In my hometown you’ll get plenty of attention if you play the one rock and roll record (ZOSO) on the jukebox. It is, and always will be, a town born and bred on country music. Justin Townes Earle comes from good pedigree, we just saw his father Steve, play a memorable set here last week. The elder Earle knew a thing about musical legends, naming his son after one Townes Van Zandt, who’s music is still as vital today as it was while he was walking the soil.

Upon arrival of The Good Life, Justin Townes Earle’s first release on Bloodshot Records, I was expecting to hear a younger version of his father, but instead found something that would fit comfortably amongst the selections on any small town, country waltz loving community bar. There’s something universal in his music, something I could play amongst my friends, my grandfather, and everyday music fans alike. Choosing to carve his own niche than play in the shadows, The Good Life was both a welcomed and a very unexpected surprise.

Now, Austin bound for the next five days, over which Justin plays at least eight times, I have every intention of catching him at least once. Don’t miss your chance locally here in Madison to catch Justin along with MoB favorites The Felice Brothers and McCarthy Trenching for a free show at the UW Rathskeller on Friday, March 29th.

Myspace: Justin Townes Earle
MP3: Justin Townes Earle -”Ain’t Glad I’m Leavin’”

Find more MP3’s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic

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