What artist or group can you solidly argue that ANY of their albums is the best they’ve ever recorded? Steve Earle’s name is the only one that pops into my head. ( ‘Sidetracks’ being the only possible exception. It’s gonna’ take some really persuasive words and perhaps more than a few pints to convince me that’s his best. Not that it’s bad, I didn’t say that, just not his best.)


By now I’m sure most of you know the “Behind the Music” story of Earle’s rise and decline. What’s truly amazing is the strength and volume of output in the second half of his career. Ussually when an artist has this much material put out, it’s posthumous and severly lacking in quality.


I’m proud to say that Earle keeps his streak alive on “Jerusalem” . Steve comes into the ring swinging hard with the opening track “Ashes to Ashes” . The first two verses are like a reworking of the Book of Genesis, set to a slow burning groove. The last verse could have been ripped from the book of Ecclesiasites, or today’s headlines depending on how you want to look at it. I get shivers every time he sings “Every tower ever built crumbles, no matter how strong, no matter how tall”.


He follows that up with the Classic “Amerika v 6.0 (the Best We Can Do)” . Imagine the swagger and bravado of “I Feel Alright” sung with relevant political lyrics. Wait ! I know I almost lost ya’ with the word “political” but the key word in the previous sentence is “relevant”. And unlike most political songs, the words and the message go great with the music, rather than beating you over the head or forcing groans out of you. He gives you plenty of great details, but like any great songwriter he leaves it open enough for interpretation. When he sings “I remember when we was both out on the Blvd talkin’ Revolution and singin’ the blues” is he singing about our forefathers who wrote the Constitution, or is he refering the baby boomer activists of the sixties?


“Conspiracy Theory” was the first song I heard off the album and made me afraid maybe Earle was slipping a bit. Subsequent listenings have found the tune growing on me a bit, but maybe a little more production could have truly saved it. Steve’s vocals are in fine form, as are the lyrics, but the background singers nothing short of cheesy.


Most of y’all probably heard “John Walker’s Blues” first, Steve’s take on how one American got duped looking for something more than the American dream. To me this is a creative misfire, as the lyrics are a little soft on this one. I’ll admit the best songs break down things to their simplest terms, but things are a little too cut and dry here; just a little too simplistic. Don’t get me wrong, I like a lot of the imagery and it might have worked for a fictional character. I just don’t think it works here. Musically, I don’t think we’re in any danger of hearing many more “Country and Eastern Music” songs. Or at least pray that we don’t.


We now live in the age of the CD, so you can program over these tunes,or simply track search to the next gem on the album, “The Kind” . You’ll find guitar pickin’ perfection and more great imagery. It’s also a great swipe at Nashville, something I can’t get enough of.


“What’s a Simple Man to Do” plays like a lost scene out of Steven Soderburges “Traffic”. It’s the story of how a simple guy got caught in the crossfire of the drug wars just trying to provide for his family. The great thing about Earle’s best is he tells you the story and lets you decide. Or just wash down Margarita’s to the song’s smokin’ Tex-Mex groove.


By now you know when you get a Steve Earle record, you’re going to get a great grab bag of sounds. “The Truth” is this record’s only true country song. Prison songs have had a longstanding tradition in country music, and this song does no shame to the genre. You can tell the man has been there. This is another song that sends chills through me each time I hear it.


“Go Amanda” brings back the fun. Co-written with Sheryl Crowe, musically it’s the most upbeat, most fun track on the record. They never give you the reason why Amanda should go, but I have my ideas. You’ll have yours to as you boogie across the room to this tune.


“I Remember You” is a great duet with Emmylou Harris. After all the political tunes, it’s nice to hear Earle returning to matters of the heart. (His forte in my opinion.) It’s the story of a guy thinking back about a girl, but I think he loves her more than he’s willing to let on. Every time I hear this song, it’s like a little mini-movie is playing in my head. (Maybe I am a victim of the video age, growing up when MTV still played video’s. Not that I’m wishing for a video for the tune, the one playing in my head will do just fine.)


“Shadowland” is packed full of great imagery to. Again, Earle gives you enough details to paint a picture, but leaves you enough to let your imagination fill in the rest.


“Jerusalem” ends the record and Steve saves his strongest commentary for last. If “ Ashes to Ashes” was a one song retelling of the Old Testament, then “Jerusalem” could be the New testament. He talks about how the news paints a picture filled with doom and gloom, but underneath it all there’s a gleam of hope. Maybe the dreams that were shot down in Dallas, Memphis, or came crashing down in new York are really still alive. And Maybe, just Maybe, some of those dreams may come true.




Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Waking up

Write a Review