Townes is not exactly known for cheery material, to quote him "Music is either the blues, or its zippity do dah". For some odd reason I like his songs a lot and play more of them than any other songwriter, although "Loretta" is pretty upbeat. Other artists really like his stuff as well, Lyle Lovett does a fine job with "Flying Shoes" and "Lungs",
Nanci Griffiths "Tecumseh Valley" is a classic, as is almost any interpretation by the student Steve Earle, although I especially like his "Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold".
Seems to have veered a long way Ani DiFranco and alternate tunings. Sorry for the hijack
Harmony H-173 bought in 1960 (retired), Alvarez AC60S 2008, Eastman AC320ce 2008 "Hybrid", Guild D25M 1974, Martin Grand J35E 2009, Martin D12-20 1970, Martin OM-21 2009, Martin 00-15M Custom (full body gloss, wide neck) 2011, Voyage-air VAOM-06 2010
"I'm glad there are a lot of guitar players pursuing technique as diligently as they possibly can, because it leaves this whole other area open to people like me."
Richard Thompson