If you are a fan of Warren Zevon you are probably already more than aware of this, but today marks the release of a classic album some 32 years after its original release. The self titled album Zevon released back in 1976 was his debut for Asylum Records and was produced by Jackson Browne. The album includes classic Zevon tunes like “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.”

The record itself certainly stands the test of time on its own, and unveils the dark inner core of Zevon’s songwriting. The themes throughout the album are grimy and bleak, and even with the sunnier production qualities of Browne present, Zevon’s unfiltered storytelling clouds up any shiny studio post production.

And what is so great about this release is, not only do you get the original album, but an entire disc of previously unreleased songs accompanies it and features rarities from alternative versions of classics like “Frank & Jesse James” to demo recordings from sessions as far back as 1974. And for hardcore fans, the second disc gives a very cool WMMS radio session song recorded in 1976 of “Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded.” The Collector’s Edition is available today from Rhino Records, and is a must purchase for all fans of the late great Warren Zevon.

Enjoy this video of Zevon and Browne performing “Mohammed Radio” in December of 1976…

In addition here are some tracks for you to listen to…..

Listening Party

Track List:
1) Poor Poor Pitiful Me
2) The French Inhaler
3) Desperados Under The Eaves
4) Frank & Jesse James (Solo Piano Demo)
5) Carmelita (1974 demo)
6) I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (Alternate version)

Quicktime Listening
Windows Media Listening
Real Player Listening

Full album tracklisting after the jump…

‘Warren Zevon’ (Collector’s Edition)

Track Listing

Disc 1

1. Frank And Jesse James
2. Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded
3. Backs Turned Looking Down The Path
4. Hasten Down The Wind
5. Poor Pitiful Me
6. The French Inhaler
7. Mohammed’s Radio
8. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead
9. Carmelita
10. Join Me In L.A.
11. Desperados Under The Eaves

Disc 2 (Previously Unissued)

1. Frank And Jesse James (Solo Piano Demo)
2. The French Inhaler (Solo Piano Demo)
3. Hasten Down The Wind (Band Demo)
4. Carmelita (1974 Demo)
5. Mohammed’s Radio (Solo Piano Demo)
6. Backs Turned Looking Down The Path (Take 1 – 1/28/76)
7. Join Me In L.A. (Take 2 – 11/20/75)
8. Poor Pitiful Me (Alternate Version)
9. Frank And Jesse James (Alternate Version)
10. Mohammed’s Radio (Take 2 – 11/6/75)
11. The French Inhaler (Take 1 – 1/13/76)
12. Carmelita (Alternate Version)
13. Desperados Under The Eaves (Take 2 – 1/13/76)
14. Mama Couldn’t Be Persuaded (Live WMMS 10/13/76)
15. I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead (Alternate Version)