The original JT is responsible for so much dad-rock. But his deep cuts are worth giving a listen.
He's America's dad-rock hero, but listen a little closer and you'll find James Taylor is so much more awesome.
Image by Carolyn Kaster / AP
Today is James Taylor's birthday (thanks to the Awl for the reminder). If you know anything about JT, you probably associate him with saccharine dad rock.
The reason for that, of course, is because Taylor's legacy is tied to big hits that are harmless and pleasant on the surface — "Fire And Rain," "You've Got A Friend," and "Mexico" — but his best stuff is about battling back sadness.
Today, as I understand it, James Taylor is deeply uncool. But get over yourself for 20 minutes and on this, the occasion of his 65th birthday, try giving some of his deep cuts a spin.
"Country Road"
Imagine you're a kid, heading across country with your parents and your dad sticks this in the cassette player. You're sitting in the back seat, looking out of the window with your forehead pressed against the cold glass as you watch dark fields roll by.
"Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight"
Chances are you've heard this song — just not by James Taylor. The Isley Brothers, Isaac Hayes, Nancy Wilson and Eric Clapton have all covered it. Taylor's particular talent in penning songs that were ripe for more soulful interpretations can't be overstated. As one Rolling Stone writer put it in a remarkable 1971 review of Taylor's Mud Slide Slim And The Blue Horizon, "James is one of that rare species which perfectly synthesizes the white and black strains of American music."
