Cowboyography

Ian Tyson's music IS the west. You can tell in every song that he lives the life he sings about. Having worked on ranches throughout the west for a good portion of my life, I find Ians' music to be absolute magic.....every verse paints a vivid picture in my mind that brings back memories of times that you can only know of if you've been there. To truly appreciate his music, I believe living the western ranch life is essential---it would always be fabulous music, but if you haven't seen the herds of cattle, gotten caught in a sudden thunderstorm high in the Bighorns, or ridden the trails into the rimrock with only your horse as company, it just couldn't be the same. I've worn out at least two of every record he has ever made, and I'm now switching to c.d's. I've also seen him in concert twice, and let me tell you, it just doesn't get any better. If you think the albums are good...seeing him in person is awesome! He's got a sound that you just don't ever get tired of. It's kind of...Read more

I bought the cassette tape way back in the 1980s when it was a newborn. Through twenty years and countless playings, not once has it failed to delight, quieten the soul and uplift the spirit, and make me thank God that Ian Tyson was born and that he shares his gifted voice and songs with us. Never was a cowboy born who wouldn't have loved the heartstring pulling and honest songs that Ian says he "tries to write" in Springtime. Rockies Turn Rose and Own Heart's Delight rival any songs, anywhere, for top hand status.

I encountered this album by chance, many years ago, when a roommate was playing it in the living room. I'd walked in the back door, heading for my room, when I heard, "...and I have watched that mornin' star..." I spun around and said, "WHO'S THAT???"
I'd heard of Ian & Sylvia, but I hadn't known about his subsequent solo career. When I got a tape of Cowboyography, I was playing it in my truck and it got stuck in the tape player. I played it over & over for years and never tired of it.
He's an enlightened, literate cowboy, and a musical genius.