More Young Guitar Days
While its predecessor,Young Guitar Days, focused on shockingly strong unreleased compositions, this second installment in Steve Forbert's bootleg series is dominated by alternate arrangements of otherwise available tunes. That's not to say it's not often exquisite. Forbert is right to call the "slow version" here of "Listen to Me" his best take on the song--and the same might be said for the 1979 Nashville recording of "Witch Blues." Previously unknown songs like "Young Guitar Days" and "Everybody Needs a Real Good Friend" show that even minor Forbert lyrics reveal his characteristic wit and charm. With its raw live performances and low-fi cassette sources, this set isn't really aimed at the casual fan, but true believers in Forbert's late-'70s and early-'80s heyday will cherish these modest, often lively tracks.--Roy Kasten