Jackson Browne, "For America"

Posted by Luminator (A) on September 5, 2016 at 16:38:54

In the Spring of 1986, it seemed that if we just enjoyed partying all the time, we could forget about or ignore any of the ugliness, injustice, threats, or challenges.

With Lives In The Balance, Jackson Browne tried to warn us of the approaching icebergs and cliffs. But hardly anyone paid attention to him.

I was a high school freshman, never had a girlfriend, never did drugs. Yet, Browne's "In The Shape Of A Heart," perhaps autobiographical about his drug- and violence-tinged relationship with his late first wife, gripped me and some of my classmates. It remains my favorite track from Lives In The Balance.

But I haven't forgotten about Browne's "For America." Earlier this weekend, through friends, I ran into an old classmate, whom I haven't seen since 1989. She and I rattled off names of our former classmates. Being from a large school, she and I were unfamiliar with many of the names each mentioned. But "For America" brings us back to that Spring '86 semester, when: the music inspired me and many others to take an interest in audio; we were reeling from the space shuttle disaster; everyone shrugged at being a debtor nation; time elapsed slowly; some of us wished we could have PE for half of the school day; and our legendary monthly school dances introduced us to dance, rap, freestyle, synthpop, and modern rock not heard on the radio.

Nope, I only heard "For America" twice, via my Walkman's FM tuner. You had to buy Lives In The Balance [those of us who did so, bought it on cassette, not vinyl or CD]. But ah, we now have the internet, so we can erase the intervening 30 years, and replay Browne's "For America."

-Lummy The Loch Monster

For America (Open in New Window)

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Topic - Jackson Browne, "For America" - Luminator 16:38:54 09/05/16 (1)

RE: Jackson Browne, "For America" - mkuller 14:55:16 09/06/16 (0)

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.