As I have mentioned, I'm not a big fan of the genretization of music and musicians and Lyle is a perfect example of why. Typically called a Country artist, that tag fails to acknowledge the Jazz, Pop, Bluegrass, Gospel, Swing, and Folk aspects that are also a big part of his music.
Lyle happens to be one of my favorite songwriters. I don't love everything he has done but there are certain things that just really connect with me, and quite a few songs of his rank among my favorites. He's also a very talented guitar player.
So once again inspired by Nat at Mini-Obs, the idea is the same as always:
Pick one of your favorite bands / artists and list 10-15 songs by that band / artist to compile your own best of compilation.
So here goes - The Best of Lyle Lovett as compiled by me:
Creeps Like Me - I Love Everybody
Fiona - The Road To Ensenada
Good Intentions - Lyle Lovett & His Large Band
Her First Mistake - The Road To Ensenada
I Know You Know - Joshua Judges Ruth
I Think You Know What I Mean - I Love Everybody
I Will Rise Up/Ain't No More Cane - It's Not Big It's Large
If I Had A Boat - Pontiac
In My Own Mind - My Baby Don't Tolerate
North Dakota - Joshua Judges Ruth
Old Friend - I Love Everybody
Penguins - I Love Everybody
Record Lady - I Love Everybody
She's Already Made Up Her Mind - Joshua Judges Ruth
She's No Lady - Pontiac
Skinny Legs - I Love Everybody
You Were Always There - My Baby Don't Tolerate
Ok - don't count those as I had to cheat and list more than 15. I could cut a couple but I'm not in the mood (and really couldn't) so am sticking with this. I am really pleased with this list. What an outstanding collection of tunes from the mournful She's Already Made Up Her Mind to the peppy Record Lady.
I have been looking at easy ways to have these available for streaming but haven't found a good solution yet. My recommendation would be to go to last.fm and the Lyle Lovett Page and all this stuff is there for free streaming - album by album. (check out my profile and friend me as well while you're there)
Be sure to check out the official Lyle Lovett Site for tour info, discography, video and such.
So are you a fan? What did I miss?
PS - Here's a clip of a great old song of his, always a crowd fave when he does it live. Hope you enjoy.
Information is not knowledge, Knowledge is not wisdom, Wisdom is not truth, Truth is not beauty, Beauty is not love, Love is not music and Music is THE BEST
His humor in the songs is great.
SB