What's your reaction to the Jackson Browne song "Running on Empty"? For a number of people at his live show tonight, the reaction was to storm the stage in a fit of bliss.
Well, Northern Ireland's version of storming the stage, at least - that is to say, they got out of their seats, danced in the aisles, and ran up front to pump their fists in approval.
Fabulous!
Kudos to the Ulster Hall staff for not rushing them all back to their seats. It was nice to see a little irrational exuberance; besides, it was the last song of the set.
Jackson Browne must have a picture in his attic that ages while he stays youthful. With his shaggy brown hair and excellent voice, Browne looks and sounds very much as he did in his debut album. He had two awesome background singers and a cracking band. But make no mistake: it was pretty mellow. I was a bit offended to see the concert advertised as "easy listening" on the Ulster Hall website. But it was "relaxed fit," to be sure, for audience members and musical stylings.
A recent BBC documentary on the California sound of the 1970s said Browne was the epitome of the West Coast singer-songwriter. After hearing the many great hits at the show, I can see their point, but I still would vote for my personal fave Warren Zevon.
At tonight's show, "The Pretender" was a real highlight, and the new songs from "Time the Conqueror" were as melodic as "the old stuff." I think I have a greatest hits CD around here somewhere -- might have to dig that out for the commute this week.
My Jackson Browne favorite has always been Doctor My Eyes.
Posted by: Opie | 23 March 2009 at 23:22