Townes Van Zandt, A Private Concert (Varese)
Says Steve Earle, “TOWNES VAN ZANDT is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” Who am I to argue?
Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run: 30th Anniversary Edition (Sony)
It would have been enough to remaster this legendary album. Throw in a documentary on its creation and a vintage live 1975 performance dvd and you’ll be a witness to a rock and roll revival. Check out Amazon.com for a live stream of “Born to Run” from the ’75 show.
Wilco, Kicking Television: Live in Chicago (Nonesuch)
I’m a rare breed who prefers early Wilco to the band’s later work. Perhaps this double live album will change my mind. But couldn’t you have included “Box Full of Lettersâ€?
Martin Sexton, Camp Holiday (Kitchen Table)
Sexton could sing the alphabet and make it sound special. I wouldn’t ordinarily recommend a holiday album, but this one is worth consideration.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.