Last of the Brooklyn Cowboys

Released in 1973, Last of the Brooklyn Cowboys represents Arlo Guthrie at his most curatorially minded. The album's title is a tribute to his friend and mentor Ramblin' Jack Elliott, and the record functions as a survey of the American folk landscape. Unlike his earlier work which relied heavily on long-form humorous monologues, this album focuses on musicality and atmosphere. It features a stellar cast of session musicians, including Ry Cooder and members of the Flying Burrito Brothers, who help craft a sound that sits comfortably between traditional bluegrass and contemporary folk-rock. The tracklist is a mix of Guthrie originals, traditional Irish-inflected instrumentals, and significant covers. His version of 'Gypsy Davy' and the Woody Guthrie-penned 'Ramblin' 'round' reinforce his role as the keeper of the family flame, while his ambitious take on Bob Dylan's 'Gates of Eden' shows his willingness to engage with the modern folk canon. It remains one of his most cohesive and atmospheric studio efforts.