Bruce Cockburn, 1992

Bruce Cockburn is a Canadian treasure, or to be more specific, Toronto's treasure. Once can even find a web-tour of his local haunts. I was a Cockburn fan long before I landed here in TO, drawn by the songs, the voice and the unfolding journey expressed in his music. I can't claim to be as tolerant of singer-songwriters as they probably deserve, but then I've been spoiled by the dozen or so that really speak to me, and even amongst this small and elite group, Cockburn is one of my favorites.

Now that I've disclosed my prejudice, dear reader, you will not be surprised to read that I heartily endorse this "best of" collection. AAA is a must for Bruck Cockburn completists, with its two new tracks, the title track and "My Beat." And, while I have some minor quibbles with the 16 tracks selected, this is a nice career retrospective; if anything, the list's limitations are described by the album's subtitle: Singles 1979 - 2002. Any die-hard fan knows there are gems that don't fall under the rubric of single. So I won't clutter my review with my personal selections -- that sort of discussion is for listservs, and best left where it belongs.

Now, diehard fans probably already own AAA, so I'll write the rest of this review for the unconverted. Cockburn is one of the most intelligent, yet accessible singer-songwriters out there, whose passions include the environment andpolitical hypocrisy, and who links the personal with the political in a convincing way. Of course it's unusual to hear Cockburn's political songs played on the radio, that relentlessly trivial medium, so many casual listeners will not have moved beyond 1979's "Wondering Where the Lions Are" or the often-covered "Lovers in a Dangerous Time," from 1983.

But there is so much more to Cockburn's music. "If I had a Rocket Launcher" was written in 1983 in Chiapas, but it's conflicting desires for pacificism and retribution seem particularly relevant following the events of 9/11/01. "Waiting for a Miracle" mixes the personal and the political, examining unrealistic hopes with an upbeat sensibility.  "Rainforest" is angry, asking, "What kind of currency grows in these new deserts, in these brand new flood plains?" while celebrating the haunting beauty of rainforests, and the marking tragedy for the environment, the species, and the displaced persons.

Without engaging in navel gazing, Cockburn's songwriting shows us the man and his journey. "A Dream like Mine" is both personal and universal:

"You've got a dream like mine, Nobody can take you down,

When you know, even for a moment that it's your turn,

you can walk with the power of a thousand generations."

In "Last Night of the World" Cockburn acknowledges moving past early lessons "not to trust my body" and in the next line invites his partner to drink champagne on the "last night of the world." Cockburn draws us into his world rather than dumping his issues on our laps. With his characteristic passion and generosity, in the title track, he offers his heart, "anything anytime anywhere for you." It's difficult to miss the beauty and intelligence of the man. And as songwriter, Cockburn knows his way around a melody, surrounding his provocative lyrics with an effective folk-rock accompaniment that always augments and never steals the spotlight.

Like his music, Cockburn has matured from an uncertain youth into a lean, grey confident man who seems at home in his skin, if not with the state of the world.  His voice remains sure and unmistakable.  Singer-songwriters would do well to take note. Careers based on self revelation are often short -- no one is that interesting -- but careers based on passion and self knowledge tend to endure.

Anything Anytime Anywhere will partially satisfy those who haven't acquired earlier material on CD. The liner notes give extensive information about the composition of the songs, as wella s musicians and discography. Sadly they do not include lyrics. I haven't mentioned all of the singles contained on the album, but suffice to say that there is not a weak track among them. Whether an old fan or a new convert, there are many reasons to acquire this CD.

[Kim Bates]