Guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke has never been a fan of his own singing, observing once that it resembles "geese farts on a foggy day." Be that as it may, his voice (both vocally and lyrically) is an essential element of his pe... more »rsona, one he's too-often neglected. This cogent 1989 collection balances the Minnesotan's trademark knuckle-busting 12-string exhibitions ("William Powell," "Theme from 'The Rick and Bob Show'") with memorable lyric-based songs. The latter are what make My Father's Face such an appealing album. Kottke bares his grim northern soul on "Everybody Lies" ("I don't remember what it was like to go back home/I only know it was cold and white and I was alone"), while "Why Can't You Fix My Car?" and "Jack Gets Up" are sardonic statements on the quietly desperate lifestyle. Producer T Bone Burnett's select sidemen (David Hidalgo, Michael Blair, Edgar Meyer), meanwhile, are unfailingly restrained and tasteful. In the end, you're left with a fuller sense of Kottke. He's smart, funny, a bit gloomy ... and, yeah, he plays a mean guitar, too. --Steven Stolder« less
Guitar virtuoso Leo Kottke has never been a fan of his own singing, observing once that it resembles "geese farts on a foggy day." Be that as it may, his voice (both vocally and lyrically) is an essential element of his persona, one he's too-often neglected. This cogent 1989 collection balances the Minnesotan's trademark knuckle-busting 12-string exhibitions ("William Powell," "Theme from 'The Rick and Bob Show'") with memorable lyric-based songs. The latter are what make My Father's Face such an appealing album. Kottke bares his grim northern soul on "Everybody Lies" ("I don't remember what it was like to go back home/I only know it was cold and white and I was alone"), while "Why Can't You Fix My Car?" and "Jack Gets Up" are sardonic statements on the quietly desperate lifestyle. Producer T Bone Burnett's select sidemen (David Hidalgo, Michael Blair, Edgar Meyer), meanwhile, are unfailingly restrained and tasteful. In the end, you're left with a fuller sense of Kottke. He's smart, funny, a bit gloomy ... and, yeah, he plays a mean guitar, too. --Steven Stolder
"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."
WHOSE FACE
Wade Nelson | Calgary, Alberta Canada | 01/29/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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."
Fabulous song
scoop25 | Ridgefield, CT United States | 10/06/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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..."
Acoustic guitar pinnacle
Brian P. Austin | Cottage Grove, WI | 07/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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!"
The best Kottke album!
C. Fink | Pittsburgh, PA | 07/19/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I've got virtually all Kottke's albums that I can find, and after years of listening, this one is still my favorite...you get that great guitar work, nothing else like it in the universe, plus that wonderful voice! Leo himself says it sounds like "goose farts on a muggy day," but hey, sometimes we need to hear that kind of thing! You can't go wrong with this album, great variety of music, great guitar, great lyrics!"