Time Step
Leo Kottke · 1983
34 min · 12 tracks · blues
A vibrant blend of intricate fingerstyle guitar and eclectic folk influences that captures the essence of Americana storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Running All Night Long Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Saginaw, Michigan — This track stands out for its vivid storytelling and emotional depth, narrating the life of a man reflecting on his past with a sense of longing and nostalgia.
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Mr. Fonebone — With its playful lyrics and catchy melody, this song showcases Kottke's wit while highlighting his unique guitar style that blends humor with musicianship.
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Rings — The instrumental piece features intricate fingerpicking patterns that exemplify Kottke's technical prowess and ability to create atmospheric soundscapes without lyrics.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Kottke's guitar mastery and storytelling but has uneven pacing across its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features upbeat tracks with intricate guitar work, while the second half shifts to more reflective and slower tempos.
- Several tracks feature spoken word elements or storytelling, particularly evident in 'Saginaw, Michigan,' which stands out for its narrative focus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- playful melodies for relaxed moments
- steady pacing for casual listening
- intricate guitar work enjoyment
- short tracks for quick listens
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy tracks
- prefer longer, sprawling albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Established Kottke's reputation with critical acclaim and popular tracks like 'Saginaw, Michigan.'
- Themes
- Saginaw nostalgia· playful storytelling· Americana landscapes
- Career context
- Released in 1983, Time Step was Leo Kottke's fifth studio album, following his acclaimed record, 1971's Mudlark. By this time, Kottke had established himself as a master of fingerstyle guitar and was exploring a broader musical palette, incorporating elements of blues and traditional folk music into his work.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Fahey· Bert Jansch· Michael Hedges
Tracklist
- 1 Running All Night Long Start here 2:44
- 2 The Bungle Party 3:02
- 3 Rings 2:55
- 4 Mr. Fonebone 2:07
- 5 Julie's House 3:26
- 6 Memories Are Made of This 2:39
- 7 Saginaw, Michigan 3:38
- 8 I'll Break Out Again 3:25
- 9 The Wrong Track 2:43
- 10 Starving 2:59
- 11 Here Comes That Rainbow Again 3:14
- 12 Little Martha 1:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death
John Fahey
Shares intricate fingerstyle guitar work and deep Americana storytelling.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Captures a hauntingly intimate atmosphere with poetic lyrics and folk influences.
Hand of Kindness
Richard Thompson
Blends folk and blues with vivid storytelling, showcasing intricate guitar arrangements.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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