Justin Townes Earle – Nothing’s Going To Change The Way You Feel About Me Now       9/10

Most post-rehab albums are better therapy for the singer-songwriter than the listener. The catharsis may be healing, but it’s like trying not to sneak peeks at a car wreck.

Justin Townes Earle is not most singer-songwriters. By a long shot.

For one, his singing has the same easy, natural flow as his lyrics. No lines forced; words played with. For another, the music is beautiful. Earle and co-producer Skylar Wilson deftly use an umbrella of Memphis soul to give each song an identity within the set. Recording in live takes adds an ‘of the moment’ vibrancy that underscores what he is saying, and the mix is Grammy worthy.

Most importantly, we only know Justin Towne’s story from googling. This album stands on its own merits, a fully realized idea down to every detail (including the impish humour of Jerry Lee Meanwhile winks and Roger Daltrey stutters). One point deducted for the album title though; we love you JTE, stop ¬£$& fretting

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