Peace, Love and Anarchy (Rarities, B-Sides and Demos, Vol. 1)

The song-bag of Todd Snider overflows with scathing wit, keen observation and a chronic sympathy for the underdog. A good helping of the Memphis-based singer/songwriter’s demos, discards and B-sides are gathered together on 2007’s Peace, Love and Anarchy. Many of the tracks here are simple guitar/vocal recordings, allowing Todd to present his compositions in raw form. “Missing You” (a bleary lost-love lament), “I Will Not Go Hungry” (a stark survivor’s ballad), and “Some Things Are” (ragged but warm-hearted) have the natural charm of a back-porch recital. Snider earns comparisons with such students of the human condition as John Prine and Randy Newman with wry tunes like “Combover Blues” and nostalgic narratives like “From a Rooftop.” An affectionate cover of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Stoney” compliments the originals. Snider’s vocals get a bit hoarse and messy, but the feeling behind his performances is never in doubt. If you don’t mind some unsanded sonic edges this collection is worth picking up.