Leo Kottke - The Leo Kottke Anthology [2CD Remastered Set] (1997)

Of course, newcomers to the legendary finger-style wizardry of Leo Kottke should pick up the guitarist's 1969 debut, 6 & 12 String Guitar, before they consider anything else. After listening to that masterpiece--on which Kottke plays lightning-fast instrumentals that sound like a cross between John Fahey and Bill Monroe--you can't help wanting to hear his other stuff. And Anthology is a great launching point, covering Kottke's music from 6 & 12 String through to 1983. Whereas Fahey, Kottke's finger-style forefather, ventured into weird tape loops and effects as his career progressed (and distanced his personality from his playing), Kottke did the opposite. His playing has slowed down, but Kottke now fashions himself as a singer/songwriter. And on songs like "Tiny Island" or "Julie's House"--the latter a duet with Emmylou Harris--he sounds heartfelt and human, like a more sincere version of Loudon Wainwright III. A few essential cuts are missing here, mostly from the first half of his career, and there are a few oddball tracks--Kottke warbling through "Eight Miles High" is one--but get used to it: every platter the guitarist has released seems to have a dud or three. Doesn't matter, though. To guitar fans, he'll always be godlike. --Jason Verlinde