Some careers are fascinating to watch. Steve Earle has had this unerring ability to follow his better angels, even with his bouts in the darkness of addiction, and even prison. There are people who continually can cut through the BS and ring true with their art. There are songs that simply nail the human condition, too, like Hank Williams’ “I'll Never Get Out Of This World Alive.” It was the last single Hank released during his lifetime, coming out in December of 1952. Hank passed on January 1, 1953.

I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive is the title of Steve Earle's new studio album, produced by T Bone Burnett, which just came out yesterday. And it is the name of his debut novel, forthcoming on May 12th. The novel chronicles a troubled character, Doc Ebersole, who is haunted by the ghost of his former patient and friend, Hank Williams. And if that isn’t enough in terms of keeping the creative juices flowing, Steve Earle continues on in the role of Harley on the second season of HBO's series Treme, which premiered this past Sunday.

The hot news is Steve will be touring in support of his 14th studio album with his electric band, The Dukes (and Duchesses) featuring his wife Allison Moorer. They became parents a year ago as they welcomed John Henry Earle. There will be in-store dates starting next week, and then band dates starting on June 9th in Seattle, Washington. We found a video on the making of this new project, and we can’t wait for the tour to start!

- Jessie Scott