Remembering Mason, and 'We Just Disagree'

"So let's leave it alone'Cause we can't see eye to eyeThere ain't no good guyThere ain't no bad guyThere's only you and me and we just disagree" Dave Mason was part of some of the most influential bands in rock.He played as a session man for just the biggest acts, and wrote some of best songs of the 1970s.But when I think about Mason, it always goes back to one song.It's a tune that Mason — despite being a prolific songwriter — didn't pen himself. It's a song that was a hit on the country charts for Billy Dean in the mid-1990s.That's where I heard it first.The track was penned by Mason's band member and musical partner, the late Jim Krueger.The song is "We Just Disagree." Kreuger did a version of the song, and — like Dean's cover — it's very good.Lots of artists have covered the song. Bob Dylan even included it during a 1980 tour.But there's something special about Mason's version. Mason's deep, baritone voice, combined with Krueger's 12 string acoustic guitar and backing vocal, turns three minutes of music into a very moving experience.I've always played the song frequently, but have been listening to it more this week.Mason died this week at the age of 79.As a guitarist and singer with the band Traffic — a English rock group that also included Steve Winwood — Mason contributed some memorable songs, such as "Only You Know and I Know," which was released in 1970. He also wrote "Feelin' Alright" for the band, which became a smash for Joe Cocker.As a solo artist in the '70s, he had some other big hits, such as "Let it Go, Let it Flow" and "Don't It Make You Wonder."His solo work always featured layered acoustic guitars, and fit well into the folk pop rock scene that was popular in the decade.Krueger was a big part of Mason's success, with his 12 string and vocal work. While not really a duo, the two occasionally toured together in the '80s, just playing with a couple of guitars.It was "unplugged," before anyone really knew what that was.Mason certainly recognized the contributions Kreuger made to his success. "We Just Disagree" was written by Krueger after a painful breakup with his then girlfriend..Supposedly after "We Just Disagree" became Mason's signature song, Mason would jokingly ask his partner to have another bad breakup, so that Mason could record another hit.The song is clearly personal, but for me, it's become somewhat theraputic. In an era where everyone loves to argue — and keep arguing — about everything, I've found "We Just Disagree" to be a good mantra.I play it — and have played it — on every election day for the last several years.Krueger died in 1993. Mason had a career that lasted seven decades. He was a member of Fleetwood Mac for a bit in the 90s, and frequently toured with other artists who were popular in the 1960s and 70s. He even planned a tour in 2025 before canceling it for health reasons. He later announced his retirement from performing.It was an amazing career and an terrific recording.Mason, and Kreuger, gave us plenty to enjoy.And think about. Zach Baker is sports editor at The Courier.