The Great Santa Barbara Oil Slick cover

The Great Santa Barbara Oil Slick

John Fahey · 2004

76 min · 17 tracks · blues

A reflective tapestry of American folk blues, blending intricate guitar work with poignant storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • reflective storytelling with depth
  • patient unfolding of narratives
  • evocative imagery in sound
  • captivating guitar interludes
  • suitable for contemplative afternoons

Maybe skip if you want

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat party atmospheres

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2004, 'The Great Santa Barbara Oil Slick' was John Fahey's final studio album before his death in 2001. This album came after a long career that began in the 1960s, showcasing Fahey's evolution as a musician and his deep commitment to acoustic guitar traditions. By this time, he had already achieved significant recognition within the fingerstyle guitar community.
Stylistic neighbors
Leo Kottke· Bert Jansch· Nick Drake

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Introduction 0:12
  • 2 When the Springtime Comes Again 9:48
  • 3 Joe Kirby Blues 3:45
  • 4 Requiem for Mississippi John Hurt 4:19
  • 5 When the Catfish Is in Bloom 7:56
  • 6 Fahey Blows His Nose 0:46
  • 7 Intro to ‘Lion’ / Challenges to Quitting Cigarettes 1:02
  • 8 Lion 5:15
  • 9 Dance of the Inhabitants of the Palace of King Philip XIV of Spain 5:32
  • 10 View East from the B&O Railroad Viaduct and the Riggs Road Intersection 5:38
  • 11 On the Sunny Side of the Ocean 3:31
  • 12 The Great Santa Barbara Oil Slick 6:37
  • 13 In Christ There Is No East or West 2:48
  • 14 Announcement 0:40
  • 15 The Death of the Clayton Peacock 4:35
  • 16 The Revolt of the Dyke Brigade 4:01
  • 17 Magruder Park 9:52

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata