Washington Square Serenade: +DVD

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Editorial reviews

Description
'Washington Square Serenade' is the twelfth studio album from country singer/songwriter Steve Earle. Recorded at the legendary Electric Lady studios with Dust Brother John King (Beck, Beastie Boys), the album sees Earle take inspiration from New York City's diverse community, while also drawing on more personal experiences. The album also includes guest vocals from Earle's wife Allison Moorer and Brazilian outfit Forro In The Dark.

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Customer reviews

review by: Muso date: 2008-01-11 rating:
A Hillbilly in New York
Steve Earle has been a brilliant writer for 25 years. No songwriter alive has lived harder and endured hard times better than Steve. This is a return to form - or an abandonment of the overt, strident political tomes of recent years - which were heavy going for me. This album is a personal recording and much better as a result. At times, he reminds me of the Beverly Hillbillies - Steve is Jed Clampitt - eyes full of wonder for the richness and complexity of urban life. The songs are good to great, the production mostly fresher sounding, and his personality bursts out of every performance. How he always achieves this is what makes him an artist to treasure.

I have followed his career almost from the beginning and have seen him perform a dozen times. He has always been top notch. Thank God he is NOT Bruce Springsteen (whose new album Magic came out to appropriately rave reviews the same day)- anyone who wants to see Steve play live can have the pleasure. Older, balder, fatter, sloppier than ever, Steve is a real treasure - as you will discover when you see him play. Authentic American hero.

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review by: date: 2007-12-18 rating:
One of this year's highlights
Arguably the best yet from Mr Earle. My review was delayed by working in the US (Alabama, appropriately) with this plugged firmly in the stereo and, like others, I'm amazed it hasn't attracted more attention, not only here but elsewhere.

The opening Tennessee Blues is a fine tune, although perhaps more could have been made of the breaks, but the following Down Here Below confirms this is something special the moment the fabulous Allison Moorer joins the refrain with her cutting/melting Southern edge.

In a time when the left and right of politics compete to demonstrate who can be the most intolerant and xenophobic, City of Immigrants is a joyous, refreshing celebration.

This is one of those albums where the highlight is the track you're currently listening to, but the blues based Red is the Color deserves a special mention, as does the soppy, romantic, exquisite Days Aren't Long Enough. Not forgetting the closing Way Down in the Hole, of which Waits himself would be proud.

Worth paying the extra for the DVD with Earle's hyper-active rambling on Greenwich Village, Dylan, guitars and life in general plus performance takes of the two together.

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review by: Tosser date: 2007-10-31 rating:
Absolutely Excellent
My favourite album is Just An American Boy, & the only time I have been to a gig of Stee Earle's was when he was touring this album & I absolutely loved it. However, WSS is a complete change of direction, obviously engendered by the recent changes in his life & it's just lovely - the songs are gentle, sweet almost, & his love for his new wife & new city shine through. I cannot wait to see him in Glasgow next year.

Carolyn Middleton, Aberdeen, Scotland

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review by: date: 2007-10-22 rating:
Fantastic
I think this album by Steve Earle is brilliant.
Can't wait to see him live at Cambridge in the new year.



review by: date: 2007-10-10 rating:
Overlooked.
I would have reviewed this album sooner if it hadn't been for the postal strike. Steve Earle remains one of Americas most overlooked songwriters. This album came out the same day as Bruce Springsteen's new offering but without any Amazon blind faithful frenzy. After a few listens two things stand out Steve's love for New York City and his love for Allison Moorer. Steve has embraced new technology and made a raw, fresh, tender and beautiful album. "City Of Immigrants" and "Steve's Hammer" are instant classics that any songwriter would be proud of. Steve rounds the album off with a version of Tom Wait's "Way Down In The Hole" who like Steve gets better with each album he releases. PS. At least you can get a ticket for a Steve Earle show without having to pay greedy a scalping tout swine.

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