Understand Steve Earle has just released his tribute to Townes Van Zandt simply called "Townes". Haven't had a chance to get this recording, but if anybody should do a tribute to Townes it's Steve Earle as Steve was most certainly a protégé of Townes Van Zant.
Btw here's a short review from the Dallas - Fort Worth Times.
"Steve Earle dedicating an entire album to the late Townes Van Zandt should elicit the same response as when Dwight Yoakam finally cranked out a full CD of the late Buck Owens' tunes. It's about time!
Earle could be called the Townes Van Zandt of his generation, a self-destructive singer-songwriter who lived every word he wrote. The difference is Earle saved himself just in time while Van Zandt succumbed to his excesses.
Comprising hand-picked covers, Townes certainly will resonate with Earle devotees. Tracks such as "To Live Is to Fly," "Lungs," "Where I Lead Me" and the classic "Pancho and Lefty" are honored in stripped-down form, just as Van Zandt did them. After a while, however, the weight of such sobering material can seem too much to bear.
Still, as tributes go, "Townes" is sincere and compelling. It befits both men."