Todd Snider is an American original, a songwriter rooted in folk who has followed his own path since the start of his career more than 30 years ago. In that vein, Snider is embarking on a journey through his entire catalog, storyteller style.
Starting with Songs for the Daily Planet, his debut album released in 1994, he is re-recording each album accompanying himself on just acoustic guitar or piano. Even better, he shares stories about the songs and his life. It’s as colorful, not to mention insightful if you’re a Snider fan, as you’d think it’d be.
You can find Songs for the Daily Planet on Snider’s website now. Expect a new album every month, all recorded at Snider’s Purple Building in Nashville.
Let’s celebrate the series with a trip back to 1995 and young Todd’s appearance on the Conan O’Brien show to perform “Alright Guy”, one of my faves from the debut. Gotta love the words that get censored, a testament to how social norms have changed (“scum bag”, really?). And that’s the mighty Will Kimbrough on guitar.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.