The Late Great Townes Van Zandt

The reissue of the album may seem like an extravagance to those who have been able to purchase couplings of this recording with "High Low and In Between", but record companies are always finding some new way to flog a product. Cramming CDs full of back catalogue however can, in some instances, detract from the beauty of a distinct recording. This is the fan's reissue, annotated by Colin Escott with historical context. The Late Great Townes Van Zandt may by its title have intended to be ironic in its day, but the sentiment has nonetheless been realised much more conventionally. He really is the late and the great TVZ.Some artists are of their time, and some are timeless. In the way that a great fireside singalong can be a wonderful and life affirming experience, so can putting on this album. It really is that great, as is High Low and In Between. I don't find the orchestral arrangements as obstrusive as those on Our Mother the Mountain. In fact on the track "Snow Don't Fall" it is at least arguable that the arrangement augments the drama in the text.Not sure about the comment made about sound quality I've read in another review. Sounds perfect to me in the 2013 re-issue. Matter of opinion I guess.

The more we listen to Townes Van Zandt, the better he gets. We are slowly accumulating hisavailable & we listen to his efforts weekly. His writing is unique (Dylan, Cohen, Simon, et al.).his voice unusual (& easy to understand). No way to describe hiswork other than saying it'sfunny, poignant, beautiful & sad. If you have yet to experience this man's fine work, this albumis an excellent place to start. You will be happily surprised (I predict) @some of his songs -- "Oh.my, that's a song he wrote?! Wow!!"

I had never heard Townes Van Zandt's music until a friend of mine put it on and it is pure folk music! So, needless to say I bought the CDs and I am NOT disappointed! If you love folk music I am sure you will enjoy his voice, music, and the lyrics.

`The Late Great Townes Van Zandt' is a deceptive title. When originally released in 1973, Townes was well (sort of) and alive. It wasn't until his death in 1997 did the title ring true. It is a bit macabre that an artist would refer to himself as "The Late Great." The compositions here are lyrically intense - Townes' language is stark and uncommercial. The music is primary acoustic and underproduced with stories by a man who lived on the edge, who walked a tightrope. With an elegant Texas-twang, Townes reveals his images of life and love (Sad Cinderella, Fraulien) - often his perspective is bleak (Don't Let The Sunshine Fool Ya') and lonesome. Melancholy tales of losers, gambles and ramblers (Poncho & Lefty).In hindsight, `Silver Ships of Andilar' (and ominous sailing tale) and `Heavenly Houseboat Blues' (where heaven is defined as living on a houseboat) foretell the future. Fifty-two years is much too short for anyone; especially too short for a gifted storyteller such as Townes. Perhaps the finality of life is the concept of `The Late Great Townes Van Zandt.' Although he is no longer with us, I believe that he left something precious to share - his music.

Townes was a poet and troubadour who was way ahead of his time. A careful, attentive listening to this recordshould convince you that he was not just a country singer/songwriter but a visionary poet and songwriter. He never tried to be abig star. He did not care about that. He is, in fact, along with Graham Parsons, Neil Young, and Steve Young, the first true Americana artistwho raised the bar on country and folk music.

I bought this CD for personal use. This is a good recording of 11 of TVZ's songs. It's like the artist's life: I only wish it had been longer.

I always enjoy listening to the late Townes Van Zandt and wanted to add this CD to my collection. If you like the legendary song writer this is a great CD.

I'm glad I discovered Van Zandt. Love the CD