The Best of Townes Van Zandt
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
In Texas troubadour circles, the songwriting of the late Townes Van Zandt has long elicited the reverence that the rest of the world reserves for Bob Dylan. This 17-song collection justifies such devotion, while providing newcomers with an expansive introduction to the bluesy bard whose lyrics illuminate the soul's darkest recesses. Using the simplest language to explore the deepest truths, Van Zandt mines a bittersweet vein of metaphysical bleakness on "Flyin' Shoes," "Tower Song," "Waiting Around to Die," the tragic "Tecumseh Valley," and the transcendent "To Live Is to Fly." Those who worship at the altar of "For the Sake of the Song" will know all of these by heart, though country fans will be more familiar with "Pancho and Lefty" (from Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard's chart-topping duet) and "If I Needed You" (a hit for Don Williams and Emmylou Harris). While early studio recordings dominate the set, later live performances are more revelatory, with the boyish warmth of Van Zandt's vocals giving way to a world-weary resignation and his spare guitar accompaniment stripping the song to the bone. His deadpan club rendition of the Rolling Stones' "Dead Flowers" is the best of the set's three cover songs. --Don McLeese
The Best of Townes Van Zandt, Music, Townes Van Zandt, Americana, Contemporary Folk, Country-Rock, Folk, Folk & Traditional, Pop, Progressive Country, Singer/Songwriter
Music Info:
Recommended Music:
Rare & Unissued [Import] [Original recording remastered]
No.1 Summer Dance Album [Import]
Pleasant Dreams [Original recording remastered]