You go away on your honeymoon for two weeks and the queer cowpokes keep cranking out amazing music! What the hell!!!
That’s only a good thing, of course. Some of the songs you see today are a few weeks old, and others are piping hot. Scroll down for links to our playlists on Spotify, Tidal, and Apple Music!
Jett Holden — “Better Off”
Few people can write a breakup song like Jett Holden. (See his EP The Necromancer if you really want to be raked through the cools.) Holden’s uniquely intense voice shines once again on “Better Off,” an anthem about the ambivalence of leaving someone behind. The narrator has been done wrong — no question — but can’t quite kick the person who keeps bringing him pain. Holden is supported by his acoustic guitar, but the song’s dramatic buildup hints at big things for his next project — which we here at Rainbow Rodeo hope is coming soon.
Lizzie No — “Spake the Salt Pillar”
Kicking the song off with an an outtake and an electronic drum loop, Lizzie No’s new single “Spake the Salt Pillar” channels her ’90s singer-songwriter heroes. Don’t change the dial though, as the song makes an abrupt shift at the 2-minute mark. No’s clever and evocative lyrics tease out the complex dynamics of a relationship that has become one-sided. The song tails off into a complex instrumental meditation that displays No’s multi-instrumental talent and gives the song an ambivalent conclusion.
Will Hoge, et. al — “Can I Be Country, Too?”
Hoge himself is not LGBTQ+, but he brings on a diverse crew — such as twin brothers the Kentucky Gentlemen, who are — to this display of leftist country music power. The song also features Michael Allen, Cheryl Deseree, Carmen Dianne, and The Country Any Way Collective. Country Any Way is an umbrella organization founded by Black Opry creator Holly G to support inclusivity for all marginalized people in country music. Shoes Off Nashville, which supports Asian and Pacific Islander country artists, also supported the project. The song comes right off the heels of Jason Aldean’s thinly-veiled dog whistle “Try That in a Small Town” and anticipated Oliver Anthony’s less subtle “Rich Men North of Richmond,” though Hoge wrote the song months ago. Hoge, who has long been politically outspoken and was on of the few artists in Nashville to release a protest album during the Trump administration, wanted the song to feature the talents of those who are too-often marginalized by mainstream country. You can read Lorie Liebig’s article about how it all came together on American Songwriter.
Erin Rae (ft. Seth Martin) — “Passing Through”
Erin Rae’s music continues to expand into ethereal territory. On “Passing Through,” Rae spins a fanciful love story that comments on the ephemeral nature of life while yearning for the things that last –or should. Seth Martin’s spoken word interludes add a portentous tone to an everyday love story, illustrating the magic that happens around us all the time if we truly stop to look.
Angie K — “Friend”
An oldie but goodie, Angie K’s friend hits the pop country sweet spot. Combining a serious theme with tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Angie K shows us how to have a good time while focusing on the things that actually matter in life. The song’s raucous groove helps to bring the party.
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.