Best of the Vanguard Years cover

Best of the Vanguard Years

Ramblin' Jack Elliott · 2000

72 min · 25 tracks · country · traditional folk music

A heartfelt collection of traditional folk and country tunes, rich with storytelling and emotional depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • heartfelt storytelling through song
  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • nostalgic reflections on life
  • intimate sing-alongs with friends
  • for a cozy evening

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer high-energy, fast tracks
  • seek modern production styles

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Best of the Vanguard Years' was released in 2000, Ramblin' Jack Elliott had established himself as a key figure in American folk music. This compilation showcases his work from the 1960s and captures his influence on the genre during a period when he collaborated with artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez.
Stylistic neighbors
Woody Guthrie· Pete Seeger· John Prine

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Roving Gambler 3:35
  • 2 Will the Circle Be Unbroken 2:37
  • 3 Diamond Joe 2:58
  • 4 Guabi Guabi 4:43
  • 5 Sowing on the Mountain 2:15
  • 6 Roll on Buddy 2:01
  • 7 1913 Massacre 3:52
  • 8 House of the Rising Sun 3:27
  • 9 Shade of the Old Apple Tree 2:42
  • 10 Black Snake Moan 3:25
  • 11 Portland Town 1:59
  • 12 More Pretty Girls 2:14
  • 13 Danville Girl 2:53
  • 14 John Hardy 2:27
  • 15 Dark as a Dungeon 2:53
  • 16 Hard, Ain't It Hard 2:40
  • 17 Don't Think Twice, It's All Right 3:16
  • 18 I Got a Woman 2:33
  • 19 Railroad Bill 3:57
  • 20 I Never Will Marry 2:29
  • 21 At My Window 2:09
  • 22 Blue Eyed Elaine 2:18
  • 23 Wildwood Flower 2:25
  • 24 Ranger's Command 3:32
  • 25 Willie Moore 2:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata