FILTER’s Top 10 of 2009: Justin Townes Earle

It's December, which could only mean one thing: top 10 lists. FILTER has taken this end-of-the-year sacrament to the extreme with its Top 10 of 2009 series. Each day this month, FILTER is presenting lists of the best albums of the year from not only its staff members, but also exclusive guest artists.

With inspirations as diverse as Townes Van Zandt (he was named in honor of father Steve Earle’s hero), Jimmy Reed, Kurt Cobain, The Replacements, Ray Charles and The Pogues, Justin Townes Earle has forged his own brand of American roots music. Earle took a break from promoting his excellent Midnight at the Movies, out now via Bloodshot Records, to let FILTER in on what struck his fancy in 2009.