Personnel: Steve Earle (vocals, guitar, high string guitar, mandolin, harmonica, harmonium); Darrell Scott (vocals, banjo); Tim O'Brien (vocals, mandolin); Kelley Looney (vocals, bass); Will Rigby (vocals, drums); Garrison Starr (vocals); Justin Earle (guitar, keyboards); Casey Driesson (fiddle); Dennis Crouch (bass); Patrick Earle (percussion).

Steve Earle has something to say, and on this double-disc live album, JUST AN AMERICAN BOY: THE AUDIO DOCUMENTARY, he says it loud and clear. Never one to fit neatly in musical or ideological boxes, Earle has impressed country and rock audiences alike over the years with his razor-edged, countrified songs about outlaw life and progressive causes. JUST AN AMERICAN BOY is Earle's most politically outspoken effort. The songs address such subjects as the war in the Middle East ("Amerika v. 6.0 [The Best We Can Do]"), the death penalty ("Billy Austin"), calls for U.S. regime change ("Christmas in Washington"), and political paranoia ("Conspiracy Theory").

Earle proves the radical musically as well, moving effortlessly from pounding rock ("Ashes to Ashes") to traditional bluegrass ("Hometown Blues") to covers of songs by Townes Van Zandt and Nick Lowe. In addition to fiery backing from his band the Dukes, Earle is also joined by Justin and Patrick Earle and a cadre of bluegrass musicians (lending mandolin, banjo and fiddle). JUST AN AMERICAN BOY has the feeling of an event, a statement of integrity by a man who refuses restrictions, stands up for what he believes, and claims American music as his own.

Q (12/03, p.124) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...He delivers incisive political critique and stinging rock'n'roll....A gutsy performance from a truly independent voice..."

Uncut (11/03, p.125) - 4 stars out of 5 - "...'Hometown Blues' and 'I Remember You' are wearily gorgeous..."