Ghosts of West Virginia centres on the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion that killed twenty-nine men in that state in 2010, making it one of the worst mining disasters in American history.
When asked about what drove him to craft his deeply evocative new album, Steve Earle says, “I thought that, given the way things are now, it was maybe my responsibility to make a record that spoke to and for people who didn’t vote the way that I did,” he says. “One of the dangers that we’re in is if people like me keep thinking that everybody who voted for Trump is a racist or an asshole, then we’re fucked, because it’s simply not true. So, this is one move toward something that might take a generation to change. I wanted to do something where that dialogue could begin”.
In ten deftly drawn, roughly eloquent, powerfully conveyed sonic portraits, Earle and his long-time band the Dukes explore the historical role of coal in rural communities. More than merely a question of jobs and income, mining has provided a sense of unity and meaning, patriotic pride and purpose.
When asked about what drove him to craft his deeply evocative new album, Steve Earle says, “I thought that, given the way things are now, it was maybe my responsibility to make a record that spoke to and for people who didn’t vote the way that I did,” he says. “One of the dangers that we’re in is if people like me keep thinking that everybody who voted for Trump is a racist or an asshole, then we’re fucked, because it’s simply not true. So, this is one move toward something that might take a generation to change. I wanted to do something where that dialogue could begin”.
In ten deftly drawn, roughly eloquent, powerfully conveyed sonic portraits, Earle and his long-time band the Dukes explore the historical role of coal in rural communities. More than merely a question of jobs and income, mining has provided a sense of unity and meaning, patriotic pride and purpose.
Track List:
01. Heaven Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere
02. Union, God and Country
03. Devil Put the Coal in the Ground
04. John Henry was a Steel Drivin’ Man
05. Time is Never on Our Side
06. It’s About Blood
07. If I Could See Your Face Again
08. Black Lung
09. Fastest Man Alive
10. The Mine
02. Union, God and Country
03. Devil Put the Coal in the Ground
04. John Henry was a Steel Drivin’ Man
05. Time is Never on Our Side
06. It’s About Blood
07. If I Could See Your Face Again
08. Black Lung
09. Fastest Man Alive
10. The Mine
Please note that Ghosts of West Virginia is currently not in store but is an imported title from an overseas supplier.
Most of the time it takes around 2-3 weeks for the item to arrive here and be sent out but it can take longer if there are any delays.