Posted by Country veteran Steve Earle describes this collection of songs by his late son Justin Townes Earle as “the only way I knew to say goodbye”.
Naturally, there’s an emotional heft which comes from both context and vivid lyricism – it’s impossible to hear Earle Sr. deliver lines like ‘troubled days are behind me now’ without your heart skipping several beats.
The record celebrates a richly talented songwriter as much as it mourns his passing, but closes with Steve’s own ‘Last Words’; a direct address with rising strings emphasising love and tragedy.
Devastating, but utterly beautiful.
9/10
Words: Will Fitzpatrick
– – –
– – –
Join us on the ad-free creative social network Vero, as we get under the skin of global cultural happenings. Follow Clash Magazine as we skip merrily between clubs, concerts, interviews and photo shoots. Get backstage sneak peeks, exclusive content and access to Clash Live events and a true view into our world as the fun and games unfold.