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Steve Earle — Transcendental Blues
Album: Transcendental Blues
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2427









Released: 2000
Length: 4:02
Plays (last 30 days): 5
In the darkest hour of the longest night
If it was in my power I'd step into the light
Candles on the altar, penny in your shoe
Walk upon the water - transcendental blues.

Happy ever after 'til the day you die
Careful what you ask for, you don't know 'til you try
Hands are in your pockets, starin' at your shoes
Wishin' you could stop it - transcendental blues.

If I had it my way, everything would change
Out here on this highway the rules are still the same
Back roads never carry you where you want 'em to
They leave you standin' there with them ol'
Transcendental Blues.
Comments (213)add comment
A great man who has struggled with his demons.
 itsme_bygolly wrote:
You sure? I think his greatest accomplishment was siring Justin Townes Earl - a musician who makes his father look like like he's trying too hard.
True enough. Sadly we will never know the full extent of his talent.
c.

 easmann wrote:

It may seem counterintuitive on a song like this but it really benefits from good quality playback gear which, critically, includes solid bass (or a musical subwoofer).

I don't usually get to listen using my best gear and I had this rated kind of "meh", but with good gear I realize I was missing depth and layers that I really enjoy.
I've experienced that same effect on a number of songs but this one surprised me.



And yet another reason to subscribe to RP! 
Great song off a great album!
Could be one of an undiscovered Nirvana song!

Solid 8 !
 ExpatLarry wrote:

Oh please, you're trying too hard. Are you one of his ex-wives?


7 for me. One for each of his wives. 
Impossible not to love this tune.  Go Steve, Go John Henry!
 bufallo wrote:

I would hate to meet anyone who didn't like Steve Earle.




I never thought I was a Steve Earle kinda gal but this is really really  good.
I would hate to meet anyone who didn't like Steve Earle.
Mama  said a pistol is the devils' right hand. Fit's today's America like a glove, the man is genius!
 Cynaera wrote:

I live in a place where music is pretty cut and dried - we get the top forty. There was once a wonderful station, pioneered by Ken Sutherland and Rich Bryan, and it was called Coyote FM. I had my first taste of Steve Earle's "Transcendental Blues" and "The Revolution Starts Now." Lots of other stuff, too. It was a little piece of paradise, in its day. Coyote bites the dust August 1, after having changed formats several times in an effort to survive.

Salutations to the soon-to-be defunct Coyote FM. When you were good, you gave me Charlie Sexton, Arc Angels, "Bridge of Sighs," and Jessie Colin-Young. When you were bad, you still gave me "Seagull" by Bad Company and "Conquistador" by Procol Harum.

I'll miss you. Dammit.



We miss you too, Cynaera!  
I've listened to this from my own library many times but hadn't heard the washboard/cicada until just now. I guess there's something to this FLAC thing.
Love this, and love Steve Earle. Can’t get enough!
If the vibe don't transcend from previous good moments of time to right now,  then yes... Transcendental Blues

 
I don't believe Kant could have had this in mind.
8-9. I was lucky enough to see him right before the pandemic shut everything down, he and his band put on a great show. Such a talent...
one of our greatest singer songwriters. a great storyteller.
It may seem counterintuitive on a song like this but it really benefits from good quality playback gear which, critically, includes solid bass (or a musical subwoofer).

I don't usually get to listen using my best gear and I had this rated kind of "meh", but with good gear I realize I was missing depth and layers that I really enjoy.
I've experienced that same effect on a number of songs but this one surprised me.
"Mumble, bargle, some-thing, fuzzy, mleeeh, shoes..."
 ExpatLarry wrote:

Oh please, you're trying too hard. Are you one of his ex-wives?


hahahaha....thanks for the comic relief not to mention his three Grammys and song that have been recorded by an all star cast of artists
 k_trout wrote:

I dig it mucho.




Agreed! 
That's a cookin' band he has with him.
 fatport wrote:
A great song and a great album by one of the most dynamic artists playing today. Check out "Jerusulem." It's nice to see there are still people working on the edge.
 

You sure? I think his greatest accomplishment was siring Justin Townes Earl - a musician who makes his father look like like he's trying too hard.
I dig it mucho.
The Great SE!! My condolences
 grhorn wrote:
RIP Justin Townes Earle 1982-2020
 
A sad day for everyone, but especially for Steve and family. 
RIP Justin Townes Earle 1982-2020
I definitely didn't experience transcendence with this song...
 bam23 wrote:
I was looking forward to Steve Earle's performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass last year. No more. The band was loud and not surely made a lot of noise. But not very interesting. I couldn't convince my wife that they were worth staying for. Nor myself. As a bonus, as we left we encountered Gillan Welch and Dave Rawlings playing with Robin Hitchcock. It completely made up for my disappointment.
 
Okay, Not Sure.  Whatever you say.


 SmackDaddy wrote:
This made realize we never hear the Supersuckers on here. That sucks.
 

And that's a shame.
Just so good...saw his play in St. John's, Canada in 2018.  Fantastic show.
This electric guitar distorted sound gets me far inside !
Transcendental is the right way to name it.
It just one of those "Something about it" type songs!
Quadruple Plus Good ++++
This made realize we never hear the Supersuckers on here. That sucks.
 idiot_wind wrote:
This is a very goo album. He sounds just a little like Uncle Tupelo bands. Could have cross pollinations.  

 
I actually saw Son Volt open for Steve Earle in Asheville back around 2000, so you're probably onto something.
Time to play Rose coloured glasses by Blue Rodeo
This is a very goo album. He sounds just a little like Uncle Tupelo bands. Could have cross pollinations.  
 crogers wrote:
Plodding beat, repetitive chord progression, unimaginative arrangement, annoying vocalization, uninspired lyrics.  What's not to like?  Solid 3.

 
I just disagree with every point made, as is my right.

8 from me
I was looking forward to Steve Earle's performance at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass last year. No more. The band was loud and not surely made a lot of noise. But not very interesting. I couldn't convince my wife that they were worth staying for. Nor myself. As a bonus, as we left we encountered Gillan Welch and Dave Rawlings playing with Robin Hitchcock. It completely made up for my disappointment.
This song always reminds me of that realization that sometimes comes upon you at 3 a.m. after a very long evening.
 oldfart48 wrote:

STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....

 
Screaming Junky? Like Jimi, Janis, Byrd, Stan Getz, Lady Day, Johnny, Belushi, PSH and yes Kurt? Seems like good company to me.
Kinda Byrd-like, maybe ?
 
 crogers wrote:
Plodding beat, repetitive chord progression, unimaginative arrangement, annoying vocalization, uninspired lyrics.  What's not to like?  Solid 3.

 
Oh please, you're trying too hard. Are you one of his ex-wives?
Awesome Billy Boy Happy New Year to you too, I knew this was coming at some point today. Nothing changes on New Year's Day!
Plodding beat, repetitive chord progression, unimaginative arrangement, annoying vocalization, uninspired lyrics.  What's not to like?  Solid 3.
You could still snap back.
 Peter_Bradshaw wrote:

.... yes why all the hate!!?
 
Advanced age; eye sight poor; mental elasticity almost all gone.

How am I doing? 
Any opinions on his oxycontin blues? I thought it was kind of a (rare) letdown... but wouldn't mind hearing it anyway
 oldfart48 wrote:

STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....

 
.... yes why all the hate!!?
 oldfart48 wrote:

STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....

 
Why all the hate? 
This song is beautifully trippy.
 (former member) wrote:
I always think this is Nirvana. And that's not a bad thing.

 
STEVE HAD HIS PROBLEMS , HOWEVER HIS WORST NEVER CAME CLOSE TO THE TRASH THAT SCREAMING JUNKY SHAT AT US....
 tulfan wrote:
...he sounds like a grad of the Bob Dylan School of Vocal Expression...
 
THAT WOULD BE A GOOD THING...{#Dance}
 hiromike wrote:

you might hear similar content on KGSR in Austin TX,  but it is hardly a regular radio station.  
KPIG
 Freedom California

BillG's almamater, not a " regular " station, just the only comerical station left that plays real music. in Cal.{#Dance} altho they have been guted by corporate idiots....{#Evil}
 hiromike wrote:

you might hear similar content on KGSR in Austin TX,  but it is hardly a regular radio station.  

 
 
kpig freedom california
The music has been good for me this arvo but I only heard Passenger for the first time last Thursday and I am hooked especially on the album All the little lights which I absolutely must listen to now.  Sorry for the out of context intrusion Earle fans - pretty cool song by the way.
 Poacher wrote:
So glad this is back on the playlist again. It was playing here when I first joined back in errrr. . . whenever. . . and mede a real impression on my young mind at the time :)

Where else would you hear this kind of stuff on a radio station eh?

Lovely stuff.

 

 
you might hear similar content on KGSR in Austin TX,  but it is hardly a regular radio station.  

 
Does no one notice this song is skipping and playing the same portion over and over?
 Misterfixit wrote:


Don't think so.  I heard he turned up on the wrong end of a cleverly concealed 20mm chain gun while he was driving up the San Diego Freeway in one of those electric ecofreek cars road hogging in front of some maniac's original Diesel Hummer with the special hood mounted Road-Rage Target Defenestration Unit.

 
Fantasy, Rumor or Confession, Misterfixit? Perhaps all three if you've been particularly enterprising. 
{#Meditate}
 meinthecorner wrote:
Steve's one artist I choose to follow because he is remarkable. Not only did he basically pick himself up out of his own grave early on, but, he manages to make me laugh, cry and dance with every album of his that I own. That, to me, is some special talent!!
 
Yes! Thank you kindred spirit!
{#Dance}
  
 sronis wrote:
He sings like he's constipated.
 
I believe that's the origin of the song title.
...he sounds like a grad of the Bob Dylan School of Vocal Expression...
So glad this is back on the playlist again. It was playing here when I first joined back in errrr. . . whenever. . . and mede a real impression on my young mind at the time :)

Where else would you hear this kind of stuff on a radio station eh?

Lovely stuff.

 
Bad vocals doesn't normally bother me.  I like Jerry Garcia, Leonard Cohen, Dylan, etc... But the vocals on this are like fingers on a chalkboard.
 Cynaera wrote:

The man went through a lot, but he kept his soul. I love "Transcendental Blues," and also "The Revolution Starts Now."  I'll join your committee - um, what's our prime directive?{#Mrgreen}
 
Um, to get this song a higher rating? And, I'm joining too!
Steve's one artist I choose to follow because he is remarkable. Not only did he basically pick himself up out of his own grave early on, but, he manages to make me laugh, cry and dance with every album of his that I own. That, to me, is some special talent!!
He sings like he's constipated.
Nice sound!
 dmax wrote:
I always think this is Nirvana. And that's not a bad thing.
 
Yes it is.
Now how about something from Jim White's Transnormal Skiperoo !?
 On_The_Beach wrote:
Nice raw guitar sound.
 

and percussion

 rdo wrote:

This song should have a higher rating.  I am thinking about forming a committee.


 
The man went through a lot, but he kept his soul. I love "Transcendental Blues," and also "The Revolution Starts Now."  I'll join your committee - um, what's our prime directive?{#Mrgreen}
I live in a place where music is pretty cut and dried - we get the top forty. There was once a wonderful station, pioneered by Ken Sutherland and Rich Bryan, and it was called Coyote FM. I had my first taste of Steve Earle's "Transcendental Blues" and "The Revolution Starts Now." Lots of other stuff, too. It was a little piece of paradise, in its day. Coyote bites the dust August 1, after having changed formats several times in an effort to survive.

Salutations to the soon-to-be defunct Coyote FM. When you were good, you gave me Charlie Sexton, Arc Angels, "Bridge of Sighs," and Jessie Colin-Young. When you were bad, you still gave me "Seagull" by Bad Company and "Conquistador" by Procol Harum.

I'll miss you. Dammit.

Three in a row for the left of center.  Yeah!!!!!
Steve Earle and the Heartbreakers :)


There is so much going on sonically in this song. It's like an auditory massage.
Nice raw guitar sound.
 rdo wrote:

This song should have a higher rating.  I am thinking about forming a committee.

 
Yeah, committees have done a lot of good in the world. {#Rolleyes}
I think Steve's voice on this is horrifying. I'm thinking about seeing a therapist...it seems like PTSD. {#Stop}
Ah, thanks! I like Steve Earle's music. ^..^~
Yes, this is one of Steve Earles better efforts!{#Clap}
Good stuff!

This song should have a higher rating.  I am thinking about forming a committee.


 philbertr wrote:
Waiting for another negative comment from Excelsior.  Should be coming up any minute now.....
 

Don't think so.  I heard he turned up on the wrong end of a cleverly concealed 20mm chain gun while he was driving up the San Diego Freeway in one of those electric ecofreek cars road hogging in front of some maniac's original Diesel Hummer with the special hood mounted Road-Rage Target Defenestration Unit.

megisi wrote:
This album is incandescent, brilliantly conceived and executed, thoroughly engaging, allathat ... I was a Steve Earle fan before it, but my respect for his artistry went to a new height when I heard Transcendental Blues.

10


I was trying to articulate how I felt about this song ... thanks!


 MortimerS wrote:
Vocals: bad parody of Bob.
Lyrics: Banal
Melody: Nonexistent.
2
And not excelsior, I am more average than that.
 
I guess that just proves that good music is synergistic!

 megisi wrote:
This album is incandescent, brilliantly conceived and executed, thoroughly engaging, allathat ... I was a Steve Earle fan before it, but my respect for his artistry went to a new height when I heard Transcendental Blues.

10

 

Excellent comment.

I saw Steve's son, Justin Townes Earle, in S.F. the other night. It looks like the Earle's are gonna be around for a while. {#Clap}
This album is incandescent, brilliantly conceived and executed, thoroughly engaging, allathat ... I was a Steve Earle fan before it, but my respect for his artistry went to a new height when I heard Transcendental Blues.

10

 ppak wrote:
Steve plays "Walon", a recovering addict on "The Wire", his words of wisdom on this show are stunning, thanks David Simon, thanks Steve!
 

I am still going through withdrawal over the discontinuation of The Wire and The Sopranos.  The Golden Age of TV is over for the moment.
There is a musical connection here, with Steve Van Zandt starring in the Sopranos.
Vocals: bad parody of Bob.
Lyrics: Banal
Melody: Nonexistent.
2
And not excelsior, I am more average than that.
Waiting for another negative comment from Excelsior.  Should be coming up any minute now.....
Steve Earle's still rockin', thank you RP!

 Excelsior wrote:
Ugh. Can this guy hit even ONE note?
 
I'll bet you he's made more money singing than you have. {#Wink}
My favorite Steve Earle tune, right here on RP. Thanks Bill.
Really, really like Steve Earle. Love this one particularly.
As a follow-up I would like to hear Transcendental Express from Can (from their Unlimited Edition album), the only totally underrated group on this channel - for i NEVER hear them on RP.

So why not kick out 2raumwohnung and Nena, and put on some Can instead?

sounds like when you play a record backwards to hear a hidden message.
I'd have the blues too, if my singing was this horrid.
Unintelligible and off pitch.  A waste of several minutes.
You hear about those folks who chew tobacco all their lives, how their lips rot out? Sounds like that happened to this guy.
Ugh. Can this guy hit even ONE note?
Oh hell no. Channel is getting changed RIGHT NOW.
I know this song, but not this version (even though it appears to be the original). AllMusic is not being helpful...anyone know who's covered it?
Saw him in Austin the other night, with his latest wife. Good show.
Just thought y'all might like to know--this ENTIRE album is awesome!
Great song; Great Album: Great guy
What's transcendent is this song.
Go Steve
ppak wrote:
Steve plays "Walon", a recovering addict on "The Wire", his words of wisdom on this show are stunning, thanks David Simon, thanks Steve!
I wondered if anyone, else noticed that! Great show, great artist! Great album this, too! And a great patriot, Steve Earle, in the true sense of the word, not a flag waver, but one who examines the state of the country he loves, and is unafraid to question or criticize it, or even disagree vehemently. As was Martin Luther King, among others, for instance. Merely supporting it through bad periods is not enough, your country needs you to be vigilant when it comes to true government and democracy. Or else it'll just keep making bad decisions.
Just saw him in Winnipeg. Great show!!
Steve plays "Walon", a recovering addict on "The Wire", his words of wisdom on this show are stunning, thanks David Simon, thanks Steve!
Wow. Where else are you gonna hear a set like Gillian Welch>Yann Tiersen>Moby>Steve Earle ? That is just too damn good for the hit parade to handle.
go_ski_mully wrote:
That woman is the folk singing legend / icon Emmylou Harris!
Actually it's not. It's his sister Stacey. Emmylou doesn't appear on Transcendental Blues (although she may on another of his records)
LOVE Steve Earle....other songs more than this one perhaps, but certainly one of the finest songwriters of our generation.
Crank It X's 2 Now if I could hear some Pb Dirigible w/ a marching warsaw oh
upgraded from 6 to 7 to 8 over the course of the song. Nice.