I am at a loss to describe what actually links these two songs, other than the fact that I listen to both of them quite often, and that they are both sad in their own separate ways.
'Road To Peace' is a perhaps the best informed "protest" songs around. It portrays a prosaic and detail-heavy series of events in Israel/Palestine, the underlying theme being the futile cycle of violence. All to gritty bar-blues. The highlight of his latest 3CD album.
Road To Peace- Tom Waits
Tom Waits' website
The next song is as tender as the above song is rough. While 'Road to Peace' is sung by a disconnected narrator, 'Lonesome Valley' is a personal song. The instruments are undistorted and restrained, and the tone is rather melancholy. It harks back to Harvest-era Neil Young, only a bit more pastoral.
Lonesome Valley- Magnolia Electric Company
Magnolia Electric Company's website.
