Country-folk singer-songwriter and poet Townes Van Zandt died in
1997 on New Year’s Day. A dozen years later, his cult has grown beyond
country contrarians. Fellow Texan Steve Earle’s spin is spirited and
often flavoured with an Irish folk lilt; in other words, not so
depressing. Van Zandt’s most famous song, “Pancho and Lefty,” is done
by the book, yet Earle distinguishes it with the odd bent note. Scruffy
distortion—Earle’s rocking signature—surfaces as if from a mine on
“Lungs.” Playing cards come to life in “Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold,” a duet
with son Justin Townes Earle. Rarely have esteem and influence been so
palpable in a tribute.
This article appears in Jul 2-8, 2009.