Customer Reviews

Washington Square Serenade (DIG)

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

It's been 3 years since Steve Earle released a new studio album. In that time, George W. Bush has been reelected, Steve got married again to the beautiful Allison Moorer, and he packed up his Nashville paraphernalia and moved to the city. New York City, to be exact. In fact, if you don't already know it, Steve now resides on the same block so famously pictorially memorialized on the cover of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, and it's very clear from listening to him that he takes the spirit of Greenwich Village very seriously and very much to his corazón.

With all that in mind, Steve's new gift to music is Washington Square Serenade, an album of 11 originals and 1 cover. Recorded in the famed Electric Lady studios, the album is different from his others by default, because as he says right in the bonus disc's interviews, he now "tests positive for ProTools." This is immediately apparent from the album's beginning, which has drum beats and samples throughout the 12 tracks. If you can get past the beats, you've got a pretty darn good album ahead of you.

The album begins with Steve's farewell to Nashville, "Tennessee Blues." Personally, I think the acoustic-only version is better (more on that later), but the lyrics are downright beautiful--"Blue dog on my floorboard, redhead by my side, cross the mighty Hudson River to the New York City side. Redhead by my side, boys, sweetest thing I've found. Goodbye, Guitar Town"--and a perfect goodbye to the place he used to call home. Next comes "Down Here Below," a mostly spoken-word song about the resident NYC red-tailed hawk Pale Male that is very reminiscent of the Drive-By Truckers' "A World of Hurt." Steve's voice is hypnotizing on it. "Satellite Radio" is probably one of the more hip-hop influenced tracks on the album, and the ProTools influence is very obvious on it. Steve sings about a radio DJ wondering about his prospects on satellite radio. Fairly catchy, but nothing too mind-blowing here. The fourth song is the first single off the album, "City of Immigrants." Steve performed it on the Late Show last month and it includes backing by the Brazilian group Forro In The Dark. This is Steve's non-aggressive answer to Lou Dobbs' views on immigration, and once it grows on you, the song is quite good.

Then comes the first love song of the album, "Sparkle and Shine." The song is very simple, very light-hearted, and very beautiful and is definitely a highlight of the album. Unfortunately it is followed by the throwaway track "Come Home to Me." This is a very sub-par Earle ballad that has been done many times before and much better. With the exception of some nice chord structuring during the bridge, this isn't one to get too excited about. "Jericho Road" is another barely-passable track. It's not necessarily bad, but compared to other tracks on the album and other songs that Earle has written, this doesn't do it. Think of the groove to "Telephone Road" from El Corazón (released 10 years ago, coincidentally), and then take out a lot of the fun and energy. This is basically a darker and less-interesting version of that song. "Oxycontin Blues" will immediately draw comparisons to "The Truth" from 2002's Jerusalem album. Combine that feel with the feel of 1996's "CCKMP" and you get the general idea of what this song sounds like as Steve sings about drug addiction (hence the comparison to "CCKMP").

"Red is the Color" takes things up a notch with some great harmonica blowing as Steve sings and yelps over a slow jam. Next come possibly the two finest songs on the album, "Steve's Hammer (for Pete)" and "Days Aren't Long Enough." The former is dedicated to folk pioneer/icon Pete Seeger, and lays Steve's political views right out front for the listener ("When the air don't choke you and the ocean's clean and the kids don't die for gasoline, one of the these days I'm gonna lay this hammer down"). The refrain is extremely catchy, and when it breaks out into a full sing-along chorus, it becomes even more infectious. Plan on turning this one up. The latter track was co-written by Steve and his wife Allison and is one of the most beautiful ballads/duets that Steve has released in the last several albums. It is simply a gorgeous song that is destined to become a classic Earle ballad. Finally, the album ends with Steve's version of Tom Waits' "Way Down in the Hole," which will also be used as the theme for the 5th and final season of The Wire in January. It's not a strong song to end on, as Steve's voice just doesn't really mesh too well with the song itself and the hip-hop-ish groove that he employed for it. A decent cover, but no more than that.

And finally, if you are trying to decide whether or not to buy the deluxe edition with the DVD, here's a breakdown of what you get: extensive interview footage of Steve talking about the album, his past, and the history of Greenwich Village; video footage of Steve discussing Dylan at the site of Dylan's first NYC gig, discussing the beauty and craftsmanship of an old 1966 Gibson guitar at a local music shop (and then jamming a little on the guitar), and discussing the vital importance of Washington Square Park to Greenwich Village; and 3 live acoustic performances of "Tennessee Blues," "City of Immigrants" (with Allison), and "Days Aren't Long Enough" (also with Allison). All told the DVD is about 38 minutes long. I mentioned earlier that I'd come back to the acoustic-only version of "Tennessee Blues." I found that when it was just Steve and an acoustic guitar and nothing else, the song was much more of an effective goodbye. You can judge this for yourself. Is it worth the extra money for you? I bought it, and I'm happy I did. It's worth watching. It's up to you whether that's the kind of thing you'll continue watching in the future or simply set inside its case and never pull out again.

Washington Square Serenade is by no means perfect, but there are enough great songs here to make this a worthy addition to any Earle fan's catalog. I can only hope that it won't be 3 years before he records another album, and that NYC will continue to supply him with inspiration for his musical passions.

Only one thing was for certain leading up to the release of the first album of new material from Steve Earle in three years: It would be adorned with the similar eye catching, void of the Earle, cover artwork that has encompassed his CD covers for the last decade. I had several concerns that this could be the beginning of the end for Earle. First was an unprecedented post drug/penal three year hiatus from recording. Second, his last album, "The Revolution Starts Now" left no doubt that Earle's disheartened view of America and its politics had reached its Dante's Peak, which was emphasized by the Jim Morrison like spoken track, "The Warrior." Then there was the pre-publicity leading up to this album. He had transplanted himself to Greenwich Village, married again, this time to fellow singer/songwriter Allison Moorer, and said that at this time in his life, he needed to be able to look out his window and see a same sex, mixed race couple walking down the street holding hands and be ok with that. Not that any of this is good or bad, but just un-Earle like. So it was with apprehension that I gave the CD an initial spin. It took one listen to answer the question that, "ok, he hasn't totally lost his mind." And after a second listen, I realize he has created probably his finest work ever. He hasn't let marriage send his career into the lap-sucking whirlpool of toilet creativity like say, Clint Black did. He obviously has met up with some of the ghosts of Bob Dylan, but is not afraid of them, and he is apparently not quite ready to give up just yet. Tennessee Blues opens the album with a catchy percussion hiccup and clearly states the direction of the album, "goodbye guitar town." Down Here Below is a great metaphoric visual and a masterfully written piece. Satellite Radio will catch a lot of ears, and City of Immigrants shows off some Earle mandolin playing. Come Home To Me is classic heartbeat Earle. The emotion without the sap. Jericho Road may have fit well on the last album but fits just well here too. Oxycontin Blues and Red is the Color give the album some additional flavor not heard on previous Earle works. The Days Aren't Long Enough is a beautiful track with wife Allison Moorer, and Sparkle and Shine is a nice chick song as well. The disc is rounded out by the only song on the CD not written by Earle, a cover of Tom Waits' Way Down in the Hole.

Well worth the price is the deluxe version which offers a 35 minute DVD bonus which includes 3 bonus acoustic tracks and an Earle tour of Greenwich Village. This lends some keen insight to the album and shows a side of Earle not seen before.

Bottom line: A masterful work from a masterful singer songwriter. Look for this one to stay on the Ipod rotation `til . . . . well .... Probably Washington Square Serenade pt II.

Odd. Having followed Earle since the early days, this album shows that Earle has hit a different avenue. His move to NYC is well documented, but it's the affect it's had on the music that is most important. Musically Earle is more mellow here. After the firestorm that was the Revolution album, you had to wonder just where he was going to go. Thankfully it wasn't straight into the burning pit, instead he's veered up into the high atmosphere.

The mellow approach had meant Earles songs could shine, their melody, humor, and celebration can shine through. This isn't just another Earle album, there's definately something new going on here.

I won't run through all the tracks, it's a record that deserves to be heard all the way through. However, personally speaking, there is only one hole in the record, one track I wish I could tear out. So, City Of Immigrants was a single huh? Ouch! I'm not getting on with that very much, its message is far too simplistic for me, and the chorus is just annoying.

Thankfully, everything around it is just wonderful. This is the first Earle album I can honestly say can be played any time of the night and day. I've played it at 2 in the morning and at 6... it works.

You know, this is certainly the best Earle album for a long time - which is not to say what he's been doing has been poor. This is a mature record with a wave of contentment over top. It's fun, beautiful, and your foot taps. What more do you want?

It was with great anticipation that I looked forward to the release of Steve Earle's new album, Washington Square Serenade. After the first listen, I was initially disappointed, but subsequent listenings revealed more in the lyrics and music to make this project strike a resounding chord with me.

The album opens up with the track "Tennessee Blues", a sort of retrospective and look forward to the future at the same time. It's a solid opener. The CD quickly changes gears, moving on to "Down Here Below", a foot tapping tale of Steve's experiences and exploits in his new hometown. It's a masterful piece of songwriting from Earle, with excellent instrumentation and backing vocals from Alison Moorer.

The next track, "Satellite Radio", isn't as successful. It's got a driving beat, but the melody seems to drone on and on, never changing from the one or two notes that repeat throughout the song. Thankfully, the outstanding "City of Immigrants" appears next. This is the song Steve has been performing on various programs to promote Washington Square Serenade, and that was a good choice on his part, as it's one of the highlights of this album. Forro in the Dark provides excellent backing music.

Unfortunately, the next two tracks often sound boring and repetitive enough to lull you to sleep. But, no worries! "Jericho Road" is next, an outstanding track that sounds just like classic Earle. Well written, with a pounding beat and wailing harp.

But, following "Jericho Road" is, what I think, is the best track of the whole album. The "Oxycontin Blues". It opens up with clawhammer banjo, which continues throughout the song, with Earle lamenting about how "nothing grows on this mountain, and whats a poor boy to do", and how he's "headed nowhere but downhill with the oxycontin blues". Easily one of the best songs Steve Earle has ever written in my humble opinion.

This track is hard to follow, but "Red Is The Color" lives up to high standards. It's a rocker, with just a mandolin, harmonica, and a drum beat backing Steve's vocals. There's a lot of depth to the songs lyrics.

What follows is "Steve's Hammer", which ranks right next to "Oxycontin Blues" as far as lyrical and musical quality goes. Simply outstanding; Pete Seeger would be proud. Following is "Days Are Getting Longer", a duet with Alison Moorer, that, unfortunately, comes across nearly as boring as tracks 5 and 6. Well, at least we know Mr. Earle is deeply in love with his wife.

The closing track is a cover of Tom Waits "Way Down In The Hole". Steve sings it with emotion, and the at times bizarre backing music contributes much to the songs feeling. Perhaps it ties with "Oxycontin Blues" for the honor of best song. Perhaps it's too hard to decide what the best song is, but bottom line, in my opinion only, of course; 8 out of 12 songs are outstanding material, and that earns this project a three star rating from me.

Buy it; I think you'll like it. :)

Not all Steve Earle fans will appreciate this record. Like most great artists, Earle is constantly in motion, and there is a tendency for the listener to wish for him to stay put in some of the brilliant places he has occupied in the past. It does not work that way.

I have the advantage of having seen Earle do a number of these tunes live earlier in the year. While they represent a different direction than his earlier work, they easily hold their own. Earle continues to grow as an artist and in this era of corporate schlock that passes for music, we are fortunate to have to opportunity to go along for the ride. Approach this album with an open mind and you will be well rewarded.

Wow, Steve Earle recorded an amazing album. Okay, anyone who follows Steve can't be surprised by this. But the great thing is each album always has its own identity and this one is no different. The changes he has made in his life(moving to New York, Getting married to Allison Moorer) echo through the album and paint a great picture of where his life is going. From the "sequel" to Guitar Town(Tennessee Blues) to the stab at Lou Dobbs and the anit-immigrant movement (City of Immigrants), Steve as always creates songs that are very much his, but still feel new and fresh. My favorites were the already mentioned Tennessee Blues, the duet with wife Allison Moorer(Days Aren't Long Enough), and his song dedicated to Pete Seagar(Steve's Hammer) which really seems to define Steve and where he is at right now(plus how can you not like a song with a singing dog?). Fans of Steve Earle should get this, as should fans of just great songwriting.

This is a great album. His last couple of efforts were a bit below his ussual high standard. This one brings him back to his best. Type of music you put on when you sit on the deck having a few quiet ones. Highly recommended listening.

Steve Earle will always be one of my favorite artists, but he isn't quite up to par on this CD. To say that he is a brilliant artist, poet, songwriter, and author is an understatement.

Steve Earle is a paradox. I love his voice and he can really craft a song. Some of his lyrics are very good. For the most part, that's enough to forgive the tired, time machine politics in some of his songs. City of Immigrants is one of those songs, but the scale still tips in Mr. Earle's favor with this CD. One future CD with just good music, and no pontificating, would be nice.

4.5 stars

"Take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy. In the case of Steve Earle, you could amend that to say: You can take the reformed roots-rock rebel out of Nashville, and you can relocate him to the folk mecca of New York City's Greenwich Village. ." Matthew Fiander

What was it that moved the rock rebel to move to NYC from Nashville? Whatever it was, it spurred Steve Earle on to writing some brilliant songs and putting them to the test with this new CD. With this new CD we are now aware of his move to the big city and the big time. This CD has a feel of sleek city music that is bare and brilliant. Just Earle and his guitar and the drums.

There are 12 tunes, which tells the tale of the move from Nashville and Steve Earle's new life in NYC
.
'Tennessee Blues' Earle talks about leaving Guitar Town. Although we know when he sings 'Goodbye, Guitar Town' he is not going back.

'Down Here Below'- this is a great song, full of lyrical poetry

'Satellite Radio'- a wonderful take on the new gig Earle has - that's right on satellite radio- a tune full of staccato music.

'City of Immigrants' musical take on the social and cultural diversity of NYC-this could be a hit song for Earle.

'Sparkle and Shine' Earle has written about his wife, Allison Moorer and how she sparkles and shines.

'Come Home To Me' a plaintiff wail of a man for his woman- lovely tune.

'Jericho Road'-= Joshua fit the battle- still walk in down the Jericho Road, the tough road of life.

'Oxycontin Blues' a family tale of a father and loss of his job and turn to alcohol and the son's turn to pills to relieve stress- poignant tale of today.

'Red Is The Color' Red sky the color of night- hard workin song of life.

'Steve;'s Hammer for Pete'- song of protest for Pete Seeger- will there ever come a day when he can lay this hammer down?

'Days Aren;t Long Enough' sung with Allison Moorer, a lovely ballad that seems just right.,

'Way Down In the Hole' "Walk with Jesus he is gonna save your soul, gonna keep the Devil down in the Hole"- one of Tom Waits great tunes.

Let the tunes tell the tale of this great CD.

'in a city of immigrants
I don't need to go travelin'
Open my door and the world walks in
Livin' in a city of immigrants
Livin' in a city that never sleeps
My heart keepin' time to a thousand beats
Singin' in languages I don't speak
Livin' in a city of immigrants
City of black
City of white
City of light
City of innocents
City of sweat
City of tears
City of prayers
City of immigrants " Steve Earle

Highly Recommended. prisrob 09-29-07

Washington Square Serenade [Ltd Ed CD/DVD Combo featuring 35 minute documentary and 3 acoustic performances]