Search - Steve Earle, V-Roys :: Johnny Too Bad

Ellis Unit One a Gem

Clark Paull | 11/11/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If you're a Steve Earle fan, don't let this bargain slip by. Steve and the V-Roys do two versions of the classic "Johnny Too Bad", and a great cover of Steve's "Ellis Unit One", which is hard to find anywhere but the soundtrack for 'Dead Man Walking'. This one might not make you change your mind on any death penalty issue, but it'll sure make you think about prison guards and bad karma."

Johnny Too Bad and MORE!

01/01/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"...[T]here is more to this CD than "Johnny TooBad".Steve Earle and the V-Roys do a great version of theSlickers' song "Johnny Too Bad" with RNT & C. Fax. Theycall this the "Sunshine Mix".Next is another versioncalled the "Hillbilly Mix", which is just Steve with theV-Roys.The third song on the disc is "Straight Highway"by The V-Roys. This previously unreleased song was an out-take fromtheir debut album.The fourth (and final) track is "Ellis UnitOne" by Steve Earle and The Fairfield Four. I love the original"Ellis Unit One" that appears on the Dead Man WalkingSoundtrack, but I think this version has even more impact. Theaddition of The Fairfield Four and some additional background musicreally add to the beauty and sadness of this song.I talked to Steveabout this CD once, and he suggested that I also buy the soundtrackThe Harder They Come. It has the original version of "Johnny TooBad" by the Slickers and it also has the song "Rivers OfBabylon"- another song that Steve later covered for his Train A'Comin' album."

Love that Beat

Clark Paull | 07/08/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This a great single, when you sit down and listen to the song, you are taken over by the great beat. The lryics of the song a very comical, and they are great to sign along too. This is a great purchase not only for the price, but for the excellent music."