No thinking — just honky tonkin’.
The Local Honeys - “The Space Girl’s Song”
An ass-kicking, multi-genre banger that uses sound and structure to tell the most traditional of country stories — the space adventure. Minor shifts in perspective, time and vocabulary makes this a classic song about heading into the unknown, traditional gender roles and power. I love how The Local Honeys have twisted a Western narrative into a space odyssey.
Joshua Quimby - Something Like Country
Quimby’s album provides an autobiographical introduction, a brief interlude and an exploration of his artistic approach. It’s wildly progressive while being deeply rooted in traditional themes, structures and concepts. From top to bottom this is a very cool album.
Jesse Daniel - Son of San Lorenzo
Much like the new version of the title track, this album seem to embody where Daniel wants to go with his career without disregarding his past. A deeper, somewhat softer country music singer with references to the later Bakersfield Sound era, the Texas Hill Country’s Outlaws and present day revival of darker sounds in country music. This is a good thing and this album is great. Here is hoping the market is ready for Jesse Daniel — he deserves the success.
Mario Flores - “Somewhere on the Dance Floor”
We need more new music that is danceable and Flores delivers. This sounds like great old-school (read: neo-traditional) country music. The word play, the sounds and balance. I like it and want to dance to it.
Lake Porter - “O+”
A seamless blend of country and stop-n-holler, supported by a woman’s voice, “O+” provides a significant dose of early-2000s nostalgia that also advances the cause of interesting, pop-adjacent, vocally driven, string-heavy Americana meets country music. Hat tip to my lovely wife for this one. Added bonus: They are from Canada.
Sharon Silva - “People to Please”
The clever changes to tempo and clear Tom Petty vibes, with additional supporting instruments and vocals in the background, make this an interesting and enjoyable song.
Silas Lowe - “Innocent Man”
Looking for empathy in the justice system right now is a noble cause — and this song does it well.
Cory Cross - “Peace of Mind”
Cross keeps dropping saucey country music that I like so much, and this song hits all my sweet spots. He should be on your radar if he isn’t but if you’re reading this Cross is more than likely already on your playlists.