Warren Zevon – Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School (SACD hibrid)

The majestic strings and successive gunshots that herald the opening of “Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School” embody the contrasts between which Warren Zevon skillfully navigates on his fourth album – an album that introduced his witty, neo-noir-influenced songwriting to a wide audience. The 1980 album, created as the Chicago-born musician struggled to overcome his addiction issues and put a failed marriage behind him, showcases his interest in classical arrangements and his knack for astute observations, tongue-in-cheek humor, and heart-wrenching emotion. “Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School,” co-produced by Zevon and his longtime studio partner Greg Ladanyi, became a Top 20 album thanks in no small part to collaborations with top musicians such as Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Ben Keith, Waddy Wachtel, J.D. Souther, and Eagles members Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Don Felder!

Dedicated to crime writer Ken Millar, who helped Zevon through his rehab, “Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School” reveals the singer-songwriter at his most personal: Zevon combines this with two striking string interludes reminiscent of chamber music, reflecting his admiration for composer Igor Stravinsky, whom he had once visited in Russia. Thematically, Zevon – then recently divorced – promises to change in the title track. The high-pitched and lonely-sounding song “Bed Of Coals,” co-written with T Bone Burnett, reinforces this promise. And the rousing, piano-driven ballad “Empty-Handed Heart” shows Zevon at his most conciliatory and tender. In the coda of the latter track, a beautiful high-pitched vocal by Ronstadt transports the melody to another realm and reinforces the deep-rooted complexity and subtlety that permeates Zevon’s entire body of work. Together with his buddy Jorge Calderon, Zevon delivers one of his classic mercenary tales in “Jungle Work.” Dense and dark, the song exudes a fitting desperado atmosphere through a macho, military-style chorus and powerful tones –  intensified by Joe Walsh’s memorable lead guitar work. For the socially critical “Gorilla, You’re A Desperado,” Zevon presents a melody that moves like a compressed accordion. Henley and Browne join in on the chorus, and the collective seems to dance its way through a lively landscape marked by the absurdity of rubber masks, humor, and chaos.

MFSL is now presenting “Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School” for the first time as an audiophile Hybrid SACD, offering the best sound quality the album has ever had. This collectible reissue sets new standards in terms of spatiality, transparency, and dynamics. No previous version offers the warmth, clarity, and impact of this MoFi Hybrid SACD, strictly limited to 2,500 copies! Turn your amplifier up to full volume and let this unforgettable ’80s classic play all night long!

We recommend the use of „L’Art du Son” CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.

Lista pieselor

1. Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School

2. A Certain Girl

3. Jungle Work

4. Empty-Handed Heart

5. Interlude No. 1

6. Play It All Night Long

7. Jeannie Needs A Shooter

8. Interlude No. 2

9. Bill Lee

10. Gorilla, You’re A Desperado

11. Bed Of Coals

12. Wild Age