It’s springtime in Texas, and the bluebonnets have blossomed brilliantly along the miles of highways in the state. And as the dust settled after the big South by Southwest (SXSW) festival we find a handful of worthy releases from artists in the Lone Star State.
It’s no secret that Steve Earle is a huge fan of fellow Texas singer/songwriter Townes Van Zandt. In fact, Earle once said “Townes Van Zandt is the best songwriter in the whole world and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” So now Earle backs up his words with a whole album of Van Zandt songs, Townes, coming out May 12. The two met way back in 1972 when Van Zandt heckled Earle during one of his very first shows. I can see where that would lead to a beautiful friendship.
MP3: “Pancho and Lefty” by Steve Earle
Already out is Midnight at the Movies, the excellent new album from Justin Townes Earle (guess whose son). This is the second solo album from a kid who knows who he wants to be, and to me he sounds like he wants to be an excellent songwriter and a man who can sing rings around a honky tonk song.
MP3: “Mama’s Eyes” by Justin Townes Earle
The Flatlanders are, of course, the trio of Texas super-songwriters Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Butch Hancock and Joe Ely. These boys from Lubbock have achieved legendary status on their own, and reaching similiar notoriety as a collective (even though they formed the band way back in 1972). Hills and Valleys is their third album, and it’s proof positive that some good things are worth waiting for.
30 Days Out 