Here's Kottke's finest work - and definitely one to start with if you're new to him.

His rich compositions here encompass solo guitar (tracks 3, 5, 6, 7, 9) and songs (2, 4, 8, 10) which he sings with his own guitar accompaniment and backing musicians. Tracks 1 and 11 feature just his guitar and the musicians.

Every track is simply first class.

His playing is cleaner than before (following a period of revising his technique) but retains his distinctive energy and attack (`Times Twelve') and the CD illustrates his quirky innovation - `Twelve' features guitar and timpani drum!

The `Theme From The Rick and Bob Report' is melodic and beautifully optimistic; `William Powell' an absorbing, deft tune; `My Aunt Francis' and `B.J.' are complex pieces - `B.J.' being rounded off with a subtle, perfectly executed ending. `Mona Ray' is a superior rendition of an earlier recording - light, nimble, understated.

`Why Can't You Fix My Car?' and `Jack Gets Up' reflect his lightly cynical, teasing wit. `Back in Buffalo' has a superb melody hidden under his twisting, shuffling, discordant guitar work.

Kottke's famous self-effacement about his vocals is nonsense - his singing on `Every Body Lies' is exceptional - the song also demonstrates how sadly underrated he is as a songwriter/lyricist.

What do you get when you mix American folk and blues, throw in little tinges of jazz, country and pop, add truly original, exceptional steel strung acoustic guitar playing, dazzling technique, great singing, novel compositions, sharp lyrics, plus unconventional, happy wit? -

- why Leo Kottke of course.

I'll start out by saying I am a devoted Kottke fan, but if given the unfortunate task of selecting only one album from this seminal master, I would prolly select this one. My enduring favorite is 'Aunt Francis'... this tune will grow on you given a few listens....If not, listen again!

I've been a Leo Kottke fan for thirty years but this album may be the best ever, simply on the strength of "Mona Ray," the most exquisite song I've heard him do...this is "Echoing Gilewitz" with the mystery but not the sadness. What a treat...

This album was my intro to Leo Kottke. A local radio station had for many years used the "Theme from the Rick and Bob Report" as its intro. The infectious and upbeat melody always appealed to me. One day, I was privileged to learn the title and artist; within 30 minutes, I had my first Kottke CD. I have never looked back.

This CD is in my opinion an excellent introduction to Kottke. The fretwork is amazing but not overwhelming despite the virtuosity. The voice is unusual as always but so appealing when you get used to it.

The "piece de resistance" is "Jack Gets Up". My kids ( all 5) still laugh when they hear it. To them, it's the "snort fort song". I just smile.

If you love acoustic guitar, buy this album. In fact, any kind of music. I defy anyone to listen and not fall in love with the fingers from Minnesota. I sure did.

Many CD's later, it's still my father's face, just like Leo. And the thin grin too.

I was first introduced, like most, to Mr. Kottke's music by being invited by a friend (his daughter) to his concert. I remember thinking beforehand, 'oh gee great, an acoustic guitar player, right down my alley'. I was not expecting this to be my cup of tea.

But his songs, lyrics, and random train of thought discussion between songs immediately win you over. Completely disarming, the music reminds me of two guitar players strumming something waltzy in nature. That's sounds bad doesn't it? It's actually quite awe inspiring.

He captures a wide range of emotions from goofy humor to melancholy sadness. All the time you'll find your toe tapping and your head bobbing and your brain anticipating the next odd lyric. This will always be my favorite LK album for its accessibility. And my friends, who range from hardcore metal heads to punkers to n'sync listeners all find this album incredible.