Transverse City

After Sentimental Hygiene returned Zevon to public consciousness with its use of R.E.M. as his primary backing band, Transverse City is his call-up to the classic-rock elite. Jerry Garcia, Neil Young, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Jefferson Airplane’s Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen and Tom Petty’s Benmont Tench all stop by to add their finishing touches. Zevon’s in a bitter mood, railing against the technology he sees enslaving us. His only sense of pleasure comes from the “Splendid Isolation” he finds in hiding out from the rest of mankind. The title track rails against the devaluing of life in the pursuit of money. “Run Straight Down” is a foreboding tune with everyone left running in the rain for something they can’t escape. “Down In The Mall” is a tale of dulled consumerism mated with a bright beat. “Gridlock” is a sign that Zevon’s been living in Los Angeles for too long. “Nobody’s In Love This Year” is a gentle tune that tries to find a silver lining in all this apocalyptic fog.