Townes Van Zandt Live At The Old Quarter, Houston, Texas

New Vinyl

Culled from van Zandt's years of independently released country-folk records, the austere collection of songs here serves, in effect, as a greatest-hits package, albeit with glitches, errant noises, goofy jokes and witty anecdotes. Van Zandt's dry, narrative wit was the source of influence for such singer-songwriters as Lyle Lovett, but one would be hard-pressed to find a more simple, prettier love song than 'If i needed you' (a hit for Emmylou Harris) or a more riveting ballad than 'Kathleen', both sung with focused precision. The Old Quarter falls as silent as a church. 'Brand new companion' shows off Van Zandt's blues-picking expertise. 'Talking thunderbird blues' demonstrates his wit. One of his best creations, 'for the sake of the song', shows off his poetic strength. This is the place to start if you are just entering the parched, spare domain of Townes Van Zandt. by album's end, you will be thirsty for more.