If there’s one thing that Justin Townes Earle seems intent to prove, it’s that he’s his own man. Whether that means pissing his dad off to no end, pushing deep into country, or showing an uncompromising need to try on different genres for size. While his first EP “Yuma†is an almost exclusively intimate acoustic affair, “The Good Life†seemed to signal a more traditional country sound. While still firmly routed in traditional Hank Williams’ country, the new record signals a more laid-back almost jazzy feel.
The record has a more full-bodied harmonic feel that demonstrates Earle’s strength as a vocalist. On “Mama’s Eyes,†he sings of his sometimes strained relationship with his father. It’s a strong ballad whose vocals purity demonstrates a more assured performer. With “Can’t Hardly Wait,†Earle pushes even further into his own upbeat sound. For this waiting for the depressed south or Hank Williams sound will certainly be jarred. Earle’s traded in the forlorn fiddle for the rhythmical mandolin.
The wide-eyed bubbling bluegrass optimism comes in about midway through the album. Clocking in at 2:19, you’d never know “Black-Eyed Suzy†was even a short song because of how much is packed into the short time period. The resophonic guitars sound just like bluegrass banjo roll. Another uptempo bluegrass-blues lament, “Halfway to Jackson†included both harp solos and rhythmical acoustic guitar lines. As the album winds down, “Walk Out†pulls together a bluegrass shuffle with harmonies that sound like they’re from the blue mountains of Virginia.
For his sophomore effort, Justin Townes Earle has sought to redefine and expand on his sound. The record includes full arrangements, close harmonies and a vocal that breaks free from the constraints of twang nation. It delves into rollicking bluegrass, slow ballads, stripped down acoustic numbers and the rollicking blues. While not enough to gain him a massive audience, the record shows new comfort in the studio and in his own shoes. The cover image of Earle in a theatre with is hair slicked back says it all: he’s not just that country boy with tats anymore. He’s moved into the city and his sound is clean as a whistle.
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.