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Todd Snider was still in high school when he had the epiphany that would deliver him from the varsity football lifestyle — and the straight and narrow existence that awaited

The Nashville songwriter held off on releasing the album when it was finished in 2007, but it’s a missing link between his artistic breakout and the next phase of his evolution.

Sometimes an artist makes a record, then decides not to release it. Neil Young and Prince are two artists who famously did that multiple times. Todd Snider is another artist who has done it, putting three albums on the shelf in a career now spanning three decades. Like these artists, Snider is just as committed to his art, and his decisions to shelve those three records were artistic ones. But now Snider has decided to take one of those albums off the shelf.

Don’t label Todd Snider as a folk artist or a singer/songwriter. He’s got a specific title for his musical employment as a wandering troubadour. “My job is Ramblin’ Jack Elliott,” Snider said. “He’s the godfather of it. Woody Guthrie didn’t tour. He (Elliott) was the first to go out with an acoustic guitar, harmonica rack and he’s still doing it. I toured with him last year and he’s still got it. He considers me his grandson.”

Don’t label Todd Snider as a folk artist or a singer/songwriter. He’s got a specific title for his musical employment as a wandering troubadour.

Todd Snider rambles into Tower Theatre on May 25 for his “Pickin’. Grinnin’. Tellin’ Stories. Takin’ Requests” tour.

Don’t label Todd Snider as a folk artist or a singer/songwriter. He’s got a specific title for his musical employment as a wandering troubadour. “My...