CD’s I’m Diggin’ Right Now: Steve Earle – Townes

CD’s I am Diggin’ Right Now is an occasionally occurring series where I casually highlight some discs (new and old) that I think you might like, without boring you with an overly-wordy, metaphor-filled “review” that I often like to bestow upon some other discs.

When I first heard that the amazing Steve Earle would be releasing an album full of covers from his mentor, the troubled but brilliant Townes Van Zandt, I was happy, but nervous at the same time.  I wanted Earle to come back after Washington Square Serenade, the folky romp through the Village that I enjoyed, with a heavy hammer to throw down while he reclaimed the rocking glory of his pre-I Love NYC era.  After my first listen, sadly, I wasn’t overly impressed.  I found it to be slow to the point of boredom and amazingly self-indulgent.  After a few more listens (come on, he deserves that!), and following the reading of a few interviews where Earle discussed his inspiration for the project, I came around. How could I not.  The poetic, stark imagery that Van Zandt’s lyrics provide, interpreted by one of the distinctive, great voices of our time makes for a killer album, even if it took me a bit too fully “get it”.

While I still long for I Feel Alright and El Corazon, I appreciate that Earle makes this album one that requires the listener to really dig-in and focus on the presentation, versus simply spinning it in the background while one makes risotto (or hamburger helper for that matter, I guess).

Download “To Live is to Fly“ from this album (freely and legally) by CLICKING HERE