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Midnight at the Movies plays more like a subtle step forward for Justin Townes Earle than a quantum leap, but if the "The Good Life" suggested he was a talent to watch, this record confirms that he's a new writer to be reckoned with who doesn't need to trade on his family name.
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Earle’s first album, "The Good Life," may have been a better album judged on a track-by-track basis, but Midnight at the Movies is more cohesive.
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UncutIt's the range of styles that impress most, from slow cowboy ballads and Western swing to full-throated honky-tonk, Tin Pan Alley and exquisite break-up songs. [May 2009, p.90]
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MojoThis follow-up is stronger [than his debut]. [Apr 2009, p.109]
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Q MagazineClassic lived-in country. [Apr 2009, p.107]
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On his 2008 debut, Justin Townes Earle, son of rebel troubadour Steve Earle, seemed like he was getting up to speed with classic country and folk forms. But he sounds like a natural–born honky–tonker on his new album.
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Under The RadarMidnight At The Movies is already a strong contender for Americana album of the year. [Spring 2009, p.78]
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The result is a nearly flawless, organic LP.
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Midnight teems with a genuine disaffect and melancholy. A few more hooks might serve him well down the road, but Midnight confirms that Earle has far more going for him than just his lineage.
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The striking thing about Justin Townes Earle's new record is the variety of styles it visits in just over 30 minutes. Just as striking, this variety doesn't come across as dabbling or disparity.
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Earle cleverly uses the almost-hokey comfort of his music to couch lyrics with deep sadness, rescued from desperation only by the resulting irony.
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He organically forges those into an utterly distinctive voice that takes what's come before and artfully moves it forward with the power of a certain steel-driving man.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 8 out of 8
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Mixed: 0 out of 8
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Negative: 0 out of 8
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DougPJun 1, 2009Great feeling album, great songwriting and even better delivery. Definite thumbs up.