Washington Square Serenade (DIG)

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Editorial Reviews:

Amazon.com
The title and opening songs of Washington Square Serenade are as much a celebration of New York City--Steve Earle's newly adopted home--as his breakthrough Guitar Town was an evocation of his previous home in Nashville. In fact, the opening "Tennessee Blues," with its acoustic guitar over a digital rhythm loop, bids "goodbye to Guitar Town," as he leaves with "a redhead by my side." That would be wife Allison Moorer, who harmonizes beautifully with her husband on "Days Aren't Long Enough," written by the two; provides background vocals elsewhere; and plainly inspires "Sparkle and Shine" and the bittersweet "Come Home to Me," two of the album's loveliest songs. The result is a new chapter in Earle's career, an album unlike any he's previously recorded, produced by John King of the Dust Brothers (Beck, Beastie Boys). While the raw, raging blues of "Red Is the Color" ranks with Earle's most powerful music, "Satellite Radio" could well be the slightest (as well as perhaps a plug for Earle's own radio show), but the artist's willingness to take chances attests to a restless creativity that refuses to be corralled. Other noteworthy tracks include the Brazilian-tinged "City of Immigrants," the tribute to Pete Seeger on "Steve's Hammer," and the closing rendition of Tom Waits's "Down in the Hole," which will serve as the theme music for Season 5 of The Wire. --Don McLeese

More from Steve Earle

Guitar Town

Train a Comin'

Copperhead Road

Product Description
After an extremely rare three year break from recording, Grammy Award winner Steve Earle is back, with Washington Square Serenade. The album represents a number of firsts for Steve: his first record for New West Records, his first album produced in New York City (now his home), and his first produced by John King of The Dust Brothers (Beck, Beastie Boys) at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. The deluxe CD/DVD version will be available with bonus packaging art plus an exclusive documentary DVD about the inspiration behind the album. The bonus DVD includes 3 acoustic performances, interviews and a walking tour of Greenwich Village with Steve and noted journalist Mark Jacobson. The album will also be available as a Limited Edition 180 gram vinyl record.

Album Description
After an extremely rare three year break from recording, Grammy Award winner Steve Earle is back, with Washington Square Serenade. The album represents a number of firsts for Steve: his first record for New West Records, his first album produced in New York City (now his home), and his first produced by John King of The Dust Brothers (Beck, Beastie Boys) at the legendary Electric Lady Studios. The deluxe CD/DVD version will be available with bonus packaging art plus an exclusive documentary DVD about the inspiration behind the album.

Customer Reviews: Read 32 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

From the Guitar Town to Greenwich Village September 25, 2007
33 out of 37 found this review helpful

It's been 3 years since Steve Earle released a new studio album. In that time, George W. Bush has been reelected, Steve got married again to the beautiful Allison Moorer, and he packed up his Nashville paraphernalia and moved to the city. New York City, to be exact. In fact, if you don't already know it, Steve now resides on the same block so famously pictorially memorialized on the cover of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan, and it's very clear from listening to him that he takes the spirit of Greenwich Village very seriously and very much to his corazon.

With all that in mind, Steve's new gift to music is Washington Square Serenade, an album of 11 originals and 1 cover. Recorded in the famed Electric Lady studios, the album is different from his others by default, because as he says right in the bonus disc's interviews, he now "tests positive for ProTools." This is immediately apparent from the album's beginning, which has drum beats and samples throughout the 12 tracks. If you can get past the beats, you've got a pretty darn good album ahead of you.

The album begins with Steve's farewell to Nashville, "Tennessee Blues." Personally, I think the acoustic-only version is better (more on that later), but the lyrics are downright beautiful--"Blue dog on my floorboard, redhead by my side, cross the mighty Hudson River to the New York City side. Redhead by my side, boys, sweetest thing I've found. Goodbye, Guitar Town"--and a perfect goodbye to the place he used to call home. Next comes "Down Here Below," a mostly spoken-word song about the resident NYC red-tailed hawk Pale Male that is very reminiscent of the Drive-By Truckers' "A World of Hurt." Steve's voice is hypnotizing on it. "Satellite Radio" is probably one of the more hip-hop influenced tracks on the album, and the ProTools influence is very obvious on it. Steve sings about a radio DJ wondering about his prospects on satellite radio. Fairly catchy, but nothing too mind-blowing here. The fourth song is the first single off the album, "City of Immigrants." Steve performed it on the Late Show last month and it includes backing by the Brazilian group Forro In The Dark. This is Steve's non-aggressive answer to Lou Dobbs' views on immigration, and once it grows on you, the song is quite good.

Then comes the first love song of the album, "Sparkle and Shine." The song is very simple, very light-hearted, and very beautiful and is definitely a highlight of the album. Unfortunately it is followed by the throwaway track "Come Home to Me." This is a very sub-par Earle ballad that has been done many times before and much better. With the exception of some nice chord structuring during the bridge, this isn't one to get too excited about. "Jericho Road" is another barely-passable track. It's not necessarily bad, but compared to other tracks on the album and other songs that Earle has written, this doesn't do it. Think of the groove to "Telephone Road" from El Corazon (released 10 years ago, coincidentally), and then take out a lot of the fun and energy. This is basically a darker and less-interesting version of that song. "Oxycontin Blues" will immediately draw comparisons to "The Truth" from 2002's Jerusalem album. Combine that feel with the feel of 1996's "CCKMP" and you get the general idea of what this song sounds like as Steve sings about drug addiction (hence the comparison to "CCKMP").

"Red is the Color" takes things up a notch with some great harmonica blowing as Steve sings and yelps over a slow jam. Next come possibly the two finest songs on the album, "Steve's Hammer (for Pete)" and "Days Aren't Long Enough." The former is dedicated to folk pioneer/icon Pete Seeger, and lays Steve's political views right out front for the listener ("When the air don't choke you and the ocean's clean and the kids don't die for gasoline, one of the these days I'm gonna lay this hammer down"). The refrain is extremely catchy, and when it breaks out into a full sing-along chorus, it becomes even more infectious. Plan on turning this one up. The latter track was co-written by Steve and his wife Allison and is one of the most beautiful ballads/duets that Steve has released in the last several albums. It is simply a gorgeous song that is destined to become a classic Earle ballad. Finally, the album ends with Steve's version of Tom Waits' "Way Down in the Hole," which will also be used as the theme for the 5th and final season of The Wire in January. It's not a strong song to end on, as Steve's voice just doesn't really mesh too well with the song itself and the hip-hop-ish groove that he employed for it. A decent cover, but no more than that.

And finally, if you are trying to decide whether or not to buy the deluxe edition with the DVD, here's a breakdown of what you get: extensive interview footage of Steve talking about the album, his past, and the history of Greenwich Village; video footage of Steve discussing Dylan at the site of Dylan's first NYC gig, discussing the beauty and craftsmanship of an old 1966 Gibson guitar at a local music shop (and then jamming a little on the guitar), and discussing the vital importance of Washington Square Park to Greenwich Village; and 3 live acoustic performances of "Tennessee Blues," "City of Immigrants" (with Allison), and "Days Aren't Long Enough" (also with Allison). All told the DVD is about 38 minutes long. I mentioned earlier that I'd come back to the acoustic-only version of "Tennessee Blues." I found that when it was just Steve and an acoustic guitar and nothing else, the song was much more of an effective goodbye. You can judge this for yourself. Is it worth the extra money for you? I bought it, and I'm happy I did. It's worth watching. It's up to you whether that's the kind of thing you'll continue watching in the future or simply set inside its case and never pull out again.

Washington Square Serenade is by no means perfect, but there are enough great songs here to make this a worthy addition to any Earle fan's catalog. I can only hope that it won't be 3 years before he records another album, and that NYC will continue to supply him with inspiration for his musical passions.

4 out of 5 stars

Takin' The Reformed Roots-Rock Rebel to New York City September 29, 2007
22 out of 33 found this review helpful

4.5 stars

"Take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy. In the case of Steve Earle, you could amend that to say: You can take the reformed roots-rock rebel out of Nashville, and you can relocate him to the folk mecca of New York City's Greenwich Village. ." Matthew Fiander

What was it that moved the rock rebel to move to NYC from Nashville? Whatever it was, it spurred Steve Earle on to writing some brilliant songs and putting them to the test with this new CD. With this new CD we are now aware of his move to the big city and the big time. This CD has a feel of sleek city music that is bare and brilliant. Just Earle and his guitar and the drums.

There are 12 tunes, which tells the tale of the move from Nashville and Steve Earle's new life in NYC
.
'Tennessee Blues' Earle talks about leaving Guitar Town. Although we know when he sings 'Goodbye, Guitar Town' he is not going back.

'Down Here Below'- this is a great song, full of lyrical poetry

'Satellite Radio'- a wonderful take on the new gig Earle has - that's right on satellite radio- a tune full of staccato music.

'City of Immigrants' musical take on the social and cultural diversity of NYC-this could be a hit song for Earle.

'Sparkle and Shine' Earle has written about his wife, Allison Moorer and how she sparkles and shines.

'Come Home To Me' a plaintiff wail of a man for his woman- lovely tune.

'Jericho Road'-= Joshua fit the battle- still walk in down the Jericho Road, the tough road of life.

'Oxycontin Blues' a family tale of a father and loss of his job and turn to alcohol and the son's turn to pills to relieve stress- poignant tale of today.

'Red Is The Color' Red sky the color of night- hard workin song of life.

'Steve;'s Hammer for Pete'- song of protest for Pete Seeger- will there ever come a day when he can lay this hammer down?

'Days Aren;t Long Enough' sung with Allison Moorer, a lovely ballad that seems just right.,

'Way Down In the Hole' "Walk with Jesus he is gonna save your soul, gonna keep the Devil down in the Hole"- one of Tom Waits great tunes.

Let the tunes tell the tale of this great CD.

'in a city of immigrants
I don't need to go travelin'
Open my door and the world walks in
Livin' in a city of immigrants
Livin' in a city that never sleeps
My heart keepin' time to a thousand beats
Singin' in languages I don't speak
Livin' in a city of immigrants
City of black
City of white
City of light
City of innocents
City of sweat
City of tears
City of prayers
City of immigrants " Steve Earle

Highly Recommended. prisrob 09-29-07

Washington Square Serenade [Ltd Ed CD/DVD Combo featuring 35 minute documentary and 3 acoustic performances]

3 out of 5 stars

Grab your strong coffee, here is the half and half October 22, 2007
14 out of 24 found this review helpful

It's been three years since the last Steve Earle recording, and "Washington Square Serenade" shows that Mr. Earle has been doing much thinking, watching, and mulling his station in life and the world at large.

Alas, this largely lackluster collection of songs does not sparkle with the edge or energy he summoned for a string of stellar recordings. The production is smooth and offers a melding of Mr. Earle's twang with the latest trends in knob turning in the studio. The results are mixed but at least are not jarring.

Like many musicians, Mr. Earle has now decided he knows what is best for the rest of us, and he dispenses his views on the immigration debate in what ranks for me as the most irritating song he has recorded, City of Immigrants, a low point that calls up such dreck as "We Are the World" or worse.

Still, half of what's here is quite good--Oxycotin Blues, Tennessee Blues, and Red Is the Color for instance, and the other half--Steve's Hammer, Come Home to Me, and the aforementioned City of Immigrants--I hope, does not portend where Mr. Earle's musical odyssey is heading.

All in all, you will need some strong coffee to get through repeated listenings of this recording, and at least Mr. Earl has provided the half and half. Three stars is all I can muster as a long-time fan of Mr. Earle.

1 out of 5 stars

Someone already put their hammer down September 25, 2007
13 out of 56 found this review helpful

I'm sitting in Starbucks sipping a Frappuccino Blended Coffee listening to the new Steve Earle CD and it is perfect morning music! Nothing too loud, nothing too abrasive. Just a touch of rebellion and self-rightousness against a background of sparse guitars and drum loops. There is even a song about the new satellite radio I just bought for the Hummer! I do hope they put on some Sarah McLachlan on next.

3 out of 5 stars

A Mix of the Ordinary and Extraordinary October 10, 2007
9 out of 11 found this review helpful

It was with great anticipation that I looked forward to the release of Steve Earle's new album, Washington Square Serenade. After the first listen, I was initially disappointed, but subsequent listenings revealed more in the lyrics and music to make this project strike a resounding chord with me.

The album opens up with the track "Tennessee Blues", a sort of retrospective and look forward to the future at the same time. It's a solid opener. The CD quickly changes gears, moving on to "Down Here Below", a foot tapping tale of Steve's experiences and exploits in his new hometown. It's a masterful piece of songwriting from Earle, with excellent instrumentation and backing vocals from Alison Moorer.

The next track, "Satellite Radio", isn't as successful. It's got a driving beat, but the melody seems to drone on and on, never changing from the one or two notes that repeat throughout the song. Thankfully, the outstanding "City of Immigrants" appears next. This is the song Steve has been performing on various programs to promote Washington Square Serenade, and that was a good choice on his part, as it's one of the highlights of this album. Forro in the Dark provides excellent backing music.

Unfortunately, the next two tracks often sound boring and repetitive enough to lull you to sleep. But, no worries! "Jericho Road" is next, an outstanding track that sounds just like classic Earle. Well written, with a pounding beat and wailing harp.

But, following "Jericho Road" is, what I think, is the best track of the whole album. The "Oxycontin Blues". It opens up with clawhammer banjo, which continues throughout the song, with Earle lamenting about how "nothing grows on this mountain, and whats a poor boy to do", and how he's "headed nowhere but downhill with the oxycontin blues". Easily one of the best songs Steve Earle has ever written in my humble opinion.

This track is hard to follow, but "Red Is The Color" lives up to high standards. It's a rocker, with just a mandolin, harmonica, and a drum beat backing Steve's vocals. There's a lot of depth to the songs lyrics.

What follows is "Steve's Hammer", which ranks right next to "Oxycontin Blues" as far as lyrical and musical quality goes. Simply outstanding; Pete Seeger would be proud. Following is "Days Are Getting Longer", a duet with Alison Moorer, that, unfortunately, comes across nearly as boring as tracks 5 and 6. Well, at least we know Mr. Earle is deeply in love with his wife.

The closing track is a cover of Tom Waits "Way Down In The Hole". Steve sings it with emotion, and the at times bizarre backing music contributes much to the songs feeling. Perhaps it ties with "Oxycontin Blues" for the honor of best song. Perhaps it's too hard to decide what the best song is, but bottom line, in my opinion only, of course; 8 out of 12 songs are outstanding material, and that earns this project a three star rating from me.

Buy it; I think you'll like it. :)

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