2. music
  3. 159139-1089

Townes Van Zandt

I finished reading a book about Townes just today, one I purchased more than a year ago, but picked up just a few days back. Its by his road manager/friend, and its wonderful.

I have always loved his music, but had a foggy picture of the man. No longer. The man, the music, just wonderful. And tragic. As is the book. I have pulled out my TVZ music and have been re-discovering it, re-interpreting it, in light of what I read in this great book.

My Years with Townes Van Zandt: Music, Genius, and Rage
by Harold F. Eggers with L.E. McCullough

I hope others here who appreciate TVZ will give it a read. I have the DVD of the movie about him, but the book has a lot more. A lot.

Saw/heard him just once, at the Bottom Line, NYC, in the 90s.
rpeluso
trentmemphis
282 posts
 
@brownsfan , I recommend Rearview Mirror.  It was the first Townes I ever heard.  I was in a music store in Iowa City, and they had it playing on the PA. I went over to the guy and said, "What is this??"   He grinned and said, "I know, isn't it great?"

I've seen some negative reviews on it, but they didn't ring true to me.  The thing I like about it is there's very little production involved.  It's very stripped down and simple and immediate, which, if you ask me, is exactly how his music ought to sound. 
brownsfan
1,508 posts
 
@trentmephis, I picked up Rearview and got a listen last night.  Really good.  Thanks for the recommendation.   TVZ was a really talent.
trentmemphis
282 posts
 
Thrilled you're enjoying it!  That's very gratifying.  Music recommendations are really hard, even when limited to a single performer.

Indeed he was.  Talented and tragic.
More to discover