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Lyle Lovett, John Hiatt, Joe Ely, Guy Clark

I saw these four gentlemen perform together last night. Four chairs, four guitars, and them sitting in a row on the stage. Each taking a turn playing their songs. It was an amazing performance. After last night, I want to expose myself to more of John Hiatt's music. He has a really quirky voice and a wry way of looking at the world, plus his guitar playing really impressed me. Can anyone recommend some of his music for me? I would love to get my hands on some of his work on vinyl, but CD/SACD will work as well. It was great to see a show in which everyone on the stage was an equal, each sharing, laughing, and applauding the other's playing. As usual, Lyles voice was wonderful, and Ely and Clark have always been a treat to listen to, with their songs of West Texas. What a great night! 2 1/2 hours of wonderful music making. If this tour makes it to your area, don't miss it.
slipknot1
davebachmann
94 posts
 
Tops on my list are Bring the Family and Slow Turning followed closely by Crossing Muddy Waters.

I strongly agree with Rar1's comment concerning the hit or miss quality of some of his stuff. Many of the earlier albums (and even some recent ones like Little Head) are actually fairly painful to my ears, but the winners are true gems.
mmrog
101 posts
 
"Bring the Family" is Hiatt's best as far as sonic's go and was released by MoFi on LP and gold CD. Also has some of his best songs and great picking by Ry Cooder in an informal live in the studio set.

IMO his best rock releases are "Riding with the King" (also on MoFi gold CD) and "Warming Up to the Ice Age".

He has several greatest hits, but my favorite is the 2 disk "Anthology", cause it's got a lot of his older songs. Takes you up to "Crossing Muddy Water" which is great and his most acoustic release. Another live in the studio affair.

Anyone heard his latest "Beneath this Gruff Exterior" ? Guess it's another rock one with the Goners. I love Sonnny Landreth, but haven't been too impressed with Hiatt's recent releases with them.
prhifi
20 posts
 
i am leaving in 15 minutes to see them at the New Jersey
Performing Arts Center tonight at 8:00 p.m. i have had these tickets for over a month and can't wait. Tickets are still available so if you have nothing planned on this
freeeeeeezing night try and make it
jgreenwood
20 posts
 
I'll be there tonight. Now I'm really looking forward to it.

I don't think anyone mentioned "Walk On" which is definitely one of my favorite Hiatt albums. Also, there is (was?) a two disk compilation on Hippo(?) that covered his entire career through "Crossing Muddy Waters."

"Beneath This Gruff Interior" suffers from surprisingly poor sound (surprisingly because it was mastered by Doug Sax). Songs are good, but not among Hiatt's best.

Getting ready to head out . . .
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drubin
3,274 posts
 
I saw those four guys here in Redwood City last year. A great night of music, including Neil Young being summoned out of the audience to do a song of his own. I thought Hiatt sort of stole the show, though. If you have a chance to catch him with his band, The Goners, don't miss it. He is such a charming, entertaining guy on stage. His lyrics are terrific, and I find I really connect with them during live performances. And The Goners really rock, especially with Sonny Landreth on guitar.

In addition to Slow Turning and Bring the Family, I recommend Stolen Moments, which includes a favorite of mine, Real Fine Love.
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