March 24, 1996
Chemical-free rocker still got the goods

 "It's a good thing Kim Campbell's not justice minister anymore or I'd never have gotten across the border."

 So joked country-rocker Steve Earle early in last night's show before a sold out Danforth Music Hall.

 Suffice it to say, frankness about the heroin and cocaine busts that derailed Earle's career two years ago was a big part of last night's performance -- his first headlining show in these parts in six years.

 The two-hour set was an inspiring return to form for a chemical-free but no less haggard-looking Earle.

 "I been doing pretty good -- lately," mugged the plump, 40-year-old Texan.

 Earle and his quartet, The Dukes, established this theme right off the bat with the title track from his critically-acclaimed new disc, I Feel Alright.

 The band supplied enough anthems and ballads to choke a Springsteen.

 New songs like More Than I Can Do received an electrified treatment that bolstered Earle's nasal rasp and equally searing harmonica.

 Unfortunately, these sat so high in the mix they often squashed great melodies.

 The raucous mood was embraced by the audience, which, like the man of the hour, seemed more rough 'n' ready than your usual God-fearing country crowd.

 Inevitable nags for Earle's biggest hit, Copperhead Road, were met by acerbic jabs.

 "Y'all actually think we're not gonna play that song?" he scolded.

 They'd have to sit through some of the show's strongest moments first, namely a solo acoustic set halfway through.

 Especially captivating was Ellis Unit One -- from the Dead Man Walking soundtrack -- which Earle introduced as the song that made him realize he still had some depth as a writer after all his drug troubles.

 But his almost surreal mix of toughness and despair came to light even earlier, as he introduced a bashing rendition of The Rolling Stones' Take It Or Leave It.

 "Don't let your kids learn to play guitar to songs in a minor key," he sighed. "It'll f--- 'em up for life."

 Some, however, might get a second chance.

 SUN RATING: 4 STARS

 Steve Earle & The Dukes

 At Danforth Music Hall