Sometimes you wonder just who programs these things, even at Rhino. I've been a fan since "Yankee Lady", but the second most haunting and beautiful thing he ever did was on Learn to Love It in the the song "L'Air de Louisianne" (sorry, my spelling). Now, where is that on this disk?
Anyway, without it, only four stars.
Larry from Brooklyn

Well, it's not far short of a 'Best Of', if song selection is the sole criterion. But if soul criterion is the basis, then I'd pump for,'Live at the Mountain Stage', as per my remarks listed there. The soul of this very soulful individual is all the more remarkable without studio embellishments. And, as stated before, I'm a sucker for that old, eery 'Black Dog'song from the first Winchester album and would have included it on this anthology. Nevertheless, this gets a lot of airtime at our home, as my 17 year old, who grew up on a solid diet of Jesse's lullabyes from cradle times, can't seem to do without it for over long. 'Biloxi' was the first thing I played her on guitar. 'Do It','Defying Gravity', 'Do La Lay','Skip Rope Song', this guy's repetoir should be as embedded in the musical consciousness of America as Stephen Foster.

Well, it's not far short of a 'Best Of', if song selection is the sole criterion, as per usual. But if soul criterion is the basis, then I'd go for 'Live at the Mountain Stage', as per my remarks listed there.The soul of this very soulful individual is all the more remarkable without studio embellishments.And, as stated before,I'm a sucker for that old, eery 'Black Dog'song from that first Winchester album and would have included it on this anthology. Nevertheless, this gets a lot of airtime at our home, as my 16 year old grew up with Jesse's lullabyes from cradle times, and can't seem to do without it for over long. 'Biloxi' was the first thing I played her on guitar.'Do It','Defying Gravity','Do La Lay','Skip Rope Song', this guy's repetoire should be as embedded in the musical consciousness of America as Stephen Foster.

I ordered this c.d. recently after istening to Jesse for over 20 years, and you won't be disappointed! Jesse is the most unique singer/songwriter I have ever known, and his songs, both lyrically and musically, will stay with you! Buy ALL of his c.d.'s - you will find really special music on each.

Okay folk/country/rock fans, let's try a blindfold test on our friends. Play them "Tell Me Why You Like Roosevelt", and have them guess who the singer is. Most of my victims guess Lyle Lovett, and they don't believe they're wrong until I show them this CD. That only goes to prove that Lyle Lovett had discerning taste when he was younger and that Tennessee born Jesse Winchester was a highly influential presence in the wings of the 70's music scene. He's most familiar to listeners via the many cover versions of his songs like 'Biloxi', Rhumba Man',and 'Brand New Tennessee Waltz"'all done while he was enjoying Canadian hospitality as a result of a disagreement with the draft board in the late 60's and early 70's.The inability to tour the U.S. during this period cost him many potential fans and helps to explain his near anonymity today. This CD is a great way to catch up with this gifted singer songwriter. Any transplanted southerner can easily become homesick hearing "Mississippi You're On My Mind', or "Yankee Lady", I know I'm prone to fits of melancholia listening to them. But he's witty, and not without a sense of down home humor too, so the total package works out fine. If you like this sampler then you'll want to go into his available back catalogue for more hidden delights. He's touring again too and puts on a great live show. Just ask Lyle Lovett next time you see him.