by Thriftstore Masterpiece
Lee Hazlewood’s 1963 debut album, ‘Trouble Is a Lonesome Town’ was released in 1963 to little acclaim or success. Although a strong record of alt-country narrative flecked with moments of driving rock n roll, the album barely made a splash whilst the world was transfixed in the midst of Beatle-mania.
Decades later, producer Charles Normal discovered the LP amongst long neglected records in a Norwegian thrift store. The album struck a nostalgic chord within, reminding him of Southern American border towns, truck stops resting alongside lengthy highways, and warm Californian deserts. Enamoured with his find and unwilling to lift the record off his turntable, Charles Normal decided to re-imagine ‘Trouble Is a Lonesome Town’, with modern flourishes orchestrated by a musical all star cast.
It is said that Lee Hazlewood originally intended “Trouble Is a Lonesome Town” to be demos designed to be recreated by other musicians. With the Thriftstore Masterpiece series, his wish has finally come to fruition. Enlisting the help of The Pixies’ Frank Black, Pete Yorn, The Dandy Warhol’s Courtney Taylor-Taylor, Kristin Blix and more, this classic record has been re-created without losing touch of Lee Hazlewood’s distinctive Americana style.
Featuring mariachi horns, surf guitar, sleepy acoustic passages and straightforward rock n roll, ‘Trouble Is a Lonesome Town’ is an adventurous and captivating listen from start to finish.
In a final nod to the late Lee Hazlewood, ‘Thriftstore Masterpiece Presents: Trouble Is a Lonesome Town” was released on what would have been the songwriter’s 83rd birthday.
By Amy Chapman - PBS Music Dept
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