I think that's key. The relative simplicity of Earle's music really underscores that idea of The Songwriter. It's his lyrics and melodies that sell the songs, save the occasional iconic lick like the one in "Guitar Town."
I've told it before, probably, but I once sat in on a series of classes he taught at the Old Town School of Folk Music. The first was on Woody Guthrie. The second was on Dylan, including what he took from Woody. The third was on Springsteen and what he took from Dylan. The last was on Earle and what he took from all of them.
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 10 January 2019 17:38 (five years ago) link
Hey, check it out!
http://insurgentcountry.net/steve_earle_at_the_old_town_school.htm
― Josh in Chicago, Thursday, 10 January 2019 17:39 (five years ago) link
Just now getting around to his Guy Clark homage album. Man, his voice is shit now. :(
― Johnny Fever, Saturday, 7 December 2019 04:56 (four years ago) link
Yeah I did not care for this album at all
― sctttnnnt (pgwp), Sunday, 8 December 2019 00:25 (four years ago) link