This is the first album in five years by Guy Clark, one of the deans of Texas songwriting. Like his previous work, Old Friends evokes long-dormant sentiments with its vivid recollections of simple pleasures.

Recorded on eight tracks, the album is as cozy as Sunday dinner down South. With help from old friends Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell, Clark moves easily from down-home philosophy in "Hands" and "All Through Throwin' Good Love After Bad" to whimsical takes on big rigs in "Heavy Metal" and modern psychiatric practices in "Doctor Good Doctor" ("I'm okay and you're okay/If the check's okay"). "Old Friends" and "Come from the Heart," by Clark's wife, Susanna, and Richard Leigh, represent truths so obvious we can't help missing them – and we should be pleased Clark has pointed them out.

Clark's voice, a half-spoken, half-sung mixture of strength, musk and wisdom, and his bluesy finger-picked acoustic guitar weigh down an understated bed of mandolin, fiddle and backup vocals with appropriate earthiness. Nashville will turn out flashier records this year, but none will touch you more deeply. (RS 547)

HOLLY GLEASON