Delta Momma Blues

About

Townes Van Zandt's fourth album—1971's <i>Delta Momma Blues</i>—is another strong, uncompromising collection of emotionally resonant songs arranged as traditional country and folk tunes far removed from the sounds heard on the country or rock radio of the era. This album features fewer of his best-known songs, though "Nothin'" gained notoriety for its flat-out dismissals of love and hope. In many ways, it's to the album's advantage. Rediscovering these less-exposed Van Zandt songs uncovers more poetic writing and gritty vocal performances. Several tunes have a folkier feel ("FFV," the title track, "Turnstyled, Junkpiled"), while "Brand New Companion" sticks to acoustic blues. The purest songs are simply gorgeous. "Only Him or Me," "Tower Song," and "Come Tomorrow" make this album a must-have, with Van Zandt's flat but emotive voice doing with just a few notes what other more "talented" singers can't do with entire scales. "Rake" takes on the power of an epic British folk song worthy of Richard Thompson and Fairport Convention at their best.

via Apple Music

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