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The premier guide for new and significant artists in rock, blues, and folk - including NPR-syndicated World Cafe

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24/7 Musical discovery. A unique mix of emerging and heritage blues, rock, world, folk, and alt-country artists.

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Steve Earle - Washington Square Serenade - New West

The brand new Steve Earle album - Washington Square Serenade - is all about New York City. It's also about an established artist combining all of his considerable attributes to create a very un-ironic and enjoyable disc. It's the best thing Earle's done since - oh - I'd say I'm Alright over 10 years ago.

With a little help from his wife Allison Moorer and the interesting Brooklyn-based group Forro In The Dark (on the wonderful first single "City Of Immigrants"), Earle has forged an album that looks forward, but still retains his roots nicely. Produced by Dust Brother John King, Washington Square Serenade does indeed feature some tasty beats, but there's still plenty of balladry (no less that three love songs to Moorer), and political content - just what we expect from Steve.

Steve Earle plays XPN's Free At Noon concert this Friday October 12th... more information at xpn.org.

Written by Dan Reed