Ghosts Of West Virginia
New West, 2020
9/10
Listen to Ghosts Of West Virginia
The number of artists who have put out as many albums as Steve Earle that are consistently essential is very small. On his 20th album, Ghosts Of West Virginia, Earle & The Dukes, which now consists of Chris Masterson, Eleanor Whitmore, Ricky Ray Jackson, Brad Pemberton and Jeff Hill, theme the record around the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion in 2010 that killed 29 men.
“Heaven Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” starts with Earle’s comforting, raspy vocals on an a cappella tune where his band provides harmonies in a gospel sort of way, and “Union, God And Country” follows with his always enthralling storytelling amid flowing country sounds.
In the middle, the pretty “Time Is Never On Our Side” moves with a timeless folk appeal, while “It’s About Blood” finds a fuller place to reside with gritty rock entering the equation. “If I Could See Your Face Again” then recruits gripping vocals from Whitmore to the pedal steel friendly setting.
The album is bookended well with the punchy blues fun of “Fastest Man Alive” and the ultra raw singing of “The Mine”, where Earle’s deep country roots come through in the sublime balladry.
An album about an unimaginable tragedy, Earle dealt with his own devastation when his long running bass player, Kelley Looney, passed away right before they recorded this album. Ultimately an effort for the working class population, Earle has released many incredible records in his lengthy career and this one is right at the top of that list.
Travels well with: Justin Townes Earle- The Saint Of Lost Causes; Corb Lund- Cover Your Tracks