Album: Justin Townes Earle, Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now (Bloodshot)

You have to applaud the restlessness and drive of a talent such as JTE's. At its best (see Harlem River Blues), the results are a beguiling blend of demon-driven countryfied rock-gospel and Earle could easily have stuck in that groove/rut.

Instead, he decides here (and it does feel like a decision) to reach for a horn-laden Memphis-soul sound that ends up calling to mind Van Morrison's 1980s lull. Restlessness and drive applauded, but oh for the sound of those demons.