When he emerged in the mid-1980s at the dawn of new traditionalism, Lyle Lovett had more than a craggy visage to set him apart. His subtle wit, sly humor, and Texas-sized musical eclecticism made him a force. Built around ... more »13 songs from his first three albums, this compendium resoundingly affirms those gifts. One hears his musical metamorphosis from the beginning, through the stomping blues of "Why I Don't Know," the honky-tonk talking blues "Give Back My Heart," and the folkier "L.A. County" and "If I Had a Boat." Nine numbers, including the Top 10 "Cowboy Man," appeared on singles (most as A-sides). The biggest oddities here are two newly recorded tracks, "The Truck Song" and "San Antonio Girl." They are Lovett's first new recordings in five years, and they share a nearly identical melody. Moreover, they really don't fit this context, though they may prompt hardcore fans to buy 13 songs they probably already own. Let's hope Lovett's working on an entire album where these two numbers will make more sense. --Rich Kienzle« less
When he emerged in the mid-1980s at the dawn of new traditionalism, Lyle Lovett had more than a craggy visage to set him apart. His subtle wit, sly humor, and Texas-sized musical eclecticism made him a force. Built around 13 songs from his first three albums, this compendium resoundingly affirms those gifts. One hears his musical metamorphosis from the beginning, through the stomping blues of "Why I Don't Know," the honky-tonk talking blues "Give Back My Heart," and the folkier "L.A. County" and "If I Had a Boat." Nine numbers, including the Top 10 "Cowboy Man," appeared on singles (most as A-sides). The biggest oddities here are two newly recorded tracks, "The Truck Song" and "San Antonio Girl." They are Lovett's first new recordings in five years, and they share a nearly identical melody. Moreover, they really don't fit this context, though they may prompt hardcore fans to buy 13 songs they probably already own. Let's hope Lovett's working on an entire album where these two numbers will make more sense. --Rich Kienzle
"Including this cd, Lyle's last 4 releases have been: 1) a 2-disc set of cover tunes; 2) a live album; 3) an instrumental film score; and 4) a repackaging of songs from his first 3 albums. All of them have been great, but the sad fact is there hasn't been a "new" Lyle Lovett album since 1996's Road to Ensenada. Has the greatest musician and songwriter in the universe run out of fresh ideas? Say it ain't so! That said, for the true fans (like me) who already own those albums it probably isn't worth paying ... for just "The Truck Song" and "San Antonio Girl" (which you'll recognize from Lyle's live shows). For the rest of you, this is a collection well worth having. LL has been brilliant from the start, and these songs hold up to any of his more recent work. Enjoy!"
Doesn't get much better than this!!!!
Neil David F Olsen | Yellowknife, Northwest Territories Canada | 02/20/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Once inserted into your CD player you will have great difficulty removing it. Lyle is up there with the greats and this brilliant collection sums him up very well to date. There are some omissions, I felt could have squeaked on here from "Pontiac", but for those of you new to the genius of Lyle Lovett you couldn't find a better place to start. This is a timeless and immediately classic collection. Not a dud tune on the whole CD. Once you've tried this, try "Live in Texas" for a different view of Lyle's extraordinarily diverse talents. However, if you like songs that you will find stick in your head all day, all week, all month and all year, then get this CD!"
Just what it says
DC Peterson | Morrison, Colorado United States | 10/25/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This anthology not only pulls basically from Mr. Lovett's first three albums (plus two new songs), but the songs are taken from the more C&W end of the spectrum of his songs as opposed to his big band or folkier material. He could make another anthology off of these first three albums called "No Hat Here", and it would be just as viable as this collection. Lovett has easily got several more volumes if the anthology series continues. I'm a Texan in exile, and putting on this ceedee while eating some oak-smoked brisket with all of the fixins' will easily transport me a thousand miles back home.To put this ceedee in barbecue terms, there's no fat or gristle here, just perfectly tender meat."
Some of Lyle Lovett's best....definitely good bang for the $
R. Kyle | USA | 02/12/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is good stuff if you want Lovett's A side singles. For the price, it's a good buy and a good variety of Lovett's music. Well recorded and worth the $$$."
Taco Thoughts
Taco | Texas Flatlands | 01/22/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think Lyle Lovett is very talented. I think he has a truly spectacular live show. I think the musicians he surrounds himself with are nothing short of top-notch, in the studio and on the road. If you are new to Lovett, or in tune with my thoughts, read on. If you are not appreciative of his music, this is another chance to come around. This disc is solid, from track 1 through track 15. It's old stuff, for the most part. Vintage Lyle Lovett, with two new tracks. The selection of these songs, though ... the package ... is what sets this disc apart. Each and every song on this disc is classic Lovett. On top of that, each song flows to the next, making this disc roll effortlessly from its beginning to its end. If you already have the group of discs that Lovett pulled these tunes from, it's still very much worth it to shell out another 15 bucks for this one ... the remastered songs bring new life to original recordings, such as "L.A. County," and the two new tracks are fine Lovett tunes. We are the beneficiaries of this wonderful artist ... every Lyle Lovett record is worth having, and a collection such as this is a must-have."