Lyle Lovett

Lyle Lovett

ASIN: B000002O2T

Track Listings

1. Cowboy Man

2. God Will

3. Farther Down the Line

4. This Old Porch

5. Why I Don't Know

6. If I Were the Man You Wanted

7. You Can't Resist It

8. Waltzing Fool

9. Acceptable Level of Ecstasy (The Wedding Song)

10. Closing Time

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Lyle Lovett sprang up fully-formed in 1986, the bastard child of Randy Newman and Townes Van Zandt. His eponymous debut set the pace for future releases, balancing near-perfect ballads ("If I Were the Man You Wanted," "Closing Time") with wry, black humor romps ("God Will," "An Acceptable Level of Ecstasy"). His singing is also in place here, his voice a subtle expressive tool as dry as the West Texas plains. There are flashes of overproduction, as on the over-amped "You Can't Resist It" (which later found its home on stage in a spare cello arrangement), but overall things are pretty tasteful, like Lovett himself. Also check out Lovett's stunning sophomore effort, Pontiac. --Michael Ruby

Tracks:

Don't Touch My Hat
Her First Mistake
Fiona
That's Right (You're Not From Texas)
Who Loves You Better
Private Conversation
Promises
It Ought To Be Easier
I Can't Love You Anymore
Long Tall Texan
Christmas Morning
The Road To Ensenada
Bonus Track 1

Amazon.com essential recording

After the more experimental themes and misanthropic bit players populating his prior album, I Love Everybody, the songs on this superb 1996 set return to the more affable, earnest, but still knotty balance established by Lyle Lovett on his first four albums. He spins amiable yarns about his preferred headgear ("Don't Touch My Hat") and larger-than-life love objects (the one-eyed "Fiona"), sways hilariously through the backfired seductions of the samba-paced "Her First Mistake," and swings buoyantly through "That's Right (You're Not from Texas)," then ropes the equally droll Randy Newman into a tongue-in-cheek duet on "Long Tall Texan." In between, he sneaks a fresh string of dark love songs ("Private Conversation," "I Can't Love You Anymore") that sustain his formidable standards. Forget the forced issue of his putative ties to "new country": Lovett is simply one of the best American singer-songwriters extant, whether playing raconteur, philosopher king, or wounded romantic. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

The man with the ten gallon hat.......2007-06-27

It doesn't get any better than this, all the irony and wit one has come to expect from Lyle Lovett wrapped around 12 swinging songs that captures the border spirit of Texas. The ensembles vary from song to song, bringing in horns on That's Right (You're Not from Texas). But for the most part, there is a lean simplicity to the arrangements, capturing different feelings on each of the songs. The Road to Ensenada may just be his best album, but of course Lovett fans have their personal favorites.

His own thing.......2007-06-01

I like Lyle Lovett. I don't know that this is my favorite of his albums but it doesn't matter; it's still a good album. It's more "pop" sounding and less weird than some of the others, but that's probably OK, too.

I'm a bit mystified by those who insist on complaining that Lyle has no roots and is just exploiting earlier musical traditions. I think there are very few country musicians (country to any degree at all) who are more honest about their music. He's not trying to sound like Lefty Frizzell! I don't believe he ever said he was. I love Lefty, too (and Hank, and Robert Johnson, and Son House, and Mississippi John Hurt, and a lot of other "authentic" musicians), but Lefty and Lyle are, in many respects, apples and oranges. You don't have to choose; you're allowed to enjoy them all, so why pigeonhole?

Love Lovett!!.......2007-02-22

A friend played this CD for me and I fell in love with it. Bought it the next day and it's one of my all time favorites. Before now I had never paid much attention to Lyle, but he's gotten my attention and I WILL buy more of his CDs. Highly recommended!!!

I CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHY OTHERS LIKE IT... LOVETT'S OTHER STUFF IS MUCH BETTER.......2006-12-05

I've been listening to Country Music over 50 years. Going back to Frizzell, my all-time favorite, and up to the present. And I am a SONGWRITER, with my own recording studio and 40 songs copyrighted so far.
Lovett is very talented, and has done much fine material. But really I cannot fathom how this particular CD got 5 stars from everyone else, unless they simply like Mr. Lovett and are trying to help him sell CDs.

On my "Best of the Best" shelf.......2006-11-07

I have been pulling this CD out of my shelf of a few chosen favorites for 10 years now. I caught a live performance by chance in 1997 while Lyle was promoting this CD. It was electrifying and unforgettable. While we know the inspiration for most of these songs was not a happy one for Lyle, he sure knows how to make lemonade from lemons. (Many artists do some of their best work by channeling their grief into their art.) Whatever his inspiration, this collection of tunes is a true testament to the man's talent. Pick it up. Great listening on a long drive, on the front porch, by the fire... I promise you'll enjoy plucking it from your shelf for years to come.

Average customer rating:

Multi-sided
no one compares to Lyle
AMAZING VARIETY BUT ALL DONE WELL
Hear my words with faith and passion.
Great Ride--Lyle Lovett's Pontiac

Pontiac
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Mca Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
The Road to Ensenada
Lyle Lovett
Joshua Judges Ruth
My Baby Don't Tolerate

ASIN: B000002PG7
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

If I Had A Boat
Give Back My Heart
I Loved You Yesterday
Walk Through The Bottomland
L.A. County
She's No Lady
M-O-N-E-Y
Black & Blue
Simple Song
Pontiac
She's Hot To Go

Amazon.com essential recording

Pontiac is Lyle Lovett's finest album, but it still contains the strengths and weaknesses that have become Lyle's hallmarks. Crack playing, keen observations and clever lyrics, and a neo-traditionalist aesthetic that pulls in everything from Texas folk, honky-tonk and Western swing to old-school pop all shine brightly here, but they're consistently dulled by an ironic distance and a bitterness toward women that approaches misogyny. On Pontiac, the strengths generally win out, however, as Lovett convincingly stalks an old lover ("L.A. County"), says "take my wife, please" ("She's No Lady"), and, on the title track, offers a character sketch that could've been penned by Raymond Carver. --David Cantwell

Customer Reviews:

Multi-sided.......2007-06-01

I'm not sure that this is my personal favorite Lovett album but it's very good. The material is a bit eclectic. He's kind of known for that, and in a way it's interesting, but it seems a bit odd if you're not expecting it. It's got a little of everything: Discontent ("Pontiac"), humor, ("Give Back My Heart"), a little cynicism ("M-O-N-E-Y"), and one good old-fashioned country murder ballad ("L.A. County"), among other things.

no one compares to Lyle.......2007-01-04

a gentleman rancher, singer writer, - he's not to be missed!

AMAZING VARIETY BUT ALL DONE WELL.......2006-12-05

Lovett manages to package a wide range of material under one heading as "Country Music." But you will find great jazz here too. But that's something that Bob Wills was also doing over 60 years ago too.
Though it's hard to compare apples to oranges, given the great time-span differences, I'd have to say that Lovett has managed to "out-Wills" Bob himself. :)

Hear my words with faith and passion........2006-11-02

To some people, Lyle Lovett is that guy with the funny hair who used to be married to Julia Roberts. But his fans know that he's a hell of a talented singer/songwriter. This was his second album. There were four singles released from the album. "Give Back My Heart" reached #13 on the Country chart, "She's No Lady" reached #17, "I Loved You Yesterday" reached #24 and "If I Had a Boat" reached #66. Lovett wrote all the songs on the album. Many of the songs are quite witty. Lovett is classified as a country artist, but several of the songs here have a jazzy feel to them. Good album.

Great Ride--Lyle Lovett's Pontiac.......2005-08-02

Classic Lovett. Creative, pensive, entertaining...Favoites on this CD include Don't Touch My Hat, Long Tall Texan (with Randy Newman), and That's Right, You're Not from Texas.

Average customer rating:

LOVETT IN TOP FORM WITH GREAT TEXAS SWING BAND
It's not the words.
BUY THIS ALBUM!!!
Totally refreshing and a true original...
Lovett's Best

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Mca Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pontiac
The Road to Ensenada
Joshua Judges Ruth
My Baby Don't Tolerate
Lyle Lovett

ASIN: B000002PIF
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

The Blues Walk
Here I Am
Cryin' Shame
Good Intentions
I Know You Know
What Do You Do/The Glory Of Love
I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You
Stand By Your Man
Which Way Does That Old Pony Run
Nobody Knows Me
If You Were To Wake Up
Once Is Enough

Amazon.com

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band remains the big man's most ambitious album in many ways. A smart split is effected, and not only between styles--the horn-driven swing of the first half backs the record's wittiest, slyest songs, while the country-folk numbers are among Lovett's most pensive. He's not so mournful that he can't raise an eyebrow at heartache, though: try "I Married Her Just Because She Looks Like You." --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

LOVETT IN TOP FORM WITH GREAT TEXAS SWING BAND.......2006-12-05

Lovett shows the wide scope of his musical talent. Equally at home doing Country Music or Jazz, in the tradition of Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.

It's not the words........2006-11-06

This was Lyle Lovett's third album. There were three singles released from the album; "I Married Her Because She Looks Like You", "Stand By Your Man" and "Nobody Knows Me". None of them were hits, even though they are of high quality. The album overall is good. It is, of course, a country album, but some of the songs are closer to jazz than country. Lovett's fans will dig it.

BUY THIS ALBUM!!!.......2006-10-10

This was the first Lovett album I purchased back in the early 90's...I love it....you NEVER tire of this album, and EVERY song is wonderfully done...my favorite is the earthy, soulful: "What do you do/the glory of love"...listen to the dialogue between the singers...so funny, yet so true. If you enjoy the "big band sound" with that horn section...buy this...you will NOT be disappointed.

Totally refreshing and a true original..........2006-04-20

I worked in country radio for a few years down in northern Florida about the time Lyle's first album was released. We jumped on every single that was released from that debut album because he was just so distinctive and original sounding. A few years later I was at a station in New England and the "Large Band" album came out. So different from the first couple of albums yet still unmistakably Lyle Lovett. This man has the ability to evoke memories from all walks of life as well as make you smile, laugh, think, want to get up and dance and more. After hearing this album, I don't think there's a style of music the man cannot do well. Another reviewer spoke of Mr. Lovett as having no measurable talent or good looks. On the contrary...Mr. Lovett's talents are immeasurable. There's some amazing stuff going on here both musically and lyrically, and if someone's basing their opinion of his talent on just ONE album, that's just not the whole story on him at all. Artists as talented and diverse as Lyle Lovett are criminally few and far between, and he's proven that with each and every release.

Lovett's Best.......2005-07-15

This, in my opinion, is Lyle Lovett's best album. It's the one I lend out when I introduce people to his music, and it's the one I'm the most anxious to get back so I can listen to it again. The album has a perfect mix of his styles. Don't like country? Listen to the first half. Not into blues? Listen to the second. The lyrics on this album are about as clever as they ever get, and the music is even more addictive. Also, this is the first album with Francine Reed as a featured soloist. Buy it and be careful who you let borrow it.

Hope Floats: Music From The Motion Picture

Average customer rating:

Hope Floats - Original Soundtrack
Not what I was expecting
Hope Floats.......
EVERYONE LISTEN!!!
A great album.

Hope Floats: Music From The Motion Picture
Various Artists - Soundtracks
Manufacturer: Capitol
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Hope Floats
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Hope Floats
Message In A Bottle: Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture

ASIN: B000006359
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

To Make You Feel My Love - Garth Brooks
In Need - Sheryl Crow
Honest I Do - Rolling Stones
Chances Are - Bob Seger/Matina McBride
All I Get - The Mavericks
Paper Wings - Gillian Welch
Stop In The Name Of Love - Jonell Mosser
Wither, I'm A Flower - Whiskeytown
What Makes You Stay - Deana Carter
To Get Me To You - Lila McCann
Smile - Lyle Lovett
When You Love Someone - Bryan Adams
To Make You Feel My Love - Trisha Yearwood

Amazon.com

Though it follows a standard movie formula and predictable plot twists, the film Hope Floats is saved in part by the above-average performance of Sandra Bullock, portraying a separated woman who finds her way back to her hometown in Texas, daughter in tow. The soundtrack seems to follow in due course, a collection of country and rock (thanks to the Rolling Stones) acts adding shades of twang to songs that, for the most part, all sound fairly familiar. The duds of the bunch, Bryan Adams's "When You Love Someone" and Sheryl Crow's "In Need," are saved in large part by some surprise keepers, courtesy of Garth Brooks, the Mavericks, and Gillian Welch. The covers are interesting enough. Brooks's take on Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love" is modest and pithy and a far cry from the overblown Trisha Yearwood performance of the same tune that codas the collection. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

Hope Floats - Original Soundtrack.......2007-03-08

This was not the soundtrack that I wanted. I wanted the soundtrack with the Garth Brooks song on it and some of the other more recognizable songs from the movie - not instrumentals. I was really disappointed and will continue to try to find the soundtrack I want.

Not what I was expecting.......2007-03-08

I thought that this was the actually songs from the movie....not the score. Nice, but not sure who wants to listen to random movie scores.

Hope Floats..............2006-12-15

was a great movie. I bought this CD as a gift for a friend, she enjoys it.

EVERYONE LISTEN!!!.......2006-05-14

For some confused reviewers out there, just to set the story straight-the song "Make You Feel My Love" was written by Bob Dylan, not Garth Brooks. I've got nothing against Garth, but give credit where credit is due!

A great album........2005-04-06

Just wanted to let anyone reading these reviews that the review by MusicFan posted September 2, 2003 about how misleading these reviews are, is completely wrong!! Musicfan is talking about a totally different CD. He/She wanted the album with "various artists" but bought the wrong one containing the "original movie soundtrack". This is a great album and worth every cent. Any of the reviews that refer to this album with 11 tracks is in the wrong place. The "various artists" album has 13 tracks. Just trying to clear up some confusion!

Average customer rating:

The only thing better is Lyle LIVE
A tasty little treat.
dragonfly
My first Lovett CD, and still a favorite
He phoned it in, but it's still better than most.

My Baby Don't Tolerate
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Lost Highway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Road to Ensenada
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
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Joshua Judges Ruth

ASIN: B0000C69UU
Release Date: 2003-09-30

Tracks:

Cute As A Bug
My Baby Don't Tolerate
The Truck Song
In My Own Mind
Nothing But A Good Ride
Big Dog
You Were Always There
Wallisville Road
Working Too Hard
San Antonio Girl
Nashville
Election Day
I'm Going To Wait
I'm Going To the Place

Amazon.com

Maybe it was that thigh-splitting encounter with a belligerent bull, but whatever put him there, Lyle Lovett is in a nostalgic mood on My Baby Don't Tolerate, his first studio album of all new and original songs since the country-minded The Road to Ensenada in 1996. This is a mixed blessing--several songs sound like retreads from Lovett's earlier efforts, even as a listener welcomes the reprised syncopated, hep cat, Louis Jordan-meets-Sister Rosetta Tharpe signatures that help define his quirky style. While a key tune, "In My Own Mind," turns around a family man who seeks solace from a busy household, drawing restorative power from nature ("no rain, just the sunshine"), the album finds itself when Lovett begins revisiting dark places in his mind. Forget "Cute as a Bug," a by-now formulaic song of hottie lust, and get right to the bleak antagonist who narrates the confused loss of the elegantly jazzy "You Were Always There," the snaky blues of the title song, the pointy-toed send-up of bygone Music City hillbillies ("Nashville"), and the sly portrayal of the bribes of luckless blacks ("Election Day") in the old-time South. As the infectious, if repetitious gospel numbers prove, the man with "Eraserhead" hair isn't breaking any new ground. But he still fuses country, blues, jazz, folk, big band, and pop like no one else on the planet. --Alanna Nash

Customer Reviews:

The only thing better is Lyle LIVE.......2007-07-03

Okay, there is no truly bad Lyle. I don't think he could do a bad CD if he tried. The only thing better is to hear Lyle in person in concert. My spouse, who didn't care that much for live acts, still plays "Live In Texas" because of that experience. So yeah, my baby loves Lyle, too.

A tasty little treat........2007-05-12

I was prompted to buy this CD from seeing Lyle on "Austin City Limits". I have to admit...I love a good song writer!

dragonfly.......2007-03-09

I really love this cd. Lovett is such a great storyteller. This is great driving music.

My first Lovett CD, and still a favorite.......2007-03-09

I owned none of Lyle Lovett's music until I heard him perform "In My Own Mind" on The Tonight Show several years ago. I bought this CD immediately afterwards and it is still among my favorites. The songs, every one of them, are so interesting, intriquing. There are fun songs, songs of contentment, songs of loss -- all work together so well in this collection.

He phoned it in, but it's still better than most........2006-09-13

It's nowhere near as good as The Road to Encenada. But then, few things are. It's also not as good as Pontiac. But Lyle's average work is better than other people's best work.

So yeah, this isn't a classic, but it still blows the doors off of posers such as Chesney, Keith, McGraw, Brooks, and any other pseudo-country dork you can think of.

Average customer rating:

It's Not Big It's Large
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Lost Highway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000RIWAS0
Release Date: 2007-08-28

Average customer rating:

Still good songwriting
He'll sing.
One of my favorite albums
Is it just me...or does "Kavity Killer" = Lyle Lovett stalker???
An Actual Texan's Perspective

Joshua Judges Ruth
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Pontiac
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
The Road to Ensenada
Lyle Lovett
I Love Everybody

ASIN: B000002OIY
Release Date: 1992-03-31

Tracks:

I've Been To Memphis
Church
She's Already Made Up Her Mind
North Dakota
You've Been So Good Up To Now
All My Love Is Gone
Since The Last Time
Baltimore
Family Reserve
She's Leaving Me Because She Really Wants To
Flyswatter/Ice Water Blues (Monte Trenckmann's Blues)
She Makes Me Feel Good

Amazon.com essential recording

Leave it to the poker-faced Lovett to use a biblical joke to underline the thread of tangled relationships that weave between the wisecracks on this, his fourth album. With his elegantly drawled tenor and modulated sense of country, gospel, and R&B inflections, the Texan songwriter extends the larger ensemble settings and contrasting moods achieved with his preceding album, Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, again mixing shaggy dog stories ("Church"), atmospheric portraits of places and people ("Baltimore"), and fatalistic love songs ("North Dakota") that underline his acknowledged debt to other Lone Star songwriters like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, and Nanci Griffith. Yet his ease with frank rock elements, and an often urbane outlook, point up a musical kinship with L.A.'s folk-rock wing, notably Jackson Browne. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Still good songwriting.......2007-06-05

I have to admit that this is not one of my favorite albums, but not because it's not a good album. The songwriting is still excellent, it just happens to be less dynamic and less to my taste musically than _Pontiac_ and some others.

That said, I do like it; "Baltimore" is eerie in the long tradition of a capella [well, almost a capella] balladry and "Family Reserve" is simple but oddly heartbreaking.

He'll sing........2006-11-10

This was Lyle Lovett's fourth album. The title is taken from three consecutive books of the Old Testament. Lyle's famous sense of humor is not much in evidence this time around, as he remains fairly serious for the most part. But the songs are some of the best ones he has written. This is my personal favorite Lyle Lovett album.

One of my favorite albums.......2006-10-21

This is an outstanding album. Lyle is one of the best live performers I've ever seen in concert, and every album he's produced has been good, but this has to be among my favorites.

"North Dakota" is so achingly beautiful that it makes me cry every time I hear it. I've learned I can't listen to it while driving, because I start tearing up and have to pull off the road!

Is it just me...or does "Kavity Killer" = Lyle Lovett stalker???.......2006-02-23

Very strange negative fixation, indeed. Sorry to call someone out, but this person shows up rating every Lovett album! The thing that's most comical to me is that Kavity Killer reviews Lyle more than any other artist. Most people spend their time reviewing artists they actually LIKE, comparing and contrasting the quality of that artist's different albums...cross referencing other artists ("If you like..., you'd enjoy..."). Does anyone else just find it very odd that someone would spend so much time reviewing EVERY album of ANY artist with a 1*? I mean, I don't enjoy Aaron Neville's music...therefore, I don't waste my time or anyone else's reviewing ALL his albums.

We get it, dude...you only like blues music with a little bit of Paul Simon & Springsteen sprinkled in! It's kind of baffling why you waste so much time and space on Lyle Lovett.

By the way...if you like Lyle Lovett, "Joshua Judges Ruth" is a stong album. Well worth purchasing. Great musicians, great storyteller, cool voice.

An Actual Texan's Perspective.......2005-12-30

Speaking of "self-conscious 'Clev-R-Ness'TM", it's a good thing that Kavity Killer can hide his trembling adolescent frame behind the safe anonymity of the Internet. Because unlike him, I know a few actual cowboys, and they'd be all too happy to kick his a-- in a second. Apparently this kid has it in for Lyle, which only makes sense. I mean, a pale skinny guy writing country songs about relationships? How dare he. How dare Hank Williams, for that matter. Now THAT is some stone-cold rhetoric right there. Truth is, Lyle Lovett is a Texas institution, beloved in both rural and urban areas. "Joshua Judges" is of course more of the same, and we wouldn't have it any other way. Lovett's signature folk-country has graced many a BBQ and country drive. Yes, I'm sure some of those fans DO drive Suburbans, but then again so do fans of kavity killer's beloved Van Morrison. This album features some of the most sinewy, unsettling love songs -- the kind many a cowboy has lived and could understand. If kavity killer would leave his computer, he might too someday. Would Tuco from "Good, Bad..." listen to this? I dunno; he's a Hollywood actor. But I do know that Clint does. If that doesn't settle it, I dunno what does.

No apologies for the non-kosher "direct reply" review; it had to be done.

Average customer rating:

... if you like Lyle, this is the only CD you'll need
cowboy man
Very Nice Compilation
Lyle at his Best
Self proclaimed "cowboy man" creates amazing insomnia cure!

Anthology, Vol. 1: Cowboy Man
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Mca Nashville
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Alt-Country & Americana | Country | Styles | Music

General | Contemporary Country | Country | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Singer-Songwriters | Pop | Styles | Music

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Similar Items:

The Road to Ensenada
My Baby Don't Tolerate
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Joshua Judges Ruth
Step Inside This House

ASIN: B00005OLYB
Release Date: 2001-10-23

Tracks:

The Truck Song
Cowboy Man
God Will
Farther Down The Line
This Old Porch
Why I Don't Know
If I Were The Man You Wanted
San Antonio Girl
If I Had A Boat
Give Back My Heart
I Loved You Yesterday
Walk Through The Bottomland
L.A. County
Which Way Does That Old Pony Run
If You Were To Wake Up

Amazon.com

When he emerged in the mid-1980s at the dawn of new traditionalism, Lyle Lovett had more than a craggy visage to set him apart. His subtle wit, sly humor, and Texas-sized musical eclecticism made him a force. Built around 13 songs from his first three albums, this compendium resoundingly affirms those gifts. One hears his musical metamorphosis from the beginning, through the stomping blues of "Why I Don't Know," the honky-tonk talking blues "Give Back My Heart," and the folkier "L.A. County" and "If I Had a Boat." Nine numbers, including the Top 10 "Cowboy Man," appeared on singles (most as A-sides). The biggest oddities here are two newly recorded tracks, "The Truck Song" and "San Antonio Girl." They are Lovett's first new recordings in five years, and they share a nearly identical melody. Moreover, they really don't fit this context, though they may prompt hardcore fans to buy 13 songs they probably already own. Let's hope Lovett's working on an entire album where these two numbers will make more sense. --Rich Kienzle

Customer Reviews:

... if you like Lyle, this is the only CD you'll need.......2006-08-25

It really does contain all of his best songs. Get your dancing boots on!

cowboy man.......2006-07-10

the quality of this cd made me purchase two more of his work

Very Nice Compilation.......2006-02-28

Wow, what a great record. I too have most of Lyle's records. This is a very nice compilation. Of course, creating a collection of Lyle's work is very difficult and is bound to disappoint many: his records are so dense with brilliant music, it's very hard to pick among the tracks. This record includes many of my favorites, it's a very nice overview of early Lyle, and it shows why he is loved and famous. Couldn't get less than 5-stars for the music. Enjoy.

I haven't met anyone actually, who didn't appreciate Lyle's music. Hey, I like the Carter Family, Flatt and Scruggs, Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, Bill Staines, Woody Guthrie, Doc Watson, Norman Blake. (And Queen, Lou Reed, Warren Zevon, Martin Sexton, Patty Griffin, The Gipsy Kings, Paco DeLucia, Pepe Romero, Glenn Gould, Pablo Casals, U2, John Hiatt, Hothouse Flowers, Bob Dylan (including the electric stuff), Pete Seeger, The Wailin' Jennys, Will Ackerman, The Who, The Eagles -- why the hell restrict your enjoyment of music?) That doesn't mean I don't enjoy Lyle very much too. Lyle's popular because his music and lyrics speak to very many people. That's pretty well the definition of success for a musician - making art that gets the message across. Nevermind the elitism purist BS.

I too share the worry that Lyle is in a slump. Hey Lyle, we are all anxiously awaiting that album of new material!

Lyle at his Best.......2005-09-09

I love Lyle Lovette and have several of his albums and this is by far my favorite as it is filled with classic Lyle songs. Simply put there is not a bad song on this disc and you will find yourself listening to it over and over again, in fact it is the disc I currently have playing in my truck. No matter if you are a life long Lyle fan or are interested in adding Lyle to your collection, you cannot go wrong with this disc.

Self proclaimed "cowboy man" creates amazing insomnia cure!.......2005-03-09

Ask yourself one thing: would real cowboys listen to this? Would "Tuco" or "Angel Eyes" from The Good The Bad and The Ugly listen to this? Or would they shoot the person who put on this pseudo-cowboy-pretentious-whining-grasping-desperate piece of musical feces? If you're a cowboy who drinks Starbucks and shops at Eddie Bauer, then ya, I guess this might be the cowboy man for you. If you like your "cowboy men" to sing with weak, unsure voices lyrics straight out of a 13 year old girl's diary, then ya, this might be your cowboy man. If you like cowboys who never sat their 98 pound frame on a pony, let alone an actual bull, then this is your man. In short, if you don't actually like country music, blues or folk, but got the idea that it was cool to listen to them, this might be your least painful solution. You can impress your friends and neighbors without venturing into the deep, scary waters of meaningful well-made music.

Average customer rating:

Eerie
Not ironic at all...in fact, a total pleasure
Non-country fans, take note...
Unbelievably ironic.
Best Lovett CD

Step Inside This House
Lyle Lovett
Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:

The Road to Ensenada
Pontiac
Lyle Lovett
My Baby Don't Tolerate
Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

Accessories:

GPX C3948BI Ultra-Slim CD Player with 40-Second Anti-Shock Protection and Car Kit

ASIN: B00000C2CO
Release Date: 1998-09-22

Tracks:

Bears
Lungs
Step Inside This House
Memphis Midnight/Memphis Morning
I've Had Enough
Teach Me About Love
Sleepwalking
Ballad Of The Snow Leopard And The Tanqueray Cowboy
More Pretty Girls Than One
West Texas Highway
Rollin' By

Tracks:

Texas Trilogy: Daybreak
Texas Trilogy: Train Ride
Texas Trilogy: Bosque County Romance
Flyin' Shoes
Babes In The Woods
Highway Kind
Lonely In Love
If I Need You
I'll Come Knockin'
Texas River Song

Amazon.com's Best of 1998

Lovett puts down his pen and applauds the work of fellow Texas songsmiths on this inviting dissection of his musical influences. Buttressed by the fluid work of acoustic pickers such as Jerry Douglas and Sam Bush, Lovett attaches his uptown drawl to the works of writers including Robert Earl Keen, Guy Clark, and Michael Martin Murphy as well as to a pair of Lone Star traditionals. Disc 2 is dedicated to two of Lovett's biggest mentors, Walter Hyatt and Townes Van Zandt. --Marc Greilsamer

Amazon.com

The most mercurial of Texas singer/songwriters, Lyle Lovett has assembled a two-disc homage to mentors and fellow travelers--a homecoming of mixed emotions and uneven meditations on Texas land and soul. The first disc is the most spacious--including songs by Vince Bell, Guy Clark, Robert Earl Keen, and Michael Martin Murphy--while the second concentrates on Walter Hyatt and Townes Van Zandt (who died in 1996 and 1997 respectively). The meticulous and mostly acoustic layering of dobro, steel guitar, and piano sonically celebrates Lovett's Lone Star roots; his band even jaunts into western swing on Walter Hyatt's "Teach Me About Love." And Lovett's voice sounds warmly weathered with the respect and affection he has for the material. But the material is perplexing. Eric Taylor's "Memphis Midnight/Memphis Morning" never drives home its lonely impressions; selections from David Rodriguez and Willis Allen Ramsey never draw from the depth of those writers' imaginations (at least "Sleepwalking" is a rarity in Ramsey's small but legendary catalogue); and Steve Fromholz's "Texas Trilogy" never transcends aimless local color. But the two traditional pieces, "More Pretty Girls Than One" and "Texas River Song," number among the album's finest surprises. A similar grace and clarity animates both the title track--one of Guy Clark's most lambent but unrecorded compositions--and two of Van Zandt's greatest mysteries: "Highway Kind" and "Flying Shoes." --Roy Francis Kasten

Customer Reviews:

Eerie.......2007-06-01

The irony is that I bought this, and later saw Lovett in concert, when I was in Iowa, which is genuinely pathetic since I live two blocks from Klein, Texas.

I bought this when I was in college and, if it had been an LP, I would have played it smooth in about a semester. I admit I chose it for "More Pretty Girls than One" and "the Texas River Song", which are the only two PD songs on it, and secondarily for the Townes Van Zandt material. The other songs on it are excellent, as well (I just wasn't familiar with them when I bought it).

And, for the record, whatever you think of his music stylistically, just because he doesn't pander to the Nashville sound or the lower denominators of the genre doesn't mean he's pseudo-country. This sounds like rural Southeast Texas looks. It makes perfect sense in context.

Not ironic at all...in fact, a total pleasure.......2006-04-26

Anyone who considers Lyle Lovett's music "pseudo-country" is sleeping. Is there no room for someone who's a true innovator and truly original? And if sonmeone the likes of Lyle Lovett wants to pay tribute to the music and writers that influenced him, then I think that's an absolutely wonderful thing and allows those of us who DO appreciate the man's music to see where it all comes from. If Lovett's looks even fall into the equation here, then the reviewer is paying attention to the wrong areas completely. I discovered Lovett with his debut album when I worked in country radio in Florida and have never regretted it a single day. The world needs more Lyle Lovetts.

Non-country fans, take note..........2005-01-16

This is one of the finest albums in my collection, let alone one of the finest collection of gritty, yet subtle country/folk you'll ever hear. I don't consider myself a fan of country, but I wouldn't necessarily call this country. This, to me, is quintessential American music. The two disc set has enough variety to please all ears and its sonic qualities are nearly flawless. It's a real treat on the ears. It also rips or lifts your heart. It's the rare album that evokes such a broad range of emotions.

Imagery is big, and I can't help but be drawn to some dusty West Texas town when I listen to this music. I paint such a vivid picture of the places in my mind. It's one of my favorite albums to listen to on late night drives.

Unbelievably ironic........2004-11-25

Lyle Lovett "paying tribute" to texas songwriters and artists is like Vanilla Ice paying tribute to Slick Rick. Its someone who doesn't have a real understanding making a weak and, frankly, annoying attempt to claim a place in a tradition by "paying tribute" to it. Its like the old saying: Cool don't advertise. No truly authentic blues, folk, or country artist ever "paid tribute" to their musical tradition with a concept album. They just created the music in their souls and let history be the judge. Like a lot of Lovett's pseudo country and folk, this is horribly self-conscious and light weight. Four songs with the name "Texas" in the title??? A "Texas Trilogy"???? Come on. Did Texas Alexander create a "Texas Trilogy"? More importantly did he sound like a forlorn and whiny rail-thin white man with an underbite when he sang? I think we all know the answer to that one.

Best Lovett CD.......2004-05-29

This is a wonderful collaboration with many different artists. It is a treasure, and a good introduction Lovett for those not familiar with his passion and music.

Best tracks are "Bears" and title track...many more good ones too.

Tracks:

Cowboy Man
God Will
Farther Down The Line
This Old Porch
Why I Don't Know
If I Were The Man You Wanted
You Can't Resist It
The Waltzing Fool
An Acceptable Level Of Ecstasy (The Wedding Song)
Closing Time

Amazon.com

Lyle Lovett sprang up fully-formed in 1986, the bastard child of Randy Newman and Townes Van Zandt. His eponymous debut set the pace for future releases, balancing near-perfect ballads ("If I Were the Man You Wanted," "Closing Time") with wry, black humor romps ("God Will," "An Acceptable Level of Ecstasy"). His singing is also in place here, his voice a subtle expressive tool as dry as the West Texas plains. There are flashes of overproduction, as on the over-amped "You Can't Resist It" (which later found its home on stage in a spare cello arrangement), but overall things are pretty tasteful, like Lovett himself. Also check out Lovett's stunning sophomore effort, Pontiac. --Michael Ruby

Customer Reviews:

Off to a running start.......2007-07-09

The one and only color cover art . . .

I didn't realize that 'You Can't Resist It' was off his very first album. Amazing.

always great to come back to.......2006-02-13

When I've been away from Lyle's early music for too long I feel compelled to return time and again.

This was his first album and along with Pontiac - are two of my favorites.
Not quite country, not quite western - no something more than both. Maybe you could call his style a jazzy-country. Whatever you want to call it - you'll find you love it.

Production value of both of these albums is excellent.

You'll love: God Will, If I Were the Man You Wanted, Closing Time and the fast paced Cowboy Man

If you are a new fan - treat yourself and buy this one and Pontiac - you won't be disappointed.

caslo

Bizarro Country.......2005-02-05

Marketed in the country & western section, but how do you account for The Wedding Song and God Will? This is the first of several genre bending albums and remains one of his best.

An Exciting Debut From a Very Talented Singer/Songwriter.......2003-06-14

I was so excited when Lyle Lovett first appeared on the airwaves in the mid 80's. He was the freshest, most intelligent, most artistic singer/songwriter to ever grace the musical landscape. Although this is the most country sounding of all his releases, every single song is top-notch and so many country artists could learn a thing or two about how to do country music CORRECTLY!! I remember this CD being very controversial in country music because of the lyrics in songs such as "God Will" and "Cowboy Man", but that didn't stop them from being Top 10 hits. I have to say my favorite songs are the second half of the disc and they are possibly some of his best written songs. This was one of the most critically acclaimed release of the 80's and a gem in any Lyle Lovett fan's music collection.

essential Lyle Lovett.......2001-11-01

As a general rule, debut albums generally contain some of the artist's best work- and Lyle Lovett's self-titled 1986 album is no exception. Here, Lovett's talent shines in a satisfying combination of country-themed Texas character sketches ("Cowboy Man", "Farther Down The Line", "This Old Porch"); some outstanding ballads ("If I Were the Man You Wanted", "The Waltzing Fool"), a jazz tune (An Acceptable Level of Ecstacy); and some subtly witty lyrics (God Will, Why I Don't Know). The only song that really feels out of place here is the electric-guitar themed "You Can't Resist It", which is not a bad song, really, it just doesn't flow with the album as much as the others do. Nevertheless, Lyle Lovett comes out with both six-guns shooting on this, his first album. He has a true ability for sweeping you away from where ever you may be and plopping you right smack onto an old, weathered porch in Texas, cold lemonade in hand, watching the dust blow across the plains. It's a welcome respite from the daily grind, and that's why this album, along with "Pontiac" and "Joshua Judges Ruth", is a must have for any Lyle Lovett fan.

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