Can't really argue with this list. But generally Ixm not a big fan of "this song/album is better than that song/album." As it relates to Todd, if anyone asks what my favorite song/album is, I respond simply and sincerely, "whichever one I'm listening to at the moment." Your back stories and rationale for your choices are very illuminating and help explain the different feels and sounds on each studio album. Thanks!
I generally would say that whichever one I’m listening to is the best. I would add Rest in Chaos to the upper portion if i were making a linear list. Sure, it’s hwa, but the songs are amazing Todd. On of my favorite lines in a song: “in my will there will be no way to dispute that I left everything to chance”
I enjoy this article. I love the perspective. Songs for the Daily Planet will always be my favorite because that's the first album I heard of Todd's. Every one of Todd's songs speak to me except Beer Run. I understand his love for that song but I prefer his story telling songs. Dylan, Young, Prine, Petty, Simon, and Snider are my favorite artists. I can't rank any of their albums, except by what speaks to me. Life is too long and has too many chapters for one favorite anything.
Wellll...in 2016 , I lost my mind with millions,billions of others and found Todd while I was exploring creating ways to transmute my feelings in healthy ways..and then years later into the nightmare, boom...Covid. My favorite is First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder, I do like the return of the storyteller with all the live songs he plays. Because of personal reasons, I am bummed that battle hymn to the album was taken off the platforms, but I have an original lol I guess that one doesn’t get played on Facebook for my frustrations...causing all kinds of craziness in my town . Oh well..Conservative Christian works well too ...nah, I’m behaving better these days, while in Rome...shoot Roman candles
Nice list, thanks. Is there any hope of an LP reissue campaign, especially the Aimless and Oh Boy material? It is sorely needed. Many are CD only or are out of print. Also, where are the other Cash Cabin session volumes? I assume for the non major label stuff, Todd has his master tapes?
Regarding the Cash Cabin sessions, volume two was the Hard Working Americans album that is on the shelf. Volume one is probably some unreleased recordings from his very first session at Cash Cabin Studio. I'll try to find out about possible LP reissues.
Good stuff, Daryl. For me the list changes from day to day, month to month and year to year. There are certain moods and experiences that effect my decisions in listening. The rotation is truly that, a rotation. Maybe not of absolute favorites but simply want I think I need at that moment in time. Over the past 20+ years or so Todd's songs and his live treatment of them have moved me as much as any of the great songwriters in history. Not hyperbole. Real truth. I hope he does eventually release the full set of albums he performed in order live during the Sunday sermon lockdowns. That was a really fun thing he did....and probably not easy for him.
I think this is as good a list as any, Daryl. It's well reasoned and tough to disagree with. I really appreciate some of the context and backstories you provide. Every album has something that is otherworldly good. I probably would rank Church of Hope and Wonder a bit higher. There is not one cut I don't think is brilliant and the very premise of bringing together folk and funk alone deserves a bump. Conservative Christians is the song that changed everything for me and convinced me that I had a cosmic brother on this planet and his name was Todd Snider. Now I consider him the best songwriter of his generation and right up there with Kris, and John, and Willie, and...
Biscuit, I will check with Todd to see if he is willing to share what specifically went into that decision. I know generally speaking he was no longer happy with the track, so he had it removed
Not sure what you are talking about, Cliff. I spoke to him just yesterday to clarify some info about one of his studio albums. As for why he isn't performing right now, I think he released a statement a month or so ago explaining that on his socials. I'll try to find a link to that for you.
Nice list and as you said all lists are subjective.
I do need to say this has been the best $50 I've spent in a long time. Really loving the stories and "back stage" access. Thanks a bunch!!!
Can't really argue with this list. But generally Ixm not a big fan of "this song/album is better than that song/album." As it relates to Todd, if anyone asks what my favorite song/album is, I respond simply and sincerely, "whichever one I'm listening to at the moment." Your back stories and rationale for your choices are very illuminating and help explain the different feels and sounds on each studio album. Thanks!
I generally would say that whichever one I’m listening to is the best. I would add Rest in Chaos to the upper portion if i were making a linear list. Sure, it’s hwa, but the songs are amazing Todd. On of my favorite lines in a song: “in my will there will be no way to dispute that I left everything to chance”
I enjoy this article. I love the perspective. Songs for the Daily Planet will always be my favorite because that's the first album I heard of Todd's. Every one of Todd's songs speak to me except Beer Run. I understand his love for that song but I prefer his story telling songs. Dylan, Young, Prine, Petty, Simon, and Snider are my favorite artists. I can't rank any of their albums, except by what speaks to me. Life is too long and has too many chapters for one favorite anything.
Amen to all of this!
For me, Top 6 would probably be 1. Devil you Know 2. Agnostic stoner hymns 3. E Nashville Skyline 4. Cash cabin 5. Daily Planet 6. Excitement Plan.
Really love Time as we know it. Understand it’s Jerry Jeff covers, but wondering where the author would rank it.
Wellll...in 2016 , I lost my mind with millions,billions of others and found Todd while I was exploring creating ways to transmute my feelings in healthy ways..and then years later into the nightmare, boom...Covid. My favorite is First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder, I do like the return of the storyteller with all the live songs he plays. Because of personal reasons, I am bummed that battle hymn to the album was taken off the platforms, but I have an original lol I guess that one doesn’t get played on Facebook for my frustrations...causing all kinds of craziness in my town . Oh well..Conservative Christian works well too ...nah, I’m behaving better these days, while in Rome...shoot Roman candles
Very well reasoned list. My personal ranking would be 1) Devil You Know 2) East Nashville Skyline 3) Excitement Plan 4) Cash Cabin or Agnostic Hymns.
Probably a reflection of me discovering Todd circa 2007.
Nice list, thanks. Is there any hope of an LP reissue campaign, especially the Aimless and Oh Boy material? It is sorely needed. Many are CD only or are out of print. Also, where are the other Cash Cabin session volumes? I assume for the non major label stuff, Todd has his master tapes?
Regarding the Cash Cabin sessions, volume two was the Hard Working Americans album that is on the shelf. Volume one is probably some unreleased recordings from his very first session at Cash Cabin Studio. I'll try to find out about possible LP reissues.
Good stuff, Daryl. For me the list changes from day to day, month to month and year to year. There are certain moods and experiences that effect my decisions in listening. The rotation is truly that, a rotation. Maybe not of absolute favorites but simply want I think I need at that moment in time. Over the past 20+ years or so Todd's songs and his live treatment of them have moved me as much as any of the great songwriters in history. Not hyperbole. Real truth. I hope he does eventually release the full set of albums he performed in order live during the Sunday sermon lockdowns. That was a really fun thing he did....and probably not easy for him.
Sure all lists like this are subjective, but how could Eastside Bulldog only be #10, that's top shelf shit right there.
I think this is as good a list as any, Daryl. It's well reasoned and tough to disagree with. I really appreciate some of the context and backstories you provide. Every album has something that is otherworldly good. I probably would rank Church of Hope and Wonder a bit higher. There is not one cut I don't think is brilliant and the very premise of bringing together folk and funk alone deserves a bump. Conservative Christians is the song that changed everything for me and convinced me that I had a cosmic brother on this planet and his name was Todd Snider. Now I consider him the best songwriter of his generation and right up there with Kris, and John, and Willie, and...
I’m guessing it was removed because we need live together in peace, battle hymn
Great list. Love all the background info. Thanks for the clearing up “The Battle Hymn of the Album” mystery.
Why has he removed it?
Biscuit, I will check with Todd to see if he is willing to share what specifically went into that decision. I know generally speaking he was no longer happy with the track, so he had it removed
Not sure. Maybe we’ll get that story later.
Cliff here’s a link to the statement Todd issued regarding his show cancellations. 📸 Look at this post on Facebook https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid024i6XVY1qqddm9MjaznLCTtBLmKqU4cPZr2jFAuUPoKgSEKg76VtPEKEP9NCWgqFnl&id=100044468888094&mibextid=qC1gEa
Why has Todd disappeared?
Not sure what you are talking about, Cliff. I spoke to him just yesterday to clarify some info about one of his studio albums. As for why he isn't performing right now, I think he released a statement a month or so ago explaining that on his socials. I'll try to find a link to that for you.