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Limited Edition RSD 2014 version - first time on vinyl. No shrink, comes in vinyl plastic cover
No. 130/2000
Best Albums of 2009: #6 Steve Earle - 'Townes'
Was there a more inevitable album in 2009? The big surprise was that it took Steve Earle so long to get around to recording a Townes Van Zant tribute record.
It came as little surprise, however, that Earle made each tune on this album feel authentic and lived in, as virtually no other Van Zant devotee possibly could. Having learned many of these songs literally at the feet of the master, Earle once again reminds us why Van Zant is so highly regarded and why these songs, no matter how well-known or obscure, are bound to endure for many years to come.
Adding to the overall quality of Townes is the fact that Earle finally seems to be comfortable in his new approach to recording, which involves polishing solo demos and tracking instruments for the record later. As such, this album feels very much in line with his solo acoustic performances of the past few years. Who knows if this is what we can expect from Earle in the future, but I can definitely say I'm looking forward to the next Steve Earle album.
