Townes Van Zandt fans?

lot of tvz stuff out there, for sure.

perhaps my favorite is

live at the old quarter

a young tvz, playing solo in houston. if you're one of the folks who thinks some of his stuff is overarranged (like some tracks on high, low and in between) this 2 disc set is especially nice. among the highlights are white freight liner blues, and who do you love?. been a while since i listened, and could not check right now (gal is still sleeping), but i think the recording is better than rear view mirror.

also fun is

road songs

live covers including racing in the streets and ira hayes.

as mlauner said, the tribute record

poet

is also pretty good, with a lovely tower song by nanci griffith.

while in the neighborhood, why not check out vic chesnut's

west of rome

voice not for everyone, but good songwriting.

finally, richard buckners's first record,

bloomed,

has some of the best song writing i know about in the tvz vein ("I shot my insides out, with grief and mister kestler")

better stop now.

enjoy the discs, john

Cleaneduphippy: I've not heard the whole disc yet, but I heard a few cuts on NPR, and I fear I'm with Rich here; I was not drawn in, tho to be fair, I've not liked what of SE's recent stuff I've heard. Please do let us know what you think; I'd be curious to hear an opinion after a full listen.

For fans of Texas stuff, do check out Hayes Carll -- a good bit like the Earle of Train a Comin', but to my mind better (no faint praise). Trouble in Mind got some good press, and I like his previous release, Little Rock, even better.

John