Shovels & Rope: Busted Jukebox Vol 1 review – fearless fun

Albums of covers are usually a stopgap in pop careers, but this third offering from the South Carolina duo proves a delightful exception, providing a showcase for their gutsy Americana and the talents of assorted southern friends. It’s a mixed bag that includes favourites from their teenage years – they go psychobilly with Nine Inch Nails’ Last, while the Milk Carton Kids coo Guns N’ Roses’ Patience – alongside country standards like Emmylou Harris’s Leaving Louisiana and Neil Young’s Unknown Legend. Everything comes with S&R’s clattering production – think home studio Phil Spector – and soaring harmonies, though it’s fellow travellers Shakey Graves and JD McPherson who steal the vocal honours. Clearly it was fun for all.