CD Review

Running On Empty has become one of the all time rock classics. Browne’s live album concept was much different from anything he had done in the studio previously - he and his band came up with a collaborative effort about life on the road. In the years since, his music has weathered the storm and continues to gather momentum with great remasters such as this. Here in particular, packaged as a remastered CD and DVD Audio release with extensive liner notes and video bonuses including a “Running On Empty” montage and photo album.

Browne was synonymous with California desert partiers such as the Eagles, and his lyrics live up to that reputation with many references to alcohol and cocaine. Fans were accustomed to his soft rock ‘sensitive’ California sound and this album completely washed away all of those labels. This is a rockin’ set.

The CD has 10 tracks while the DVD has two bonus tracks, “Cocaine Again” and “Edwardsville Room 124,” which turn out to be very worthy - as the DVD is far superior in sound due to its 5.1 surround sound features. The CD sounds good as well, but if you listen to the DVD first, you're already spoiled and will be a tad disappointed in the sound of the CD. Even on the DVD extras, it sounded good on my PC with WinDVD 6 software and the virtual speaker boosters engaged along with the Theater sound selection. I have cheap little speakers purchased for the sole intention of using them for the PC, not music, so I was impressed. This remastered music is superb.

This version is by far superior to any other out there now. This is money well spent indeed, particularly if you are a Jackson Browne fan.

Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck muzikreviews.com