On the Shelf 170: Colvin and Earle
Aug. 8th, 2016 08:51 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
bedsitter23One of the most talked about Americana albums of this year is Colvin and Earle- a collaboration album between Steve Earle and Shawn Colvin.
I am a huge Earle fan so certainly you know how I am approaching this. That said, I never considered myself a big Colvin fan. I love when Earle has performed male/female duets and his partners have been singers that I hold in as much esteem as Steve- Lucinda Williams, Allison Moorer, Emmylou Harris.
No worries though as Colvin more than proves herself here. The duo says their goal is not to model the George and Tammy traditional country duet, but a folk band with combining melodic voices like Crosby, Stills and Nash.
I am not sure about that, but in any case, it works. The album is heavy on covers- "Tobacco Road", the Beatles "Baby's in Black", the folk classic "You were on my mind" and "Ruby Tuesday".
In any case, I have spent a lot of time in my life in discussion about albums and their importance and impact and all kinds of pretension. In which case, Colvin and Earle isn't. It doesn't seem like a particularly important album.
Still, who cares? It is such a good front to end listen. I am reminded a bit of the early Beatles when they were at their most country tinged.
As far as that "critic" thing, this seems like a good move for Earle (and I suspect Colvin too). He has been so prolific and so good in his career, and he has done that by always trying to make a different album than his last. Though the style is a bit different, Earle's imprint is felt (Colvin's is felt as well).
I really like this album, and though it hardly feels 'necessary'. It's a great listen.
I am a huge Earle fan so certainly you know how I am approaching this. That said, I never considered myself a big Colvin fan. I love when Earle has performed male/female duets and his partners have been singers that I hold in as much esteem as Steve- Lucinda Williams, Allison Moorer, Emmylou Harris.
No worries though as Colvin more than proves herself here. The duo says their goal is not to model the George and Tammy traditional country duet, but a folk band with combining melodic voices like Crosby, Stills and Nash.
I am not sure about that, but in any case, it works. The album is heavy on covers- "Tobacco Road", the Beatles "Baby's in Black", the folk classic "You were on my mind" and "Ruby Tuesday".
In any case, I have spent a lot of time in my life in discussion about albums and their importance and impact and all kinds of pretension. In which case, Colvin and Earle isn't. It doesn't seem like a particularly important album.
Still, who cares? It is such a good front to end listen. I am reminded a bit of the early Beatles when they were at their most country tinged.
As far as that "critic" thing, this seems like a good move for Earle (and I suspect Colvin too). He has been so prolific and so good in his career, and he has done that by always trying to make a different album than his last. Though the style is a bit different, Earle's imprint is felt (Colvin's is felt as well).
I really like this album, and though it hardly feels 'necessary'. It's a great listen.
