Review: This record, considered Zevon's masterpiece, features some of his most iconic songs. This album stands tall among the best music coming out of L.A. in the mid-70s, rivaling works by Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, and The Eagles. 'Desperados Under the Eaves' is often sighted as Zevon's greatest song, setting the scene at the Hollywood Hawaiian Hotel, a place where Zevon often stayed and painting a vivid picture of personal and ecological apocalypse. Linda Ronstadt famously covered 'Mohammed's Radio' and 'Poor Poor Pitiful Me,' both of which are on this album. One of Zevon's all-time greats, 'Carmelita,' a haunting song about heroin addiction, also appears here. The album opens with 'Frank And Jesse James,' a tune Zevon wrote for the Everly Brothers, and it stands out as a brilliant start. Two of his most poignant ballads, 'Desperados Under the Eaves' and 'Hasten Down the Wind,' are also included. Conversely, 'The French Inhaler' is a scathing attack on an ex-lover, showcasing Zevon's biting lyrical strength. Zevon's tumultuous life, characterised by substance abuse and tumultuous relationships, is reflected in his music. His self-titled album, recorded after years of struggling and floundering in the L.A. music scene, marked a turning point in his career. Supported by friends and admirers like Jackson Browne, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, the album's recording sessions were legendary for their intensity and wildness. Not an immediate commercial success, it's stood the test of time, leaving a lasting impact on rock music.
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