May 12, 2009 3:14 PM, By Barbara Schultz

Out today is Steve Earle’s heartfelt tribute to his friend and mentor, Townes Van Zandt, and it’s a full-length must-play for fans of either or both of these immensely compelling singer/songwriters. Earle approaches this revered material unsentimentally, with all of the edge and passion he puts into his own songs—clearly the best possible way to honor enigmatic tracks such as “Pancho and Lefty,” “Where I Lead Me” or “Lungs,” which was produced and mixed by the Dust Brothers’ John King and features electric guitar work by Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine.

Other guests on Townes include Earle’s wife Allison Moorer singing backing vocals on “Loretta” and “To Live Is to Fly.” Earle and his talented son Justin Townes Earle take turns spitting out lines on “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold.” So, it’s a no-brainer: intense, powerful vocals; authentic, artistic songs; and an ensemble of stellar, like-minded musicians (Dennis Crouch, Tim O’Brien, Darrel Scott and Shad Cobb) who add dimension to every track.

Must Play: “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold”

Producers: Steve Earle, John King. Engineers: Steve Christensen, John King, Ray Kennedy. Studios: Earle’s home studio (NYC), Sound Emporium, Room and Board (both in Nashville), The Nest (Hollywood).

Mix Books

Modern Recording and Mixing

This 2-DVD set will show you how the best in the music industry set up a studio to make world-class records. Regardless of what gear you are using, the information you'll find here will allow you to take advantage of decades of expert knowledge. Order now $39.95

Mastering Cubase 4

Electronic Musician magazine and Thomson Course Technology PTR have joined forces again to create the second volume in their Personal Studio Series, Mastering Steinberg's Cubase(tm). Edited and produced by the staff of Electronic Musician, this special issue is not only a must-read for users of Cubase(tm) software, but it also delivers essential information for anyone recording/producing music in a personal-studio. Order now $12.95

Newsletters

MixLine

Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine takes you straight into the studio, with new product announcements, industry news, upcoming events, recent recording/post projects and much more. Click here to read the latest edition; sign up here.

MixLine Live

Delivered straight to your inbox every other week, MixLine Live takes you on the road with today's hottest tours, new sound reinforcement professional products, recent installs, industry news and much more. Click here to read the latest edition; sign up here.