To celebrate the eleventh anniversary of Eleven Eleven, Dave Alvin has added three songs to the album, which were originally released as bonus tracks on the deluxe edition. This album includes songs, which are now standard in Dave Alvin’s live set, including “Johnny Ace is Dead”, “Harlan County Line” and “What’s Up With Your Brother,” featuring Dave’s brother, Phil Alvin.
The album received critical praise upon its release. MOJO said, “A lot happens on Eleven Eleven – all of it good,” and The Independent (UK) claimed the, “album may be his best yet!” “Harlan County Line” was featured in the TV show Justified, where Dave Alvin also guest starred.
Since this album’s release, Dave Alvin has released two albums with his brother, Phil Alvin, an album collaborating with Jimmie Dale Gilmore, an album by his psych rock improv group The Third Mind, as well as a compilation of solo odds and ends. But Eleven Eleven stands as one of Dave’s greatest albums, among his many great albums. It is more than worthy of an anniversary reissue, and an Eleventh Anniversary released on November 11, as was the original album, is only appropriate.