Justin Townes Earle: "Harlem River Blues"

Like that guy said to Irene: "Sometimes I get a great notion/to jump in the river and drown." As far as I can tell, in terms of youthful substance abuse, Justin is as accomplished as his father, Steve Earle, and his namesake, Townes Van Zant. In terms of artistry I would put him just a notch below those two songwriting giants. Which is still pretty damn high. More than one might have expected, since genius isn't often passed down genetically or socially. A grounding in tradition however, will stand you in good stead as you try to reveal your voice. Love the background choir on this.