#9: New American Language - Dan Bern (2001)

What happens when a celebrated singer-songwriter decides to step out from behind clever pop-culture references and let the raw, melodically infectious energy of a full rock band take over? In this episode of 300 Favorite Albums, host James Campion is joined by his long-time friend Dan Bern to dissect the creation of Burn’s pivotal 2001 masterpiece, New American Language. Together, they pull back the curtain on the album's legendary sessions—from Chuck Plotkin’s distinct production touch to the accidental green-room discovery of a key band member who changed their sound forever. But what quiet realization drove Dan to radically shift his creative trajectory just as his career was taking off? And what is the true story behind the late-night, Keith Richards-inspired fever dream that birthed "Alaska Highway"? To uncover how a folk icon transformed himself and his band into a bruising, Keith Moon-style rock powerhouse, you’ll have to listen to the full, unfiltered conversation.New American Language"Sweetness""New American Language""God Said No""Turning Over""Black Tornado""Albuquerque Lullaby""Tape""Honeydoo""Toledo""Rice""Thanksgiving Day"Additional selections:"Black Tornado" - live with Sydney Leigh, Mercury Lounge Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices