My Father's Face

My Father's Face

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 <i>My Father's Face</i> 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. <i>--Steven Stolder</i>