Unlike so many, I am not adverse to a good dose of country. Johnny Cash, Gillian Welch, Emmylou, Patsy Cline, all well loved and well listened to. I do wish I could liken Justin Townes Earle to any of these artists. Harlem River Blues is why country has a bad name. Nasal wailings and mundane writing. Boring, repetitive and unoriginal. The first track Harlem River Blues despite the tasteless intro is undeniably catchy. A Gospel inspired organ, choir and hand claps raising spirits and hopes for the rest of the album, sadly it’s all in vain.
Gospel gives way to the jazzy blues, tinny honky...Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues
Unlike so many, I am not adverse to a good dose of country. Johnny Cash, Gillian Welch, Emmylou, Patsy Cline, all well loved and well listened to. I do wish I could liken Justin Townes Earle to any of these artists. Harlem River Blues is why country has a bad name. Nasal wailings and mundane writing. Boring, repetitive and unoriginal. The first track Harlem River Blues despite the tasteless intro is undeniably catchy. A Gospel inspired organ, choir and hand claps raising spirits and hopes for the rest of the album, sadly it’s all in vain.
Gospel gives way to the jazzy blues, tinny honky...