Twenty Twenty: The Essential T Bone Burnett (CD - 2006)

Personnel: T Bone Burnett (acoustic guitar); Steven Soles (vocals, acoustic guitar); Dean Parks (slide guitar); David Mansfield (steel guitar, dobro, percussion); Jerry Scheff, David P. Jackson (bass instrument); Jim Keltner, Ringo Starr (drums); David Miner (percussion).

Released in conjunction with T-Bone Burnett's first new studio album in more than a decade, 2006's TRUE FALSE IDENTITY, this 40-track collection presents a fine selection of the lauded producer/performer's earlier work. While some of the material on the two-disc set dates back to the 1970s, many songs are from Burnett's relatively prolific solo period in the '80s, including the loping "Power of Love" and the thoughtful "Song to a Dead Man," both of which showcase the singer-songwriter's lyrical talent and quirky take on Americana. TWENTY TWENTY also features tunes recorded by Burnett and Elvis Costello (as the Coward Brothers), most notably "The People's Limousine," a twangy number that boasts some witty social commentary. Though this compilation may prove to be too daunting for the casual fan or newcomer, it serves as an excellent and thorough crash course in the career of this charming and often-overlooked musician. minimize