The Definitive Collection 1983-1997

Performer: Steve Earle
Producer: Emory Gordy, Jr.; Roy Dea; Pat Carter; Tony Brown; Joe Hardy; Richard Bennett; Twangtrust; Ray Kennedy
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: Liner Note Author: Rich Kienzle. Even before he became a controversial, polarizing figure in the early 2000s with such stark and politically-charged songs as the terrorism-themed "John Walker's Blues," Steve Earle was too rough-edged and too ornery to fit neatly into any Nashville box. The outstanding 18-track anthology THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION gathers the highlights of Earle's early career, from 1986's country-rock stomper "Guitar Town" to 1997's sardonic "Christmas In Washington." Though Earle's lyrical themes and melodic style are as country as Hank Williams (clearly his biggest influence), he's also a disciple of the Rolling Stones ("Dead Flowers" gets a respectfully raucous cover) and Gram Parsons-era Flying Burrito Brothers. With the Dukes, Earle offered a gritty update on Parsons's "cosmic American music," which gave the staid Nashville scene of the '80s a shot in the arm and helped pave the way for the punkier alt-country movement of the '90s. Earle's personal demons prevented him from becoming a country superstar in his early days, but THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION features some of the most powerful country music of its time.

Steve Earle did for country in the 1980s what Waylon Jennings did for it in the '70s--released it from the shackles of commerciality and overproduction by introducing a bad-ass, rock-friendly outlaw aesthetic. Besides his talents as a singer/songwriter, Earle is a producer/entrepreneur who's worked with many other artists (some on his own label) and helped foster a new wave of progressive country. He's also a dedicated political activist who's done much for a variety of progressive causes.

Click Here for Shipping Options and Policies

Shipping or Dimension weight in pounds: 0.25