CDs, DVDs & Games

Item Description

Townes Van Zandt was a manic-depressive, an alcoholic, and a great songwriter. He played a guitar and sang his songs, although the best-known versions of the songs are by others: Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Emmylou Harris to name a few. The songs "Tecumseh Valley, Poncho and Lefty, If I Needed You, and Waiting Around to to Die" are as good as any you'll find. Steve Earle, another Texas singer/songwriter, said TVZ was the greatest songwriter in the world.

"Be Here to Love Me": This documentary features TVZ singing many of his songs while we witness his deterioration. He died at age 52 of complications following a broken hip and (probably) an overdose of alcohol. Nobody was suprised. Guy Clark says at his funeral that he "booked this gig 30 years ago." TVZ never made any money nor sold many records, but it's a pretty good guess that people will be singing his songs for the next 100 years. They're that good.

As a musician, Townes Van Zandt was legendary, perhaps one of the greatest who ever lived, inspiring artists from Bob Dylan to Norah Jones to Steve Earle. As a man, a husband, and a father his life was as tragic and as beautiful as the songs he wrote. Townes was an enigma to his family, pinned between a deep longing for home and the nomadic lifestyle that was necessary for his livelihood. Director Margaret Brown's Be Here To Love Me is an artful, expertly directed portrait of both of these sides of Van Zandt and ultimately serves as an insightful look at the sacrifices, challenges, and consequences faced in pursuit of a dream. Haunting and lyrical, Be Here To Love Me combines emotional interviews with friends and family with never seen footage of Townes Van Zandt.

This package also includes"In Other Words": Austin's KUT presents a special one hour documentary featuring rare interviews with Townes, conversations with musicians touched by his music including Joe Ely, Rodney Crowell and Delbert McClinton, candid memories from those who knew him intimately, and Townes' most influential songs--including some vintage live performances. If you've heard the name "Townes Van Zandt", but you don't really know what the fuss is about, sit back for an hour and find out.

Item Special Note

This item can be picked up at the WMPG radio station at 92 Bedford Street on USM's Portland campus. Or, if you'd prefer we could have it shipped to you, but the winning bidder would be responsible for any insurance or shipping costs.