This week’s object of review: Poet: A Tribute to Townes Van Zandt

“[Poet is] anchored by a stellar reading from country-blues master Delbert McClinton of Van Zandt’s best-known song ‘Pancho and Lefty.'” (Rolling Stone)

“The only real letdown is ‘Pancho and Lefty,’ which rolls by with little spark or fever in the hands of Delbert McClinton.”(No Depression )

“It’s Emmylou Harris who comes closest to Van Zandt’s original vision, filling the spaces on ‘Snake Song’ with an echoing emptiness all her own.” (SPIN)

“Best of all… is Lucinda Williams‘ positively haunting rendition of the bleak ‘Nothin’.” (Austin American-Statesman)

“The Cowboy Junkies‘ dark, mystical take of ‘Highway Kind’ and Shaver‘s rough and raucous version of ‘White Freightliner Blues’ stand out.” (Austin Chronicle)

This article appears in October 12 • 2001.

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