Washington County (album)

Washington County is an album released in 1970 by the American folk artist Arlo Guthrie. On December 4, 1970, it attained the position of #33 on the Billboard charts and achieved its highest ranking at number 28 in Australia. The track "Valley to Pray" became Guthrie's sole charting single in Australia, climbing to #11.

Critical reception

Glenn Morrow, who owns Bar/None and writes for Magnet, characterized the album as "exceptionally diverse." He particularly praised "Gabriel's Mother's Highway Ballad #16 Blues" for its enveloping atmosphere, describing it as "a sonic sanctuary—a haven of tranquility and wellness that withstands the harshness of an unfriendly world."

Compilations and covers

The song "Gabriel's Mother's Highway Ballad #16 Blues" was included in the 1977 compilation The Best of Arlo Guthrie. Additionally, it served as inspiration for the title track on Franciscus Henri's 1972 album Gabriel's Mother's Highway.

Track listing

All songs written by Arlo Guthrie unless otherwise specified.

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" (Doc Coutson, John Pilla, Arlo Guthrie) – 2:46

Side Two

1. "Lay Down Little Doggies" (Woody Guthrie) – 3:18
2. "I Could Be Singing" – 3:19
3. "If You Would Just Drop By" – 4:23
4. "Percy's Song" (Bob Dylan) – 4:57
5. "I Want to Be Around" – 2:45

Personnel

• Arlo Guthrie – vocals, banjo, guitar, piano, autoharp, harmonica
• Hoyt Axton – bass vocals
• Ry Cooder – slide guitar
• Doug Dillard – banjo
• Chris Ethridge – bass guitar
• Richie Hayward – drums
• John Pilla – guitar, autoharp, harmony vocals
• Gary Walters – bass guitar
• Clarence White – electric guitar

Technical

• Barry Feldman – executive producer
• Van Dyke Parks – co-producer on the track "Valley to Pray"