Picks and Pans Review: Living in the Usa

Linda Ronstadt

Any singer who can provide a rock’n’roll rush with the Chuck Berry classic Back in the USA and sweep right into the tender 1934 Romberg/ Hammerstein lullaby When I Grow Too Old to Dream is showing versatility. Then Ronstadt moves into the old soul hit Just One Look and, following that, tunes by Elvis Costello, Warren Zevon and Eric Kaz. Pretty smooth, even off her roller skates. Linda has indeed emerged as the undisputed Empress of Pacific Coast Street Life, and the range of her eclectic pipes justifies her reign. The best cuts are rockers like Berry’s and a gritty Little Feat creation, All That You Dream, but Zevon’s Mohammed’s Radio, Kaz’s Blowing Away and the old Presley hit Love Me Tender are affecting as well. There is also standout work by Don Grolnick on keyboards and Linda’s now-familiar studio pals.