On Monday, November 16, NPR Music announced and premiered the surprise album Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1, a special, collaborative project from the acclaimed duo, Shovels & Rope. Busted Jukebox (Dualtone Music) will be released November 20 and features Shovels & Rope joining forces with some dear friends/fellow artists to put a new spin on a collection of 10 diverse covers. The NPR Music “Track By Track” premiere features every song as well as descriptions, explanations and anecdotes about each, from Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent (aka Shovels & Rope).
Much like their celebrated 2012 debut album O’ Be Joyful, Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1 was recorded all over. Some tracks featured all participants in the same country, studio, hotel room, van, etc, and some featured artists sending their recordings in for Trent to add while producing the album. The results are fresh, new takes on an eclectic mix of classics from the likes of, The Kinks, Lou Reed, Guns N’ Roses, Nine Inch Nails, Nick Lowe, Neil Young, Emmylou Harris and more. (See Full Track Listing Below)
Over the last few years, Hearst and Trent have met a multitude of fellow artists during their travels, many who have become dear friends. The duo often discussed the idea of recording an album of “duets” with kindred spirits, but time, schedules and commitments made that challenging for all. While touring in support of their highly acclaimed 2014 release Swimmin’ Time, preparing for the birth of their first child this past September, and prior to starting work on their next official studio album, the duo, with the help and willingness of their collaborators, were able to make Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1 a joyous reality and a great surprise.
Catch Shovels & Rope on tour with Jason Isbell in February & March
(See full list of tour dates below)
Busted Jukebox, Vol. 1 – Track Listing
1.) “Unknown Legend” (Neil Young)
– with Shakey Graves
2.) “Bullet Belt” (Butch Walker)
– with Butch Walker
3.) (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” (Nick Lowe)
– with Lucius
4.) “Patience” (Guns N’ Roses)
– with The Milk Carton Kids
5.) “Boys Can Never Tell“ (J Roddy Walston & The Business)
– with J Roddy Walston
6.) “Nothing Takes The Place Of You” (Toussaint McCall)
– with JD McPherson
7.) “Last” (Nine Inch Nails)
– with Caroline Rose
8.) “Strangers” (The Kinks)
– with In-laws
9.) “Perfect Day” (Lou Reed)
– with Preservation Hall Jazz Band
10.) “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight” (Emmylou Harris)
– featuring Shovels & Rope (solo)
Shovels & Rope 2016 Tour Dates
2/11 & 12 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at the Moody Theater*
2/16 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom*
2/17 – St. Louis, MO – Peabody Opera House*
2/19 – Indianapolis, IN – The Murat Theatre*
2/20 – Chicago, IL – Chicago Theatre*
2/25 – New York, NY – Beacon Theatre*
2/27 – Boston, MA – House of Blues*
2/29 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall*
3/1 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre*
3/2 – Pittsburgh, PA – Benedum Center for the Performing Arts*
3/5 – St. Augustine, FL – St. Augustine Amphitheatre*
3/18 – Wilmington, NC – Brooklyn Performing Arts Center
3/20 – Saxaphaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom
3/22 – Rocky Mount, VA – Harvester
3/23 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere
3/25 – Annapolis, MD – Ram’s Head
3/26 – Nelsonville, OH – Opera House
3/29 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater
3/30 – Louisville, KY – KCD Theater
4/2 – Lafayette, LA – Acadiana Center for the Arts
4/3 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Druid City Music Hall
* w/Jason Isbell
See full list of 2016 tour dates at http://shovelsandrope.com/tour-dates/