Dancin With Them That Brung Me
Yes, she'sSteve Earle's sister, but no, Stacey Earle is not riding her brother's coattails. Her second release on her own Gearle Records (despite offers from the majors) is richer and fuller than her debut,Simple Gearle, and the Nashville musician's cunningly honest approach to songwriting covers friendship, family, and the abundance of influences that have rubbed off on her along the way. Combining the vocal sweetness ofEmmylou Harriswith the gritty twang ofIris DeMent, Earle remembers childhood through an old dress ("No New Shoes"), lives every day like it's her last ("Wonderful Life"), picks up songwriting mojo fromGuy Clark("Must Be Love"), and studiesLoretta Lynn's book of cheating songs ("Why"). Other standout cuts include "Kiss Her Goodnight," with background vocals bySheryl Crow, and a cover of brother Steve's "Promise You Anything."--Scott Holter