Customer Reviews

Essential Guy Clark

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Not really a "best of" CD, but pretty much a re-issue of his first two records for RCA back in '75 and '76. They probably sell more now than they did then. Guy Clark was never a comfortable fit with commercial country trends, and the folk revival was already gone when he got started. So he did not achieve mass appeal in his early days. But he sure wrote some fine songs. This CD will give you 73 minutes of good stuff. I actually don't play this as frequently as I do his more recent album, "Old Friends", but when I do play it, I find myself wondering why I hadn't pulled it out sooner. My faves on here include "Like a Coat From the Cold" and "That Old Time Feelin'" and "Don't Let the Sunshine Fool You" and "Broken Hearted People." Probably every listener will have different choices. He is personal, intimate, simple, pleasant and worth getting to know. Anyone who can be a friend to Ramblin' Jack Elliot, the cantankerous old folkie who was one of the last singers to work with Woody Guthrie and one of the first to champion Bob Dylan, has to have what they call "people skills." He also coped with the tormented genius Townes van Zandt and has been an inspiration to Nanci Griffith, among many others. This CD gives you a good idea why Mr. Clark is valued by so many artists who sell more records than he does.

I own the original discs of OLD NO.1 (1975) & TEXAS COOKING (1976). It's a great idea to pair Guy's first two albums together. The first 10 songs on ESSENTIALS are from OLD NO.1 but in a scrambled order. Song 11-13 are from TEXAS COOKING in order but songs 4.IT'S ABOUT TIME & 5.GOOD TO LOVE YOU LADY from the single album cd are ommitted completely. Songs 14-17 continue in order to be followed by song 18.DON'T LET THE SUNSHINE FOOL YOU that was not on the TEXAS COOKING album but they give credit to it coming from it. Is this an outake of that session? It doesn't say and the song can not be traced to any other album. Song 19 is the last song from TEXAS COOKING but wait song 20 is acually from his third album self titled Guy Clark (1978). I'm not really sure why anyone who loves Guy Clark's music would drop those two songs from this collection.I would recommend getting the first two cds individually and of course the rest of his albums. If you love the style of Guy Clark give Billy Joe Shaver and Ray Wylie Hubbard a try. Another couple of great Texas guitarslingin'singer songwriters.

Guy Clark is one of the greatest singer-songwriters of all time. Just ask Steve Earle, Lyle Lovett, or any of the hundreds of others who have been influenced by him. This collection contains all of "Old No. 1" and all but one song from "Texas Cookin'." If you can find the Sugar Hill re-releases of those original albums, buy them. If you can't find these, buy this CD, then buy his later albums. It's a great starting point for any newcomer to Guy's music. You'll still hear many of these songs in his live show.

This man does work of the highest order. He is a true artist in his song writing, in his mastery of the music, and in his vocal delivery. No complexities, no pretension, no compromises. Simply put, it is true artistry.

Guy Clark has depicted Texas as it truly is, whether it be a shrimp boat, domino parlor, bar room, or at home on the front porch. Texas' greatest songwriter.

Guy Clark is a songwriter. His music is all heart, and you can hear that in every line he sings. His style of music is the pinnacle of singer-songwriters. The words paint a visual, and the music provides a background that sets the mood. Both elements weave together to allow the listener to believe in these songs, and this singer. It's impossible not to love this cd for it's music.

This is essentially his first two albums compiled, with the exception of a few songs. His first two albums are great. "Old # 1" and "Texas Cookin'". Great songs: Desperado's Waiting for a Train, Old Time Feeling, Let Him Roll, LA Freeway' and many more.
The opening lines to LA Freeway go something like this:
"Pack up all your dishes, Make note of all good wishes, Say 'Good-bye' to the landlord for me, That son of a bitch has always bored me". Have you ever heard better lyrics. The words to 'Old Time Feeling' are among the best ever written. Such great imagery: "Like an old bluestime picker, who don't recall who you are". I could go on forever.

Guy Clark is definitely one of the best songwriters ever. There is not a bad song from this artist. His music will take you back to a time when life was simple and good. Popular songs which are performed by the original artist are the best. Even his relatively unknown songs are very good. Guy Clark's voice and style will leave you searching for more of his music. "The Essential Guy Clark" is just as it says. Essential.

I love this guy's songs, and his history, and his ability to take you to the places he has been. He should be better known than he is, and deserves the thanks of a grateful nation of fans of country, alt.country, folk, or just whatever it is he is peddling. He should be mentioned in the same breath as Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett. I am not a Texan and don't really aspire to be one, but I would knock back a beer with any of these greats, and bet Guy would be the most fun of the bunch. The first time I heard one of his songs, my ex-sister-in-law was singing, "Anyhow I Love You" in a beautiful, clear soprano, accompanied on single guitar, and I knew this was one great song, and one great writer. Thanks, Guy.

The depth of Guy Clark's lyrics are only challenged his cutting voice and captivating melodies. Knowing that this artist has penned some of the greatest songs of the past half century is to realize that the true appeal lies in his honesty and unique take on the world. Guy Clark Essentails is a great collection of some of his better know works. Songs that have been recorded by many other artists can sometimes only be given their justice by their creator, and Guy Clark puts forth an exceptional effort. This alblum crosses many boundries, and is a must for anyone's collection