Welcome to Musical Chairs!-a project where I release a daily music video featuring myself performing with a rotating lineup of fellow musicians and loved ones. 

Youtube: https://youtu.be/hbBj7hP7dTs

Today’s post (#14 of 31) covers Jackson Browne’s “Barricades of Heaven”.  I am joined by my son, Eian O’Brien. It was his choice to include this song in my project.  

This song, to me, is about Jackson’s “reflection” on his personal journey and arrival as a consummate singer/songwriter. It has been said that his “signature storytelling shines through” on this piece. 

Here are Eian’s thoughts: 

I have loved this song since I first heard it. Since moving to LA, it has rooted in my heart– whereas before it was a good song I enjoyed, now it breathes in my ear; a friend from the past that foretells my present–an eerie fortune with timeless precision. It is part-ode part-inquiry into the City of Angels, angels who seem themselves to be gargoyles stoned on the barricades. And redemption comes on this wing–just before you burst in the grappling of dreams and torment. It is the gift the city proffers, should you knock.

– Eian O’Brien
  City of Angels, November 2023

Eian O’Brien is an actor and filmmaker in Los Angeles. He wrote, directed, and produced the musical short film, Bird’s Blue Pantoum, which can be viewed on YouTube.

Location note: St. Charles History Museum (St. Charles, IL). I would like to thank Steve Gibson and Eric Krupa for allowing us to film at this wonderful location. For more information about the museum visit: https://www.stcmuseum.org/ 

Happy holidays!  Please enjoy and share!

For links to all currently released videos, please visit my website http://www.dennisobrienmusic.com/calendar?view=calendar&month=12-202