UPC 889290180483

Townes Van Zandt was at the peak of his career in 1973. Fresh off releasing two of his finest albums a year earlier , his celebrated appearances also grew in stature. Likewise, as a number of his other live performances demonstrate, the Whole Coffeehouse set features nothing but the man and his guitar, something that could stand at odds with a number of his cherished studio recordings. For a man whose own battles with the bottle were notorious , his focus here is acute and laser sharp, every syllable perfectly placed with each ephemeral note carefully conveying their purpose. The Whole Coffeehouse in 1973 is an essential addition to the late great Van Zandt discography. Whether singing a quiet, introspective countryfolk song or a driving, hungry blues riff; Van Zandt's lyrics and melodies were filled with the kind of haunting truth and succulent beauty thatwere instinctive. This was soul music; it came straight from his soul by way of a kind heart and an honest mind. Melancholic, reflective and always pure and devout, his story is our story.