James Taylor review – heartfelt songcraft saved from the brink of parody

Manchester ArenaThe songwriter’s songwriter undercuts his sentimental themes of freedom and family values with vinegary humour and nods to his darker historyIt’s hard to imagine how the genial, gently wisecracking chap on stage could provoke anyone into thoughts of violence. However, in 1971, the singer-songwriter was the subject of Lester Bangs’s infamous essay, James Taylor Marked for Death, in which the legendary if rather livewire rock critic fantasised about murdering t...

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