Oh, Manchester, So Much To Answer For

Warren Zevon has died at the age of 56, just four days after achieving his highest chart position in almost 25 years, as what everyone (including Zevon) knew would be his last album, The Wind, entered The Billboard 200 at #16. He was so much more than "Werewolves of London," y'all - I recommend starting with his 1987 album Sentimental Hygiene, recorded with R.E.M. (minus Stipe) as his backing band. It's one of the strongest, most assured records of his career. [And The Wind's a fitting swansong, packed with but not overshadowed by guests from Springsteen to Bonnie Raitt, along with some of Zevon's best songs in years.] R.I.P., Warren.