Todd Snider isn't your average folkie. One glance at his influences -- Bob Dylan, Ramblin' Jack Elliott and even Mitch Hedberg -- will tell you that both thoughtfulness and humor are integral to his writing style. Equal parts jokester and sage, Snider uses his skills to make wry commentary on everything from unemployment to religion.
One of the most original singer/songwriters working today, Snider has released 13 critically acclaimed albums since his recorded debut in 1994.
Over the years, musical tastemakers like Rolling Stone have sung Snider's praises, with the seminal music magazine calling him "America's sharpest musical storyteller" and "the funniest folkie since John Prine" on separate occasions. Now, he's touring to support The Storyteller, a new double-disc live album, and these accolades are as relevant as ever. The album features songs from Snider's entire recording career, and it does well to showcase both his humor and politics, and the seemingly effortless way he balances the two. The album shows the songwriter at his best, engaging the audience with stories and blissfully playing old fan favorites.
Snider's well-honed wit will also be on display Feb. 16, when he stops by the Belly Up. The release of his career-spanning live album should prove beneficial to concert-goers, as those old fan favorites will probably appear in the set list.
Known for playing without shoes, the barefoot bard always puts on a great show. Get your tickets here.
T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
