Peace Town reflects his artistry as well as the emotional elements over the
last months of his life in which his medical condition brought issues of
mortality, legacy, life and love to the forefront. As such, it stands proudly as
one of his best works within a critically-lauded career and made his mark as an
interpreter who could take the songs of others and virtually make them his
own.
Alongside time-tested reinterpretations of two of his own previously released
compositions are three numbers LaFave composed to lyrics by his icon, Woody
Guthrie, and his interpretations of material by his influences ranging from
Chuck Berry to Pete Townshend of The Who to
more of what All Music describes as his “fantastic work on Bob
Dylan’s songs” on three tracks. The set also includes nods to noted
songwriters from Oklahoma – the state where LaFave came of age and started
his career – like Leon Russell and J.J. Cale as well as selections from
lesser-known but equally gifted writers whose talents he admired. All told,
Peace Town celebrates what All Music says was “the way he blended country,
blues, folk, and early rock & roll, his work ethic, and his low-key rapport
with fans were all factors that worked in his favor.” And gave everything he
recorded, as All Music also observed, “a stamp that is indelible.
It’s tattooed on the inside, on the heart where it belongs.”
