RIYL: Townes Van Zandt, Steve Earle, Kris Kristofferson
Guy Clark seems like the kind of guy who would happily buy you a beer and then swap some stories. It’s an impression reflected by the easy affability suggested in his songs, an unpretentious everyman attitude in this new album’s entries, “Somedays You Write the Song” and “The Guitar,” each an unassuming narrative offering a humble nod to his muse. In fact, Clark’s modesty is unnecessary; as the writer of such songs as “Desperados Waiting for a Train,” “L.A. Freeway” and innumerable other standards, he’s become one of Nashville’s most dependable songsmiths.
Not surprisingly then, Somedays the Song Writes You finds Clark doing what he does best, sharing everyday observations and intuitive introspection — poignant, affecting and etched like always from a knowing perspective. Clark’s palette encompasses a brittle mix of world-weary resignation and tentative optimism, with songs such as “Hemingway’s Whiskey,” “Eamon” and the remorseful “Maybe I Can Paint Over That” taking their place among the most impassioned entries in his repertoire. Still, Clark doesn’t click with every entry. “Hollywood” and “Wrong Side of the Tracks” trudge along without ever gaining momentum, and a cover of his late pal Townes Van Zandt’s “If I Needed Someone,” while an admirable choice, fails to add anything to the original. Fortunately though, these are minor quibbles, because ultimately, Somedays The Song Writes You proves worthy of one terrific Guy. (Dualtone Music 2009)
