Steve Earle,
Just an American Boy: The Audio Documentary

Label: Artemis Records
Year: 2003

(5 out of 5)

Starting with 1997's El Corazon, Steve Earle initiated a run of consistently outstanding studio records. The millennium found him back at the front of the singer/songwriter pack, reclaiming the leadership position lost while he was imprisoned.

While Earle has always been politically and socially aware, few could have predicted the national attention he would attract in the wake of the attacks of September 11, 2001. His "John Walker's Blues," an apology to John Walker Lindh for the American cultural miasma that enabled Lindh's participation in the Taliban, seemed to many a traitorous counterpoint to Toby Keith's patriotism.

Earle has continued to navigate the fine line between dissent and sedition on 2002's Jerusalem and 2004's The Revolution Starts…Now. Between those releases he embarked on an ambitious touring schedule to spread his message of social tolerance and political change.

That tour sparked the interest of filmmaker Amos Poe, who worked with Earle and his crew to capture the experience on the documentary Just An American Boy, as well as the companion two-disc album Just An American Boy: The Audio Documentary.

If "John Walker's Blues" was an apology to Lindh, then Just An American Boy: The Audio Documentary is an apologia to explain Earle's public stances and actions.

One can't help but come away respecting Earle's impassioned opinions, even if one doesn't share his perspectives. Furthermore, his adamant defense of free speech is sure to help even the most jaded of listeners question certain government policies.

But even if you aren't interested in political commentary, rest assured that great music tracks vastly outnumber the oratories.

Earle covers greatest hits from throughout his career, such as "Guitar Town" and "Copperhead Road," along with newer songs like "Amerika V 6.0 (The Best That We Can Do)," "John Walker's Blues," and "Jerusalem."

But the real standouts are the tributes to Townes Van Zandt. Earle continues to mourn his friend, and here he pays homage with Van Zandt's "Rex's Blues" as well as his own memoriam, "Ft. Worth Blues." Earle's graceful guitar work and somber vocals are moving, especially when capped by a nod to his mentor: "See you when I get there, maestro."

Young Justin Earle's recording debut on the terrific closing track, "Time You Waste," tantalizingly hints at a new generation to carry on the Earle singer/songwriter tradition.

I've been glued to Just An American Boy: The Audio Documentary since its release in the fall of 2003. Steve Earle's work has always interested me, but in my estimation this release rocketed the singer/songwriter to stratospheric heights.

The music is brilliant. The commentary is insightful. And I simply have to admire the man for speaking out at a time when such courage was widely denounced.

Bravo, maestro. Bravo.

Buy: Lone Star Music, Amazon

December 21, 2004