Townes Van Zandt fans?


I just picked up the new release, "Be here to love me" the soundtrack to a film about Townes' life just released as well. It seems like a pretty good compilation of his music & was wondering what other discs in particular I should seek out. also anybody seen the film yet?
128x128pehare
... and this is review from the Houston Press. Guess I'm going to buy this recording this weekend.

"Considered by many to be the best Americana songwriter, living or dead, Townes Van Zandt certainly never made it the way Steve Earle has. But on Townes, Earle mines Van Zandt's prolific songbook to pay homage as only a true student of the master could. Shrewdly observing that Van Zandt's work couldn't stand (and doesn't need) much tinkering, Earle keeps "Pancho and Lefty" and "White Freight Liner Blues" solidly true to Van Zandt's originals. When Earle does depart from the Townes formula, though, the results are magnificent; "No Place To Fall" and "Loretta" have a lilting Irish elegance, and "Brand New Companion" also pays homage to Lightnin' Hopkins, whom both Earle and Van Zandt studied like biblical scholars scouring the Dead Sea Scrolls. The dark and tragic "Marie" pours out of Earle like a deathbed confession, and the poetic "Rake" seems to have a timeless connection with the ancient. Townes's clever poker paean "Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold" is putty in Earle's hands, and "(Quicksilver Daydreams of) Maria" is the type of dazzling love song that has become a signature part of Earle's own repertoire. Townes is undoubtedly a true-north homage done with loving care and reverence, but by the time it's over, listeners realize just how much influence van Zandt had on Earle's own writing, delivery and, ultimately, his higher-profile career."
Just a note ... you really need to be a fan of Steve Earle and his sound to appreciate this album. These are definitely Steve's versions of TVZ's songs, as opposed to an album of covers. I am not Steve's biggest fan and I have had a difficult time listening to/ getting my head around this album.

Regards,

Rich
Cleaneduphippy: I've not heard the whole disc yet, but I heard a few cuts on NPR, and I fear I'm with Rich here; I was not drawn in, tho to be fair, I've not liked what of SE's recent stuff I've heard. Please do let us know what you think; I'd be curious to hear an opinion after a full listen.

For fans of Texas stuff, do check out Hayes Carll -- a good bit like the Earle of Train a Comin', but to my mind better (no faint praise). Trouble in Mind got some good press, and I like his previous release, Little Rock, even better.

John