Liner Notes :

As many of you probably remember, I have been suggesting for several years that we compile one of Steve's studio LPs in the original running order with live versions from various shows.
I remember one person replying that it was too much work !?!
My reply back was, if you really love Steve's music, then how can it be too much work? Well, in this case, Steve did the work for us. I was lucky enough to witness one of the Days Of Wine & Roses sets in person, and for those of you who didn't get to - well here it is. The complete LP in the original running order. The only thing Steve didn't give us was the clicks and pops of the vinyl, a little dirt in the groove, a bit of dust on the needle. Well, actually he did. The band worked their ass off the capture the magic and essence of the LP. And yet, as with all great musicians, Steve and the band brought their own sound/feel to it as well. It was not exactly a Xerox of the original LP, more like a copy cat oil painting. And a damm good one at that. I could imagine this CD-R hanging in the Met with other classic works of art and it would look just fine next to other modern masters. If I had to pick one LP that changed my life, it would have to be the Days Of Wine & Roses. It was a strong influence on much of my own music, it's the reason I eventually made my way to California. It began a long friendship and professional relationship with Steve. It opened me up to other great music right after that: Green On Red, Rain Parade, True West, Long Ryders. I could go on all night. Ok, Steve, your instructions are now to do a Medicine Show tour. And next time, play the "slow" version of Some Kinda Itch (like the KPFK show)

Pat Thomas
Oakland, CA
October 2001

The Tracks