidified Warren Zevon's position as a critical figure in American rock music. His impact on a wide range of artists, from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen, is evident in lots of methods. Zevon's skill for weaving elaborate lyrical stories is paralleled by couple of, while his emotional depth and musical expertise make him a treasured figure among fans and fellow musicians alike.
The anthology is a testimony to the amazing effect of Zevon's music, which continues to resonate even after his death in 2003. "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: An Anthology" is an important collection for fans of Warren Zevon and anyone interested in the abundant tapestry of American songwriting history.
In conclusion, "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead: An Anthology" is an essential compilation for both dedicated fans and newcomers to Warren Zevon's music. By highlighting his impressive profession and showcasing his talent as a songwriter, the album pays homage to a truly special artist whose work has left a long lasting mark on the world of rock music.
Artist: Warren Zevon
Warren Zevon's biography, an iconic American singer-songwriter known for dark humor, wit, and hits like Werewolves of London and Excitable Boy.
More about Warren Zevon