True talent often doesn't get its due in the eyes of the general public unless it's a posthumous acknowledgment. Warren Zevon was one of these talents--his wry and oftentimes cynical brand of songwriting earned him a substantial cult following and the admiration of many fellow musicians. A number of these peers come together to honor his memory with the 2004 tribute album, ENJOY EVERY SANDWICH.
This collection takes its name from Zevon's philosophy of living life, which he spoke of before dying of lung cancer at the age of 56. Some usual suspects are involved, including David Lindley and Ry Cooder (a loping "Monkey Wash, Donkey Rinse"), Jackson Browne and Bonnie Raitt (the rollicking "Poor Poor Pitiful Me") and Don Henley (a doo-wop-inspired "Searching for a Heart"). Among the many pleasant surprises are the performances of actors Adam Sandler and Billy Bob Thornton ("Werewolves of London" and "The Wind," respectively) and a snarling Pixies rendition of "Ain't That Pretty at All." (This song marks the first studio track the band released on album since breaking up in 1993.) There's also a live reading of the bittersweet "My Ride's Here" by Bruce Springsteen that includes a touching spoken intro to Zevon's legacy.
Professional Reviews
Rolling Stone (p.110) - 3 stars out of 5 - "This Warren Zevon tribute is faithful not just to the late songsmith's tunes but also to his arrangements and inflections..."
Uncut (p.120) - 4 stars out of 5 - "[A] fine coda to THE WIND proper."
Mojo (Publisher) (p.95) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[With] some real treasures..."
