Justin Townes Earle’s The Good Life is really two albums intertwined. First you get some vintage honky-tonk and backwoods country; second you get some gorgeous/breathtaking acoustic ballads.
Album opener “Hard Livin†is a prime example of the former, a fine honky-tonk rave-up that showcases the tremendous group of players in the band. Some mighty fine guitar pickin’ opens the song but it soon opens up into an old-school country jam with tasty solos on barroom piano, mandolin and fiddle. “Lonesome and You†is a classic country swing number that would fit well into the Hank Williams catalogue.
It is the ballads sprinkled across the album, however, that fully demonstrate Earle’s musical talents. His restrained vocals make the songs even more emotionally charged while the tender accompaniment of piano, harmonica, guitar and strings lend an air of melancholy.
“It’s the same old blues comin’ around again every night around this time calling me like a long-lost friend when I turn out my lights,†sings Earle in the haunting “Turn Out My Lights.†A fitting line for an album that plays like a long-lost friend, a worthy companion that rings authentic and true.
For your listening and viewing pleasure, here are some faves from The Good Life.
Audio Download: Who Am I To Say (live) [audio:http://www.hearya.com/mp3/Sessions/jte/02_Who_Am_I_To_Say.mp3]
[source: HearYa.com]
Audio Download: Turn Out My Lights (live) [audio:http://www.hearya.com/mp3/Sessions/jte/04_Turn_Out_My_Lights.mp3]
[source: HearYa.com]
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.