Steve Earle's came while he was serving time. Though he had been responsible for a string of acclaimed albums before his incarceration, his stint in prison on drug charges seems to have inspired him to do even better, renewing a sense of urgency and craft in his music. Transcendental Blues title track is a monolithic statement of purpose, a harmonium-soaked melodic drone that sets up the eclecticism to come. Yet are heartfelt ballads steeped in sensitivity. When I Fall , her nasal twang a nice contrast to her brother's rough voice.
Transcendental Blues stands as another fine achievement from a man some wrote off years ago.
With another epic tour raring to go, his continued political activism on the plate, and a book of short stories in the works, Earle is a busy man, but this material should more than suffice until he next finds himself in the studio.