Jack Tempchin
Songs
Written by Mike Alvarez

When an artist simply titles his album Songs, one can infer that he is either a) unimaginative or b) so comfortable with his own work that he feels it to be sufficiently descriptive. In the case of Jack Tempchin, the latter is probably the case. He is best known for his collaborations with the Eagles, having written two of their biggest hits ("Already Gone" and "Peaceful, Easy Feeling"). He shifts between styles easily, giving his songs an identifiable sound and feel that is uniquely his.

"Out in the Desert" opens the album with a relentless Johnny Cash-like rhythm that chugs along like a runaway train. The lyrics, which paint pictures of life in an American desert, are delivered with an appropriately dry and dusty vocal. The rhythms and chords vary little throughout, but the song remains interesting due to an evolving arrangement that has harmonica and backup singers appearing at various points. He continues to explore the beauty of simplicity with "Something in the Image," a song that features a haunting minor key melody over a repetitive two-chord motif, driven by steady drums and percussion.

Things take an exciting turn with "Waiting," a heavy rocking number with a drum intro similar to Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll." The song itself is Neil Young-like in its intensity and rawness. In fact, there are times when Tempchin's voice takes on a little of Young's unique delivery and nasal whine. A very abrupt change of pace occurs with "It Could Have Been You and Me," an old time jazz/pop song, complete with fiddle, accordion, and harmonica. A bit of French dialogue puts the listener squarely at a sidewalk cafe in Paris. "Ghost in the Night" makes interesting use of a vocalist as a part of the rhythm section. However, in all honesty, I found this to be a by-the-numbers Latin tune with a rather predictable chord progression and melody. I would consider it a small misstep in a very strong collection of songs.

"Box of Memories" is a melancholy story-song in the tradition of Harry Chapin that is noteworthy for the appearance of legendary viola virtuoso Novi Novog. Her clean and warm lines perfectly punctuate the bittersweet mood. Dusted off from the "Miami Vice" soundtrack, the '80s Glenn Frey hit "Smugglers Blues" is included as well. This time it's given a less polished interpretation. Its rawer and heavier sound more effectively conveys the menace in the words.

The next two songs return to the Americana style for which Tempchin is probably best known. "East of Eden" could have been an Eagles' song, as its feel is similar to that of "Peaceful, Easy Feeling." Its lightly strummed chords, soft country rhythms, and smooth harmony vocals unabashedly create that same tone. "All the Love" is a soft acoustic ballad that Eric Clapton might have written in one of his mellower, reflective periods. The arrangement is delicate and subtle, lulling the listener into a contemplative state in time for...

...The Grand Finale! "Couch Rider" is a tough-sounding cowboy rocker with a semi-spoken verse. It tells a tongue-in-cheek tale of justice through the ages, from a dusty western town to mean city streets, and, finally, to the space lanes of the galaxy. All delivered by a remote-control toting gunslinger in front of his television set. It's a very strong and humorous note to end on. I might venture to say that it's my favorite of them all. This album is an engaging romp through many musical styles that are unified by a singular voice.