The Batlord Learns to Like Country...Maybe: Part VIII
Steve Earle: Copperhead Road
Alright what the f
uck is happening here? I started this series figuring I'd listen to a few country albums, hate most of them, maybe find a few that I liked, and then move on. But, I've only listened to the one Emmylou Harris album that I didn't like, and the rest have been kewl. Am I like, a secret redneck or something? Whatevs. So I keep seeing Steve Earle's name popping up and Trollheart had good things to say about this album so I'm givin' it a whirl...
Alright, so far if I had to use two words to describe this album they would be: Bad. F
ucking. Ass. A good description, since it tells you that it kicks ass, sounds like redneck talk, and implies that I can't count. I'd call this southern rock, but I keep seeing this get called alternative country. I guess because it's more southern than rock. The distinction is too thin to really be justified in my opinion, but who cares? Earle's voice may be a bit too hillbilly for some, but if it doesn't bother you and you like Lynyrd Skynyrd then you should be on the right track.
Alright, now that I've listened to the whole album, I am forced to ask, "What is this bug snot?!" The whole last half of the album is nothing but eighties style power ballads. What happened Stevie? Did the record company bend you over and have their way with you? The first half of the album is quality though, and anyone who digs country should hear the title track. It's one of my new favorite hillbilly songs. Too bad about the other half though.