Premiere: Jubal Lee Young flies high with Warren Zevon’s ‘Carmelita’
Jubal’s rendition packs a punch.
It’s hard to outpace Linda Ronstadt’s take on “Carmelita,” a Warren Zevon original. How she crafted the melody to fit her caramel-thick vocals is nearly unmatched. But the late, great Steve Young tackled the song during his live shows, giving the story a rustic, grainy feel. It’s an accomplishment that can not be understated. Premiering today on B-Sides & Badlands, Steve’s son Jubal Lee Young slips into the classic tune to give it his unique imprint. With mariachi music echoing in the background, Jubal’s rendition honors the song’s storied tradition while standing on its own.
Steve never recorded the song officially, but Jubal borrows elements from the arrangement to delicately knit a version that could only be erected by him. “Zevon’s lyrical painting masterwork. Probably one of my favorites on the album,” he shares.
“Carmelita, hold me tighter / I think I’m sinking down,” Jubal aches in the chorus, his weathered tenor injecting the song with ripened wisdom and raw honesty. “And I’m all strung out on heroin on the outskirts of town…”
Jubal’s “Carmelita” carries with it significant weight. From the trembling opening notes to the bellowing lower register, his performance serves as an appropriate way to honor his father, suggesting a passing of the torch in many ways. With the song’s signature melody, Jubal wastes no time in evoking the charm of yesteryear in a way that is endearing and wonderfully enduring.
“Carmelita” samples a forthcoming album titled Wild Birds Warble, which you could argue is his comeback record. Arriving June 28, it’ll be his first album in a decade, after 2014’s On a Dark Highway. Following a bit of high-profile success (he competed on The Voice), personal tragedy struck. His father suffered a brain injury, exacerbating his already ill health and leading to his death.
Now, Jubal emerges stronger and more resilient than ever. With Wild Birds Warble, he readies what will be one of the year’s finest Americana releases.
Listen to Jubal’s “Carmelita” below.
