Rainbow Ruckus: 5/16 -- Jett Holden, Michelle Malone, and More!
If you’ve been following our playlist on Spotify, then you already know we love rounding up the best new queer country of the week! Now that we can stretch our legs out on a nice blog, we’re excited to tell you why we love the songs we love. Without further ado, here are 5 of the best new queer country songs from the past week!
TPGK / 5&Z — “Saint Julian”
This song was written by the band’s friend, Zach Maslansky, who has passed away. As such, you won’t find the song on streaming — just on Bandcamp. The psych garage band gives this country two-stepper a whimsical treatment with fuzzed out guitars and a sense of warmth in the delivery. We can hear their fondness for Zach as they paint his ironic picture of a chaotic life. Part Tom Petty, part Monkees, all heart, “Saint Julian” is worth your time.
Foraging and the Rattling Bones — “Brake Up Song”
I literally just learned about Foraging and the Rattling Bones because singer Spencer McIntyre approached us about writing an article on the queer old time scene in the Pacific Northwest. If Foraging and the Rattling Bones is a preview of that scene, then we all have a lot to look forward to. “Brake Up Song” starts out the way you think it would, but suddenly we’re on the wild and bumpy ride of decoupling yourself from the government and society in general. As one does. The band’s playfulness is equal parts punk rock as it is bluegrass.
Stefan Alexander — “Sweetly”
I learned of this song from OG Rainbow Rodeo contributor Bee Dolores. It’s a little poppier than I’m used to, but that doesn’t make it any less country (and definitely queer.) The song’s careful storytelling and Alexander’s gentle croon drives home this meditation on dementia, made all the more poignant due to Alexander’s own battles with chronic pain.
Michelle Malone — “Dust Bowl Man”
Blues rock guitarist extraordinaire has just released an album of acoustic covers (which we will review soon! I promise!) The original is a badass rumble that earns pride of place in Malone’s extensive canon. Her acoustic interpretation is more Cash than King, showcasing Malone’s delivery and storytelling.
Jett Holden — “Say You’ll Be There”
This song isn’t new but if you’re new to Rainbow Rodeo and queer country, you need to know about Jett Holden. Jett’s songwriting packs a heavy punch, but I wanted to feature his cover of the Spice Girls’ “Say You’ll Be There” — particularly because it features Holden’s powerful vocals. Holden transforms this teeny bopper tale of broken sixth grade hearts into an impactful blast of betrayal and grief — giving this classic the treatment it deserves.
Listen to this playlist on Spotify!
Thanks to Elliott for making a parallel list on Apple Music!
Listen to the parallel list on Tidal.
Missed a week? Thomas Inskeep is generously keeping an archive of all music featured on this Spotify playlist.
