Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas
Townes Van Zandt
(Tomato)
Most famous for writing "Pancho & Lefty," Texas music icon Townes Van Zandt had a profound influence on alt-country heroes like Steve Earle and Lyle Lovett. Recorded in 1973 (but not released until '77), this double-disc finds Van Zandt at his peak, delivering poetic tales of lost love, outlaws and drifters with stunning passion. In addition to "Pancho," there are heart-wrenching readings of Van Zandt classics like "To Live Is to Fly," "For the Sake of the Song" and "Waiting 'Round to Die." No self-respecting alt-country fan should be without this album.
This article appears in Nov 28 – Dec 4, 2007.