Hear a Demo Version of “Appalachian Nightmare” from the Forthcoming Collection of Rare and Unreleased Justin Townes Earle Songs

Next month, New West Records will release a collection of never-before-heard material from the late singer/songwriter Justin Townes Earle. All In Unreleased and Rarities (The New West Years) 19 unreleased and rare songs from Earle. The tracklist includes live recordings, songs from a John Prine tribute album, and demo recordings from The Saint of Lost Causes. Today, fans can hear the demo recording of the album highlight “Appalachian Nightmare.” Check it out below.

The Saint of Lost Causes was Earle’s eighth studio album and the last one he released before his death in 2020. The album saw the singer/songwriter sharing the most vulnerable lyrics of his career, telling deeply personal stories. Additionally, it saw Earle delving into sociopolitical commentary. More importantly, The Saint of Lost Causes became one of his most popular releases. “Appalachian Nightmare” is among the many highlights in the collection.

[RELATED: A New Collection of Rare and Unreleased Songs by Justin Townes Earle Is Coming in August]

The song showcases Earle’s ability to spin a captivating yarn. The lyrics tell the story of a young man who drops out of school at the age of fifteen only to be pulled into a life of addiction and crime. He starts by living with a meth cook out of necessity and ends with him in a hotel room surrounded by police after he killed an officer while robbing a pharmacy for opiates.

The original album version of the song is timeless. However, the demo version strips away the production elements and most of the instruments leaving only Earle’s voice accompanied by his Travis-picked guitar. The sparse arrangement and rough quality of the recording somehow make the story that much more cinematic.

More Information on the Forthcoming Justin Townes Earle Album

All In: Unreleased & Rarities (The New West Years) will drop on August 9. It will be available across digital platforms, on CD, and a 2xLP vinyl edition. Pre-orders are available now via New West Records.

Tracklist:

1. Cold Comfort (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
2. Already Gone (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
3. I Know You (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
4. Troubled Eyes (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
5. Lonely Mornings (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
6. All or Nothing (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
7. If I Was The Devil (Unreleased Demo for Kids in the Street)
8. Champagne Corolla (Live on Steve Earle’s Hardcore Troubadour Radio Show on SiriusXM)
9. So Different Blues (Live on Steve Earle’s Hardcore Troubadour Radio Show on SiriusXM)
10. Dreams (Fleetwood Mac cover/Unreleased bonus track from The Saint of Lost Causes)
11. Rocket 88 (Jackie Brenston & Ike Turner cover/Unreleased bonus track from The Saint of Lost Causes)
12. The Saint Of Lost Causes (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes – a work in progress)
13. Appalachian Nightmare (Unreleased demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
14. Appalachian Nightmare (Album version from The Saint of Lost Causes)
15. Over Alameda (Unreleased Demo for The Saint of Lost Causes)
16. Over Alameda (Album version from The Saint of Lost Causes)
17. Glory Days (From Dead Man’s Town: A Tribute to Born in the U.S.A.)
18. Far From Me (From Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine)
19. Graceland (Bonus track from Kids in the Street, limited 7-inch release)

Featured Image by Joshua Black Wilkins