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.
I said I wanted to speak to people that didnt necessarily vote the way that I did, he says, but that doesnt mean we dont have anything in common. We need to learn how to communicate with each other. My involvement in this project is my little contribution to that effort. And the way to do that and to do it impeccably is simply to honor those guys who died at Upper Big Branch.
Side A
1 Heaven Ain't Goin' Nowhere
2 Union, God And Country
3 Devil Put The Coal In The Ground
4 John Henry Was A Steel Drivin' Man
5 Time Is Never On Our Side
Side B
1 It's About Blood
2 If I Could See Your Face Again
3 Black Lung
4 Fastest Man Alive
5 The Mine