Justin Townes Earle - “Harlem River Blues”

The first track off of his upcoming third release Harlem River Blues, this song finds Justin Townes Earle investigating the sound of the deep South, complete with a full-on gospel choir. Though the rest of the record covers more country and folk territory, this song sticks to the gospel blues, reimagining the Depression-era feeling that something better lies on the other side of death. Earle continues to carve out his own niche of music, further separating himself from his two namesakes, combining old time music with folk, Hank Williams-style country, and even a touch of Springsteen on the closer, “Rogers Park”. 

Lucinda Williams - “Still I Long For Your Kiss”

This song, from the landmark 1996 record Car Wheels on a Gravel Road, had a long road before it saw the light of day. The record was originally recorded with Gurf Morlix in Austin, but was scrapped and re-recorded in Nashville with Ray Kennedy and a fresh-out-of-rehab Steve Earle. After those sessions became hostile, Lucinda finished the record in Los Angeles with E Street Band piano wizard Roy Bittan. When it was finally released, it became a career-defining moment for Ms. Williams, as well as earning her a Grammy nomination.