He can Finally Sleep: a two for one

Warren Zevon

Excitable Boy

1977, Asylum Records

produced by Jackson Browne and Waddy Wachtel

Warren Zevon - organ, bass, guitar, keyboards, piano, vocals

Jorge Calderon - vocals

Danny Kootch Kortchmar - guitar, percussion

Russ Kunkel - drums

singles-

• Werewolves of London

Quite possibly one of the best musicians to ever be forgotten, Warren Zevon had something of a renaissance (at least I hope so) when Kid Rock sampled the single off this album recently. Werewolves of London is Warren Zevon's biggest hit and most recognizable song. This album though, has many other great tracks and shows Zevon's strong song writing skills. Mostly a piano player, his songs are diverse and beautifully crafted, he is able to rock it out hard, and then bring it back soft and gentle. There seems to always be a darkly humorous edge to each song. There is a sense of danger about Warren Zevon. If he was a movie, he'd be the Unforgiven meets Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas. 

Warren Zevon

The Wind

2003, Artemis Records.  

produced by Jorge Calderon and Noah Scot Snyder

singles-

• Knockin on Heavens Door

This album was his last. Diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2002, instead of seeking treatment, Warren Zevon went into the studio for the last time.

This album has moments of beauty, moments of despair, glimmers of the classic Zevon, a storm of emotion, and graveyard humor that has the ability to break your heart. Also, the Knocking on Heaven's Door cover is amazing.

Guest appearances by his closest friends include Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Springsteen, Jackson Browne, Tom Petty, Don Henley, and Joe Walsh. If you're already a Warren Zevon fan, this album is a must have. If you have yet to hear his music, I suggest Excitable Boy and Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School first, just to give you a foundation. This is more than just a rebound gimmick album to try and kickstart an ailing career. This is a goodbye album, a farewell for friends, fans, and family, and the result is one last final beautiful album.