Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The essential Leo Kottke..., February 13, 2000
From the self-deprecating liner notes to the extraordinary guitar work to the unique gravelly vocals, this album, and the cassette I bought for my car, became a near-obsession as my intro to Leo Kottke back in '74 and remains so today on CD. With all his great work since, this still stands, I think, as his best example of guitar and vocals together. A must-have for anyone with an interest in this national treasure... There's no one like Leo Kottke, and this surely stands as proof, providing insight into not only his talent but his somewhat quirky personality. Fantastic.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very special album, August 17, 1999
By A Customer
This album was my introduction to Leo Kottke,well over twenty years ago. He amazed me with his playing back then,and he amazes me still,after seeing him numerous times over the years. This album will always be special to me,not only be- cause of its excellence but also because of the wonderful memories that it brings me. The very first song,Morning is a Long Way Home,is a power- ful piece of guitar work and makes the most of Leo's weak singing voice. (It's a voice that Leo fans have learned to love,the way people feel about singers like Neil Young and Bob Dylan.)Leo's version of Pamela Brown is very sweet,and he is justifiably famous for it. The rest of the album is solid quality,the kind of stuff we have come to expect from this terrific musician. This is a fine album,and anyone who enjoys masterful guitar work and excellent songs should buy right away!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kottke shines in the studio, February 15, 2002
I think this is Leo Kottke's best studio album. [His evanescent set/s caught on MY FEET ARE SMILING is/are my favorite overall.] Unlike others who carp at his voice [including the artist himself, who once memorably described it as sounding like "geese farts on a muggy day"], I have to hand it to a guy who can play like this and warble a perfectly credible vibrato too--kind of like Karen Carpenter drumming *while* singing! [I'm joking, of course.] But it all comes down to the music, don't it? "Pamela Brown" is so sweet and true as a song that it breaks your heart, and Leo's voice absolutely puts it over, my friend; the "story" of the Tom T. Hall tune can be interpreted several different ways, Leo's version is a slate over which you can insert any personal history you choose--plus there's this wonderfully lyrical slide work as well. "Why Ask Why," vocals and all, lingers like a ghost after it's over. The instrumental break on "Morning is a Long Way Home" [offered sans vocals on his 70s-era collection CAN YOU HEAR ME?--and why isn't that on CD?] is some of the most powerful stuff he's ever laid down. Then there is "Tilt Billings and the Student Prince": The Leo Kottke Experience! Hey, I'm tired of writing about this set, I want to go back and listen again. Second side's not quite as hot as the first, but you can use some cooling off by then. Buy it.
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Leo Kottke & Mike Gordon share their favorite music with Amazon customers. See all artists' picks on our Music You Should Hear page.
by Leo Kottke 
