When I first heard Steve Earle was recording an album of all Townes songs I was like, well, guess he took so much flack from his last album, he’s trying to redeem himself with some old time fans.  But then I realized that Steve probably doesn’t care what his fans think about his artistic endeavors and he’s going to do damn well what he pleases.  Then, I was like, hell, anyone who is a fan of Steve’s already has listened to Townes.  I mean, Steve talks about him all the time.  Why would he do this record?  Is it just a vanity project?  After weeks and weeks of inner turmoil (just kidding) I came to the conclusion that this was not a vanity project but just the only way Steve knew how to pay tribute to his idol.  So, you ask, how does he do?  Well, honestly I’d have to say he does a good job.  Not great, but good.  the album is pretty (al though unremarkable) with acoustic guitar and other acoustic instruments “prettying the songs up” throughout.  The highlight of the album is “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold” a duet with his son Justin. Other standouts are the blue-grassy “White Freightliner Blues” (that could have been on The Mountain) and of course Townes’ masterpiece “Pancho and Lefty.” “Lungs” features Rage’s Tom Morello and sounds a good bit like Steve’s last album Washington Square Serenade.  I prefer to hear these songs sung by Townes, but, Steve would be my second pick. Â
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.