Burnt Lips

Released in 1978 on Chrysalis Records, Burnt Lips represents a period of experimentation for Leo Kottke where he leaned heavily into his vocal performance. While earlier works like '6- and 12-String Guitar' established him as a technical titan of the acoustic guitar, Burnt Lips is noted by critics for its darker thematic content. The album includes several tracks originally composed for film ('Terry's Movie'), which explains the more atmospheric, narrative quality of the instrumentals. Despite its somber reputation, the album reached No. 143 on the Billboard charts. It remains a polarizing entry for fans due to the vocal-to-instrumental ratio, yet it is highly regarded by collectors for its dry, intimate production and the sheer complexity of tracks like 'A Low Thud.' It serves as a bridge between his early technical explosions and his later, more refined Americana style.