by Thom JurekWhen is a Tom Russell record not really a Tom Russell record? When it's Wounded Heart of America. From the title it seems Russell is starting to take himself a bit seriously, even if it is taken from a quote by beat poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti. This 18-song set contains 14 covers of tunes written or co-authored by Russell. They were recorded by Johnny Cash, Ramblin' Jack Elliott, Joe Ely, Suzy Bogguss, Doug Sahm, Jerry Jeff Walker, Laurie Lewis, Dave Van Ronk, Ian Tyson, Nanci Griffith, Iris DeMent, Eliza Gilkyson, Dave Alvin, and Ferlinghetti. The final four tunes feature three songs by Russell (all new ones) and a duet with the great Barrence Whitfield from one of two discs the pair recorded together. Russell has his fans, and they number considerably, especially in Europe. But for the most part, no matter how hard he tries, he is an artist's artist. The respect he's earned from them is derived from the truly great, literate American songs he has written. Many of those songs are here, and are real highlights: Cash covering "Veteran's Day," Lewis' version of the spooky "Manzanar," Ely's live rave-up of "Gallo del Cielo" (which sounds like it was written for him), Suzy Bogguss' take on "Outbound Plane" (Griffith co-wrote it and recorded it but her version pales in comparison), the stellar duet on "Sky Above, Mud Below" by Elliott and Russell (arguably the best tune on the covers set), and Walker's "Navajo Rug" (co-written with Tyson). With due respect to the poet and publisher, the Ferlinghetti reading of the brilliant "Stealing Electricity" adds nothing and sounds rather corny. (There is enough bloody but unbowed American romanticism in Russell's songs to carry them musically, but reading them doesn't work at all.) ... Read More...