Among the many disruptions caused by the pandemic was the distance forced between friends and family. Once the iron curtain of lockdowns lifted, however, it led to joyous reunions around the world as loved ones could together again—albeit from a safe distance and possibly from behind a mask.
A veteran troubadour of the past three decades, Todd Snider was no stranger to these reconciliations, as he once again reconnected with thousands of his closest friends all across the country for the 2021 Return of the Storyteller tour. From that monthslong stretch of concerts, the Peace Queer culled together a new live album of the same name, a spiritual sequel to his 2012 live release, The Storyteller.
The title Return of the Storyteller works twofold as Snider is both back from his longest sabbatical from the road in 30-something years and back with another live document. Like any old friend, some of the stories haven’t changed over the past decadem including the legend of Skip Litz, the East Nashville folk hero who inspired Todd’s “Play A Train Song”. Todd also sports a few new stories along with some bumps and bruises, including the loss of friends and mentors alike including John Prine, Jeff Austin, Neal Casal, Col. Bruce Hampton, and more, whom he also eulogized on his 2020 pandemic LP, First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder.
The 27-track double album simulates the live Todd Snider experience, paradoxically opening with his song “Big Finish”. Nestled between the 16 songs are 11 of Snider’s yarns pulled from his decades spent on the road, his experiences writing (and in the case of the penultimate “Working On A Song”, not writing) songs, and everything from psychedelic-induced ghost sitings on the California coast to flying around in a private jet with the “Free Bird”-loving inventor of Crocs. It’s all in there, told with the lackadaisical stoner ease of a lifelong friend.
Stream the new Todd Snider album, Live: Return of the Storyteller, below or on your preferred platform. Click here to order on deluxe CD and double vinyl. Snider celebrated the album’s release with a livestream featuring Rambling Jack Elliot (who also performed with Todd at Ryman Auditorium this past weekend) available below alongside a selection from Todd’s tour diary.
Todd Snider – Live: Return of the Storyteller
Todd Snider Return of the Storyteller album release party with Ramblin’ Jack Elliott – 9/25/22