Not one of the best

Personally I think Leo's at his best when playing straight acoustic 6 or 12 string guitar, which is by far the lesser part of this album. The guitar work is there on this album but it's diluted by a lot of heavy-handed production, excessive studio musicians, Leo's bad singing and often trite lyrics to top it off.

I suppose if you're a real Leo Kottke fan you'll put up with his singing but for me it's a detraction here. I also hate it when Garrison Keillor sings on his radio show so maybe that's indicative of something. The guitar playing would stand on its own just fine though.

Not to say that Mr Kottke should never sing - apparently at one point he had to cut the guitar dynamics for awhile because it hurt his hands, and some of his later work has much better lyrics and more of a personal touch, albeit with less guitar stuntwork. "That's What" as well as "Peculiaroso" are good examples of such. The music is quirky, funny and creative there.

Anyhow I think a lot of the other reviews of this album are written by forgiving Kottkeholics, which I'm really not one of. The more typical listener looking for a good intro to Kottke would probably be a lot happier with a classic like "Six & Twelve String Guitar" instead.

One that I did not bring from NY

This is one disc that I did not pack when I moved to Houston. I had it on tape but a brother of mine loved it and you know that story. I don't understand why no one pushed the student prince cut as this is a great song and playing that only Leo can do.

outstanding guitar

I saw him live several years ago it was hard to believe that one man sitting on a stool all by him self could make that much music. He is the best acoustic player I have ever heard.