Washington County (album)


Washington County is a 1970 album by the American folk singer Arlo Guthrie. It peaked at #33 on the Billboard charts on December 4, 1970, and number 28 in Australia. The single "Valley to Pray" became Guthrie's only chart success in Australia, reaching #11 on its chart.

Critical reception

Contributing to Magnet, Bar/None owner Glenn Morrow called the album "remarkably eclectic". He praised "Gabriel's Mother's Highway Ballad #16 Blues", writing that it "wraps around the listener like a sonic temple—a place of peace and well-being, bracing out the cold winds of a hostile world".

Compilations and covers

"Gabriel's Mother's Highway Ballad #16 Blues" was later included on the 1977 compilation The Best of Arlo Guthrie. A cover version of it became the title track of the 1972 Franciscus Henri album Gabriel's Mother's Highway.

Track listing

All tracks composed by Arlo Guthrie, except where indicated.
Side One
  1. "Introduction" – 3:22
  2. "Fencepost Blues" – 3:11
  3. "Gabriel's Mother's Highway Ballad #16 Blues" – 6:23
  4. "Washington County" – 1:59
  5. "Valley to Pray" – 2:46
Side Two
  1. "Lay Down Little Doggies" – 3:18
  2. "I Could Be Singing" – 3:19
  3. "If You Would Just Drop By" – 4:23
  4. "Percy's Song" – 4:57
  5. "I Want to Be Around" – 2:45

Personnel

;Technical