Back in the cosmic cowboy days, Guy Clark was a totem of the Austin scene. His rough, revealing songwriting and his ragged voice (he makes Willie Nelson sound like Pavarotti) formed the core of several fine records. Jerry Jeff Walker may have gotten all the groupies, but he got them by frequently covering Guy Clark's songs. His first two albums, recorded in the mid-70's, are available repackaged as The Essential Guy Clark on RCA or separately as reissued by Sugarhill. The RCA set is recommended - it really is the essential stuff.

The three albums that followed (Warner Brothers 1978-1983) are available as part of the Craftsman package on Philo. Clark has recorded three albums since, including 1999's Cold Dog Soup.

Learn more about Guy Clark at MusicAustin.com