IN purely commercial terms, everyone loves a victim who turns victor, someone who soberly returns from the depths of private ignominy and dwindling record sales. Enter Outlaw country singer/songwriter Steve Earle, who in the past 18 months has done just that. So what happened prior to his personal and career rehabilitation? Six weddings, assault, time in prison and 27 years of drug addiction, that's what.
If Hank Williams was the prototype C&W star, then Steve Earle is the 1990s custom made model, his poetic songs a colourful combination of redneck anthem and blue collar aesthetic. His answering machine once held the following message: "This is Steve. I'm out shooting heroin, chasing 13 year old girls and beating up cops. But I'm old and I tire easily, so leave a message and I'll get back to you."
His acclaimed new album, I Feel Alright (Transatlantic), is proof positive that 41 year old Earle has finally picked up the phone and told his demons to get off the line.