Tuesday Tunes

It’s a divisive issue within music circles. Warren Zevon, depending on who you listen to, should, or should not be inducted into the Rock’N’Roll Hall of Fame. Either way it would be posthumous, as he sadly passed away in 2003. Supporters say there is no-one more worthy. Detractors acknowledge his talent as a wordsmith, but point out his status and attitude as “Mr. Bad Example”. I’ve heard him described as the ‘villian’ of the genre, and I think that’s apt. But there’s a particular villain that mirrors his journey. Does a villain belong in the Hall of Fame? I don’t know. But I do know I enjoy his songs.

The Song(s)
Song: Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
Artist: Warren Zevon
Album: Excitable Boy - 1978 - Asylum
Method of discovery: My oldest brother’s CD Collection

Research:
It’s the second track on the album, following up the energetic “Johnny Strikes Up The Band”, just before the titular track, and two places ahead of his most famous song “Werewolves of London”. If you’ve not heard Werewolves, please, listen to it. You’ve probably already heard the piano bit. Trust me.
Roland was inspired by the mercenary history of David Lindell, whom he met in Spain over at least a bar, and likely a drink too. The story is ludicrous and poignant, and better absorbed by listening than can be described here. But a few tangential learnings I’ve had by researching this song are:
1. The Land of the Midnight Sun in the song refers to Norway, but it can also be a nickname for Alaska
2. Biafra was a seperatist state of Nigeria for ~3 Years in the late 60s. It’s conflict didn’t concern the Bantu or the Congolese, but the Igbo
3. The distance between Mombasa and Johannesburg is ~3670km
Musically the track is very stable, never varying from the I, IV, V or vi chords, but the piano, where Zevon seemed most at home, enriches the song better than a guitar could, I feel.

Personal thoughts:
If you like travelling, then Warren Zevon is your man. His lyrics take you to so many nations you’re going to need to renew your passport. This album and it’s relentless piano riffs, topped with Zevon’s signature vocals made me realise you didn’t need guitars and courtship to make good songs. It was also one of the more meaningful exposures I can remember to humour in music that wasn’t purely comedy or parody; this was it’s own breed of sardonic wit. The lines “On a dark and stormy day” and ”He didn’t say a word” are a perfect examples of this.
Zevon’s real world journey reminds me of Moloch the Mystic from Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons’ “Watchmen”. Both men are viewed as outsiders. Both are mediumly successful in their endeavours. Both ultimately fade out of public attention, but not for the few who know the truth about them.
I would say I know.

Give it a go: If you enjoy a song putting pictures in your head

Give it a miss: If you get annoyed by historical and cultural inaccuracies for the sake of rhyme

[links]
Spotify: Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
Wikis: Warren Zevon, Roland…, Watchmen Wiki
Other Articles: The Curmudgeon, Intruder In The Dirt,