Warren Zevon: Stand In The Fire (Remastered + Expanded) CD Track Listing

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Warren Zevon Stand In The Fire (Remastered + Expanded) (1980)
Stand In The Fire (Remastered + Expanded)\n2007 Asylum/Rhino\n\nOriginally Released December 26, 1980\nCD Edition Released 1988\nRemastered + Expanded CD Edition Released March 27, 2007\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: After the release of Warren Zevon's fourth album, Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School, he was clean and sober for the first time in years, and on-stage he was determined to make the most of his newfound strength and self-control. While his songs long had a dark and frantic undercurrent, Zevon was now capable of playing a no-holds-barred rock show where he could bring the sharper edges of his music to the forefront. Anyone who saw Zevon on what he called "The Dog Ate the Part We Didn't Like Tour" can attest to the fact he was in superb form, playing music that rocked hard while displaying intelligence, passion, and a sharply corrosive wit, and Stand in the Fire, recorded during a five-night stand at L.A.'s Roxy near the end of the tour, captures Zevon and his band at their peak. The musicians (anchored by flashy lead guitarist David Landau) pour out these tunes with plenty of fire, and the songs rock a lot harder than anything Zevon had summoned in the studio at that point. And the artist proved he was a superb rock & roll frontman on this tour, singing with mean-spirited glee (for a change, "Werewolves of London" and "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" sound just as menacing as they were meant to be) and spewing hilarious bile at every turn (his ad-libbed "the Ayatollah has his problems, too" on "Mohammed's Radio" alone is worth the price of admission). The set list is dominated by Zevon's better-known tunes of the period, though there are two otherwise unrecorded originals (the OK title cut and the blazing "The Sin"), and a rave-up encore on "Bo Diddley's a Gunslinger" that revels in the joyous surrealism of the lyrics, and if one might have hoped for a more imaginative selection of material, these guys nail everything on deck. No one argues that Warren Zevon is a gifted singer and songwriter, but Stand in the Fire proves that, when he wants to, he can also rock with the best of 'em. [In 2007, Rhino Records finally gave Stand in the Fire its long-overdue CD release. The new edition includes fine new liner notes from David Fricke (who reviewed the album for Rolling Stone on its initial release), a brief forward from Carl Hiaasen, and four bonus tracks recorded during the same run of Roxy shows. If the synthesizer-enhanced version of "Play It All Night Long" isn't as strong as one might wish, Zevon performs it full-out, and "Johnny Strikes Up the Band" is much improved over its studio version on Excitable Boy. Two solo piano and voice cuts close out the set, and if Zevon's voice is starting to fray on "Frank and Jesse James" and "Hasten Down the Wind," the fierce passion of his performances more than compensates, and only adds to one of the strongest and most underrated albums of Zevon's career.] -- Mark Deming\n\nAmazon.com Editorial Review\nWhy Warren Zevon's Stand in the Fire has languished in the CD-reissue era is a mystery. It's an unbridled live rock album, recorded in 1981 when live albums were de rigueur. Zevon, for all the well-orchestrated rock (and great backing vocals on "Mohammed's Radio"), was a small-venue guy and an unlikely rocker. He tears it up on "Stand in the Fire" and adds guitar grit and vocal menace to "Werewolves of London," making the "little old lady got mutilated late last night" line sparkle and name checks James Taylor and Zevon's early champion Jackson Browne. Then there are the added tracks, all four previously unreleased. "Frank and Jesse James" rolls as a piano and vocals vehicle, brilliant in its simple dressing. And the closer, "Hasten Down the Wind," is touching, especially with the ever-aware Zevon introduction: "Speaking as one who has abused privilege a long time," he says, "I tell you, it's great to be alive." --Andrew Bartlett \n\nAmazon.com Product Description\nThe 1981 live album masterpiece STAND IN THE FIRE--until now woefully out of print--prompted allmusic.com to write, "No one argues that Warren Zevon is a gifted singer and songwriter, but STAND IN THE FIRE proves that, when he wants to, he can also rock with the best of 'em." Recorded at L.A.'s Roxy theatre in 1981, the disc features the two unforgettable original songs Zevon debuted on that year's tour, "The Sin" and "Stand In The Fire." Also includes searing versions of "Lawyers, Guns And Money," "Werewolves Of London," "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me," "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," "Mohammed's Radio," and "Jeannie Needs A Shooter," a co-write with Bruce Springsteen, among other stellar performances. Boasts liner notes by David Fricke and four previously unreleased cuts including "Johnny Strikes Up The Band," "Frank And Jesse James," and "Hasten Down The Wind." \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nThe wildest we hear of Warren on any of his albums, May 11, 2007\nReviewer: M. Packham "Stuart" (Perth, Western Australia Australia) \nThis is an absolutely essential addition to any Warren Zevon collection. Carl Hiaasen says in the liner notes notes that one of the biggest crimes of modern music is the suppression of 'Stand in the Fire' from re-issue. I totally agree. I'd been searching for this for a long time and now here it is, remastered and expanded with four bonus tracks (the last four on the album). \n\nI had heard often that Warren Zevon lived like Jim Morrison (except longer, as Zevon has said). In the booklet for the anthology 'I'll Sleep When I'm Dead', Richard Gere observes 'I saw him drink vodka from a steel boot'. Apparently there are entire tours Zevon cannot recollect. For those who came to Zevon later, like myself (I think it was about 2002), that 'wild man' underbelly of Zevon was, prior to the release of this album, something of an abstraction. \n\nOn 'Stand in the Fire' we finally get a dose of that crazy Warren Zevon we've heard so much about. Zevon is pure entertainment on stage. Often he rumbles out a primal scream like on Werewolves of London, where he bellows "you better stay away from him! He'll rip your lungs out Jim! And he's looking for James Taylor!" Other reviewers have mentioned his howling command to long time best friend, to whom he screams "get up here and dance! Get up and dance or I'll kill you! And I've got the means!" \n\nThis album truly gives an insight into the wild-man personality of Warren Zevon. I am yet to purchase Crystal Zevon's book about the late great man, but I will certainly be getting it soon. He is a testament to rock and roll. A true statesman and entertainer. Jackson Browne notes that once Warren Zevon told him, "if you're not entertaining, you're not doing anything". \n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nThe Best Music Moment Ever, May 8, 2007\nReviewer: Sarah Mackinnon\nThe coolest rock moment ever is during this album's revved-up rendition of Poor Poor Pitiful me when Zevon tells George Gruel, his "road manager and best friend" to "get up and dance, get up and dance or I'll kill ya, and I got the means." Listening to his voice, You really believe Zevon was ready to do it. Gives me chills every time.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nOne of the best live rock concerts ever recorded. Get it now., April 20, 2007\nReviewer: T. Davis "tdavis276" (Seattle, WA)\nZevon never surpassed these performances. He ripped the roof off the Roxy with scalding takes on lovers and lawyers and gunslingers and other outlaws. From the first chords of the title track, the band is on fire, the house is ecstatic, and Warren rocks like he wants to break something. \n\nA brilliant songwriter, Zevon was underrated as a performer. But you've not lived until you've thrilled to the awesome grit of his rasping howl on "Excitable Boy" and "Werewolves of London." It's an unearthly sound from a man who's been to hell and back. \n\nThis roaring wall of sound is balanced by passionate ballads of heartbreaking beauty like "Mohammed's Radio" and an exquisite rendering of "Hasten Down the Wind." Loud or soft, it's Warren's passion that makes "Stand in the Fire" one of my favorite albums of all time. \n\nNow, after wearing out the grooves on my LP, the concert has at last been rereleased on CD -- with four previously unreleased tracks. What the hell took you so long, Rhino? An absolutely essential recording from a musical immortal.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nTurn up the house lights ..., April 15, 2007\nReviewer: Earl B "ebravonz" (Auckland New Zealand)\nFinally on CD after all this time ... it was worth five stars even before the bonus tracks. Especially poignant is "Hasten Down the Wind" with Warren's banter with the audience ... "turn up the house lights, I found the ones who are my friends". Vaya con Dios, Warren.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nGet out here and dance, or I'll kill ya! And I got the means!, March 30, 2007\nReviewer: Tim Brough "author and music buff" (Springfield, PA United States)\nWarren Zevon was on a comeback of sorts when he set out to record "Stand In The Fire." As is well known (and documented in the infamous Rolling Stone cover story), he had his addictions to battle, and this was the first tour after having conquered them. The line-change in "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" to "I got a .38 special up on the shelf, and I don't intend to use it on myself" was part of that rejuvenation. Zevon was clean and proud and ready to rip. \n\n"Stand In The Fire" is as pure a rock rip as Zevon ever made. Songs up to "Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School" are included here, with two new songs and a goofy Bo Diddly medley. Why in the world it remained out of print (and never even issued to CD) for over 25 years is downright criminal. Somewhere after this - and documented on "Learning To Flinch" - Zevon became more an acoustic live act. When I saw him on "The Envoy" tour, it was just him, his piano and guitar. On "Stand In The Fire," however, Zevon is almost giddy with rock and roll exuberance. \n\nAdding to this five-star document of Zevon at his peak are the four bonus cuts. My guess is (along with time restrictions) that at least two were left off the original album due to their more mellow qualities. "Frank and Jessie James" and "Hasten Down The Wind" are solo piano performances, but "Hasten" is transcendental. The anguish in Zevon's voice is awe-inspiring. This was always a five-star album in my mind, the bonus tracks add to the luster. \n\nBut it is the original 10 song album that I had the excitement for when I heard Rhino was finally going to get them out stateside. Warren Zevon is as alive as he ever was on this LP, and when he shouts out to George Gruel to get on stage and dance, it's as inspiring a moment as has ever been recorded for a live album. (I'd add to that the final verse of "Werewolves of London," where Zevon bellows "and he's looking for James Taylor" like he's on the brink of sanity.) It is just another reason why I will miss Warren Zevon and his insight, literary wit and passion. Essential seventies music.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nEssential!!, March 29, 2007\nReviewer: spiral_mind (Pennsylvania)\nOh joyful day! The gods of music have truly smiled upon us. I'd been hoping for this looooooong-overdue release since first coming across an old worn-out cassette back in '99, and now we can hear every detail like never before. I wish I knew why it took most of my life for it to see the light of day on CD, but better late than etc etc... Anyway - believe all the raves. This is one of the greatest live albums ever pressed into vinyl. \n\nWhy? For one thing, Warren and his top-notch band TORE THE PLACE UP. The title track kicks from the first drum hit, "Excitable Boy" blows the roof off and I'm sure "Poor Poor Pitiful Me" left some folks to get carried out on stretchers. What I wouldn't give to have been able to catch these shows... \n\nFor another, as with any worthwhile live recording, it offers something new. There are two WZ originals and one oddball cover medley not included anywhere else - none of them are as stellar as usual lyrically, but they rock hard enough to melt your speakers nonetheless, so they're better suited to a live album than a studio recording anyway. Better yet, the familiar tunes are presented differently. A couple tracks are slowed down, some arrangements are changed & tweaked ("Mohammed's Radio" is exquisite), there's more room for solos and get-up-and-dance requests, and a few new lyrics are ad-libbed on the spot. \n\nI believe this disc has now replaced Mr. Bad Example as the best Zevon intro for the unconverted. Stand in the Fire has it all - incredible energy, stellar performances, an excellent choice of bonus tracks, and it grabs you so fast that you don't have time to remember how disturbing the songs actually are until you're hopelessly hooked. \n\nEssential rock and roll. Play often and loud.\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\n"He'll Rip Your Lungs Out Jim... And He's looking For James Taylor!!", March 29, 2007\nReviewer: Kenneth M. Gelwasser (Hollywood, Fl USA)\nI remember buying Warren Zevon's live album "Stand in the Fire" on vinyl in its original release at the start of the '80's. I had initially become a fan of Zevon's as a teenager in the late 1970's , after endlessly sneaking into my older brother's (off-limits) room on surreptitious missions to listen to this provacative music. I became entranced by Zevon's music and endless tales of desperados, spies, mercenaries, bad girls and werewolves. \n\nBy the time 1980 had come along, I had my own record collection going and "Stand in the Fire" was a welcomed edition, that got endless time spinning on my turn table. To me this really was a 'B*lls to the Wall' live Rock n' Roll performance, best played at high volume. But beneath the pounding drums and piano was the same literate (sometimes almost poetic) lyrics, that had first attracted me to his music. I love the humour found in songs like "Excitable Boy", "Werewolves of London" and "Lawyers Guns and Money". These songs seem to be wryly told with tongue firmly implanted in cheek. They are offset by more dramatic fare found in tunes like "Jeannie Needs A Shooter" and my personal favorite cut of the album, "Mohammed's Radio". \n\nIn this live performance it seems like Zevon is almost acting the songs out for us. I can just imagine the poor sm**k of a protagonist in "Lawyers, Guns and Money" as he proclaims about his waitress/lover..."How was I to Know/She was with the Russians too!" You can just hear Zevon just playing it up and selling the line! I also love the more personalized references, that are throughout the show. In "Werewolves of London" there are prominent mentions of musician pals, Jackson Browne & James Taylor (love his play on the words Taylor/tailor), who are humorously incorporated into the story of the British wolf's lively pursuits. I also like the topical political references in "Mohammed's Radio", where Zevon ad-libs "Ayatollah's got his problems too/Even Jimmy Carters got the highway blues!" Ahhh!! It nostalgically brings me back to the late 1970's political malaise, that this country was going through. (You think it's gone away?) \n\nAll in all, this is just a amazing live album. The songs are great and Zevon and his backing band give a kick-a** performance! Why it has taken forever for this album to finally reach CD is a mystery! The CD itself has been wonderfully remastered. It's sounds better than I originally remember it. The CD also includes four previously unissued cuts. My favorites include magnificent performances of "Frank and Jesse James" and the now classic ballad, "Hasten Down the Wind". Zevon just puts so much emotion into these cuts. I'm amazed they were not included on the original release. If your a fan of Warren Zevon or just good old, Rock N' Roll in general, than buy this CD! Highly recommended!\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nFINALLY available on CD, March 29, 2007\nReviewer: M. Bergeron "Muziclvr" (Colchester, VT United States)\nAfter wearing out two copies of the vinyl and discovering that SitF was only available in the US on cassette, the long wait is over. This is electric Warren at his peak. \nThe four bonus tracks are a mixed blessing, he's really out of tune (flat?) on "Frank & Jessie James" and his voice is shot on both "Frank" and "Hasten down the Wind" which is a pity as his heart is REALLY into it, but "Johnny" and "Play" are right on target. I would have liked to have had the songs in the order that they were performed, eschewing the "original sequence with bonus tracks" format, but this is nitpicking. \nIf you dig Warren's Asylum-era work, this is a MUST-BUY!\n\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nTerrific live album captures Zevon in peak form, March 28, 2007\nReviewer: My Science Fiction Twin (My Little Blue Window, USA)\nI caught Warren Zevon on this tour at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco and this album perfectly captures the aural energy that Warren along with his top notch band could generate. Always a favorite, "Stand in the Fire" sounds better than ever in its first U.S. incarnation on CD. I just wish that there was a video of this tour. Zevon and his band are on fire during this terrific recording. This version is extended with some terrific bonus tracks. \n\nRecorded over five nights in L.A. at the end of his tour for "Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School", the band particularly guitarist David Landau and Warren play soulfully throughout the set. Warren's in top form here particularly with his classic "Mohammad's Radio" (where he pokes fun at the Ayatollah of Iran during one verse updating it topically for the time). \n\nThe album features two terrific originals that appear no where else "Stand in the Fire" and "The Sin"The original album pulled out all the stops with Warren doing a terrific take on "Bo Diddley's A Gunslinger" here it is augmented by 4 bonus tracks. We get the classic "Johnny Strikes Up The Band" and twisted "Play It All Night Long" which are perfect counterpoints to the closing bonus tracks "Frank and Jesse James" and "Hasten Down the Wind" from his second solo album the self titled "Warren Zevon" close out the album on a high note with Warren playing and singing solo. \n\nAudiophiles might notice that this is mastered louder than his earlier CDs but fear not as the dynamics are fine and detail very good with nice work by Dan Hersh and Bill Inglot. A very good debut on CD highlighted with some terrific bonus tracks. My only wish is that there were additional tracks (I'd love to see this issued as a two CD set)on here capturing the full concert performance that Warren did during those five nights. Perhaps we'll see them as part of Rhino Handmade.\n\n\nHalf.com Details \nProducer: Greg Ladanyi, Warren Zevon \n\nAlbum Notes\nRecording information: The Roxy, Los Angeles, California (1981).\n\nIn an era of wishy-washy singer-songwriters, Zevon immediately stood out as a wild card, a singer unafraid of the heat in kitchen. His first albums revealed a gifted songwriter equally comfortable with heroin-based love songs and manic rockers rife with gunplay. With STAND IN THE FIRE however, he leaps into the flames with headlong abandon. Backed by a band of unknowns, Zevon embraces the spontaneous frenzy of what live performances aspire to but rarely achieve. The band pushes Zevon towards the edge of losing control and he answers every lick with crazed purpose.\nHe throws in marvelously extemporaneous lyrics during "Werewolves of London," screaming bloodlust while calling for the head of James Taylor. Mayhem reaches an apex during a pounding "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me," in which he actually threatens to kill the audience if they don't dance. There is no real threat of bodily harm while listening in the comfort of your own home, though the urge to light fires and empty revolvers into the sofa may become overpowering. Why this searing live document, which captures the singer at the peak of his powers, has not been released on CD in anybody's guess.
This rock cd contains 14 tracks and runs 60min 34sec.
Freedb: af0e300e
Buy: from Amazon.com

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