High, Low and in Between [Original recording remastered]

Product Description
Originally released in 1972, and featuring some of Towne's most autobiographical material. Tomato. 2003.

High, Low and in Between,Townes Van Zandt,Tomato Music,Folk,Folk & Traditional,Pop,Progressive Country,Singer/Songwriter

Average customer rating: Great introduction other stuff to check out Sweet writer, with a voice that grows on you... For The Sake of the CD Wrong track list

High, Low And In Between/Late Great Townes Van Zandt Manufacturer: Capitol ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Similar Items: Legend Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas A Gentle Evening with Townes Van Zandt Roadsongs At My Window ASIN: B000002UHX Release Date: 1996-10-01

Tracks:

1. Two Hands
2. You Are Not Needed Now
3. Greensboro Woman
4. Highway Kind
5. Standin'
6. No Deal
7. To Live Is To Fly
8. When He Offers His Hand
9. Mr. Gold And Mr. Mud
10. Blue Ridge Mountains
11. High, Low And In Between
12. No Lonesome Tune
13. Sad Cinderella
14. German Mustard
15. Don't Let The Sunshine Fool Ya'
16. Honky Tonkin'
17. Snow Don't Fall
18. Fraulein
19. Poncho & Lefty
20. If I Needed You
21. Silver Ships Of Andilar
22. Heavenly Houseboat Blues

Amazon.com

Packaged as two albums on one disc, these are among the best of Van Zandt's erratic studio recordings. The first is often overlooked, but it has many songs of dark, marvelous realism, true and accurate as arrows. Kevin Eggers's production is never heavy or busy: he mostly lets the songs breathe beside piano and guitar. And the poetic heights of the title track and "The Highway Kind" are remarkable by any standard. Late Great is important for a little known Guy Clark song "Don't Let the Sunshine Fool You," as well as an orchestrated "Pancho and Lefty" and the sweetly simple "Heavenly Houseboat Blues." Both records show Townes's belief in the abracadabra of words, that their magic is as primary to being human as love and death and kindness and cruelty--those intense qualities that distinguish his work. --Roy Kasten

Album Description

UK reissue of original 1972 Poppy label album. Musicians include Larry Carlton & David Cohen (ex-Country Joe & The Fish). Includes detailed sleevenotes.

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction.......2007-02-16

I'm not a big fan of compilations and "best of" CDs; like a lot of music fans I prefer to hear entire albums in their original context. That's why this economically-priced two-fer from Townes Van Zandt is such a good introduction--it includes two entire albums from one of his most productive periods, and offers a wide variety of his music to get you interested in exploring more. Between these two albums, you can see what a talented songwriter, understatedly excellent vocalist, and all-around worthwhile musical personality he was. Not only that, you'll have over an hour of great country-tinged folk to listen to.

The first album included is High, Low, and In Between. It's probably the lesser of the two choices, but still very worthwhile. Van Zandt is usually accompanied by some subtle acoustic guitar, often combined with some bass, or even bigger band arrangements. He certainly has a skill for melancholy--songs like "You are Not Needed Now" and the title track really get under your skin with simple melodies and some occasionally chilling lyrics. He does include a few upbeat numbers, though, like the great and humorous "No Deal," and the groovy "Standin.'" There are a few weaker tracks, most notably the gospel tunes "Two Hands" and "When He Offers His Hand;" they lack the personality that Van Zandt is so capable of injecting into a great song. Overall, though, there are some great highlights.

The second album is even better. The Late Great Townes Van Zandt opens with "No Lonesome Tune," a very homey, heartwarming tune combined with some really cool music--the heavy bass sounds great combined with the mandolin. The singer sounds totally at ease in the relaxed "German Mustard" blues, and rips out some of his most harrowing compositions, the mysterious "Ships of Andilar," and the oft-covered "Pancho and Lefty." On both discs, he shows great skill at storytelling, and it's too bad every other country singer had a hit with "Pancho and Lefty," but its own composer couldn't. This album really shows off his deft skill at mystery, since more often the music matches his deceptively dense words. Again, though, there are also fun moments like the cover, "Honky Tonkin.'" Also again, though, there are a few weaker moments--"Sad Cinderella" sounds like a textbook paraphrased rewrite of Dylan's "Queen Jane Approximately," and "Heavenly Houseboat Blues" isn't quite a compelling closer.

All in all, though, Townes Van Zandt has made some great music, and deserves to be much better known. This disc is a steal, containing two solid albums' worth of music, with some music that's good, and some that's GREAT. If you're unfamiliar with TVZ, I recommend that this is as good a place as any to get into some great music!

other stuff to check out.......2006-06-21

I am a huge fan of catchy, quiet folk music with insightful lyrics. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) Ghosts Of The Great Highway by Sun Kil Moon
2) Kings Avenue Joe Kile
3) Subtitulo by Josh Rouse

Sweet writer, with a voice that grows on you..........2005-07-03

This single-CD collection of two of Townes' early LP's should confirm for any lover of country/folk that Van Zandt's reputation is well-deserved. People such as Guy Clark, Nancy Griffith, Emmy Lou Harris, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle and many others who had more successful performing careers than Townes all praise his writing. I was pleased with the writing, but pleasantly surprised that TVZ could sing so well. His voice is limited, but endearing. He is one of a long line of artists who could not survive alcohol and drugs and the stress of the music business. All of the songs on here, all 22, are worth hearing, but more than half of them deserve and reward repeated listening. Those stand up to dozens of playings without getting stale. I'm speaking of songs such as "To Live is to Fly" and "No Lonesome Tune" and "Don't Let the Sunshine Fool Ya'" and "Poncho and Lefty" and "If I Needed You." While "Sunshine" was written by Guy Clark, Townes' version is almost as good as Clark's own. Eighteen of the tracks were written by Van Zandt. These performances were laid down on vinyl in the 1970's, but they hold up pretty darn well. If you have heard about TVZ, and want a good sample of his lyrics and singing, this item is a great value.

For The Sake of the CD.......2005-03-02

Steve Earle is certainly entitled to his opinion, but comparing Bob Dylan to anyone seems kind of foolish. However, just the fact that many, myself included, consider Townes Van Zandt to be in the same league as Dylan as a songwriter speaks volumes about the late Texan's considerable talents. This is a nice pairing of two of his best albums. It's always cool to get two albums for the price of one. A great introduction to a cult hero who deserves wider recognition.

Wrong track list.......2002-10-04

High Low and in Between is a great album. But this page has the wrong tracks listed...

Average customer rating: Great introduction other stuff to check out Sweet writer, with a voice that grows on you... For The Sake of the CD Wrong track list

High, Low and in Between Townes Van Zandt Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Legend Live at the Old Quarter, Houston, Texas A Gentle Evening with Townes Van Zandt Roadsongs At My Window ASIN: B00000330M Release Date: 1994-10-04

Tracks:

1. Dollar Bill Blues (VanZandt)
2. Rex's Blues
3. Pueblo Waltz
4. Brother Flower
5. Snake Song
6. Loretta
7. No Place to Fall
8. Flyin' Shoes
9. Who Do You Love
10. When She Don't Need Me

Amazon.com

Packaged as two albums on one disc, these are among the best of Van Zandt's erratic studio recordings. The first is often overlooked, but it has many songs of dark, marvelous realism, true and accurate as arrows. Kevin Eggers's production is never heavy or busy: he mostly lets the songs breathe beside piano and guitar. And the poetic heights of the title track and "The Highway Kind" are remarkable by any standard. Late Great is important for a little known Guy Clark song "Don't Let the Sunshine Fool You," as well as an orchestrated "Pancho and Lefty" and the sweetly simple "Heavenly Houseboat Blues." Both records show Townes's belief in the abracadabra of words, that their magic is as primary to being human as love and death and kindness and cruelty--those intense qualities that distinguish his work. --Roy Kasten

Album Description

UK reissue of original 1972 Poppy label album. Musicians include Larry Carlton & David Cohen (ex-Country Joe & The Fish). Includes detailed sleevenotes.

Customer Reviews:

Great introduction.......2007-02-16

I'm not a big fan of compilations and "best of" CDs; like a lot of music fans I prefer to hear entire albums in their original context. That's why this economically-priced two-fer from Townes Van Zandt is such a good introduction--it includes two entire albums from one of his most productive periods, and offers a wide variety of his music to get you interested in exploring more. Between these two albums, you can see what a talented songwriter, understatedly excellent vocalist, and all-around worthwhile musical personality he was. Not only that, you'll have over an hour of great country-tinged folk to listen to.

The first album included is High, Low, and In Between. It's probably the lesser of the two choices, but still very worthwhile. Van Zandt is usually accompanied by some subtle acoustic guitar, often combined with some bass, or even bigger band arrangements. He certainly has a skill for melancholy--songs like "You are Not Needed Now" and the title track really get under your skin with simple melodies and some occasionally chilling lyrics. He does include a few upbeat numbers, though, like the great and humorous "No Deal," and the groovy "Standin.'" There are a few weaker tracks, most notably the gospel tunes "Two Hands" and "When He Offers His Hand;" they lack the personality that Van Zandt is so capable of injecting into a great song. Overall, though, there are some great highlights.

The second album is even better. The Late Great Townes Van Zandt opens with "No Lonesome Tune," a very homey, heartwarming tune combined with some really cool music--the heavy bass sounds great combined with the mandolin. The singer sounds totally at ease in the relaxed "German Mustard" blues, and rips out some of his most harrowing compositions, the mysterious "Ships of Andilar," and the oft-covered "Pancho and Lefty." On both discs, he shows great skill at storytelling, and it's too bad every other country singer had a hit with "Pancho and Lefty," but its own composer couldn't. This album really shows off his deft skill at mystery, since more often the music matches his deceptively dense words. Again, though, there are also fun moments like the cover, "Honky Tonkin.'" Also again, though, there are a few weaker moments--"Sad Cinderella" sounds like a textbook paraphrased rewrite of Dylan's "Queen Jane Approximately," and "Heavenly Houseboat Blues" isn't quite a compelling closer.

All in all, though, Townes Van Zandt has made some great music, and deserves to be much better known. This disc is a steal, containing two solid albums' worth of music, with some music that's good, and some that's GREAT. If you're unfamiliar with TVZ, I recommend that this is as good a place as any to get into some great music!

other stuff to check out.......2006-06-21

I am a huge fan of catchy, quiet folk music with insightful lyrics. If you enjoy this album then I strongly recommend that you check out the following:
1) Ghosts Of The Great Highway by Sun Kil Moon
2) Kings Avenue Joe Kile
3) Subtitulo by Josh Rouse

Sweet writer, with a voice that grows on you..........2005-07-03

This single-CD collection of two of Townes' early LP's should confirm for any lover of country/folk that Van Zandt's reputation is well-deserved. People such as Guy Clark, Nancy Griffith, Emmy Lou Harris, Billy Joe Shaver, Todd Snider, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle and many others who had more successful performing careers than Townes all praise his writing. I was pleased with the writing, but pleasantly surprised that TVZ could sing so well. His voice is limited, but endearing. He is one of a long line of artists who could not survive alcohol and drugs and the stress of the music business. All of the songs on here, all 22, are worth hearing, but more than half of them deserve and reward repeated listening. Those stand up to dozens of playings without getting stale. I'm speaking of songs such as "To Live is to Fly" and "No Lonesome Tune" and "Don't Let the Sunshine Fool Ya'" and "Poncho and Lefty" and "If I Needed You." While "Sunshine" was written by Guy Clark, Townes' version is almost as good as Clark's own. Eighteen of the tracks were written by Van Zandt. These performances were laid down on vinyl in the 1970's, but they hold up pretty darn well. If you have heard about TVZ, and want a good sample of his lyrics and singing, this item is a great value.

For The Sake of the CD.......2005-03-02

Steve Earle is certainly entitled to his opinion, but comparing Bob Dylan to anyone seems kind of foolish. However, just the fact that many, myself included, consider Townes Van Zandt to be in the same league as Dylan as a songwriter speaks volumes about the late Texan's considerable talents. This is a nice pairing of two of his best albums. It's always cool to get two albums for the price of one. A great introduction to a cult hero who deserves wider recognition.

Wrong track list.......2002-10-04

High Low and in Between is a great album. But this page has the wrong tracks listed...

Average customer rating:

Symphony 9: Introduction to Dvorak Dvorak Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Instructional | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Similar Items: An Introduction to Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 Classics Explained: Pastoral Symphony An Introduction to Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" Classics Explained: Rite of Spring Classics Explained: Brandenburg Concertos 4 & 5 ASIN: B000069HGK Release Date: 2002-09-17

Average customer rating: Tiownes Van Zandt. A Great Album Great early Townes album

High, Low and in Between Townes Van Zandt Manufacturer: Charly UK ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Country | Styles | Music Outlaw & Progressive Country | Country | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music Country Rock | Rock | Styles | Music Country | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Flyin' Shoes Townes Van Zandt At My Window ASIN: B0000241OG Release Date: 1999-07-01

Tracks:

1. Two Hands
2. You Are Not Needed Now
3. Greensboro Woman
4. Highway Kind
5. Standin'
6. No Deal
7. To Live Is to Fly
8. When He Offers His Hand
9. Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold
10. Blue Ridge Mountains
11. High, Low and in Between

Customer Reviews:

Tiownes Van Zandt. A Great Album.......2007-01-15

As Always When You Listen To His Music, You Often Get Supriced. He Was A Bohem In His Own Way..

Great early Townes album.......2006-06-23

This album was my introduction to Townes Van Zandt and I still love it. The songs range from beautifully sensitive poetry to Townes great sense of humor. After "finding" Townes on this album and "The Late Great" album, I was fortunate to see him perform numerous times. Anyway, great recording, many songs which became his 'standards,' I highly recommend it!

Music Album:

1. High Rockin' Swing [Box set]
2. Honky Tonk Heaven
3. I'm Just a Girl [Import]
4. I'm Movin on [Import]
5. I Walk the Line/Little Fauss and Big Halsey [Soundtrack]
6. Inducted Into The Country Music Hall Of Fame 2001
7. Karaoke In The Style Of Chris LeDoux [Karaoke]
8. Kenny Rogers
9. Legend of Dreamstones [Import]
10. Like We Used to Be

Music Album