DU Album of the Day: "Living in the USA" Linda Ronstadt
In 1978, Linda Ronstadt was on the cusp of a major career change, though her fans may not have known it. Indeed, she herself may have been unaware that she was passing from pop diva to purveyor of classics and standards. The clues are here, as Ronstadt puts her own stamp on some pop classics such as "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" and "Ooo Baby Baby." But there are also the usual suspects, a decently rocking version of Chuck Berry's "Back in the U.S.A." as well as exposure for some other deserving songwriters like Elvis Costello ("Alison"
and Warren Zevon ("Mohammed's Radio" . Costello and Zevon would probably both have done all right, but this boost from Ronstadt didn't hurt either one of them.
Of course, no mention of the album should be made without a reference to the cover. Who wears short shorts? Linda Ronstadt, and she does it very well indeed. Her innocent doe-eyed hallway pose, in roller skates and knee-highs got more than one young man through puberty during that time. But the music has held up very well, and that voice is a natural wonder.
Back in the U.S.A.
When I Grow Too Old to Dream
Just One Look
Alison
White Rhythm & Blues
All That You Dream
Ooo Baby Baby
Mohammed's Radio
Blowing Away
Love Me Tender
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