Two Days in November cover

Two Days in November

Doc Watson · 1974

25 min · 10 tracks · blues

A vibrant tapestry of folk, bluegrass, and blues, woven together with heartfelt storytelling and intricate guitar work.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Walk on Boy — This track exemplifies Watson's signature fingerpicking style and captures the essence of youthful adventure and longing.
  • →
    Kaw-Liga — Watson's rendition of this Hank Williams classic showcases his ability to reinterpret songs while maintaining their emotional depth.
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    Medley: Little Beggar Man / Old Joe Clark — This medley highlights Watson’s exceptional skill in melding traditional melodies with his own improvisational flourishes, creating a lively atmosphere.
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    The Train That Carried My Girl from Town — A poignant narrative song that illustrates Watson's storytelling prowess and emotional delivery, resonating deeply with listeners.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong guitar work and traditional melodies but lacks a cohesive flow across all tracks.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate traditional folk melodies and structures, such as the medley that seamlessly blends two classic songs.
  • The pacing varies significantly, with some tracks like 'Walk on Boy' maintaining a brisk tempo while others, like 'Lonesome Moan', slow down for emotional impact.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

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

  • quick bursts of storytelling
  • warm acoustic afternoon vibes
  • nostalgic reflections on rural life
  • playful melodies for gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of lengthy epics
  • prefer heavy, intense sounds

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1974, Two Days in November emerged as Doc Watson's sixth studio album, following the acclaimed album, Then and Now. At this point in his career, Watson was solidifying his reputation as a masterful guitarist and a prominent figure in American folk music, expanding his audience through live performances and recordings.
Stylistic neighbors
Tony Rice· Bill Monroe· John Prine

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Walk on Boy 2:45
  • 2 Poor Boy Blues 2:22
  • 3 I'm Going Fishing 2:42
  • 4 Kinfolks in Carolina 2:33
  • 5 Lonesome Moan 2:52
  • 6 Medley: Little Beggar Man / Old Joe Clark 2:08
  • 7 Kaw-Liga 2:45
  • 8 The Train That Carried My Girl from Town 2:59
  • 9 Snowbird 2:53
  • 10 Doc's Rag 1:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata