TVZ
Townes Van Zandt takes a back seat to no one. This work just reinforces that fact.

Better than Dylan?
Next to Cash's Live at Folsom, this is the best country/folk/Americana live album ever made. I personally have always considered Bob Dylan far and away the premier songwriter of his time and I was put off by Steve Earle's oft quoted statement that TVZ is the best songwriter in the world (and he will stand on Bob Dylan's coffee table in his cowboy boots and say that).

Ahhhh, this album shows Earle to be very close to being right. Townes' songs are PERFECTLY written, every word and phrase in their exact places. Like Mozart hearing his opera in his head fully formed, Townes seems to do the same, like an angel sent down to Earth to be a conduit from the Creator to us mere mortals. Like Van Gough, his work will prove to be timeless, growing in stature and value as the ages roll.

Dylan's work is, of course, wonderful,immense, historical - a body of work that will stand the test of time as surely as any of the great classical composers.

Van Zandt's work is different. It's poetry in its pure form. It's lovely and understated and complex and timeless and it, too, is a great body of work. Not revolutionary, no anthems, just songs to be sung and LISTENED to and enjoyed. Songs that grow with every listening, songs that stand as art, songs that sound like every other song until it hits you that they are like no other songs.

Recorded at The Old Quarter in Houston, TX over five steamy nights in July 1973, Live at The Old Quarter captures for posterity the genius that is Townes Van Zandt at the artistic height of his live performances.

The best
This is simply the best album I've ever heard. The depth and sophistication of Townes' lyrics are plenty evident, but the performance is nearly flawless too. He's in his prime, playing his songs the way they were meant to be played, and playing them flawlessly. I honestly consider this to be a major work of art on par with anything--music, painting, literature...anything--anyone has ever done.

Townes Live
I really like the atmosphere of this album!
I'm gratefuk to know this American sound of the 70ties.

Essential TVZ
This album is a must have for any fan of Townes or any newbie to his music. The recordings are of the artist performing solo, live with Townes' signature sense of humor and idiosyncracies all thrown in as a bonus. His hypnotic guitar playing and mesmerizing lyrics will not disappoint. This collection of Townes' music is intelligent, witty, and emotional all rolled into one. A fan of good, pure songwriting would buy this album right now.