Steve Earle and The Dukes - Ghosts of West Virginia

In ten deftly drawn, roughly eloquent, powerfully conveyed sonic portraits, Earle and his long-time band the Dukes explore the historical role of coal in rural communities. More than merely a question of jobs and income, mining has provided a sense of unity and meaning, patriotic pride and purpose.
I said I wanted to speak to people that didnt necessarily vote the way that I did, he says, but that doesn't mean we don't have anything in common. We need to learn how to communicate with each other. My involvement in this project is my little contribution to that effort. And the way to do that and to do it impeccably is simply to honor those guys who died at Upper Big Branch.