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