Many people know of Steve Earle. “Copperhead Road” is practically a classic. What fewer people know is that the elder Earle had a son named Justin Townes Earle and had an accidental overdose not taken him at just 388 years old, he might’ve become as popular as his father. Maybe even more popular. “Lone Pine Hill” has the hallmarks of a song that an artist carries from show to show throughout his or her career. I love songs with that kind of staying power!
I swear I see her in my dreams sometimes
—Justin Townes Earle
Held up in the middle of the night
Shakin like a pistol in a young mans hand
There in the pale moonlight
This is a rare occasion wherein I share a live version of a song that I don’t like more than the studio cut. But I appreciate that Earle is slightly awkward on stage. I feel like it humanizes him. It’s not a polished performance. He’s just up there playing his guitar and his microphone looks like it’s set six inches below where he needs it. Of course, he might’ve just been drunk. Fitting for a Hangover Cafe session, no? Nevertheless, this might be the type of performance that a more vain musician would want to bury. Or to try to outperform at subsequent shows and then come up with excuses about the first one. “Lone Pine Hill” is a great song and I regret that I’ll never get to see Earle play it live.
A note on substance abuse: I know I have been jocular about this column being called the Hangover Cafe. The fact is I’m rarely hungover. I think we each have a responsibility to take care of ourselves. What we choose to put into our bodies for nourishment and fun is our choice and I judge no one’s choice. I just really hope you’re smart about your decisions. Earle died of fentanyl-laced cocaine and it’s a shame.
 I believed the myth for a long time, and I believed I had to destroy myself to make great art.
—Justin Townes Earle [source]
