STORYTELLER

Part street corner prophet and part good time buddy, Todd Snider, has been championing the overlooked and underappreciated for over 15 years, finally culminating in the folkie's career-spanning concert album that features a full band, although his hilarious banter and self-deprecating stories take center stage.

A live album like you've never heard before, The Storyteller captures Snider in his true element: onstage. Part Dylan and part Bill Hicks, the outspoken Snider has long established his concerts are more than just a set list. Todd Snider is an adept storyteller, and this album showcases his witty and intelligent musings on Americana.

Drawing inspiration from all over the musical map, from outlaws like Waylon Jennings to wise guy satirists like Randy Newman, Snider does not just imitate those geniuses, but manages to walk in their company. Snider is folk music's top wiseass, a tough-'n'-tender singer-songwriter who can play to the roadhouse crowd with boozy hard-luck narratives, great lyrics, and a tight band. While I will always feel that his best work was his debut, Songs From The Daily Planet, this album delivers country-folk and scorching bar-band numbers along with stories that will have you laughing in the aisle… or rolling on the floor.

His story on his high school football career is alone worth the price of the album, and funnier than most stand-up bits.

Go buy this now. One of these days, I'll post something on his debut, but you should buy that too. Right now. Go. Why are you still sitting there?

Packaging note-it's one of those gatefold cardboard packages, cut too tight for the CD-so be carful not to damage the disc when you're taking it out of the sleeve. Please musci biz-go back to the jewel case!