Building the Perfect Beast

Back in the mid 80’s Don Henley released a solo album. Ten years before Hell Froze Over. Buildings the Perfect Beast was introduced to me by a friend. We sat at his house one night listening to a cassette version on a cheap boom box. Later we drove to the mall in my car listening to it in the open air of the vehicles T-roof. Youth was a high all unto itself. We thought we could rule the world. 

The song that first got my attention was the Boys of Summer. Even though I haven't seen it in years I still associate the music with video and remember Josh Paul banging on the drums.  I have nothing but fond memories of that time period. I remember being hooked at the very beginning. The song begins with an rhythmic anticipation and a simple guitar twang that pulls you in. As if to say it's time to pay attention.

The second song to really catch my attention wasn't All she wants to do is Dance, like one might expect. Truth is I really never cared to much for that one. Yes it's got a nice hook from the start but it just doesn't click with my psyche. Building the perfect Beast, grabbed my attention and holds it to this day. The subject matter is a reflection on mankind and were we are going. It starts off stating that the perfect beast is the top predator killing "the things we don't eat" It goes on to refer to planned greatness rivaling the gods of Olympus and a reference to Walt Kelly's earth day poster from 43 years ago, "We have met the enemy and he is us". It closes speculating on our life spans getting longer and longer and us gaining a deeper understanding of our world. These would be the references to Methuselah and digging deeper into Pandora's box. I find it to be a stunningly great song in lyrics, rhythm  and execution. This is definitely my favorite on the album.

I am of the opinion that A month of  Sundays should always be played directly before Sunset Grill. One song flows into the next like Jackson Browne's The load out and Stay. It's like one story leads right to the next. A month of Sundays is a beautiful reflection song about times gone past. The Sunset Grill  is the kind of place you'd like to go and do the reflection. 

If I was going to a desert island and could only take 3 albums with me They would be Building the Perfect Beast, Pink Floyd's The Wall, and The Beatles Rubber Soul.