Steve Earl is way ahead of , or way behind his time. I can't figure out exactly which. I was at the Bluebird one night when he was practically thrown out of the place. Months later I heard they were inviting him back. Good stuff either way.
I like mainstream music, for the most part. However, I really go for the writer first artist second types.
Example--Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Robert Lee Castleman. You all know the first two. They have had some commercial hits, but I wouldn't classify either as a world class vocalist.
Robert Lee Castleman is a truck driver, and a songwriter. He is not a world class vocalist. He has several hits on the charts, recorded by commercial hit artists. Currently on the charts is a song he wrote with his wife Melanie. Alan Jackson recorded it. It's called "Red on a Rose" Find a country station and you'll hear it. It's kind of bluesy/smokey jazzy leaning.
Jackson does a fine job with it, but you should hear Robert sing it. He, Robert, was in the store today. He also wrote "Restless" sung by Alison Krauss as well as "The Lucky One" and more.
I like the less polished, rough around the edges kind of stuff. Course, I also like Emmy Lou and Bonnie Raitt.
