View Full Version : Guy Clark - "The Dark"


ozmoid
12-19-2007, 11:56 AM
Artist: Guy Clark
Album: The Dark
Year: 2002
Record Label - Sugarhill
Genre - Roots/Twangophile

The Dark (occasionally) shines a little light into some of the darker recesses of humanity.

Coming from a bluegrass/roots/folk blend that Tentoze refers to as "Twangophile" music (I actually like that moniker), this Guy Clark album features a tight-as-a-drum backing band that includes Darrell Scott, Chris Latham, and features Gillian Welch singing backing vocals.

The tracks include Mud, which lets you think he's only talking about going down by the creek, but ends up as an examination of our eventual transition back to dirt. Excellent, story-teller lyrics permeate the album, and this track is a fine example.

Every cut seems to take you down into some very dark places, and not all of them have the light of salvation shining at the end of the tunnel, like Queenies Song.

I particularly enjoyed Arizona Star (reminiscent of John Prine's Come back to us Barbara Lewis - just not quite as joyous :D ) and Magnolia Wind.

Soldier's Joy is a chilling tale of a field hospital amputation in the Civil War era, with the "soldier's joy" being the alcohol he is plied with as painkiller. Makes the hairs stand up on my arms to hear it. Guy pulls no punches anywhere on the album.

If you are not familiar with Guy's music, this album is filled with great lyrics and some extremely fine musicianship. Even though it is an older release, the album is still readily available. If you want to explore some of what Doc Watson refers to as "roots" music, this album is a great example of a modern singer/songwriter working in the genre.

I'll certainly be tracking down some more of Guy's work. :music:

Oz

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=72118&stc=1&d=1198083227

Wigwam Jones
12-19-2007, 03:31 PM
I like Guy Clark quite a bit. But then, I'm partial to alt.country, whatever that is.

tentoze
12-19-2007, 03:43 PM
Guy is a, if not THE, master.

Mystic
12-19-2007, 06:58 PM
Yep to everything the guys said above. I recommend everything that this master songwriter and performer has recorded.

RichPA
12-19-2007, 07:03 PM
Guy is a, if not THE, master.

:thmbsp:

Drybasement
12-19-2007, 08:32 PM
I enjoyed his concert back on Dec 1st. I loved his between song banter. Guy can make an audience laugh. The dude accompanying him was just as entertaining. A really good shooo....

Cadillac Kid
12-19-2007, 08:38 PM
My favorite, so far, is 'Desperados Waiting For A Train' with Emmy Lou Harris from 'Old No. 1'. In fact, I am gonna go dig for it in the stacks right now.

fotno
12-19-2007, 10:59 PM
Been a Guy Clark fan for many years, but tonight at Oz's was the first time I've gotten a chance to sample this particular album.

Wow.

Guy's writing is strong as always, and the musicians are super tight. I didn't get a chance to listen to the entire disc, but it is definitely "Chicken Skin" music. Highly recommended... I'll be seeking my own copy of this.

cableguy
01-10-2008, 10:00 PM
Excellent...Thanks Oz. GC is among the finest ever...:yes:


Bill

tentoze
01-10-2008, 10:08 PM
Excellent...Thanks Oz. GC is among the finest ever...:yes:


Bill

Indeed.

opt80
01-10-2008, 11:31 PM
Check out Dublin Blues

dirtygeek
05-02-2008, 12:33 PM
I've only ever heard Old No 1 (Let Him Roll makes me weep like a baby). I'll see if I can find this around town. Thanks.