Try and Stop Me
Leo Kottke · 2004
45 min · 11 tracks · blues
Intricate fingerstyle guitar weaves through a landscape of folk melodies, punctuated by Kottke's distinctive storytelling and whimsical charm.
Top tracks — play these first
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Monopoly Start here — The opening track introduces listeners to Kottke's signature fingerstyle technique, blending melodic complexity with playful lyrics that set the tone for the album.
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Bristol Sloth — This track showcases Kottke's ability to blend humor with profound observation, using playful rhythms and clever wordplay that exemplify his lyrical depth.
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The Banks of Marble — A cover of a traditional labor song, this track allows Kottke to infuse his distinct style into a classic narrative about social justice, reflecting on themes of inequality.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Kottke's intricate guitar and storytelling create a distinctive yet cohesive experience, though it may not have widespread recognition.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate whimsical storytelling elements, with lyrics that blend humor and introspection.
- The tempo varies significantly across the album, with some tracks maintaining a brisk pace while others slow down to create contrast.
- 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
- warm storytelling with intricate melodies
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- engaging fingerpicking for attentive listeners
- thoughtful reflections during quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification in music
- prefer high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Continues Kottke's exploration of folk-blues with enduring appeal in a late career phase.
- Themes
- playful storytelling· labor movement nostalgia· whimsical observations
- Career context
- Released in 2004, Try and Stop Me came during Leo Kottke's prolific period as a folk-blues artist, following his 2002 album One Guitar, No Vocals. This album marks a continuation of his exploration into intricate guitar work combined with personal narratives, solidifying his status as a master of acoustic guitar.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Fahey· Bert Jansch· Michael Hedges
Tracklist
- 1 Monopoly Start here 5:34
- 2 Stolen 2:14
- 3 Mockingbird Hill 1:52
- 4 Then 5:04
- 5 Mora Roa 6:15
- 6 Axolotl 3:55
- 7 Bristol Sloth 3:55
- 8 Unbar 4:30
- 9 Jesus Maria 3:13
- 10 Gewerbegebiet 5:15
- 11 The Banks of Marble 3:28
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
The Transfiguration of Blind Joe Death
John Fahey
Features intricate fingerstyle guitar with rich storytelling and a whimsical, folk-inspired atmosphere.
Pink Moon
Nick Drake
Shares a delicate acoustic approach and introspective lyrical themes, creating a reflective listening experience.
Rumor and Sigh
Richard Thompson
Combines intricate guitar work with narrative-driven lyrics, evoking similar emotional depth and whimsy.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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