Name: In The Beginning
Brand: Townes Van Zandt

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

FP12061

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2013-07-08

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0767981120614

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "0767981120614"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

Black LP

FP12062

0767981120621

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "0767981120621"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Artist

Townes Van Zandt

Genre GB

Country / Americana

Label GB

Fat Possum

Fat Possum Records is a label that was established in 1991 with the sole purpose of recording R.L. Burnside. Over time, it evolved into a mission to discover and record the last remaining original bluesmen before they passed away. Despite facing various challenges such as difficult personalities, limited songs, and a raw sound that didn't fit the mainstream blues market, these artists possessed immense talent and truly lived the blues.

In recent years, Fat Possum has expanded its catalog to include newer indie blues rock bands alongside their traditional offerings.

Townes Van Zandt was a renowned folk music singer-songwriter, performer, and poet. Born on March 7, 1944 in Fort Worth, Texas, he left an indelible mark on the music industry with his heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies.
Throughout his career, Townes Van Zandt captivated audiences with his raw and authentic storytelling. His songs delved into themes of love, loss, and the human condition, resonating deeply with listeners from all walks of life.
Tragically, Townes Van Zandt passed away on January 1, 1997 due to cardiac arrhythmia at his home in Smyrna, Tennessee. Despite his untimely death, his musical legacy lives on as a testament to his immense talent and profound impact on the folk music genre.

Not surprisingly, when one listens to these early recordings of Townes Van Zandt, it's obvious from the start that he was someone and something that arrived fully formed. Even if the songs themselves weren’t quite as refined as they would become, virtually all of the elements are in place: the poetry, the stark melodies, the restless wanderlust, the inherent melancholy and impenetrable darkness; all of which this would inhabit his lyrics and delivery for the rest of his too-short life. The songs on In the Beginning were recorded in his first Nashville recording sessions in 1966, pre-dating the release of For the Sake of the Song by two years. Eight of these ten songs was recorded with Van Zandt playing solo on his guitar. All of them are quite revealing, not just for the obvious lyric and melody reasons, but for his guitar playing abilities; he was a considerable flatpicking talent and picked up his idol's, fellow Houstonian Lightin’ Hopkins', trademark stutter shuffle as well. The blues are as present Van Zandt's tunes as folk and country were. Check the set’s opening track “Black Widow’s Blues,” one of two songs recorded with a full backing band; the other is the stellar “Hunger Child Blues.” He’s got the blues moan, the chilling lyrics (best not revealed here so as not to spoil the listener's surprise), and a dynamic delivery that was a trademark then and there. Some songs here hint at others to come later. “Gypsy Friday” is one of the most pure and gentle of Van Zandt's folk songs, and recalls his traveling tunes. One can hear the gigantic influence of Hank Williams on the beautiful love song “Waitin’ for the Day.” The album’s final two tracks -- "Big Country Blues” and “Black Crow Blues” -- feature shapes and hints of “Waitin’ Round to Die” and “Marie.” Take this for what it is, not some holy grail, but a collection of heretofore unheard and excellent early Van Zandt material, which is in itself a gift.

In The Beginning

Music GB