Brilliant & responsible collection from a master songwriter
Johnny Roulette | 12/18/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If this cd was playing baseball, it would be hitting .937. 15 of the 16 tracks belong here. Any Earle collection would be arguable, but this one is fair and packed with some his best from 1986-1990. The songs are taken from Copperhead Road(1988), Guitar Town(1986), Exit 0(1987) & The Hard Way(1990). I hate most compilations, but I read the track-listed on this one and immediately laid my money down. The folks at Telstar Arena clearly know Earle's music. I own all of these songs on their respective cds, but this was necessary. If you don't know where to start with Steve's music, you could not find a better cd. You have to hear Johnny Come Lately, featuring The Pogues, and it's nice to see Angry Young Man get the credit it deserves. There is a smooth flow to this cd that many compilations fall well short of. From straight country to pure rock, this collection has everything you need to become a life-long Steve Earle fan. Due to the record label troubles over the years, you will probably never see a complete, career-spanning Earle collection. This is, and probably always will be, your best bet. The only questionable song here is Waiting On You, from Copperhead Road. I can think of two or three other sappy songs from that album I would have chosen. I'm also not clear on why only one song from The Hard Way is on this cd. There were other great songs(Have Mercy/Billy Austin/Promise You Anything). Steve Earle has never put out a bad album(he had nothing to do with the releases of Fearless Heart or Early Tracks, so they don't count), stick with this guy...he will always take you where you need to go...even when you don't have a clue as to where that might be. He'll earn your trust. And never, never pass on a chance to see this songwriting genius live. He's as genuine in his musical endeavors as was the late Townes Van Zandt. I was about to log off and go to bed, now I'm going to log off, grab a beer , light a smoke & prepare to listen to Steve, with and without the Dukes. Man, you gotta jump on this one ASAP! Disc is nicely packaged and comes with an 8 page booklet, featuring credits,photos,and liner notes."
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1