On his 13th studio album, Guy Clark sticks with a simple formula: a small acoustic combo, moderate tempos and good tunes.
The need for good tunes would trip up a lesser talent, but as always, Clark comes through. "Somedays the Song Writes You" includes a Texas sea chantey, the tale of a haunted guitar and an anthem for amateur handymen and guys in general. Clark also sings about wine and whiskey, rues the lure of a bad neighborhood and muses about the creative muse.
Clark co-wrote 10 songs with various partners, including Rodney Crowell and Shawn Camp. The 11th cut is a sweet cover of "If I Needed You," written by his late friend Townes Van Zandt. The album's front-porch vibe is inviting, and these are songs worth getting to know.
CHECK THIS OUT: Clark's wry humor shines brightest on the final cut, "Maybe I Can Paint Over That." The title's a suggested solution for mistakes made, although Clark concedes it probably won't work.
Guy Clark
"Somedays the Song Writes You"
(Dualtone)
