Justin Townes Earle’s strength has always been his tales. Here he draws on his marriage, his near-continuous tour schedule and observations of various characters.
Working with producer Mike Mogis for the first time in a decade-long career has helped provide cohesion too, JTE’s soulful drawl augmented by pedal steel, honky-tonk organ/piano and the slick playing of long-time guitarist Paul Niehaus. Sometimes, however, all that’s required is a finger-picked acoustic and great lyrics, a la the title track.
• Justin Townes Earle. Kids In The Street. Warner Music.
• Three and a half stars (out of five)
Single download: Kids In The Street
For those who like: Ryan Adams, Ron Sexsmith
— Shane Gilchrist
