The Flop Eared Mule (who is becoming a daily stop for me) has “a fine post on Townes Van Zandt”:http://flopearedmule.blogspot.com/2005_08_01_flopearedmule_archive.html#112365680440804113 , Philip Larkin, and how life-embracing depressing lyrics can be (complete with link to an interview with the maker of the forthcoming Townes movie).
{ 5 comments }
Jake 08.10.05 at 10:42 am
A nice post. I think he’s right on with that bit about humanness. Ironically (in the Morrisettian sense), I was just contemplating this morning how one of the reasons I like Rush’s early albums is that it seemed they were trying to do a prog-rock version of the great aim of country music. Although Pancho and Lefty is still a better song than Red Barchetta.
I’m also reminded of that sci-fi story (by our favorite homophobe, I think) in which that kind of art, including music, is outlawed, and those people who can’t stop creating it end up having their eardrums punctured or eyes removed, etc.
Marcus Stanley 08.10.05 at 11:06 am
Always thought Townes Van Zandt was massively overrated. Lyrics sound like stuff from the college literary magazine.
Amanda 08.10.05 at 5:01 pm
I actually think If I Needed You, probably more covered that P&L, is pretty over rated. It’s a nice song, but in terms of TVZ songs about love and desire, its way own the list.
Phillip 08.11.05 at 6:45 pm
I wouldn’t say Townes’s music is over-rated, but it’s deceptively simple. You listen to it and wonder what’s all the fuss about. Takes time.
Jake 08.12.05 at 10:47 am
Phillip–
I think Greg Brown’s early albums are the same way.
One time I had some friends over for dinner and was playing Iowa Waltz in the background. One guest commented on what pleasantly innocuous music it was. But I’ve given that CD to a number of people and everyone I know who’s listened carefully has ended up being very fond of it. My friend simply couldn’t hear it with the distraction of conversation and all.
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