Kottke is amazing

This is a fantastic introduction to the music of an exceptionally talented man. There is a good mix of tracks with and without vocals, and the selections are by and large first-rate. If you buy one Kottke release, this would be a fine choice. As for Kottke's sound, the man has enough talent for two people. That could be why his solo tracks often sound as though there is a second guitarist. Nope. It's just Kottke being more talented than any mortal you've ever heard. A lot of people could take or leave his voice. Kottke himself has likened it to "geese farts on a muggy day." Personally, I think it's great. Man, what a skillful guitarist he is, though. The comparisons to Fahey and the like are not unfounded, but Kottke has a style that is truly his own. And his technical prowess is positively jaw-dropping. Whenever I listen to his stuff, it makes me want to pick up my guitar and play. Then I realize that I'll go to my grave without ever becoming THAT good, no matter how much I practice. We all will. But before you kick the bucket, you should see Kottke's live show. Yes Virginia, there *is* only one guitarist playing...

Not quite the best

For me Leo Kottke revolutionised the guitar.As a young man (and of course a young guitarist)hearing him produce those gorgeous tunes from his range of twelve string guitars changed my thinking on the how and what of music forever.Not only that but he was one of the few artists at the vanguard who actually bothered to tour down here in Australia on a regular basis ( thanks Leo).So we have great technique,great tunes and super guitar tunings so what else do you want?.Well actually, a better complilation than this.This set has some of his best work as a musician but in my opinion also has some of his worst.
Eight miles high and embryonic journey have no place on this disc for starters and we can only wonder what possessed Leo to record Pamela Brown in the first place let alone why it was chosen for this set( well maybe as a representation of Leo's total output)so I can only award 3 stars because I think Leo Kottke is a guiarist, not a singer,and even the wonderful version of endless sleep will not change my mind.

Retrospective

This is a great selection of Leo Kottke's work, including the vocals. I found some things I hadn't heard before, some things I had almost forgotten, and some of my favorites. I enjoyed them all. No, I don't mind the vocals. There is something about some artists, Dylan and Louie Armstrong among others, that makes the voice a real positive part of the performance even though they aren't opera stars.