Lone Justice
This World is Not My Home
Geffen
Although their tenure was brief (1983-1987) Lone Justice casts a long shadow as one of the originators of the “roots rock” movement. Singer Maria McKee, raised on gospel and Tammy Wynette, sings like an angel and writes songs that still sound fresh, fifteen years later. This compilation captures the best moments from the band’s first (and best) album, songs such as “East Of Eden,” the Tom Petty-penned “Ways to Be Wicked,” and the heart-stopping “Don’t Toss Us Away.” Numerous unreleased tracks are included, such as a romp through Merle Haggard’s “Working Man Blues,” a live “Sweet Jane” featuring Bono on vocals, and “Drugstore Cowboy,” a McKee original that you would swear was a Gram Parsons outtake. Rocking or weeping, Lone Justice was either a great country band that played rock and roll or the other way around. In the end, it doesn’t really matter. This set gives a great overview to a formidable band, and will have you searching for the originals.
Geffen Records, 9130 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90069