Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Album Review: Justin Townes Earle -- Harlem River Blues

Harlem River Blues, the third album released by Justin Townes Earle on Chicago's Bloodshot Records, has been available at your favorite record store for a couple of weeks. Released on September 14, 2010, mere days before Earle's widely publicized legal and substance troubles, this album serves to further establish Earle as one of the premier, up-and-coming acts in Americana and alt-country today. Not shocking, when you consider he's the son of the "Hardcore Troubadour" himself, Steve Earle, and his stepmother is Allison Moorer. Co-produced by Earle, this album has stellar musicians backing up JTE, with Jason Isbell on guitar and fellow producer Skylar Wilson on the keys.

The title track opens up the album. "Harlem River Blues" is a raucous opening tune, just full of righteous glory. A great song about redemption and finding salvation.

Following Harlem River is "One More Night in Brooklyn" a very simple and understated tune. Some great musicianship here, not too much on the electric side. Adding the upright bass and cello is a beautiful addition to this soft story song.

Listening to the third track,"Move Over Mama", brought back some memories from my childhood, listening to what is now the old, classic country music. This tune could easily find itself on a playlist with rockabilly greats like Carl Perkins or Johnny Cash.

"Working for the MTA" is a great homage to the old train songs of Woody Guthrie and Townes Van Zant. This time however, the subject train is a New York subway train, and the main character is a subway driver. Another great story song that Woody and Justin's namesake would be proud of.

"Wanderin'" is another gem on this great album that could easily find itself on a Great Big Sea album, what with its Celtic/Newfoundland/East Coast vibe. Perhaps the most fun song on the album.

"Slippin' and Slidin'" adds a little blues element to the album, mixed with a little New Orleans flavor. A horn section adds a really nice touch to this tune.

"Christchurch Woman" is a tune about lost and unrequited love, something a lot of us can relate to. The picture that is painted in this song is a melancholy scene that can invoke a lot of sympathy for the main character. A very well written song indeed.

"Learning to Cry" is another song in the old, classic country style. And why not, after all classic country music is the forerunner of modern day Americana/alt-country. A song about love and loss, heartbreak and heartache.

"Ain't Waitin'" starts off quiet enough, but turns into a great rockabilly/blues song. The slide guitar of Jason Isbell lends greatly to this blues element. This could be the coolest song on this album.

However it is the final track on the album, "Rogers Park", that could be the best performance on Harlem River. With Skylar Wilson's excellent piano work showing the way on this tune, again with excellent slide guitar from Jason Isbell, Justin Townes Earle turns in his strongest performance. His voice is in excellent form on this tune he co-wrote with Scotty Melton.

It's no secret that there is much love in the blogosphere for Justin Townes Earle. It's not an easy task for a performer of any stripe to become a critical and/or commercial success. When you're Justin Townes Earle it's that much more difficult, given his pedigree. Just ask Hank Williams Jr. if it was tough following in the footsteps of his father ... all Hank Sr. did was pioneer modern music as we know it today. Having said that, Justin Townes Earle is the real deal. He has the goods. If anyone was wondering if his material can stand up to that of his famous father, listen to this album and judge for yourself. Regardless of whether or not he has the lengthy career or achieves the status of his dad, in my mind, this album stands up with anything his dad has produced. Justin Townes Earle is a talent, my friends. If I'm putting together a top ten list for 2010, this album is firmly entrenched on it.

You can purchase this album and listen to free samples on www.amazon.com
For more information on Justin Townes Earle log on to www.justintownesearle.com
For more information on other Bloodshot Records artists log on to www.bloodshotrecords.com

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