One of my Top 3 favorite pop balladeers of all time. This one can still bring me to tears if I let it. Reminds me of the theme in one of my favorite Hemingway shorts, "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place."
"And the waitress is practicing politics, as the businessmen slowly get stoned. Yes, they're sharing a drink they call lonliness, but it's better than drinkin' alone..."
And this one, I've never been able to listen to, not once since I first bought the album, without tearing up, or bawling outright. The full orchestra, especially the brass and woodwinds along with his piano, and all the cresendo punches make the story even more amazing. I challenge any multi-music lover who also
feels music, has a tender heart, and a shit ton of empathy to get through it without feeling something, because I guarantee you, you've never heard an American West retelling of this outlaw's story quite like this.
"And he never traveled heavy, yes, he always rode alone, and he soon put many older guns to shame. And he never had a sweetheart, but he finally found a home, underneath the Boot Hill grave that bears his name..."