The term singer-songwriter comes with so many negative connotations. Visions of bad coffee-shop acoustic warriors and a certain scene from Animal House with John Belushi and a smashed guitar come to mind. Everyone knows the heavyweights—Dylan, Neil Young et al—but there have been dozens of lesser-knowns that go to show that singer-songwriter isn’t necessarily a four-letter word. Here are six essential artists that you should definitely know about.
Langhorne Slim has been carving a name out for himself for a while now. He first made waves touring in support of the Trachtenberg Family Slide Show Players and ever since has been a major contender. A Philly-by-way-of-Brooklyn native with a moniker even a Delta Bluesman would be proud of, Slim’s music calls to mind kindred spirits like the Mountain Goats, Beck, and Akron/Family. With a full tour schedule this summer and a new self-titled record out now on Kemado you should have plenty of opportunities to get a fix of Langhorne Slim.
Essential Listening: Langhorne Slim (Kemado; 2008)
Bill Fay released a handful of Baroque-pop records in the late 60’s and early 70’s that have become critic and cult classics. Fay first came to prominence on the strength of his upbeat orchestral pop songs. Often compared as an acolyte of Dylan, his record were characterized by stark beautiful songs and some odd arrangements—he often employed the skronky guitar sounds of blues and free jazz player Ray Russell. His records for Deram are some of the rarest ever released on the label and are at the top of collector’s want lists for both their quality and scarcity. Drag City recently reissued a long-lost third record
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow and David Tibet of Current 93 reissued Fay’s dark masterpiece
Time of the Last Persecution.
Essential Listening: Time of The Last Persecution (Deram; 1971)
Townes Van Zandt’s outsider country songs had a genuine story to back them up. The black sheep son of a prominent Texas family, Van Zandt’s turbulent life was characterized by heartbreaking ballads, country honky tonks, heavy substance abuse, and early bouts of institutionalization and even shock treatments. His plaintive, heartfelt songs take on new meaning in light of all that. Townes played the straight country card
(his “Poncho & Lefty” was a hit for Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard) as well as the outsider role with equal regard. A prolific and solid output does nothing to dispel the legacy. Highly recommended is the documentary Be Here To Love Me, which tells Van Zandt’s story in stark detail.
Essential Listening: Delta Momma Blues (Poppy; 1971), The Late Great Townes Van Zandt (Poppy; 1972), the incredible Live at the Old Quarter.
Paul Westerberg cut his teeth—figuratively and literally—as the raucous frontman of the Replacements. In true underdog fashion, upon the band’s inevitable and anti-climactic demise, he released a slew of ill-received solo records. These latter-day gems are now fan favorites and lately Westerberg has been releasing some of the best records of his life. His most recent solo outings for Vagrant rival his mid-80’s songwriting and hold their weight next to classics like “Unsatisfied,” “If Only You Were Lonely,” and “Skyway.”
Essential Listening: Mono/Stereo (Vagrant; 2002)
Chris Bell was a co-founder of Memphis’ legendary Big Star along with fellow songwriter Alex Chilton. He departed from the group shortly after the first record and led a reclusive life before his untimely death at the age of 27. His power-pop gem I Am The Cosmos—a record that would give Badfinger a run for their money—remained unreleased until the early 90’s. The record was recorded in Europe and mixed at famed Beatles producer George Martin’s AIR Studio. Sadly only a 45 would be released from these sessions during Bell’s lifetime.
Essential Listening: I Am The Cosmos (Rykodisc; 1992)
Neko Case has had a respectable career as a solo artist. Not to mention her role singing with both the Sadies and the New Pornographers. Her mix of traditional country rock songstress and indie queen often garners comparisons to Loretta Lynne and The Mekons’ Sally Timms and some have even equated her to a female Will Oldham.
Essential Listening: The Virginian (1997; Bloodshot)