Vagabond Synth Nerd’s Journal Vol. 276 - MoMA Collection-Style Timeless Live Albums - Part 4: American Rock Edition

Classic American Rock Capturing the Spirit of Its Era: RUNNING ON EMPTY, “The Lonely Runner”

The permanent live album collection, American Rock Edition Part 4, features a masterpiece by West Coast musician Jackson Browne. At first, I considered The Last Waltz by The Band, but I felt a stronger emotional connection with Jackson Browne. I chose RUNNING ON EMPTY because David Lindley, who plays slide guitar on this album, is a musician I have interviewed, and he plays a crucial role in the album. I am particularly fond of the unique atmosphere that this album embodies.

In 1980, I set out on a solo journey across the United States riding in Greyhound and Continental Trailways buses. My companions were Americans I met along the way and fellow backpackers like myself. I traveled through cities such as New York, Chicago, New Orleans, El Paso, and Los Angeles. At 21, I embarked on a reckless adventure barely able to speak the language and with almost no money, crossing the American continent with a $300 unlimited 20-day bus pass.
The United States is a vast continent, even if you line up several Japans side by side, so taking a bus didn’t mean I could just reach my desired cities in a flash. Sometimes, after sleeping in an overnight bus, the desert landscape barely changed. After the endless desert scenery, on the second night, I finally saw the lights of a small town and felt a sense of relief.

Jackson Browne’s live album RUNNING ON EMPTY evokes the landscapes of America that I saw at age 21. Somehow, it also mirrors my feelings at the time. You can sense the muted landscapes and solitude of the late-1970s to early-1980s America. The live album RUNNING ON EMPTY includes recordings from the Jackson Browne Band’s domestic tour, sessions recorded on tour buses, and takes from motels where they stayed during the tour—a highly unusual recording situation. It’s not a polished live performance; the album captures the atmosphere of America at that time and the emotions of Jackson Browne and his band members throughout the recording process.

■ Recommended Album: Jackson Browne - RUNNING ON EMPTY (1977)

A masterpiece live album released in 1977. It possesses a unique atmosphere of languor and unity among the members that cannot be captured in a standard live recording. The band members include Jackson Browne (vocals, guitar, piano), David Lindley (guitar, violin, pedal steel, vocals), Craig Doerge (Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer piano, Oberheim 4-voice synthesizer), Danny Kortchmar (guitar), Russ Kunkel (drums), and Leland Sklar (bass)—all highly skilled musicians from the West Coast.
The ensemble in American rock is very simple, and at first listen, the sound may seem sparse. However, the skill of the members is evident in every note, forming the backbone of this historic live album. The band’s chorus work is particularly noteworthy, filling the gaps in the sparse arrangements. The high-tone female vocals by Rosemary Butler leave a strong impression. Beneath the vibrant stage presence, the album conveys the harshness of the endless travel and loneliness of life on the road, as well as the introspective emptiness experienced by Browne himself.

Recommended Track: “Running on Empty”

The theme song of this album. Browne compares himself to a car wheel in constant rotation, paralleling the never-ending tour with life itself, while the word “empty” emphasizes a sense of void. This track exemplifies Browne as a singer-songwriter who reflects deeply on himself. At the heart of the band’s ensemble is David Lindley’s pedal steel guitar, played on a hollowed-out custom neck resting on his lap. Lindley’s steel guitar drives the song’s sense of momentum and energy.

Recommended Track: “The Road”

A song by Danny Kortchmar showcasing the exquisite interplay between his acoustic guitar and David Lindley’s violin. Even in this folky track, Jackson Browne brings out his signature style. From the third chorus, bass, drums, and keyboards join, forming the band’s sound, yet the performance remains simple. Craig Doerge’s Rhodes piano complements Lindley’s violin beautifully.

Recommended Track: “Cocaine”

This track also centers on the acoustic guitar of Danny Kortchmar and David Lindley’s violin. The song conveys the mix of drug-induced haze and the weariness of life on the road. Jackson Browne’s languid vocal take was recorded in a hotel room. Danny Kortchmar’s acoustic guitar solo is outstanding.

Recommended Track: “The Load-Out ~ Stay”

After the concert ends and the venue is empty, the crew packs up the equipment… This rare song is dedicated to the touring staff. Craig Doerge plays a solo on the MiniMoog. The sound is almost completely naked, with minimal effects. What stands out is that, though nothing complex is done, the melody itself sings. In the third chorus of “Stay”, David Lindley sings in a playful tone that’s amusing. Following that, Craig Doerge’s synthesizer solo mirrors the original “The Load-Out” melody, but is enhanced with pitch bends using the wheel on the left side of the synth, adding subtle beauty to the line.

Featured Musicians, Album, and Recommended Tracks

• Artists: Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Craig Doerge, Danny Kortchmar, Leland Sklar, Russ Kunkel, Rosemary Butler, etc.
• Album: RUNNING ON EMPTY
• Recommended Tracks: “Running on Empty”, “The Road”, “Cocaine”, “The load-out～Stay”

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