One man’s meat is another man’s murder, but for me, Billy Joe Shaver is one of those artists who can sing the phone book and it would sound amazing. Even when Shaver admonishes, “If You Don’t Love Jesus, Go to Hell,” he seriously rocks. Out this fall, Everybody’s Brother is gospel Shaver-style; almost every song is an original, and the production, by the talented John Carter Cash, showcases Shaver’s rock ’n’ roll version of Christian country. Several duets on the album feature the vocals of John Anderson, Marty Stuart, Kris Kristofferson, Tanya Tucker, Bill Miller and the producer’s (previously recorded) dad, Johnny Cash, singing “You Just Can’t Beat Jesus Christ.” This is a joyful, powerful collection, whether you’re a believer or just a roots-music lover.
Must Play: “If You Don’t Love Jesus”
Producer: John Carter Cash. Engineer: Chuck Turner. Studio: Cash Cabin Recording Studio. Producer/engineer/studio owner on “You Just Can’t Beat Jesus Christ”: Jack Clement.
