Last Rights: The Life & Times of Townes Van Zandt

Townes Van Zandt

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 10, 1997)
• Original Release Date: June 10, 1997
• Label: Gregor
• ASIN: B000001Z8L
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #32,160 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Last Rights is an odd but enlightening "CD documentary" of the Texas singer-songwriter's life and work produced by Chinga Chavin, a crazed Texan in the Kinky Friedman mold. Given its sepulchral title and the fact that it was recorded the year before he died, this set has the feel of a farewell note. Throughout its 23 cuts, newly recorded solo versions of Van Zandt's best-known tunes--"Tecumseh Valley" and "If I Needed You" among them--are interspersed with poignant and honest comments. He tells the story of how he wrote "Pancho & Lefty" and explains how Lightnin' Hopkins influenced his music. The Hopkins interview snippet is followed by "Brand New Companion," the memorable tribute tune Van Zandt wrote to Hopkins using many of the Houston bluesman's most identifiable songwriting characteristics. Another highlight is a version of "Cowboy Junkies Lament," a tune he wrote to the Canadian band after a shared tour. The final interview segments offer wonderful insight into how bright and emotionally intuitive this irreplaceable songwriter really was. Ultimately, Last Rights is a valuable addition to any serious Van Zandt fan's collection. --Robert Baird

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gone But Not Forgotten, December 24, 1999

By	Charles H. Cox (Rockdale, TX) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Townes Van Zandt, put simply, was a poet and song writer extraordinaire. Besides the great music there are dialouge excerpts with Townes telling stories behind his music. The famed writer of 'Pancho and Lefty' also adds 'Cowboy Junkies Lament,' 'Marie' and 'Waitin' Round To Die.'

To listen is to understand why he ranks as one of the favorites of Texas' newest generation of country music singer-songwriters such as Pat Green and Cory Morrow. He has been gone close to three years, but his legacy lives on through his music.