Otis, I don't know if it is up your alley. But could you do a show on the life of Ernie Thacker, who died on April 10, 2018 as a result of an auto accident years earlier. He started playing as teenager with Ralph Stanley. He eventually went out on his own. He truly pocessed one of the best voices in country/bluegrass.
I hope you come across this post. I grew up on lake Travis, my father would pull me water skiing any given day of the week, preferably, weekdays. He would go to a marina to fuel up, there was a bar, and they had live music. Townes lived/stayed there. He had a houseboat, Blaze Foley was there, Calvin Russell, the Waddell Brothers……. The list is long. My Dad would take them out sometimes, I would water ski, while we all rode down the lake, usually at sunset. I was about 12-13 years old and didn’t realize I was amongst greatness. Looking back… what an awesome time… and I was able to be there as a witness. They all loved Lake Travis, and had a hideaway to relax and watch the ‘Colorado Wind’, onwards towards Austin. Then he would drop them off, maybe stay for some music, and we would ride home. This went on for several years, weather permitting of course. Thought I would share. RIP Townes, Baez and Calvin. ❤️
It’s good to see Townes getting the recognition he deserves these days. My father introduced me to his music when I was young and then his cover of Dead Flowers in the Big Lebowski brought me back when I was older. I’ve got a handful of his records and play them regularly. I think my favorite song is “Lungs” or “Waiting Around To Die”
@@DoctorSess Me too, his is perfect for that excellent film, and for any other time, ahhh Townes! ( I've been mistakenly attributing "Dead Flowers" to Townes awhile now, uh oh.)
Live at the Cactus Cafe, Austin TX 16. Feb. 1991 w/ Guy Clark. The version of ”Marie” ABSOLUTELY FUCKING KILLS. Definitive version, if ya ask me. Even the introduction stops you in your tracks. ”Here’s a song about the homeless of the land called ”Marie”…”, Townes says, and then starts to play with perfect intonation and poise. I swear you could hear a pin drop. Masterclass.
I just got home from doing sound for the Hank & Townes tribute show we do every year at my local pub here in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s been a tradition here for nearly a decade. One of the things that always makes so happy is realizing how much influence these two have on the younger generations of songwriters in all the right ways. Thanks as always for your hard work
Townes gets played daily around the farmhouse. I think I would actually go with the radio broadcast of him and Guy going back and forth trading songs. I really love those old recordings when he was doing fraternity blues and shit like that. Man, it was too good💜✌️
I hope Ernie Thacker gets remembered post death (april 10, 2018) like Townes has. Ernie was tragically paralyzed in an auto accident near his home. He suffered for many years till he died. He never once complained about his predicament. His voice was as good as it gets.
It was Lyle Lovett covering Townes that introduced me to Townes' music. I can't pick a favorite album or song, it's usually whichever one I'm listening to at the time. Thanks for this one, Otis 🙏🏻
I was very fortunate-I got to see and hear Townes live at the original Old Quarter over and over again, many times. It was the greatest venue ever to soak up the experience. And when he was accompanied by Rex Bell and Mickey White, it was like a happy celebration. But regardless of Townes' mood it was a great showcase of a remarkable, singular, talent. I'll say it again - I really miss Townes.
For me it would have to be Our Mother the Mountain. The first time I heard that song I was left speechless. I had never heard a song that provoked so much emotion and thought. I was hooked on Townes after that.
If it had to be just one song to commemorate him today, it would be the recording "Flying Shoes" on Rear View Mirror. I love Live at the Old Quarter, but I think with the couple guitars and a fildde arrangements, Rear View Mirror is my favorite Townes live recording. That being said, the version of Two Girls in Live at the Old Quarter I'd one of my favorites too! There is another live recording of Townes, along with Guy Clark and Steve Earle doing a benefit for a dental service for people without dental insurance that is great too. They include a lot of stage banter between the songs on the recording, and Townes tells some hilarious stories. You really get the feeling that it's just three buddies having a good old time and playing some songs.
I’m 28, live in Nebraska. Have the cover of roadsongs tattooed on my arm. I listen to Townes at least once a day. Every once in a while, someone recognizes the cover or when I’m playin his songs. Always love when that happens. Or getting to introduce Townes to new people. I always play Roadsongs and Live at the Old Quarter. The feel of the room and the jokes in between are great. Thank you as always Otis for all the great stories! Take care my friend, and have a great new year!
I seen Townes play in 1994 in a small club in Hull UK called the New Adelphi . There was probably 80 people there I was right at the front . He was amazing . Spoke to him for a little while after it. Cool guy such a talent . One of those rare song writers who’s lyrics put you right in the moment . Special
I’m listening. Over the New Year in Pokhara Nepal whilst on a trip to the Himalayan mountains I was late to discover Townes A good friend introduced his music to me A few years back Well done Thank you for posting The song Tecumseh Valley move me a great deal ✌🏼🙏
I have a Townes story. About 1983-84 I was in school in Austin enjoying the great live music including the T-Birds, SRV, Eric Johnson, Charlie Sexton and some alternative bands like The Wild Seeds, Glass Eye and The Jitters. Heard so many people playing Townes' songs so an obnoxious buddy and I headed to the Soap Creek Saloon to check him out. We arrived and there were only about ten people there and Townes was playing some mellow folk with some other musicians. We were expecting an electric guitar show. After the first song we started to get up to leave and one of the musicians made a sarcastic remark about us leaving. My friend responded with "You guys suck!" As we were walking to the door I saw and heard Townes say "I'm not taking that shit" as he was walking off the stage to come after us. Thankfully somebody must have stopped him because I waited at my car to see if he would come outside but he did not. Was kinda hoping he would kick my friend's ass but Townes looked old and sick. I have always felt bad about walking out of the show and we were lucky the whole band and club did not come after us! 😎🎸
At a little fiddle shop jam in No Cal this afternoon, a gathering of old friends, one of the songs we did was Poncho and Lefty. Live from the Old Quarter would be my go-to album.
I’ve been listening to your podcasts for some time now. I always like your sign off line I found Townes in the writing credits on Don Williams album Through him I found Guy Clark. I absolutely loved Guy’s cover of Don’t You Take it Too Bad on his CD Craftsman. Guy was a huge discovery for me and through him I got to know Townes I got in touch with Guy’s agent and got him to come here to Salt Spring Island BC Canada in 1999 I had the honour of opening for him. I remember so well the feeling in the room when Guy did “Cold Dog Soup. My favourite song of Townes is Don’t You Take it too Bad My favourite line “How soft the time flies past your window at night” Thanks for what you’re doing Otis Alan Moberg
I can play a few Townes songs on guitar so I'll be playing those. Singing a TVZ song is always a special feeling. It's kinda like a massage for your soul.
Tecumseh Valley’s my go to when I want my damn heart broke. I was on tour on Dec. 1 ‘97 when I learned of TVZ’s passing,that was a hard 1. Gonna listen to Steve E’s Ft. Worth Blues as well. RIP TVZ,thank you Otis G
Live at The Old Quarter was the second album I bought, had my guitar out today and played If I needed you, Colorado Girl, Waitin Around to Die, and Tecumseh Valley
I love the way that documentary begins Townes Van Zandt Be There to Love Me, it’s a beautiful song. Every once in a while you can find the movie on RUclips before it’s copyrighted.
I asked Townes once about the story of him hitchhiking through Lubbock with a backpack full of his recently recorded album. I ask him if he remembered that event. He informed me that the albums were in a pillow case, not a backpack.
Enjoyed listening to you. I agree about Highway Kind. Amazing song, that one hit me hard later like a lot of TVZ songs do. I didn`t know he had a movie made about him. Maybe you`re referring to the semi documentary, Be Here To Love me. That is great.
I was at my brothers for Thanksgiving this year and he brought up Townes Van Zandt after hearing a song of his and he told me something I wasn’t aware of. We had a long time friend who grew up in Bronte, Texas. His name was Doak Sneed. He has since passed. He was a songwriter and musician that moved to Nashville and was one of Reba McIntyre’s songwriters. Anyway, I found out that Townes and Doak were roommates for quite awhile in Austin and Doak used to talk about how brilliant of a mind Townes Van Zandt was. He said he had a very high IQ but his addiction to drugs and alcohol was destroying him. A few years ago was when I really noticed how good Townes was and became a big fan of his. Doak had a stroke about three years ago and went into a coma. His daughter put a video up on Facebook where they brought his pastor in to sing some of Doaks favorite songs and he came out of the Coma snapping his fingers and smiling. After the pastor stopped playing our friend closed his eyes and silently passed away. He had been married to the daughter of a band member that was one of the Darlings on the Andy Griffith show. He was such a nice man and a good friend. Rest In Peace.
In terms of albums, I love Live at the Old Quarter. I stumbled upon it at Rough Trade in Brooklyn, and a friend of mine said, “Man, I hope that record is ok.” It was more than ok; it sang me to sleep during the roughest year of my life. But on New Year’s Day, I like to listen to Townes’s acoustic version of Cowboy Junkies Lament. “There’s a hole in heaven where some sin slips through” is the perfect line for this holiday.
I support your choices. One of the greatest songwriters ever. If not for the darkness that followed him and eventually took him, we may have seen an unimaginable body of work right up there with Dylan.
I met Townes at 12 & Porter in 1998, he was playing a J-200. It was good because his guitar was good, that's what struck me. But he was drinking coffee at a table before the show. It appeared to me, he was drinking coffee to sober up.
The TVZ song that I've been enjoying the most lately is his cover of Dead Flowers. However, my TVZ go-to songs are Tecumseh Valley, Marie and Nothing. Happy New Year!
Man I love your videos on us. You bring me right to the spot. being an alcoholic and guitar player myself-who hit four years of sobriety yesterday on The anniversary of Towne’s death-Kept backing up your video to listen over and over. Thank you for following your calling and happy new year. I believe you… The best year so far. You keep pumping me up like this and I’ll be playing live in 2023 :-) God’s blessings
When Merle and Willie covered it my dad bought the record at pop tunes on poplar in Memphis like on a Friday night. By Saturday morning my entire family knew it word for word, beat by beat. Now, since dad died in '05, I'll still get teary eyed when listening to it especially at the "you weren't your mama's only son, but her favorite one it seemed"
Thank you so much. Ever seen the movie “News of the World” where the cool veteran officer travels through the small towns of the old west just after the Civil War, and charges a dime to hear him read newspaper articles from far away places? The people gather and are enthralled to hear one man read to them of the fascinating world beyond their borders. I feel like one those people. I love hearing Otis read to us and speak of his own experiences on these subjects and these people we love. I’ve loved Townes Van Zandt for many years, but I just learned a lot more about him than I ever knew, and I will listen to his recordings with a new perspective. How great that the magic of RUclips brings the townspeople together with Otis, and he doesn’t have to ride a horse and wagon through desolate back-country to reach us, no matter which podunk berg we might occupy. I know it’s hard work he puts in, though, and I for one am continually grateful. If others are like me, I hope they’ll throw in that dime to Otis’ tip jar, except make it ten bucks or so! This stuff is priceless!
Likewise here. I love the Rear View Mirror and Live at the Old Quarter recordings. So many great songs it’s hard to pick.. “To Live is to Fly” is right up there for me. “If I Needed You” is a go to about every time I pick up a guitar. I’m not crazy about the studio albums because I think they’re over produced and take away from the raw artistry. Whereas, on Rear View Mirror they nailed it! Probably my favorite singer-songwriter. Right up there with Prine, Kristofferson, and Cash. Also, I like what you had to say about things not having to be perfect. If it weren’t for that notion, I’d never sing, write, or record a thing. I think being real is more important than trying to fake perfection. That said, Townes wasn’t faking when he sounded perfect. He was real. Can’t say enough good things about him. Love your channel Otis!
I saw Townes live two years running, in the late 1980s, at Trysull village hall here in the UK: sat front row centre both times, and we were frequently eyeball to eyeball - profoundly moving performances. On the second occasion, I queued at the end of the night to get my new 'At My Window' LP signed: he asked my name, and what would I like him to write, and I heard myself launch into an embarrassing spontaneous fan-babble. Townes waited courteously for me to run out of steam, then wrote, in his trademark scrawly capitals, 'To Andrew - Good luck and thank everybody you love', before signing and dating it ... a gentle and humane reminder that I shouldn't just worship him, but share my love around a little. That album, alongside all his other studio albums, remains one of my most treasured possessions.
I am an artist. A painter. Good but not appreciated. Not as comparable to Townes for sure. Who cares about a painter anyways. But his music has helped me through some times. I am a poor fool and just hanging on to the dream. But I will paint some more and thanks to Townes. I ramble. I love his songs. He died at 52. I am 56. May I live much longer. If I do I will continue to listen Townes to get through it all .
The last time he played here in Chicago - I wanna say it was a small club like Somebody's Else's Troubles (co-owned by Steve Goodman) - he was in mid-song when an ambulance went blaring by past the place; after it had passed he spoke into the mic: 'Good luck.'
Thanks for your thoughts,Otis. You’re articulate and passionate as always. For me, Live At The Old Quarter was the first TVZ record I owned, and it absolutely floored me. Happy New Year to you and Amy!
"Daddy's having a fight with his heart!" I heard about a cardiologist who himself had a heart attack and survived - he said the pain and suffering was so intense that he was literally IN the pain.
My go-to is "A Gentle Evening With Townes Van Zandt" which was a 25 year old Townes recorded at Carnegie Hall. I don't know if it's available on streaming services, but I have the original version and it is worth finding!
Otis, Townes Was The Man, Younger People do Not know anything about him, but i hope younger people watch this video here, and learn about this Great Man, Thanks for the video Brother, Cousin Figel
Thanks for talking about Townes...he never got the accolades other's have...maybe he wanted it but not 100%?? Blaze Foley was about the same...Rear view mirror was an exellent release of his tunesa...Ive gotten some live show's that were well recorded and he had a rep for talking and telling jokes but that was icing on the cake to me as i get a good laugh...Ive collected all his commercial releases which was not the same as live..he had some dark songs but so well crafted it told a story that pulls you into that setting...I was devastated on hearing of his passing. Guy Clark too..Id seen Guy and verlon a couple times before his passing..almost the same issue as his hip was bad and prob. threw a blood clot...came with the dust and gone like the wind...again i enjoy your clips and appreciate the dedication and always positive/upbeat and Im always open to new info an such..Im 68 and still think as i did when 20...my x said i was stuck in the 60's..an ya know i kinda wish i were back then...alcohol has taken so many and many of my friends too..
Been watching/enjoying your videos for a bit now and have never commented - but, I agree with you - this year is going to be the best ever! Keep doing what you do... It is so appreciated...
I hadn't known that TVZ passed away on New Years day. When you asked what song of his to listen to I had to think for a moment-there are so many. Then I got out my trusty old Gibson and played "To Live is to Fly", one of my favorites. I love your channel and all the great interviews and back stories. Keep up the good work and happy new year.
Thanks so much for this. I love "Live at the Old Quarter." He sounds so young and clear headed. His guitar playing is incredible on this record, IMHO. My wife and I play White Freightliner Blues and of course Pancho And Lefty, thats our tribute. Again, so sad for things to end the way they did for Townes, as they did for Hank Williams, lonely death by drugs and alcohol.
I played at a Townes' tribute in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada on Monday night: a lovely evening of folks sharing their renditions of his songs. This show happens annually.
I began covering Townes in 1978. The last time I saw him in person, he opened for Guy, on Sunday, April 14, 1996, at The Ark. He was almost gone and we talked for what seemed like a long time after the show. I was saddened because I would forever recognize the toll that alcohol had taken on a brilliant and wonderful artist from that day forward. I often listen to "No Deeper Blue" and miss Guy too.
I started with his self titled album (Just setting in the kitchen at the table), posted a comment and none but the rain on our music page, then went to live at the old quarter. I was a little bit late finding him, but since have glommed onto all the vinyl I can find. He speaks to my soul. I love your podcasts. Thank you so much.
New Year’s Day 1998…I had retired from the Navy about 11 months earlier and was still living on a street called Melrose Place in Oceanside, CA. I had mostly behaved myself the night before, so I’m guessing I was mildly hungover and feelin’ a definite funk. I slipped on a t-shirt and some workout shorts , grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down in front of my computer and the first thing that I saw was short note that Townes had died. I said something to my wife about it and I slid into a dark place…staring at my computer and driftin’ off in my mind. I don’t know how long I sat there and stared at the monitor screen, but when I snapped back to reality my coffee was cold. I eventually got my butt in gear; however, stayed in a dark, funky funk all day. As for “Fave Song(s)”…”Snowing on Raton” and, “Tecumseh Valley”. My favorite story is the tale of Townes playing in a small, dark, smoke-filled bar, where the lady called out from her table…”Hey, don’t you do any happy songs?” To this Townes responded, “Lady, these are the happy songs!” I still get a good chuckle outta that sometimes…. “Ol’ Scooter” down in East Texas…
As far as albums, Live at the Old Quarter, without a doubt, that changed my life. As far as a song, we're talking about the greatest songwriter ever, well him and Guy Clark, how can you pick? There's a song by Townes, I love more than any, and normally I could pop it out anytime, but I'm sick with a bug, and a little drunk with a buzz, I love what you do Otis, never stop. This means a lot to me!
Thank you for this work Otis, may 2023 find you and partner in good health and productive as ever. I am getting so much from your channel all the time. Much ❤❤❤❤🖤🖤🖤🖤❤❤❤
Howdy Otis! Gonna be the Best year! Rained for almost a week here in San francisco. Felt good to wash away some of the soot and grime of 2022, and start with a fresh 2023! Forgot what it was like to have rain for days straight. Laid around and fell into the book Deliverance by James Dickey listening to the rain. Now if I could just get this damn roofing patch off my hands! Just listened to Tecumseh Valley. Cheers T
My friends came over for New Years and I didn't know some of them like Townes, and I'll Be There in The Morning came on basically right at midnight and I was like "wait you guys know Townes??" and then Tower Song came on and it made my new years day haha.
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I first heard Townes' music while playing poker in a barracks room in Augsburg, Germany in the mid-70's. The guys loved inviting me to poker night because I'm so bad at it. But, that night I was thankful to have loss my spare change at the table. I sat on the couch and listened to this amazing singer/songwriter and was blown away. The guy whose room it was said that he went to a yard sale in Norman, Oklahoma and found Townes' first couple of albums in the trashcan. The vinyl was in very bad shape with scratches. But, Townes' music came through and left me enraptured. I tried tracking down his records but they were impossible to find back then. Not long after that game, I read in Rolling Stone about an album called The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. I was so bummed! I had just found this guy and he was dead. Of course he wasn't dead, yet. I have since collected all of his recordings with many from Europe. I missed seeing him in Berkley by just a few hours back in the early 90's and cussed the Universe for teasing me again. I also was able to purchase his songbook, For the Sake of the Song, directly from Wings Press. It's one of the hardcover signed and numbered editions. I'm getting near 70 years old, now and I've outlived two of my heroes. Edward Abbey and Townes van Zandt. A lot of my life's philosophy has been based on their words.
Thanks Otis. Yeah, I listen to Townes every day. My son introduced me to his music years back and I can barely branch out to listen to anyone else since. I like At My Window and Rear View Mirror: well, pretty much anything Townes did. Recently I have been proud to add Townes with Guy Clark, Gary Nicholson and Billie Joe Shaver on an album I'd love to find (no luck so far) playing at the Bluebird Cafe Nashville. It's beautiful. Right now my favourite 3 songs of the greatest songwriter/wordsmith/warlock are Snowin' On Raton, Don't you take it too bad and None but the Rain. I love the guy through and through, demons and all. He's brilliant and perfect in my eyes. Great story about that sink at his friend's place: amazing you saw that in the flesh. I'm an Australian and never travelled overseas but I wished (strangely one might think) I were a tad older and met him, seen him play. There's a really crappy, raw recording of Townes playing Madigans in Brunswick, Melbourne here, which I love watching. Same old Townes, same old jokes. So great. After I read his biography by Harold Eggers a few tears back I guess now, I listened to that 40 or so minute interview with Townes on RUclips and then went out back to watch the sun set for the day. I spoke to Townes and said Man, I hope you're at peace now. Are you Townes? As I watched the setting sun drop behind all kinds of shades of grey and white clouds, I saw a completely black cross form across the face of the tiring sun. I couldn't believe my eyes. Then that drifted away and I saw these perfect fine lines parallel to each other and equidistant form instead. It confounded me until I remembered learning guitar as a girl: E G B D F Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit. Funny happenstance, as the man would have said. Cheers for this, Otis 🍻💜🌹
Otis, Happy New Year! I caught the Hank Williams video yesterday and you mentioned ADI and the Townes tribute. They dont have it there anymore but it is still held every year in Louisville. I lived down there for 15 years in the early 2000's. and more than once got the privilege to play the tribute show.. I live up the road from you in Elwood now but Hands down my favorite has to be "Marie" not necessarily the Willie duet but his solo version. I think Guy Clark told the story that one morning Townes came to Guy's room and showed him the freshly written "Marie" He then proceeded that same night to go on stage and play it without missing a word from memory! I love the videos keep them coming.
I went and looked up Townes albums in order. Low and behold he recorded live at the Whole Coffeehouse, basement of the student union bldg on the U of Minnesota Minneapolis campus. (Coffman bldg) I went there a lot. Saw many great acts there, like Bonnie Raitt, Leo Kottke, Tom Waits, Jerry Jeff, and more there. Leo was incredible. I would have never known without your prompt. It's a great recording. Thanks Otis.
I was born in 96, so I unfortunately don’t even get to enjoy having a full rotation around the sun existing on the same rock as Townes, but his work has touched me immensely throughout the years, and I treasure that so much. Especially during this time of year. Old Quarter is always a go to, but over the years I’ve come to enjoy the versions on Road Songs the most. With Owen Cody’s sizzling fiddle on Lungs and Our Mother The Mountain, along with the legendary versions of Dead Flowers and Ira Hayes, it’s hard not to unhear how perfectly his raw stature is represented beyond the mystique behind the “one man and his guitar” vibe most of his other live content displays itself. Long live the late great.
The Silver Ships of Andilar is what i'll start with. And this eve we'll gather round & watch Heartworn Highways while toasting Townes & getting toasted.
The high low and in between album including highway kind is special. The title track is sooo good I love that tune. Put that album on Sunday morning and let it do something to ya! What a character and a legend! Another classic is delta momma blues with rake and nothing at the end brilliant
Hey Otis, I just wanted to say thanks for all your videos and the insight they bring to a fan of the music that had to find his own way through it. As a child of immigrants born in 1969, I didn’t have anyone to show me what music was good. No dad listening to Les Zeppelin or mom listening to Tom Jones. I also felt that was born too late. That I missed out on a lot of what was going on in the world of the music I liked when it was happening. Then my daughter says she envíes me for actually living in the ‘80s when the greatest (her words) music came about. So I don’t feel that way. I think lost fans of something wish they were in the room when it happened, so to speak. Keep up the great work. I love my coffee and much love back to you. Peace ✌️
If listening to a record, Live at the Old Quarter. If I only got one song, Where I lead Me. That one song means so much. Townes was such an artist on fire. That live show he shared with Guy Clark in Vancouver (?) is also a definite listen.
I'm always just digging atound the edges with Townes Van Zant. A track here and there. An album. Stories. I just know there is so much that even to start, I'm going to have to binge watch and listen for at least several months. I'll do it at some point. I want to. I just know how it was going down the Bob Dylan - Nashville connection after I moved to Nashville. I couldn't get enough and went over every track, alnum, musician, situation. It lead down path like the Pete Drake connection to George and Ringo. Beaucoup of Blues. It was endless. The same thing will hsppen and I'll go down all the paths with Townes at some point whem I can focus.
Here's the link to the Michael Corcoran archive that I mentioned. Tell him Otis sent ya!
michaelcorcoran.substack.com/archive?sort=top
did that long ag lol
Snowing on Ratón
Just up the road s piece ...lil brother thinks the road is long and fine
Otis, I don't know if it is up your alley. But could you do a show on the life of Ernie Thacker, who died on April 10, 2018 as a result of an auto accident years earlier. He started playing as teenager with Ralph Stanley. He eventually went out on his own. He truly pocessed one of the best voices in country/bluegrass.
I hope you come across this post. I grew up on lake Travis, my father would pull me water skiing any given day of the week, preferably, weekdays. He would go to a marina to fuel up, there was a bar, and they had live music. Townes lived/stayed there. He had a houseboat, Blaze Foley was there, Calvin Russell, the Waddell Brothers……. The list is long. My Dad would take them out sometimes, I would water ski, while we all rode down the lake, usually at sunset. I was about 12-13 years old and didn’t realize I was amongst greatness. Looking back… what an awesome time… and I was able to be there as a witness. They all loved Lake Travis, and had a hideaway to relax and watch the ‘Colorado Wind’, onwards towards Austin. Then he would drop them off, maybe stay for some music, and we would ride home. This went on for several years, weather permitting of course. Thought I would share. RIP Townes, Baez and Calvin. ❤️
Live at the Old Quarter is my favorite. It was the album that hooked me.
I am 70 yrs old a musician and it seems like we all had friend like Townes around back then. I feel for the kids coming up without someone like him.
It’s good to see Townes getting the recognition he deserves these days. My father introduced me to his music when I was young and then his cover of Dead Flowers in the Big Lebowski brought me back when I was older. I’ve got a handful of his records and play them regularly. I think my favorite song is “Lungs” or “Waiting Around To Die”
Townes WROTE "DEAD FLOWERS ". He didn't COVER IT . The Stones covered it
@@pattymulligan2389 that’s incorrect. Dead Flowers was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. I prefer Townes’ cover though.
@@DoctorSess Me too, his is perfect for that excellent film, and for any other time, ahhh Townes! ( I've been mistakenly attributing "Dead Flowers" to Townes awhile now, uh oh.)
@@pattymulligan2389 hahah an understandable mistake, I think that’s a testament to how good his cover really is!
Live at the Cactus Cafe, Austin TX 16. Feb. 1991 w/ Guy Clark. The version of ”Marie” ABSOLUTELY FUCKING KILLS. Definitive version, if ya ask me. Even the introduction stops you in your tracks.
”Here’s a song about the homeless of the land called ”Marie”…”, Townes says, and then starts to play with perfect intonation and poise. I swear you could hear a pin drop. Masterclass.
I just got home from doing sound for the Hank & Townes tribute show we do every year at my local pub here in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s been a tradition here for nearly a decade. One of the things that always makes so happy is realizing how much influence these two have on the younger generations of songwriters in all the right ways. Thanks as always for your hard work
I discovered Townes, as well as Guy Clark, via Steve Earle. When I told Steve that, when I was fortunate enough to meet him, he smiled real wide.
Townes gets played daily around the farmhouse. I think I would actually go with the radio broadcast of him and Guy going back and forth trading songs.
I really love those old recordings when he was doing fraternity blues and shit like that. Man, it was too good💜✌️
“Loretta” is my go-to Townes song.
I hope Ernie Thacker gets remembered post death (april 10, 2018) like Townes has. Ernie was tragically paralyzed in an auto accident near his home. He suffered for many years till he died. He never once complained about his predicament. His voice was as good as it gets.
The soundtrack to the documentary, "Be here to love me" is always my go to. What a movie too.
Loved the mention of tower song. The sunshineboy recoding of that song has always been one of my favorite tracks by him.
It was Lyle Lovett covering Townes that introduced me to Townes' music.
I can't pick a favorite album or song, it's usually whichever one I'm listening to at the time.
Thanks for this one, Otis 🙏🏻
Townes made me want to start writing country songs...he was my primary inspiration. Thanks!
I like "The late great Townes van Zandt" a lot and it has a fitting title as well, so I'll listen to that later tonight. Great tribute Otis.
I was very fortunate-I got to see and hear Townes live at the original Old Quarter over and over again, many times. It was the greatest venue ever to soak up the experience. And when he was accompanied by Rex Bell and Mickey White, it was like a happy celebration. But regardless of Townes' mood it was a great showcase of a remarkable, singular, talent. I'll say it again - I really miss Townes.
Townes was such a poet and suffered so much. I love the record of Townes, Steve Earle and Guy Clark at the Bluebird Cafe
I sure wish I could find that again. I loved Townes story about the wrong tooth pulled. HA!
That’s a good one. The owners of the Bluebird Cafe said it was one of the best concerts they ever hosted.
@@michaellawrencesound you know when you are witnessing history
For me it would have to be Our Mother the Mountain. The first time I heard that song I was left speechless. I had never heard a song that provoked so much emotion and thought. I was hooked on Townes after that.
Totally agree
God Bless YOU Otis
If it had to be just one song to commemorate him today, it would be the recording "Flying Shoes" on Rear View Mirror. I love Live at the Old Quarter, but I think with the couple guitars and a fildde arrangements, Rear View Mirror is my favorite Townes live recording. That being said, the version of Two Girls in Live at the Old Quarter I'd one of my favorites too!
There is another live recording of Townes, along with Guy Clark and Steve Earle doing a benefit for a dental service for people without dental insurance that is great too. They include a lot of stage banter between the songs on the recording, and Townes tells some hilarious stories. You really get the feeling that it's just three buddies having a good old time and playing some songs.
Look up Guy Clark covering To Live Is To Fly at Austin City Limits. Very emotional, you can tell Guy is nearly in tears singing that song.
I’m 28, live in Nebraska. Have the cover of roadsongs tattooed on my arm. I listen to Townes at least once a day. Every once in a while, someone recognizes the cover or when I’m playin his songs. Always love when that happens. Or getting to introduce Townes to new people. I always play Roadsongs and Live at the Old Quarter. The feel of the room and the jokes in between are great. Thank you as always Otis for all the great stories! Take care my friend, and have a great new year!
I seen Townes play in 1994 in a small club in Hull UK called the New Adelphi . There was probably 80 people there I was right at the front . He was amazing . Spoke to him for a little while after it. Cool guy such a talent . One of those rare song writers who’s lyrics put you right in the moment .
Special
Our band played there !
I’m listening. Over the New Year
in Pokhara Nepal whilst on a trip to the Himalayan mountains
I was late to discover Townes
A good friend introduced his music to me
A few years back
Well done
Thank you for posting
The song Tecumseh Valley move me a great deal ✌🏼🙏
Ma pani xu hai bro tvz fan nepal bata...
I have a Townes story. About 1983-84 I was in school in Austin enjoying the great live music including the T-Birds, SRV, Eric Johnson, Charlie Sexton and some alternative bands like The Wild Seeds, Glass Eye and The Jitters. Heard so many people playing Townes' songs so an obnoxious buddy and I headed to the Soap Creek Saloon to check him out. We arrived and there were only about ten people there and Townes was playing some mellow folk with some other musicians. We were expecting an electric guitar show. After the first song we started to get up to leave and one of the musicians made a sarcastic remark about us leaving. My friend responded with "You guys suck!" As we were walking to the door I saw and heard Townes say "I'm not taking that shit" as he was walking off the stage to come after us. Thankfully somebody must have stopped him because I waited at my car to see if he would come outside but he did not. Was kinda hoping he would kick my friend's ass but Townes looked old and sick. I have always felt bad about walking out of the show and we were lucky the whole band and club did not come after us! 😎🎸
“If I Needed You” is my favorite Townes song.
"Nothin'" and "Flyin' Shoes". "Nothin'" just blows me away.
At a little fiddle shop jam in No Cal this afternoon, a gathering of old friends, one of the songs we did was Poncho and Lefty.
Live from the Old Quarter would be my go-to album.
I’ve been listening to
your podcasts for some time now. I always like your sign off line
I found Townes in the writing credits on Don Williams album
Through him I found Guy Clark. I absolutely loved Guy’s cover of Don’t You Take it Too Bad on his CD Craftsman. Guy was a huge discovery for me and through him I got to know Townes
I got in touch with Guy’s agent and got him to come here to Salt Spring Island BC Canada in 1999 I had the honour of opening for him. I remember so
well the feeling in the room when Guy did “Cold Dog Soup.
My favourite song of Townes is Don’t You Take it too Bad
My favourite line
“How soft the time flies past your window at night”
Thanks for what you’re doing Otis
Alan Moberg
I can play a few Townes songs on guitar so I'll be playing those. Singing a TVZ song is always a special feeling. It's kinda like a massage for your soul.
Tecumseh Valley’s my go to when I want my damn heart broke. I was on tour on Dec. 1 ‘97 when I learned of TVZ’s passing,that was a hard 1. Gonna listen to Steve E’s Ft. Worth Blues as well. RIP
TVZ,thank you Otis G
Live at The Old Quarter was the second album I bought, had my guitar out today and played If I needed you, Colorado Girl, Waitin Around to Die, and Tecumseh Valley
My Townes go to is “Be Here To Love Me.” The soundtrack to the doc. Happy New Year! God bless!!
I love the way that documentary begins Townes Van Zandt Be There to Love Me, it’s a beautiful song. Every once in a while you can find the movie on RUclips before it’s copyrighted.
I asked Townes once about the story of him hitchhiking through Lubbock with a backpack full of his recently recorded album. I ask him if he remembered that event. He informed me that the albums were in a pillow case, not a backpack.
Hahaha cheaper than a darn $10 backpack. I like Townes songs now I wish I knew about him when I was younger. Thanks for the funny story.
Enjoyed listening to you. I agree about Highway Kind. Amazing song, that one hit me hard later like a lot of TVZ songs do. I didn`t know he had a movie made about him. Maybe you`re referring to the semi documentary, Be Here To Love me. That is great.
Playing Townes music on my 6 string all day , thanks for honouring him this way.
I was at my brothers for Thanksgiving this year and he brought up Townes Van Zandt after hearing a song of his and he told me something I wasn’t aware of. We had a long time friend who grew up in Bronte, Texas. His name was Doak Sneed. He has since passed. He was a songwriter and musician that moved to Nashville and was one of Reba McIntyre’s songwriters. Anyway, I found out that Townes and Doak were roommates for quite awhile in Austin and Doak used to talk about how brilliant of a mind Townes Van Zandt was. He said he had a very high IQ but his addiction to drugs and alcohol was destroying him. A few years ago was when I really noticed how good Townes was and became a big fan of his. Doak had a stroke about three years ago and went into a coma. His daughter put a video up on Facebook where they brought his pastor in to sing some of Doaks favorite songs and he came out of the Coma snapping his fingers and smiling. After the pastor stopped playing our friend closed his eyes and silently passed away. He had been married to the daughter of a band member that was one of the Darlings on the Andy Griffith show. He was such a nice man and a good friend. Rest In Peace.
Doak was good friend of mine. Nice to hear about him.
@@markambrose1908 He was a good man. We knew him since the sixties
In terms of albums, I love Live at the Old Quarter. I stumbled upon it at Rough Trade in Brooklyn, and a friend of mine said, “Man, I hope that record is ok.” It was more than ok; it sang me to sleep during the roughest year of my life.
But on New Year’s Day, I like to listen to Townes’s acoustic version of Cowboy Junkies Lament. “There’s a hole in heaven where some sin slips through” is the perfect line for this holiday.
"Live at the Old Quarter" (Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold)..... absolutely beautiful.🥰🥰
A big "Boy Howdy" for the shout out for the fabulous Jonell Mosser! I'll be listening to "Snowin On Raton", as I am sure it is today.
I support your choices. One of the greatest songwriters ever. If not for the darkness that followed him and eventually took him, we may have seen an unimaginable body of work right up there with Dylan.
I met Townes at 12 & Porter in 1998, he was playing a J-200. It was good because his guitar was good, that's what struck me. But he was drinking coffee at a table before the show. It appeared to me, he was drinking coffee to sober up.
Townes was such a great musician
You're doing Gods work, buddy... you keep makin' 'em, and I'll keep listening. All the best.
The TVZ song that I've been enjoying the most lately is his cover of Dead Flowers. However, my TVZ go-to songs are Tecumseh Valley, Marie and Nothing. Happy New Year!
Great content once again Otis Gibbs. We hope you have an awesome new year!
Man I love your videos on us. You bring me right to the spot. being an alcoholic and guitar player myself-who hit four years of sobriety yesterday on The anniversary of Towne’s death-Kept backing up your video to listen over and over. Thank you for following your calling and happy new year. I believe you… The best year so far. You keep pumping me up like this and I’ll be playing live in 2023 :-) God’s blessings
I know it's kind of a more cheesy, obvious choice but I truly love Townes version of "Pancho & Lefty". Just a perfect song. PLAY LOUD
When Merle and Willie covered it my dad bought the record at pop tunes on poplar in Memphis like on a Friday night. By Saturday morning my entire family knew it word for word, beat by beat. Now, since dad died in '05, I'll still get teary eyed when listening to it especially at the "you weren't your mama's only son, but her favorite one it seemed"
Thank you so much. Ever seen the movie “News of the World” where the cool veteran officer travels through the small towns of the old west just after the Civil War, and charges a dime to hear him read newspaper articles from far away places? The people gather and are enthralled to hear one man read to them of the fascinating world beyond their borders.
I feel like one those people. I love hearing Otis read to us and speak of his own experiences on these subjects and these people we love. I’ve loved Townes Van Zandt for many years, but I just learned a lot more about him than I ever knew, and I will listen to his recordings with a new perspective.
How great that the magic of RUclips brings the townspeople together with Otis, and he doesn’t have to ride a horse and wagon through desolate back-country to reach us, no matter which podunk berg we might occupy.
I know it’s hard work he puts in, though, and I for one am continually grateful. If others are like me, I hope they’ll throw in that dime to Otis’ tip jar, except make it ten bucks or so! This stuff is priceless!
Likewise here. I love the Rear View Mirror and Live at the Old Quarter recordings. So many great songs it’s hard to pick.. “To Live is to Fly” is right up there for me. “If I Needed You” is a go to about every time I pick up a guitar. I’m not crazy about the studio albums because I think they’re over produced and take away from the raw artistry. Whereas, on Rear View Mirror they nailed it! Probably my favorite singer-songwriter. Right up there with Prine, Kristofferson, and Cash. Also, I like what you had to say about things not having to be perfect. If it weren’t for that notion, I’d never sing, write, or record a thing. I think being real is more important than trying to fake perfection. That said, Townes wasn’t faking when he sounded perfect. He was real. Can’t say enough good things about him. Love your channel Otis!
I saw Townes live two years running, in the late 1980s, at Trysull village hall here in the UK: sat front row centre both times, and we were frequently eyeball to eyeball - profoundly moving performances. On the second occasion, I queued at the end of the night to get my new 'At My Window' LP signed: he asked my name, and what would I like him to write, and I heard myself launch into an embarrassing spontaneous fan-babble. Townes waited courteously for me to run out of steam, then wrote, in his trademark scrawly capitals, 'To Andrew - Good luck and thank everybody you love', before signing and dating it ... a gentle and humane reminder that I shouldn't just worship him, but share my love around a little. That album, alongside all his other studio albums, remains one of my most treasured possessions.
Live at the Old Quarter ! Love the Show Otis
I am an artist. A painter. Good but not appreciated. Not as comparable to Townes for sure. Who cares about a painter anyways. But his music has helped me through some times. I am a poor fool and just hanging on to the dream. But I will paint some more and thanks to Townes. I ramble. I love his songs. He died at 52. I am 56. May I live much longer. If I do I will continue to listen Townes to get through it all .
Great work Otis, so many of us love these stories and stuff that you share. Yesterday's Hank Sr video was awesome- thanks Big O!
Thank ya kindly, Don! : )
The last time he played here in Chicago - I wanna say it was a small club like Somebody's Else's Troubles (co-owned by Steve Goodman) - he was in mid-song when an ambulance went blaring by past the place; after it had passed he spoke into the mic: 'Good luck.'
Rear View Mirror and Live at the Old Quarter are both on Apple Music, and also in my record box. Thanks for the videos, Otis!
Thanks for your thoughts,Otis. You’re articulate and passionate as always.
For me, Live At The Old Quarter was the first TVZ record I owned, and it absolutely floored me.
Happy New Year to you and Amy!
Thanks for introducing me to Townes.
"Daddy's having a fight with his heart!"
I heard about a cardiologist who himself had a heart attack and survived - he said the pain and suffering was so intense that he was literally IN the pain.
My go-to is "A Gentle Evening With Townes Van Zandt" which was a 25 year old Townes recorded at Carnegie Hall. I don't know if it's available on streaming services, but I have the original version and it is worth finding!
Happy New Year Otis.
Best wishes in 2023.
Rear View, one of my favs Voice much more seasoned. Thank you Harold for taping that live shoee
Otis, Townes Was The Man, Younger People do Not know anything about him, but i hope younger people watch this video here, and learn about this Great Man, Thanks for the video Brother, Cousin Figel
I was living in Thailand at the time of his death; I read about it in "The International Herald Tribune".
Thanks for talking about Townes...he never got the accolades other's have...maybe he wanted it but not 100%?? Blaze Foley was about the same...Rear view mirror was an exellent release of his tunesa...Ive gotten some live show's that were well recorded and he had a rep for talking and telling jokes but that was icing on the cake to me as i get a good laugh...Ive collected all his commercial releases which was not the same as live..he had some dark songs but so well crafted it told a story that pulls you into that setting...I was devastated on hearing of his passing. Guy Clark too..Id seen Guy and verlon a couple times before his passing..almost the same issue as his hip was bad and prob. threw a blood clot...came with the dust and gone like the wind...again i enjoy your clips and appreciate the dedication and always positive/upbeat and Im always open to new info an such..Im 68 and still think as i did when 20...my x said i was stuck in the 60's..an ya know i kinda wish i were back then...alcohol has taken so many and many of my friends too..
Been watching/enjoying your videos for a bit now and have never commented - but, I agree with you - this year is going to be the best ever! Keep doing what you do... It is so appreciated...
Discovered townes and guy as a middle age man.Both men touched magic for a time.
‘Our Mother The Mountain’ album plays like a film. It’s in a class of its own.
I hadn't known that TVZ passed away on New Years day. When you asked what song of his to listen to I had to think for a moment-there are so many. Then I got out my trusty old Gibson and played "To Live is to Fly", one of my favorites. I love your channel and all the great interviews and back stories. Keep up the good work and happy new year.
Hope you have a groovy new year Otis❤️🦋🎉
Thanks for remembering Townes , Otis .
Thanks so much for this. I love "Live at the Old Quarter." He sounds so young and clear headed. His guitar playing is incredible on this record, IMHO. My wife and I play White Freightliner Blues and of course Pancho And Lefty, thats our tribute. Again, so sad for things to end the way they did for Townes, as they did for Hank Williams, lonely death by drugs and alcohol.
I played at a Townes' tribute in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada on Monday night: a lovely evening of folks sharing their renditions of his songs. This show happens annually.
It don’t get much better than “To Live is to Fly”.
I began covering Townes in 1978. The last time I saw him in person, he opened for Guy, on Sunday, April 14, 1996, at The Ark. He was almost gone and we talked for what seemed like a long time after the show. I was saddened because I would forever recognize the toll that alcohol had taken on a brilliant and wonderful artist from that day forward. I often listen to "No Deeper Blue" and miss Guy too.
I started with his self titled album (Just setting in the kitchen at the table), posted a comment and none but the rain on our music page, then went to live at the old quarter. I was a little bit late finding him, but since have glommed onto all the vinyl I can find. He speaks to my soul. I love your podcasts. Thank you so much.
Guys and gals.If you haven't. Give live and obscure a listen. Great versions of You are not needed now and Many a fine lady.
New Year’s Day 1998…I had retired from the Navy about 11 months earlier and was still living on a street called Melrose Place in Oceanside, CA. I had mostly behaved myself the night before, so I’m guessing I was mildly hungover and feelin’ a definite funk. I slipped on a t-shirt and some workout shorts , grabbed a cup of coffee and sat down in front of my computer and the first thing that I saw was short note that Townes had died. I said something to my wife about it and I slid into a dark place…staring at my computer and driftin’ off in my mind. I don’t know how long I sat there and stared at the monitor screen, but when I snapped back to reality my coffee was cold. I eventually got my butt in gear; however, stayed in a dark, funky funk all day. As for “Fave Song(s)”…”Snowing on Raton” and, “Tecumseh Valley”. My favorite story is the tale of Townes playing in a small, dark, smoke-filled bar, where the lady called out from her table…”Hey, don’t you do any happy songs?” To this Townes responded, “Lady, these are the happy songs!” I still get a good chuckle outta that sometimes…. “Ol’ Scooter” down in East Texas…
As far as albums, Live at the Old Quarter, without a doubt, that changed my life. As far as a song, we're talking about the greatest songwriter ever, well him and Guy Clark, how can you pick? There's a song by Townes, I love more than any, and normally I could pop it out anytime, but I'm sick with a bug, and a little drunk with a buzz, I love what you do Otis, never stop. This means a lot to me!
Thank you for this work Otis, may 2023 find you and partner in good health and productive as ever. I am getting so much from your channel all the time. Much ❤❤❤❤🖤🖤🖤🖤❤❤❤
Ottis happy New Year and Gods blessings for you and all your family hope you have a blessed year to come keep up the great work
Howdy Otis!
Gonna be the Best year! Rained for almost a week here in San francisco.
Felt good to wash away some of the soot and grime of 2022, and start with a
fresh 2023! Forgot what it was like to have rain for days straight. Laid around and
fell into the book Deliverance by James Dickey listening to the rain. Now if I could
just get this damn roofing patch off my hands! Just listened to Tecumseh Valley.
Cheers T
My friends came over for New Years and I didn't know some of them like Townes, and I'll Be There in The Morning came on basically right at midnight and I was like "wait you guys know Townes??" and then Tower Song came on and it made my new years day haha.
Nashville sessions, Our mother the mountain, late great TVZ are my go to studio albums!
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I first heard Townes' music while playing poker in a barracks room in Augsburg, Germany in the mid-70's. The guys loved inviting me to poker night because I'm so bad at it. But, that night I was thankful to have loss my spare change at the table. I sat on the couch and listened to this amazing singer/songwriter and was blown away. The guy whose room it was said that he went to a yard sale in Norman, Oklahoma and found Townes' first couple of albums in the trashcan. The vinyl was in very bad shape with scratches. But, Townes' music came through and left me enraptured. I tried tracking down his records but they were impossible to find back then. Not long after that game, I read in Rolling Stone about an album called The Late Great Townes Van Zandt. I was so bummed! I had just found this guy and he was dead. Of course he wasn't dead, yet.
I have since collected all of his recordings with many from Europe. I missed seeing him in Berkley by just a few hours back in the early 90's and cussed the Universe for teasing me again. I also was able to purchase his songbook, For the Sake of the Song, directly from Wings Press. It's one of the hardcover signed and numbered editions. I'm getting near 70 years old, now and I've outlived two of my heroes. Edward Abbey and Townes van Zandt. A lot of my life's philosophy has been based on their words.
Thanks Otis. Yeah, I listen to Townes every day. My son introduced me to his music years back and I can barely branch out to listen to anyone else since. I like At My Window and Rear View Mirror: well, pretty much anything Townes did. Recently I have been proud to add Townes with Guy Clark, Gary Nicholson and Billie Joe Shaver on an album I'd love to find (no luck so far) playing at the Bluebird Cafe Nashville. It's beautiful. Right now my favourite 3 songs of the greatest songwriter/wordsmith/warlock are Snowin' On Raton, Don't you take it too bad and None but the Rain. I love the guy through and through, demons and all. He's brilliant and perfect in my eyes. Great story about that sink at his friend's place: amazing you saw that in the flesh. I'm an Australian and never travelled overseas but I wished (strangely one might think) I were a tad older and met him, seen him play. There's a really crappy, raw recording of Townes playing Madigans in Brunswick, Melbourne here, which I love watching. Same old Townes, same old jokes. So great.
After I read his biography by Harold Eggers a few tears back I guess now, I listened to that 40 or so minute interview with Townes on RUclips and then went out back to watch the sun set for the day. I spoke to Townes and said Man, I hope you're at peace now. Are you Townes? As I watched the setting sun drop behind all kinds of shades of grey and white clouds, I saw a completely black cross form across the face of the tiring sun. I couldn't believe my eyes. Then that drifted away and I saw these perfect fine lines parallel to each other and equidistant form instead. It confounded me until I remembered learning guitar as a girl: E G B D F Every Good Boy Deserves Fruit. Funny happenstance, as the man would have said. Cheers for this, Otis 🍻💜🌹
Oh...and Happy New Year Otis! You're a great storyteller! I'll check out "At My Window" today...this will be a fun journey
Otis, Happy New Year! I caught the Hank Williams video yesterday and you mentioned ADI and the Townes tribute. They dont have it there anymore but it is still held every year in Louisville. I lived down there for 15 years in the early 2000's. and more than once got the privilege to play the tribute show.. I live up the road from you in Elwood now but Hands down my favorite has to be "Marie" not necessarily the Willie duet but his solo version. I think Guy Clark told the story that one morning Townes came to Guy's room and showed him the freshly written "Marie" He then proceeded that same night to go on stage and play it without missing a word from memory! I love the videos keep them coming.
"when things err on the side of heart..." yessir!
Snake song ..played on drop d tuning...dark song great one.. Nashville sessions 1983
1973 recorded
I went and looked up Townes albums in order. Low and behold he recorded live at the Whole Coffeehouse, basement of the student union bldg on the U of Minnesota Minneapolis campus. (Coffman bldg) I went there a lot. Saw many great acts there, like Bonnie Raitt, Leo Kottke, Tom Waits, Jerry Jeff, and more there. Leo was incredible. I would have never known without your prompt. It's a great recording. Thanks Otis.
I was born in 96, so I unfortunately don’t even get to enjoy having a full rotation around the sun existing on the same rock as Townes, but his work has touched me immensely throughout the years, and I treasure that so much. Especially during this time of year. Old Quarter is always a go to, but over the years I’ve come to enjoy the versions on Road Songs the most. With Owen Cody’s sizzling fiddle on Lungs and Our Mother The Mountain, along with the legendary versions of Dead Flowers and Ira Hayes, it’s hard not to unhear how perfectly his raw stature is represented beyond the mystique behind the “one man and his guitar” vibe most of his other live content displays itself. Long live the late great.
The Silver Ships of Andilar is what i'll start with.
And this eve we'll gather round & watch Heartworn Highways while toasting Townes & getting toasted.
The high low and in between album including highway kind is special. The title track is sooo good I love that tune. Put that album on Sunday morning and let it do something to ya! What a character and a legend! Another classic is delta momma blues with rake and nothing at the end brilliant
Snowin’ On Raton from At My Window has long been my favorite TVZ song so I’m listening to that album now.
I did not know of The Highway Kind album! Damn this is a good one
Merle Haggard, I might have gone fishin' , the road to the river is a mighty long way
Hey Otis, I just wanted to say thanks for all your videos and the insight they bring to a fan of the music that had to find his own way through it.
As a child of immigrants born in 1969, I didn’t have anyone to show me what music was good. No dad listening to Les Zeppelin or mom listening to Tom Jones. I also felt that was born too late. That I missed out on a lot of what was going on in the world of the music I liked when it was happening.
Then my daughter says she envíes me for actually living in the ‘80s when the greatest (her words) music came about. So I don’t feel that way. I think lost fans of something wish they were in the room when it happened, so to speak.
Keep up the great work.
I love my coffee and much love back to you.
Peace ✌️
If listening to a record, Live at the Old Quarter. If I only got one song, Where I lead Me. That one song means so much. Townes was such an artist on fire. That live show he shared with Guy Clark in Vancouver (?) is also a definite listen.
"Waitin' Around to Die". Thanks Otis.
I'm always just digging atound the edges with Townes Van Zant. A track here and there. An album. Stories. I just know there is so much that even to start, I'm going to have to binge watch and listen for at least several months. I'll do it at some point. I want to. I just know how it was going down the Bob Dylan - Nashville connection after I moved to Nashville. I couldn't get enough and went over every track, alnum, musician, situation. It lead down path like the Pete Drake connection to George and Ringo. Beaucoup of Blues. It was endless. The same thing will hsppen and I'll go down all the paths with Townes at some point whem I can focus.