Townes

bluesfolk (2010-07-02) : 5/5
This album is UN-BELIEVE-ABLE! Only EARLE couldve got this done and done right!Thank god, there are miracles and this is one.
This is Steve Earle, not Townes. It is what it is. (2010-06-21) : 5/5
I am amazed by reviewers who expected a clone of Townes Van Zandt on this album. Hear Townes sing some of his memorable songs -- with or without a band. If you want to hear Townes Van Zandt, there is a HUGE discography of his mind-bending work. LIVE AT THE OLD QUARTER is as good a start as you will find.br /br /But this is not one of Towne's album. It is a tribute to him, crafted by a friend who, warts and all, did a fine job. My only gripe is the obviously out-of-tune guitar on disc one/cut one. With that exception, i found this double album moving, well-performed and true. I found Steve Earle's voice on this one no more "nasal" than I have on other recent albums.br /br /The true joy of this recording is the second disc, in which Earle plays some of Towne's best on a solo nylon-string guitar. In a curious way, he helps us to revisit the lyrics of songs such as "Where I Lead Me," "Marie" and "To live is to Fly." The musical lines, with a few exceptions, are and were fairly simple. Earle liberates some of the melody too.br /br /A universal gripe is the chintsy time New West often gives its records. A recent Kris Kristoferson live recording clocked in under 37:00. There is no excuse for that, especially for a company which espouses to be as fringe as they do. Even disc 2, which I praise here, clocks in at 38:58. Given the breadth and depth of possible material which might have been included, the timing is ridiculous.br /br /But we live with what we have, and this is, after all, only a recording. As a recording, "Townes" does what all fine records do. They inspire us, entertain us, make us think and in some way, offer us the quality of song through music or lyrics or both.br /br /Has Steve Earle sounded better? Sure. Did Townes Van Zandt perform most of the music here in a more affecting way? Of course. But this is a legendary musician's tribute to a friend, no more and no less. Those who express intense disappointment should let it go.br /br /It is what it is.You have an absolute right to your opinions. But zap the album for more legitimate reasons or let it go.
Everyone needs a little Steve Earle and Townes in their life. (2010-04-17) : 5/5
Everyone needs a little Steve Earle and Townes in their life. They are enjoyable songs; some that make you smile, some that make you think. Album artwork rocks too!br /br /I've enjoyed listening to Steve Earle since being introduced to his music by a friend when attending a live concert in Chicago. The concert included an alt. country band opener that was amazing too. I've also enjoyed his acting work from the Wire.
Townes 2 ? (2010-02-17) : 5/5
Very nice Steve!It don't get better than this.Townes 2 sounds like a Great thing.Buy this cd and sit back and wait for Townes 2
A Must Own (2010-01-31) : 5/5
A heartfelt album for the love and connections of two different musical artists.br /This is a true tribute to Townes. br /Enjoy it for it's purity and don't read into it what it is not. br /Steve did justice to his memory.