Album Review: Various Artists, ‘Can’t Steal My Fire – The Songs of David Olney’
David Olney was a songwriter’s songwriter, and his songs were recorded by Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, and Del McCoury, among others. He delivered his thoughtful stories with a gruff voice and twinkle in his eye, and his introspective lyrics cast glimpses into the “deeper well” of the human heart and soul. On January 18, 2020, Olney died doing what he loved: singing one of his songs onstage at the 30A Songwriters’ Festival. Now, his friends—including Lucinda Williams, Janis Ian, The McCrary Sisters, Buddy Miller, and The Steeldrivers, among others—have gathered to pay loving tribute to him and his songs on Can’t Steal My Fire. The album includes an unreleased recording by Olney reciting his “Sonnet #40,” the first new recording by Willis Alan Ramsey since his 1972 debut album, and a live recording by Townes Van Zandt of “Illegal Cargo,” which has never before been released.
Jim Lauderdale, with harmony vocals by Rosemary Fossee, delivers a swinging country shuffle on “Delta Blue,” written by Olney and Gwil Owen. Whirling guitars and organ create the sonic soundscape for Anana Kaye’s haunting chamber folk rock version of “Running from Love,” fueled by Joe McMahan’s ethereal, spiraling lead riffs on the instrumental bridge and throughout the song. In his gruff, plainspoken vocals, Buddy Miller captures the arid voice of a religious huckster who’s uncertain about Jesus and his message but who nevertheless feels he has nothing to lose by following him, even as they head into “Jerusalem Tomorrow.” The McCrary Sisters turn in a rousing, uplifting gospel version of “Voices on the Water,” featuring handclaps by Olney’s daughter, Lilly. Fueled by Tammy Rogers’ glittering fiddle and mandolin, Ramsey offers a gorgeous take on “Women Across the River,” while Mary Gauthier evokes the ache of a night of love between a young soldier and a French prostitute amidst the death of war in “1917.”
In his canny “Sonnet #40,” Olney gives the familiar safety spiel of a flight attendant—securing the upright table, not leaving one’s seat before the plane has stopped—a surprise ending, “we appreciate your business/now farewell/we hope you enjoy your stay in Hell.” Alton Wolfe’s version of “Titanic” is a towering rocker, while Janis Ian’s “She’s Alone Tonight,” which she wrote with Olney, floats somewhere between a lullaby and a waltz.
Can’t Steal My Fire delivers a fitting tribute to David Olney’s brilliant songwriting. These versions breathe new life into Olney’s songs, and they serve as messages of gratitude and love from the hearts of these artists to their dear friend.
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Can’t Steal My Fire: The Songs of David Olney is available HERE
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