It has been a year and a half since Justine Covault, founder of Red On Red Records and singer/songwriter Justine And The Unclean, passed away unexpectedly. Her partner Tom Baker, known from The Dirty Truckers, now honors and celebrates her life with the heartfelt album Justine & Me. He kicks off strongly with a new take on You’re Still Standing There—first released by Steve Earle with Lucinda Williams in 1996—which he and Justine recorded in 2021 (but not yet released), which gains extra meaning with today’s knowledge. The self-penned, raw songs that follow are even more impressive, with goosebumps caused by Last Merry Xmas and wet eyes by Where’s My Baby Now. This is gripping roots rock that comes as close as the cover photo.

Justine & Me, recorded, mixed and produced by Ed Riemer and Tom Baker (except Last Merry Xmas; by Jim Buni), is out now digitally and on CD through Rum Bar Records. Featuring Tom Baker (vocals, guitar), Jim Buni (guitar, keys, drum machine), John Sheeran (bass), Dave Lieb (keys), Paul ‘Del’ Delmonico (drums, vocals), Tad Overbaugh (guitar, vocals), Ed Riemer (bass, vocals), Jeff Allison (drums) and Justine Covault (vocals).

Add to wantlist: Bandcamp (Dirty Truckers) || Bandcamp (Rum Bar)