In Their Own Words: Volume 2

July 4 - July 11, 1 9 9 6
[Off the Record]

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*** Various Artists

IN THEIR OWN WORDS: VOLUME TWO

(Razor & Tie)

The premise, in case you missed Volume One (or any of the occasional live tours), is to sample a series of sessions held at the Bottom Line, in which a quartet of songwriters chat with host Vin Scelsa about their craft and experience and sing some of their songs, as well as personal faves by other artists. The foursomes have often been an eclectic mix, from Bruce Cockburn to David Johansen, which means different highs and lows for different listeners. I realize that some of you out there actually find Pete Seeger's geezer humor amusing.

For myself, Billy Bragg is the best comedian this time out; Gary Nicholson, who does a serious satire called "Pay Bo Diddley," is the best discovery; and Gordon Gano (of Violent Femmes fame) is the best postmodern opportunist -- his "Songwriter's Song" is a hoot. Other standouts are Marcia Ball's soulful "Louisiana 1927" (by Randy Newman) and Jill Sobule's cheeky rendering of the disco anthem "I Will Survive." Then there's Patty Smyth (blah) and General Johnson, whose classic "Patches" still sucks after all these years.

-- Richard C. Walls