Ghosts of West Virginia

Description

Ghosts of West Virginia centers on the Upper Big Branch coal mine explosion that killed twenty-nine men in that state in 2010, making it one of the worst mining disasters in American history. When asked about what drove him to craft this deeply evocative 2020 album, Steve Earle said, I thought that, given the way things are now, it was maybe my responsibility to make a record that spoke to and for people who didnt vote the way that I did, he says. One of the dangers that were in is if people like me keep thinking that everybody who voted for Trump is a racist or an asshole, then were fucked, because its simply not true. So this is one move toward something that might take a generation to change. I wanted to do something where that dialogue could begin.

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.