#489 Steve Earle- Guitar Town (1986)

In the case of this album, I can say at least that I've heard of Steve Earle, and that I've heard a song or two of his music which I'd categorize as country/rockabilly.  I can also tell you that once or twice in the mid 90's, I'd heard him interviewed by broadcasting legend Steve Dahl (of disco demolition fame) on Chicago radio and was captivated by his story telling and politics.  I recall he had a troubled past--a long time drug addiction and ensuing incarceration for a short stint, and that upon release had been re-energized as an artist and a writer.  This is my basic starting point as I cue up track one.

Guitar Town- While I can't generally categorize myself as a country music fan, I'm not a hater of the genre either.  I can appreciate when it's done well.  This is done well, it's not cliche in structure, sound, or lyrics.  I can't get enough of his signature tremolo guitar sound, but that cheesy organ was used by everyone and their brother in the 80's.

Goodbye's All We've Got Left-  I'm impressed by how crisp and clean it sounds.  The second single released (after the country and pop billboard charting title song) from the album shines like a brand new quarter in my earphones.  I read that GT was one of the first country albums recorded digitally using state of the art equipment for 1986.

Hillbilly Highway-  a footstomper that was the third charting single, but a little light on substance

Good Ol' Boy (Gettin' Tough)- "born in the land of plenty and there ain't enough" It's better than filler, but not much.

My Old Friend the Blues- When a song is strong like this one, it doesn't need alot of help.  This is Steve, a guitar or two, and a sad story that slowly builds.  Sweetly simple, and simply sweet.

Someday- A song about wanting to get out of small town America. It was the fourth country charter

Think it Over-  Another toe tapper, sounds like it could have come out of the 50's, as if Buddy Holly might have penned it.  The guitar picking style reminds me of Buck Owens (via the Beatles).

Fearless Heart- If I had to pick a song on the album I don't like, this is it.  It sounds like a bad Bryan Adams song all countrified.  Structurally, it could have come from a template, and the choice of guitar sound doubled with a jangly synth on the solo is horrible.

Little Rock n' Roller-  It was a nice enough song written from the perspective of a touring musician to his young daughter; that is until the bad synthesizer sounds crash in.  The songs of the mid to late 80's are marked or rather cursed with the Yamaha DX7.  It was hands down the most popular keyboard of the era, and makes everything sound like the theme of Doogie Howser to my ears.

Down the Road-  Steve's voice is pure, heartfelt, and honest.  The song opens (and closes) with just him singing, and it's easy to see why he was nominated for a grammy in the best male country vocalist category.  The backing upright bass, mandolins and guitars warm the song up enough, that I can ignore the 80's timestamp organ again.

Guitar Town was the debut album for Steve Earle, who'd spent the 10+ years prior writing hit songs for the likes of Vince Gill, Carl Perkins, Johnny Lee and even Elvis.  The next six years would prove both commercially successful for him, and personally challenging as he went to jail on heroin charges.  He emerged clean and focused. He went on to release more than 10 albums, has had key TV roles (The Wire) and has hosted radio shows on Air America as well as Sirius.

While I can't generally categorize myself as a supporter of this album being in Rock's top 500, the vocal performances and song writing are strong enough that I can't hate on it either.


Next Up- #488 D'Angelo- Voodoo (2000)