So it has been a pretty hectic couple of weeks. Buckin’ Wild Music Fest 2016 was an absolute blast. More on that later. But first, here are the albums that stay on repeat at the moment:
Parker Millsap – The Very Last Day
After being blown away by the self-titled release from Parker Millsap, one was left to wonder just how in the hell he would be able to follow that mix of gravel, grit, and grace. Parker answered loud and clear with the release of The Very Last Day. We’ve been spinning “Hades Pleades” and the joyful frolic that is “Pining”, and that alone is not enough to give a clear view of what one should expect from this record. While the grit and gravel is still there, along with the dark religious overtones, you often find a softer and more thoughtful side of Parker. Instrumentally, the record shrinks and swells as if it is breathing. From stripped down reflective tracks like “Morning Blues” to rock-n-rollers like “Hades Pleades” and “Hands Up”, it offers everything from a song to let a tear fall to, all the way to songs to roll your windows down and party to. I give it a 4/5. – Brandon
Sturgill Simpson – A Sailors Guide To Earth
One thing that everyone can agree on, is that they can’t agree on Sturgill Simpson. Critics all over are at odds over this record. The discussion consistently revolves around “how country” Sturg still is. The blues-rocker “Brace for Impact” off of Simpson’s latest record lit the flame. Then came the “In Bloom” cover, and the lid blew off the entire powder keg. Not only did this sound nothing at all like High Top Mountain, or Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, but for the love of Kurt, he’s covering Nirvana! Put aside all of the b.s. and take the album in for what it is and what you are left with is a heartfelt letter from Sturgill Simpson recalling the rough road traveled. The amazing thing about this record is the variety of styles Sturgill incorporates into one cohesive project. Beautiful piano led pieces, straight forward rock-n-roll, funky horn sections, and even sailors singing in sing-a-long fashion are just a few of the places this record will take you. The only negative I can think of is that some of the themes that Sturgill visits seem a bit forced. Taken as a whole, I get it. These are the things that are most important to him. There’s just a lack of nuance at times. As a whole, the album is great. You just have to leave your expectations and the previous two albums at the door. Which, honestly, isn’t a bad thing. 3.5/5 – Brandon
