Disco de Lyle Lovett: “Pontiac”

I own all of Lyle's albums. This is the first one I ever heard (when I was 5 years old.} It made a very strong impression on me All of his cd's are amazing in their own ways, but I think this one is still the best. I don't like country music, but Lyle has an extremely sophisticated style of songwriting, that incorporates elements of folk, jazz, blues,southern gospel,big band swing, and contemporary country. There is a very sly and smooth quality in Lyle's voice and the way he writes songs that will give you chills. The first song "If I had a boat" is what won me over as a fan. A very catchy and charming folk song with well played twangy guitars. "Give back my heart" is humorous country blues at its best, "I loved you yesterday" is a Texan style country ballad that sounds a little like a Spanish folk song. "Walk through the bottomland" is a great folk song with just the right amount of twang with good harmony vocals from Emmylou Harris {very haunting vibe on this one.} "L.A.County" has an interesting approach, the song is upbeat country, but the lyrics are dark and talk about the killing of an ex lover at her wedding, Matt Rollings plays some great synthesizer on this one. "She's no lady" is a great sly jazzy song. Although it's kind of bitter toward women, its a damn catchy number, good short piano solo too! "Money" is a good blues song about how to get classy women {funny}. Things get darker with "black and blue" very sly with a big band sound you sorta feel like your'e chillin at a smoky jazz club while this song is playing. "simple song" is beautifully morbid. It's a guitar song played around an ominous D minor chord with chilling strings, sounds kinda like Everlast's "What it's like" things get even lonelier and darker with "pontiac" a song with just a guitar and violin about a world war two vet coping with his haunting memories of what he did overseas many years ago... Lyle hits us with the funny and upbeat "she's hot to go" as the closer. If you like this one check out "thats right {your not from Texas}This is an all around awesome listening experience and well recorded/produced album.{I wish MCA would remaster Lyle's first three Cd's, maybe some more pictures or bonus tracks?!} If you like this I would also reccomend Bruce Hornsby's "the way it is" anything by Jim Croce {r.i.p.} and Nick Cave's "the boatman's call." Pontiac is amazing no matter what musical style you enjoy highly recommended!! your cd collection is hurting without it.

The first thing you'll hear when you bring up Lyle with someone is something about his looks. Yes, he is an unusual looking man. Unusual is not ugly or unpleasant, in my opinon. But what that has to do with listening to his music is beyond me. The keyword is that you're LISTENING to him, not looking at him. If for some reason you can't get past his looks, just keep that in mind. And hey- he was married to Julia Roberts for a year- how long were YOU married to her? That's what I thought...

This is Lyle at his best- not too jazzy, not too country, just right. I partciularly love "Walk Through The Bottomlands", a beautiful, haunting song with wonderful background vocals by Emmylou Harris. Equally fine is "I Loved You Yesterday", sort of a slow Texas swing love song. These are my two favorite songs, but every track fits perfectly, and there is no filler.

Lyle is funny, dark, sad, wistful, romantic and yes, sometimes just plain weird. His music certainly has some country elements, and this album probably has more of that than others. But that's a plus, since it's not twangy or pseudo-rock country. This is probably his most accessible album, and the perfect place to start if you don't want his greatest hits. And go see him in concert the next time he swings through your town. He might not be Bruuuuuce, but he's still an incredible live performer.

While this early release of Lyle's is dipped more into country and folk, you will actually hear some of his best song writing on this release. Whether it's the comical "Give Back My Heart" or the completely hilarious "She's No Lady, She's My Wife" to the hauntingly mysterious "Simple Song" (which recalls a likeness to 'Time in a Bottle') to the bluezy/jazzy "M-O-N-E-Y", Lyle entertains you with the charm and wit that he is so famous for. If you are a Lyle fan, you cannot live without this release!!

Pontiac is quintessential Lovett, embodying the artist's perfectionism and subtle wit. Those who have not been exposed to much of Lovett's work will find that this album is his most accessible. Pontiac and Road to Ensenada are smooth, upbeat albums that hold something for every open-minded music lover. We all know that Lyle Lovett's music is an acquired taste. There is a catch, though. Like a fine bottle of wine, Lovett's music is constantly evolving, each time into a richer and more unique experience that is harder to catagorize. This wonderful variation in style is coupled with a consistency of quality, earnestness, validity, thoughtful orchestration, and talent.

Lyle Lovett is unique. He brings together a wide range of styles (although mostly what would be considered country), musical humor worthy of Randy Newman, and a perspective on life that is definitely off-beat. In "Pontiac" it all comes together in one terrific album. And as an extra bonus, "If I Had A Pony" makes a great lullaby (with only modest editing ).

If you've been curious about this artist, start here.