Justin Townes Earle - “Appalachian Nightmare”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 9; Popularity Index: 9

Pairs Well With…Phosphorescent, Andrew Bird, Steve Earle

Justin Townes Earle adds some Western-tinged psychedelics on his latest record The Saint of Lost Causes, an album that extends his alt country and Americana pastures to a more cinematic and mysterious sound. Patient and spacious, The Saint of Lost Causes moves with pacing resonance, a quietly tense and electric album. There are roots-driven and outright throwback country moments too, but it’s in spacier segments of songs like “Frightened By the Sound” and the title track that Justin Townes Earle finds a sonic space bigger than his own familial roots. (Kevin McStravick)

2012 Review: Justin Townes Earle was pretty much born into the alt country scene, growing up as the son of musical pioneer Steve Earle (and stepson of Allison Moorer).  Family aside, Earle has matured into one of the most reliable singer-songwriters on the circuit.  He has a real touch with storytelling, weaving relatable and emotional tales of love, loss and happiness.  As a performer, Earle pays attention to his roots, but has just enough edge that you know this is the music of this era, not of times past.  Whether with a full band or just a six-string, Earle’s music sets a pleasant stage for his stories, though it does play second fiddle to his stories.