The backstory of the label began rectifying the situation in 2007, with CD reissues of Van Zandt's first four albums. Arriving without much fanfare in stores recently were vinyl versions of his third, self-titled album, and the fourth, Delta Momma Blues. Since the albums weren't big sellers when released and can be nearly impossible to track down on vinyl, it was an unexpected treat to run across these 180-gram platters in the racks at B-Side.
Delta Momma Blues is a understated affair -- perhaps not as melancholy as other early releases, but also not showing as many flashes of Van Zandt's dry humor as other albums, either. Overall it may not grab the listener on first listen, but as with much of Van Zandt's work eventually unfolds as the lyrics begin to grab hold.
It does contain a couple flat-out classics, "Tower Song" and the harrowing addiction blues of "Nothin'." The production touches, which at times muddy early Van Zandt albums, work well here for the most part, including the strings on the ballad "Rake."
As with any appearance of Van Zandt material in record stores, grab it while you can if you're a fan and don't have a copy -- who knows how long it will be available! (Fat Possum, 2008)
