This guy is really a terrific songwriter. He captures so much in so few words. He’s not exactly a dynamic performer (I’ve seen him three times), but this record does convey his understated passion and commitment to his songs perhaps better than most of his studio albums. Plus, it gives a nice overview of his career. Highlights include “Too Long in the Wasteland,” “Choctaw Bingo,” “Levelland,” and Townes Van Zandt’s “Rex’s Blues.”

Compadre Records, 2004 [All-Music Guide review]

Here’s #65