I have waited so long for this day. Now that it is here, I am overcome with emotion. I worry that my expectations are too high. I try to remind myself that no single man can change everything. We all must be the solution. We all must do our part. I will try to do mine. For I am proud to be an American.
Despite the fact that he did not release an album in 2008, Steve Earle was probably the artist to whom I listened to most over the year. I have been a fan for several years, but it was this past year that I reallydove in to his entire catalog.
I'm sure that the political fever of the summer (and the content of Earle's recent work) and my addiction to The Wire were gateways, but it was the greatness of the music and the songs that kept him on my stereo so frequently.
"Hard-Core Troubadour" is from Steve's 1996 album I Feel Alright, his second album following his prison release and newfound sobriety. The title of the song has become a moniker of sorts for Earle. And, damn... the song just rocks.
I have waited so long for this day. Now that it is here, I am overcome with emotion. I worry that my expectations are too high. I try to remind myself that no single man can change everything. We all must be the solution. We all must do our part. I will try to do mine. For I am proud to be an American.
