John Prine…Kris Kristofferson….Billy Joe Shaver….just to name a few….stand as some of the greatest singer/songwriters that are still out there performing today. To reach such heights, one must have a time tested trail of songs which can be easily conjured up at any time. Not only that, but they have continued to thankfully grace us with their talents to this day. We can now comfortably add another to this list of greatest living singer/songwriters….Todd Snider.
One could make a valid argument that Todd had already reached this point. Beginning back in October 1994, almost 15 years ago, he released his initial “Songs for the Daily Planet.” Featuring the talents of Eddy Shaver on guitar, this CD alone carried 3 or 4 classics such as “Easy Money,” “Alright Guy,” and the hidden bonus “Talking Seattle Grunge Rock Blues.” This record stands as one of the best of its period, and should be added to every music lovers collection. From there Todd continued to deliver more great releases, “Step Right Up” in April 1996, “Happy To Be Here” in April 2000, “New Connection” in May 2002, “East Nashville Skyline” in July 2004, “The Devil You Know” in August 2006, and mix in the personal project “Peace Queer” in October 2008 along with a live record and best of compilation, and you see only a part of the journey.
Todd’s music can not be classified to any particular genre. This has perhaps held him back from more national recognition. While most other prominent singer/songwriters can be categorized as folk, country, or even a combination of the two, Todd is distinctly all his own. His records pleasantly contain what we purists define as music, nothing more and nothing less. His music is fun, whether it is a driving rock song, or a humbling folksy look at his own inner weakness. Todd never fails to deliver music which is not necessarily intended to send a message, but drives a point home anyway. That point being music, just as life, is only what you try to make of it….just enjoy.
To add to our enjoyment, Todd has provided his new record “The Excitement Plan,” his first release under his new Yep Roc label. Produced by Grammy winner Don Was, who has produced for such greats as Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, and Waylon Jennings, Todd has once again delivered an instant classic. The depth of this record is astounding, with virtually every song having an extended life of many years to come. With this record, there is no doubt it will carry his legacy forward infinitely.
When you begin a record with a song titled “Slim Chance,” you know you are dealing with something unique. As Todd astutely picks his guitar at the beginning of the song, you are immediately sucked right in. Then, as the first words begin to flow….”I found a four leaf clover in my yard today. It had one leaf missing off it, but that was OK.”….you realize you are listening to a lyrical masterpiece. Todd can almost effortlessly make you shake your head in stunned amazement. The good thing is, he does it on this record time and time again.
Not one who puts himself on a pedestal, Todd next tackles a delicate situation in his own life. “Greencastle Blues” is a story which holds some unfortunate truths, but handled in an almost inspiring way. Looking at his own bad predicament, he asks the important question we all must at sometime, “how do we know when it’s too late to learn?” You can feel the angst in his voice as he tells the story that he hopes to put behind him as a learning experience….well at least sort of….Todd is one of a kind.
Todd has finally recorded his legendary true baseball tale “America’s Favorite Pastime.” This is the story how Dock Ellis pitched a no hitter in the 1970’s for the Pittsburgh Pirates….while high on LSD. Todd has kicked this one around for a while, but he tells the story as only he can, painting a psychedelic picture of epic proportions…from the batters looking like rattlesnakes to names coming from the sky. You do not have to be a sports fanatic to appreciate this one.
Todd rarely covers others music on his records. He has selected a few in the past just to tip his hat, such as “Good News Blues” for Billy Joe Shaver. On this one, Todd has done a great job on Robert Earl Keen’s “Corpus Christi Bay.” The acoustic guitar accompanying him accentuates his vocals very well, establishing his own stamp on the song.
Glad to see Todd continues the tradition of a duet on his records. After the enjoyable pairings with Patty Griffin on “Peace Queer,” Todd has hooked up with none other than Loretta Lynn for “Don’t Tempt Me.” While the harmonies were not always in sync, the song still delivers a punch. Loretta does a very good job, and seems to really enjoy it.
Of course there are the more humorous offerings which Todd does so well. “The Last Laugh,” “Unorganized Crime,” along with “Money, Compliments, Publicity,” are all songs further proving he is a master with words. His lyrical expertise, keen sense of humor, along with a toe tapping rhythm, keeps these songs rattling around within your head enjoyably for days.
Appropriately enough, Todd has chosen “Good Fortune” to close out the record, much as he does many times during his live shows. The title says it all on this one, but of course Todd adds a few items to the list just to drive his point home. Keep an eye out for his shoes for him by the way. Have fun…enjoy life….and sing along!
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