Warren Zevon’s rise to the upper tiers of Rockdom was a journey filled with false starts and rough patches.  Warren Zevon released a Kim Fowley-produced debut on Imperial Records in 1969 (Wanted Dead or Alive) but the record did little to nothing.  As frustrating as that attempt at achievement was, it just sent Zevon outside of the US, only to have his close friend, Jackson Browne, urge him back to the states with a promise of helping him get a serious shot at a recording contract.  That promise produced this sparkling Asylum debut, his self-titled Warren Zevon classic.

With piano-rich compositions as hallmarks, and a unique voice to complete his Jackson Browne-produced songs, he sang his strong personal lyrics with a style that fit his association with Asylum Records.  The first disc in this Collector’s Edition contains the original album that you already know well and love (if you don’t know it, it is time to become acquainted) in a richly re-mastered state.

The second CD in this set provides a treasure trove of 15 previously unreleased sessions songs with one a nice solo live radio performance (10/13/76 - WMMS) of “Mama Couldn’t be Persuaded.”  There are piano demos (just Zevon and his piano), alternate takes, and some fascinating alternate versions of songs, all from this album.  There’s a sense of calm in these sessions songs as Warren Zevon sings them.  The studio cuts that made the album exhibit a different feeling, a more ‘tuned-in’ sense.  This is highly evident in the Take 1 version of “Backs Turned Looking Down the Path” against his chosen album cut.  I love the more familiar style of “Join Me in LA,” but there is just a stronger element at work in his Take 2 version of the song that is quite demanding.  I prefer his grittier vocals on the Take 2 cut, rough as it might be.  Hell, I really dig this take altogether.

It’s great to have the alternate versions included (“Poor Poor Pitiful Me,” “Frank and Jesse James,” “Carmelita,” “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead”) but the original album cuts are clearly the right selections.  “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” is more Eagles-like where the album track is pure Zevon.  Interestingly, “Frank and Jesse James” is closer to the style of Excitable Boy (think “Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner”) while the original album cut is more consistent with the album as a whole.  “Carmelita” is a better produced tune than its alternate take.  His perfect “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is better than the alternate version but you’ll still enjoy the alternate version regardless with its stripped down feel.

The 20-page booklet has some great photos, credits, and 9-page essay from Bob Mehr that evaluates the album’s individual tracks as well as a very in-depth look at the creation of the album, along with a biographical sketch of Warren Zevon.  It complements this 30th Anniversary Collector’s Edition 2CD set of this great album immensely.

Warren Zevon would follow up this grand debut with the album that would strike more memories than anything else that he would do.  That album was Excitable Boy.  With songs like the very familiar “Werewolves of London,” and those classically unique songs of “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” and Roland, The Headless Thompson Gunner,” Warren Zevon cemented his legacy for all time.  He’ll be remembered for not only his excellent catalogue but also for his sharp wit and humor.

This 2CD Deluxe Edition of Warren Zevon is an ultimate inclusion to your library.