Townes Van Zandt remains a towering figure in American songwriting, despite never achieving mainstream fame. His poignant lyrics and melancholic melodies have resonated deeply with musicians and discerning listeners for decades. A testament to his enduring influence is the tribute album featuring Scott Kelly of Neurosis, Steve Von Till, also of Neurosis, and Wino of Saint Vitus, each offering their unique interpretations of classic Townes Van Zandt Songs.
This special three-way split CD, released by My Proud Mountain, is more than just a collection of covers; it’s a heartfelt homage to a songwriting hero. Van Zandt, though not commercially successful in his time, earned immense respect within songwriting circles. His work, characterized by its raw emotional honesty and often dark themes, wasn’t tailored for the Nashville mainstream. Yet, his songs found their way into the repertoire of giants like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Emmylou Harris, proving the inherent power of Townes Van Zandt songs.
The album features a carefully curated selection of Townes Van Zandt songs, each artist bringing their distinctive style to the material. Steve Von Till, known for his introspective and atmospheric solo work and contributions to Neurosis and Harvestman, delivers fragile yet intense renditions. His tracks, including “If I Needed You,” “Black Crow Blues,” and “The Snake Song,” highlight the delicate beauty and underlying pain in Van Zandt’s songwriting. Von Till’s approach emphasizes the vulnerability and emotional core of these timeless songs.
Scott Kelly, another key member of Neurosis and also recognized for his solo endeavors, brings a raw and honest intensity to his interpretations of Townes Van Zandt songs. His selections, such as “St. John The Gambler,” “Lungs,” and the epic “Tecumseh Valley,” are imbued with a starkness and grit that mirrors the often-unflinching nature of Van Zandt’s lyrics. Kelly’s performance on “Tecumseh Valley,” in particular, stretches over seven minutes, demonstrating a deep engagement with the narrative and emotional weight of the song. Jess Baldwin’s lap steel on “St. John The Gambler” adds a layer of texture to Kelly’s stark soundscape.
Wino, or Scott “Wino” Weinrich, a legend in his own right through his work with Saint Vitus, The Obsessed, and Shrinebuilder, contributes a blues-infused, gritty perspective to Townes Van Zandt songs. His tracks, “Rake,” “Nothin’,” and “A Song For,” showcase the bluesier, more world-weary side of Van Zandt’s oeuvre. Wino’s delivery is characteristically powerful yet nuanced, capturing the poignant storytelling and melancholic beauty inherent in these songs.
The collective effort of Von Till, Kelly, and Wino underscores the lasting impact of Townes Van Zandt songs. As Steve Earle famously declared, placing Van Zandt above even Bob Dylan, the quality of his songwriting is undeniable. The fact that artists from Robert Plant to Norah Jones continue to perform and record Townes Van Zandt songs after his passing in 1997 speaks volumes about their enduring relevance. This tribute album serves as a potent reminder of Van Zandt’s genius and introduces his profound songcraft to new audiences. It’s an essential listen for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the heart of American songwriting and experience the timeless beauty of Townes Van Zandt songs through the interpretations of three contemporary masters.
