Here is a brand new music video 2000 – 2010 (I’m Not Even 30) from Astrid Swan’s new album that was released yesterday. Directed by Sami Sänpäkkilä.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbS1npWLpXI]
Justin Townes Earle: Midnight At The Movies
Justin Townes Earle: Midnight At The Movies (Bloodshot Records, 2009)
The facts were these. Justin Townes Earle is the son of Steve Earle and named after no other than the legendary Townes Van Zandt. These facts might open some doors, but it also might mean that he needs to prove himself to fools like me who wonder if it’s just the cool name that has given him the opportunity. Ok, I didn’t have any doubts concerning Midnight At The Movies, because he already did won me over with his previous album The Good Life that was a really good album with a couple of truly fantastic songs like Townes-influenced Lone Pine Hill. Midnight At The Movies is again a little improvement and Justin Townes Earle is well on his way to become one of the finest modern country troubadours. The Good Life had some fantastic moments, Midnight At The Movies is fantastic as a whole. The album is a very convincing and versatile effort. One great thing about him is that even though he is knee-deep in the traditional soil of american music, his music doesn’t sound dated at all. His classic country music has style and substance and from time to time he also gets closer to modern folk and americana. Midnight at The Movies is a really strong and refreshing album which covers variety of genres from jazzy nightclubs to old folk murder stories and from old-time country to beautiful americana ballads. Well done.
Steve Earle: Townes
Steve Earle: Townes (New West, 2009)
I don’t usually buy cover records, but a great american songwriter Steve Earle covering the greatest american songwriter Townes Van Zandt sounded too interesting to miss. Maybe I shouldn’t have bought it, because it does seem to be difficult for me to enjoy cover albums. I just keep on thinking why am I listening to this instead of all the great originals that both Townes Van Zandt and Steve Earle have created during their brilliant careers. There’s no doubt that if there ever was a right man for the job, someone who would be justified to make a Townes cover album, it’s Steve Earle. There’s also no doubt that Steve plays the songs with love and care. He just faces an impossible task. Townes was an exceptional talent and nobody can get even close to the originals. Maybe I’m just a prejudiced prick that don’t really get the purpose of cover albums, but it’s just hard to get excited about this album. I love Steve and I love Townes. I just love them separetely.
