First Listen: Townes Van Zandt/Sky Blue

[Docreed2003]

A new album of previously unreleased songs by one of the greatest singer songwriters ever, Townes Van Zandt. The man about whom Steve Earle said "I will stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in my cowboy boots and say Townes is the best songwriter ever!"

Lots of people would have loved to take a peek inside Townes Van Zandt's head for a moment, if only to understand the workings of the troubled songwriting genius' mind. Sky Blue, a candid sonic snapshot of a precious piece of time in the late folk/country troubadour's '70s heyday, comes as close as anyone is ever likely to get.

https://www.npr.org/2019/02/28/696718029/first-listen-townes-van-zandt-sky-blue?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=nprmusic&utm_term=music&utm_content=20190228

[Bradshaw3]

1. One of the most underrated songwriters ever

I read his biography. Troubled and sometimes unkind, especially while under the influence of whatever - which he usually was - but anyone who appreciates songwriting and styling should check him out.

Thanks for posting.

[Docreed2003]

2. No problem!

Edit to add: if you've never seen the documentary "Be here to Love me", it's amazing and really highlights the struggles Townes had with his own sanity and addiction

[The Polack MSgt]

3. Not all genius is carried into this world by troubled artists and sad tortured souls

But Townes was a tragic tale walking alone in a crowd.

Waiting around to die...

[Docreed2003]

4. Indeed bro!

(Love the Heartworn Highways clip)

[cemaphonic]

5. I still love Townes' reply to that Dylan quote

"I've met Bob Dylan's bodyguards, and if Steve Earle thinks he can stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table, he's sadly mistaken."

Apparently, Dylan liked Townes enough to offer to write some songs together, but Townes declined. I know he's performed "Pancho & Lefty" from time to time.

Anyway, here's one of my favorites of Townes' lesser-known songs, Snowing on Raton:

[Docreed2003]

6. Wow...I can't believe that I'd never heard that quote

I knew Dylan had reached out to him, but hadn't heard that quote...Dylan had done a great cover of P&L.

Love your song choice, it's a great one! Thanks for sharing!