Songs I Love, Part VII: “The One Who Loves You The Most” Brett Dennen

Posted: July 26th, 2009 | Filed under: Music | No Comments »

I’ve noticed a bit of a pattern to this list of Songs I Love I’m compiling here. Most, but not all, happen to be ones that I heard out of the blue. Most were a chance hearing, with no prior knowledge of even the artist.

The same is true for this Brett Dennen tune. It knocked me flat upon first listen. The same thing happened just now as I was listening and printing out the lyrics.

I came upon Dennen year before last at the New Orleans JazzFest. Frankly, he’s the kind of mainstream pop act that never used to play that festival, which is dedicated in theory to the indigenous music of Louisiana. But the incredible growth of festival — and, truth be told, the passing of many of New Orleans’ stalwarts from yesteryear — have caused the promoters to expand the lineup to include fare from beyond the region. There are more mainstream acts these days, though the locals, thankfully, still overwhelm the rest.

Anyhow, I’d never heard of Dennen and was moseying from one stage to another when I came upon the venue as he with his group were just easing into this tune.

The plaintive demeanor of his voice grabbed me. I’m always a sucker for melancholy.

Here, take a listen, then we’ll talk more.

I believe the tune’s story told, and moral to be learned, will grab anyone whose ever had a friend or loved one plagued with self doubt. Or fought that battle them-self. I’ve been in both places.

Then there is the early Dylanesque quality of the song. How the tune, a love song but not one necessarily of romance, is structured. The out of the ordinary imagery. Think “Girl From The North Country.” “Spanish Boots of Spanish Leather.” That’s the ilk I’m takin’ about.

When the masquerade and burlesque balls/ Become too ordinary to boast

When the women with their stolen graces/ Don’t invite you to play host

When your suitors sneering swank beside you/ And leave you hollow like a ghost

Okay, I’m not going to print out all the lyrics but that should give you a taste.

Anyhow, this red-headed Brett Dennen has a big fan here. “The One Who Loves You The Most” never fails to chew me up and spit me out.

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