Sturgill Simpson recently delivered one hell of a version of the iconic “Purple Rain” by the legendary Prince, and you know what? He nailed it.
I’m usually a bit suspicious of covers of such incredible songs like “Purple Rain”, but Sturgill’s Country spin on the classic gave it a whole new vibe, and I love it.
Check this out:
I was prepared to not love it, but here I am.
Also, kudos to Sturgill’s band, because they killed it.
Also, Sturgill looks uncannily like my husband, which is not a bad thing.
The Harvard Opportunes- the A Cappella group at, of course, Harvard is one of my favorite things this year.
I mean, yeah, it’s Harvard, so of course, the talent will be next level… these are some of the best vocalists in the country, and you’ll see what I mean after this recent Beyonce medley that they performed:
Woah. Seriously, I am so impressed.
I have always loved a cappella groups, as it’s really a special skill to be able to not only sing, but provide vocal instrumentation as well.
This past Friday, Miranda Lambert released her 10th studio album, and her first on her new label Republic Records called “Postcards From Texas”, and I feel like it’s one of her best works yet.
And that’s saying something, as Miranda consistently puts out great Country music, and has been for the past two decades.
Yep, it’s been that long.
One of the standout songs on “Postcards From Texas” is Miranda’s collab with fellow Country artist Parker McCollum on a track called “Santa Fe”.
I’m getting major George Strait vibes on this one:
Thank you, Miranda Lambert, for always delivering great Country music.
Just a simple, pure, perfect Country song.
Can we get more of this, please?
I’m so loving that the real, true Country sound has been making a comeback.
Also, get more info on Miranda’s new album, and upcoming tour dates at MirandaLambert.com
I’m just catching the highlights this morning, and one of the big moments apparently was Jelly Roll performing “I Am Not Okay” for the “In Memoriam” segment where those in the industry who passed away in the past year were honored.
Jelly Roll and the symphony accompanying him did a really great job:
In all, a very moving performance, but there are some that are questioning the song choice… since it’s a song about depression and suicidal thoughts.
Jelly Roll tried to explain the meaning at the beginning of the performance, but I kind of get why some people are like, “why THIS song to honor those who had passed”?
I’m assuming most of those being honored didn’t pass away due to self-harm… unless I’m missing something over here?
Some viewers were just as confused as I am:
Oh, and my favorite… because I thought the same thing when the VO guys presented Jelly Roll:
Yes, it was a great performance, and very moving… but also kind of a weird choice.
What do you think? Did the song choice make sense? Or totally miss the mark?
David Gilmour- of the iconic band Pink Floyd- crashed his daughter Romany’s London pub gig last week, and they performed a gorgeous version of Pink Floyd’s classic “Wish You Were Here::
Can you imagine your dad being David Gilmour. Like, whatttttt????
Romany Gilmour has clearly inherited some of her father’s stellar genes, and is a talented singer/songwriter herself. Check her out https://www.instagram.com/romanygilmour/
Also, Pink Floyd is life.
She is one of the best in the business, and her 10th studio album “Postcards From Texas” proves why she has been a Country Music staple for 20 years.
Yes, it’s been 20 years since her breakout single “Kerosene” was released.
Feel old yet? You’re welcome.
Miranda Lambert’s latest album is basically a sonic roadtrip through her home state of Texas, and here are some of my favorites off of the album:
“Bitch on the Sauce”:
Oh, man. What woman hasn’t been there? I love it!
Miranda is really a master at getting lyrics just right to evoke whatever feeling she is trying to convey.
She teamed up with Jaren Johnston for this track, and they nailed it!
“Armadillo” :
And just like that, I want to get high with an Armadillo.
I think this might be one of my favorites on the album.
“Looking Back on Luckenbach”:
It’s the steel guitar for me on this one. Texas Honky Tonk Perfection right there!
Miranda wrote this with Shane McAnally and Natalie Hemby, so there was no way she would go wrong there.
And Miranda has a collab with Parker McCollum on the album as well, which is a nice treat.
“Santa Fe”:
Really, the entire album is fantastic, and I feel like it’s Miranda’s best yet. And that’s saying something, since she’s always put out great prejects.
I’ll be jamming out to this for a while.
Get more info on Miranda’s album and tour dates at https://www.mirandalambert.com/
Drinking on horseback with Miranda is still on my bucket list… not gonna lie.
Earlier this year, Kate Hudson crossed over into the music industry, and while I wasn’t overly impressed by her debut original material, I was impressed by her talent.
Kate Hudson has a really good, strong voice, as well as a great stage presence, as evidenced by her cover of Til’ Tuesday’s “Voices Carry”, which she just released the offical video for:
I think she did a great job on that song, and let me tell you, as a former half-assed cover band singer, that song is NOT an easy one to do. Amy Mann is an incredible vocalist, and pulling off this song is no easy feat.
Just in case you were wondering how she could handle it live, wonder no more:
Damn. Get it, woman!
Honestly, I’d love for her to put out a covers album of 80’s/90’s hits.
I think she’d do a bang up job on something like that.
In the meantime, you can check out Kate’s debut album “Glorious” out now.
Football season is here, which means Fall is coming, then the holidays… and with that, you get all the super cheesy Hallmark and Lifetome Holiday movies.
I am betraying my gender, and admiting that I absolutely cannot stand those cheesy movies- holidays or any other time- I just can’t.
However, I may have to make an exception on November 30th with the Kansas City Chiefs themed Hallmark movie called “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story”.
The first trailer just dropped this week to coincide with the NFL Season kickoff and Chiefs Home Opener, naturally:
Ok, so the trailer doesn’t reveal much, except there is some kind of relationship, football, and Donna Kelce.
Oh, and it’s set in Kansas City, one of my favorite places ever, so there’s that.
Having spent a pretty solid portion of my life in Kansas and in the Kansas City area, I’m all for anything that has to do with that glorious part of the country.
Oh, and the Chiefs are special to my heart due to my time in KC, so… I might have to suck it up and watch this. I’ll just drink more wine to make it easier on me.
“Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” debuts November 30th on The Hallmark Channel.
Oh, and not to be outdone… there’s apparantly a Lifetime Holiday movie in the works called “Christmas in the Spotlight” inspired by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelces’ very public relationship.
The KING of Country Music released his 28th Studio album called “Cowboys and Dreamers” and of course, it’s pure Country Gold.
First off the title track- “Cowboys and Dreamers” is perfect:
BUT there’s also a collab with Chris Stapleton on there called “Honky Tonk Hall of Fame”, and really… you can’t go wrong when you combine those two:
“Honky Tonk Hall of Fame” reminds me of the early 80’s Country- just fun and rowdy- and again, add Chris Stapleton to the legend that is George Strait, and again- pure Country perfection!
That being said, Billboard just released their annual “Songs of the Summer” list, and here’s the Top 10:
. “I Had Some Help”, Post Malone and Morgan Wallen:
You know it’s catchy as all get out.
And this is the second Summer in a row that Morgan Wallen had the Billboard Song of the Summer. He was #1 last year, too, with his smash “Last Night”.
This makes him the first artist since 1978 to make that happen. Andy Gibb was the last artist to do it with “I Just Want to Be Your Everything” and “Shadow Dancing”.
Impressive, no?
2. “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, Shaboozey:
Shaboozey could actually have the Song of the Year with “Tipsy”, as it just clocked it’s 8th week at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Again, catchy as hell, and has been living rent-free in my head all Summer.
3. “Not Like Us”, Kendrick Lamar
Easily the Hip Hop song of the Summer. If I still went clubbing like I did two decades ago. I’d have been all about it.
It’s now on my workout playlist, because I’m old.
4. “Espresso”, Sabrina Carpenter
What a Summer Sabrina Carpenter has had. She has two songs on the Billboard Songs of the Summer chart, and now has the #1 album with “Short N’ Sweet” and I absolutely adore her and her sound.
5. “Million Dollar Baby”, Tommy Richman:
Call me crazy, but I’m thinking “One Hit Wonder” with this one. I mean, I may be wrong, but right now that’s how I’m feeling.
Still, super fun song, though.
6. “Please Please Please”, Sabrina Carpenter:
Again, Sabrina is killing it.
7. “Too Sweet”, Hozier:
I remember when Hozier had a hit with “Take Me to Church” years ago. But “Too Sweet” has become his first actual #1 this Summer.
8. “Lose Control”, Teddy Swims
Hot damn, Teddy Swims is amazing. He’ll be around for awhile, as he totally should be. Definitely on of my favorite newer artists on the scene.
9. “Birds of a Feather”, Billie Eilish:
This is definitely my favorite from Billie so far… it really shows off her voice, which is incredible. My only complaint is the lyrics… rot, casket… ew. I have an overactive imagination, and this triggers it. Overall, good song, though!
10. “Beautiful Things”, Benson Boone:
This may be my favorite song of the year, actually.
It reminds me of all the beautiful things in my life, and to not take them for granted.
Really loving Benson Boone as an artist, and can’t wait to see where he goes.
And that’s a wrap on the Billboard Songs of the Summer for 2024.
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