By Ken Paulson
Like Kris Kristofferson’s recent Feeling Mortal, Guy Clark’s My Favorite Picture of You reflects the years.
On the new album, due July 23 on Dualtone, Clark’s voice is softer and weathered. But if time has taken a physical toll, it’s made the music matter more. This is Clark’s first album in four years and it was worth the wait.
The title song is the most compelling and has the best back story. Clark lost Susanna, his wife of 40 years, in 2012. It stems from a day in the ‘70s when Clark and Townes Van Zandt had way too much to drink and Susanna stormed out. Her photo was taken at that moment, and the image inspired this touching song.
“Cornmeal Waltz” is warm and nostalgic, co-written with Shawn Camp, and their “The Death of Sis Draper” concludes the mythical story of their legendary Sis.
But it’s not all reflection and reminiscence. “El Coyote” is a haunting look at illegal immigration and “Heroes” focuses on returning soldiers who “brought the war home.”
My Favorite Picture of You is touching, topical and compelling. It shouldn’t be anyone’s first Guy Clark album, but it’s a must-own for all who have been touched by Clark’s artistry.
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