"Purist stuff" is what Lucinda Williams called the material she used for this marvelous blusey folksy recording, made in 1978. There's an exquisite simplicity to the music, and superb musicianship; the only intruments are Ms. Williams on a 12-string guitar, and John Grimaudo on a 6-string. Though her voice might not be "perfect", it is remarkably expressive, with a unique and slightly nasal tone, and an elastic range. I find her sound much more satisfying then a lot of what I hear that is currently popular.

The songs are a delight, from the familiar, like the traditional "Motherless Children", to the rarer gems like Memphis Minnie's "Me and My Chauffeur".
Ms. Williams did the terrific cover photo, the remastering is excellent, and the total time is 44:20
This is an easy, peaceful CD, like an old time classic that takes you back to less complicated times, it is a comfort and a treasure.

Lucinda is still amazing, but this debut is phenomenal in its simplicity. Although the songs are all covers (so none of her distinctive songwriting talents are on display), her interpretive skills, vocal abilities, and guitar playing are all top-notch. Sound ordinary? Give it a listen and you won't think so.

There are obviously a lot of Lucinda fans out there, but I don't think many of them have this album. That is a SHAME, because this album rocks. It is so amazing. The clean crisp 12-string guitar playing (by Lucinda), accompanied by a 6-string string guitarist, beautifully harmonize with her pristine vocals. The simplicity of this album (although the guitar playing is far from ameteurish stuff--believe me), which was recorded in a single afternoon, is by no means something to be skeptical about.

If I can only recommend one thing about this album (I can recommend 14 things), it would be the final track, "Satisfied Mind". I've heard this traditional song done by many people (including Mahalia Jackson), but I still think this is the greatest. Lucinda sings the heck out of that song. She sings that song with so much aching beauty that you could just cry if you let yourself feel it. She wrings every bit of emotion she can, to beautiful effect. Too bad most singers today can't seem to do that.

If you like acoustic blues and folk, then I can't help but label this as an "essential recording" in that genre. Get it!!

Anyone with an ear for blues will appreciate this record. Ms. Williams has a special feel for acoustic blues which few other women can match. If you like artists like Nancy Griffith, John Hiatt, Neil Young, Mary Black and Richard and Linda Thompson you'll love Lucinda Williams.

This is the only one of Lucinda's recordings I had never heard before. I'd give every one of them a five, but this is as good as any. Just Lucinda and a couple of guitars doing blues, country and gospel with no adornment, either in the playing or the singing. Her version of "Satisfied Mind" is enough to make you pick up the Bible and head for the nearest church.

...that several reviewers who seem to hate blues and folk music, who find them boring or worthless as genres, have tried to drag down the rating of this priceless early work in Williams' career. Yet this album is a delight in every respect, from the choice of songs to their spare, honest presentation, and it's especially worthy as a showcase for the artist's roots. Give it a try!