Essential Guy Clark
Despite the misleading title, this collection is actually a straight (albeit reordered) reissue of Clark's first two records: 1975's landmark debutOld No. 1andTexas Cookin'from the following year. Only one song from the latter title is missing, replaced by the "Fools for Each Other" single from 1978. Though he was in his early 30s when he recordedOld No. 1, Clark's keen, world-weary tales (and equally worn voice) belie his age. With simple arrangements and richly detailed narratives, the record has an air of resignation and melancholy, yet somehow manages to be comforting and uplifting.Texas Cookin'is a fine follow-up, but despite a number of high-profile guests, it never truly reaches the heights of its predecessor. Together, however, they form quite an impressive body of original songs, especially for only one year's worth of recording.--Marc Greilsamer