City of Immigrants

Tonight I'll be going along to see Steve Earle play @ The Roundhouse, Camden, London. What can I say about Steve? One of the greatest songwriters ever. Loved his music from Guitar Town all the way through to his latest album Washington Square Serenade. At times he's had a few bumpy rides, and the odd 'week of living dangerously', but he has always persevered and made it through with a musical (and social) integrity that few can match.

It should be a good show. I wonder if he'll play this old favourite for his 'North End girl'?

Johnny Come Lately (excerpt)

I'm an American, boys, and I've come a long way
I was born and bred in the USA
So listen up close, I've got something to say
Boys, I'm buying this round
Well it took a little while but we're in this fight
And we ain't going home 'til we've done what's right
We're gonna drink Camden Town dry tonight
If I have to spend my last pound

When I first got to London it was pourin' down rain
Met a little girl in the field canteen
Painted her name on the nose of my plane
Six more missions I'm gone
Well I asked if I could stay and she said that I might
Then the warden came around yelling "turn out the lights"
Death rainin' out of the London night
We made love 'til dawn

From the old to the new, here's City Of Immigrants from the excellent Washington Square Serenade...

Steve Earle - City Of Immigrants
(Featuring Brazilian 'neo-folk' band Forro in the Dark)www.steveearle.com

El Corazón

Something good to play today. El Corazón (1997) is probably my favourite of all Steve Earle's albums and it has an album cover to match. Its songs straddle a wide range of 'americana'; Country ballads and Bluegrass tunes sit comfortably alongside full tilt Rock and Grunge, with Earle's passionate delivery and rebel streak pulling it all together. Great songs are complimented by strong guest appearances from the Supersuckers, the Fairfield Four, the Del McCoury Band and Emmylou Harris. It may be 10 years old now but it has aged well.

(The Supersuckers opened their show in London last week with Earle's 'Here I Am' from the album)