MUSIC REVIEWS
JACKSON BROWNE'S THE NAKED RIDE HOME

Jackson Browne, a singer and songwriter whose career now spans four decades, has a new CD, The Naked Ride Home, released in late 2002. The CD is typical of Browne's laid back style of music reminiscent of such influential albums such as Saturate Before Using, Lawyers In Love, and Running On Empty. Browne's use of piano, soft base licks, subtle guitar, and genuine sincere lyrics make this a wonderful CD.

The title track of the CD, "The Naked Ride Home," is about a couple's ride home and a dare is issued by the man that the woman take off her cloths for the ride. While the situation sounds exploitative, the song is about the emotion and love between the two individuals portrayed in the song. Brown's use of setting, emotion, and powerful lyrics continue throughout the CD. Songs such as "The Night Inside Me," "Never Stop," Walking Town," and "Don't You Want To Be There," makes this CD a true listing pleasure.

The Naked Ride Home was produced by Jackson Browne and Kevin McCormick. Jackson Browne sings and plays guitar and piano on the CD. Other artists on the CD include Mark Goldenberg on the guitar, Jeff Young on various keyboards, and Kevin McCormick on bass.

For those of you whose Jackson Browne collection is still held captive on vinyl, you may want to try The Next Voice You Hear: The Best Of Jackson Browne the next time you visit a music store.

Another interesting release from late 2002 was the Wallflowers' Red Letter Days. Red Letter Days is a strong release by this band whose second CD, Bringing Down The Horse, catapulted the group to stardom in 1996. The band's music features strong organ, guitar, and bass instrumentation along with the haunting voice of front man and singer Jacob Dylan (the son of Bob Dylan). The first song on the collection, "When You're On Top," is a terrific blend of organ, bass, and heavy hitting lyrics. The Wallflowers opened with this song on a MTV special that was preformed and recorded at Alcatraz. Other great songs on this CD include "If You Never Got Sick," "Too Late To Quit," "Everything I Need," and "Here In Pleasantville."

The Wallflowers consist of Jacob Dylan on guitar and vocals, Rami Joffee on keyboards, Greg Richling on bass and Mario Colire on drums.

If you liked Bringing Down The Horse, you should like Red Letter Days.

The Clarion Issue wishes to express its sympathy to the family, friends and fans of soul music's primer baritone, the singer, song writer and producer extraordinaire, Barry White. White died of kidney failure and complications from a stroke on July 4th at the age of 58.

Barry White began singing and producing records in the 1970s. His hits included "You're the First, the Last, My Everything," "Love Serenade," "Practice What You Preach," and "Staying Power." His music career spanned three decades, and he influenced music genres such as disco and rap. He won two Grammy awards. His music provided the background for the 1990s TV show Ally McBeal, and White even did a special appearance on the show.

The music industry and all his fans will miss this productive and influential artist.