Stars In The Southern Sky
Omnivore, 2024
9/10
Listen to Stars In The Southern Sky
A massive collection from the country rock, outlaw country and Americana legend Steve Young, his 1975 album, Honky-Tonk Man lives again here, plus 34 live, previously unreleased tracks.
The timeless Young tune, “Honky-Tonk Man”, starts with the nostalgic country ideas that are warm and rugged, and it isn’t long until “Traveling Kind” emits meticulous guitar and powerful vocals from the gritty climate.
Later on in Disc 1, “The White Trash Song” is full of Young’s distinct storytelling amid dreamy guitar, and the bonus track, “Stanley And Henry”, is full of strategic twang, where Jim Post is on hand for the harmonica fills and firm piano.
Moving into the live portion, “Brain Cloudy Blues” pairs the playful strumming with Young’s soaring voice, while “Go To Sea No More” comes with plenty of folk spirit via the poetic singing.
Deeper still, “You Don’t Miss Your Water” sounds right at home in today’s singer-songwriter scene, as Young howls with ebullience, and “Midnight Rider” exits with a swift and animated presence that finishes with one of his best selections.
There’s no denying that Young was a pioneer, and this exceptional project is packaged in a slipcase with a 40-page booklet of rare photos and new liner notes that keep his legacy alive.
Travels well with: Terry Adams- Terrible; Steeleye Span- Live At The Bottom Line 1974