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The Pretender Jackson Browne

Released in the dying days of '76, Jackson Browne with this album has come up with a real winner. With beautifully revealing (if sometimes a little depressing), lyrics, sweet guitar licks, moving piano pieces and orchestration Jackson has with this offering put out four albums all high respected by country [unclear: 1]-rock lovers. Many of his fans must have been disappointed to find his planned NZ tour cancelled, however he has recorded a 1½ hour radio show with one of Auckland's commerical stations.

On The Pretendar, Jackson has once again been assisted by many, rock celebrities such as Little Feat's Lowell George, Bonnie Raitt, Don Henley, J.D. Souther David Crosby, Graham Nash, and his regular support men David Lindiey on lead and slide guitars, and Leland Skar on bass.

Produced by Jon Landau, the LP is nothing short of brilliant. Consisting of 8 tracks, one of which ("Here Come Those Tears Again") was released as a single two weeks ago. One can only admire Jackson's ability to put good words and good music together. Take for instance "Sleep's Dark and Silent Gate". A touching song about his feelings after coming home and finding his wife dead on the kitchen floor

The whole album is an emotionally powerful gem, worth at least a dozen careful hearings for those into lyrics. If you're not into the words, leave this album well alone.

Selsanore Loggin