Steve Earle Readies "Revolution"

[Brad]

Earle Readies "Revolution"

Singer-songwriter continues political commentary with new record

By Andrew Dansby
Rolling Stone

Last fall Steve Earle said he'd written the first songs for a new record, with hopes of releasing it prior to this year's presidential election. He'll make good on that promise with the August 24th release of The Revolution Starts . . . Now, a record that will again spotlight some of the outspoken singer-songwriter's political leanings. With Revolution, Earle again turns his attention towards current events with songs including the title track, "Rich Man's War," "Condi, Condi" and "F the CC."

Revolution follows Earle's 2002 release Jerusalem, a pointed record that was critical of a certain post-9/11, flag-waving American identity. Though purveyors of corporate malfeasance and tax cheats were among the targets on the album, Jerusalem drew the most attention for "John Walker's Blues," a first-person story song that humanized John Walker Lindh, the young man tagged the "American Taliban" who was convicted of taking arms against his country in Afghanistan.

As with Jerusalem, Revolution doesn't spend all of its eleven tracks as a social critique. Longtime Earle collaborator Emmylou Harris drops in to add a vocal to the less fiery "Comin' Around."

Revolution is just one of several projects that keep Earle busy. He's been at work on a novel, as well as working with various anti-death penalty organizations. On June 22nd, Earle begins a four-date run of shows with Joan Baez. He's also scheduled to appear at the July 9th and 10th Return to Sin City tribute to the late Gram Parsons, along with several solo tour dates scattered between now and mid-August.

Track list for The Revolution Stars . . . Now:

The Revolution Starts . . ..
Home to Houston
Rich Man's War
Warrior
The Gringo's Tale
Condi, Condi
F the CC
Comin' Around
I Thought You Should Know
The Seeker
The Revolution Starts Now