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Semler — “Faith”
Semler, who spoke extensively about her approach to faith and country music in issue 2 of Rainbow Rodeo, distills her central message in her new single “Faith.” Semler is carving out her place in contemporary Christian music one hard-hitting single at a time, and “Faith” pointedly asks why those who claim to love all have decided the tent simply isn’t big enough. On “Faith,” Semler envisions a community that practices what it preaches.
Brian Falduto — “Big Boys Club (Pride Remix)”
Brian Falduto (whose album is reviewed in issue 3 of Rainbow Rodeo) celebrates pride with a remix of the song “Big Boys Club.” The original song decries the artificiality of the gay dating scene, but this version casts the song in a more celebratory light, reveling in the rejection of a vacuous and capricious set of values, casting aside conformity and diving into authenticity. Plus, who doesn’t love a good baseball metaphor?
Allison Russell — “The Returner”
If you’ve watched Allison Russell perform live, you know that she imbues joy into every single performance. Her stunning solo debut Outside Child gives us insight into the obstacles Russell has endured to tap into that joy, and “The Returner” hints at how she’s arrived at the place she is now. It’s the first single off her upcoming album The Returner, out September 8th. The title track is a powerful explanation of rebirth and rejuvenation.
Lydia Loveless — “Toothache”
Lydia Loveless’ triumphant return to music is as hard-driving as ever. “Toothache” follows well-trodden paths, with Loveless examining their penchant for self-destruction. Amidst Loveless’ resistance to the same old patterns, “Toothache” expresses the hopelessness of changing them. It’s a hard-driving song that puts the rock’n’roll in Americana, and is an explosive hint at what’s to come in September as Loveless reunites with the reborn Bloodshot Records.
Ryan Cassata — “Queer Love Outlaw”
Ryan Cassata’s “Queer Love Outlaw” gets the full band treatment in their new partnership with Kill Rock Star. The song’s been out for a while, but this version provides added layers, including Mya Byrne‘s sensitive steel guitar playing. In the song, Cassata defends queer love from those who would condemn it, celebrating our collective outlaw status.
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.