various artists - Can't Steal My Fire: The Songs Of David Olney

This album features new versions of David Olney songs recorded by Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Willis Alan Ramsey, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Mary Gauthier, Jim Lauderdale, and Buddy Miller among others. The tracklist is also highlighted by a never-before released live recording by Townes Van Zandt. Originally from Rhode Island, Olney moved to Nashville in the early 70s and fell in with a group of songwriters including Townes Van Zandt, John Hiatt, Steve Earle, Guy Clark, and Rodney Crowell.

With his rock band David Olney and the X-Rays he toured tirelessly. He went on to release a string of brilliant albums and his songs were recorded by Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Del McCoury, Linda Ronstadt, and many others. But the bright lights of stardom never shone on David, and he died the way he lived: onstage in a club, far from home, singing a song. This album gathers some of David's friends and colleagues to pay tribute to his unique vision. Many of these artists are legends in their own right; all are here because of their deep admiration and respect for the man and his songs.

    1 Deeper Well - Lucinda Williams
    2 Sister Angelina - Steve Earle
    3 Voices on the Water - the McCrary Sisters
    4 Jerusalem Tomorrow - Buddy Miller
    5 If My Eyes Were Blind - the Steeldrivers
    6 Women Across the River - Willis Alan Ramsey
    7 1917 - Mary Gauthier
    8 Always the Stranger - R.B. Morris
    9 If It Wasn't for the Wind - Jimmie Dale Gilmore
    10 Running from Love - Anana Kaye
    11 That's My Story - Greg Brown
    12 Sonnet #40 - David Olney
    13 Titanic - Afton Wolfe
    14 Steal My Thunder - Dave Alvin with the Rick Holmstrom Trio
    15 Delta Blue - Jim Lauderdale
    16 She's Alone Tonight - Janis Ian
    17 Illegal Cargo - Townes Van Zandt