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Album review: Kacey Musgraves spreads her wings in new album “Golden Hour”

Kacey Musgraves’ new album “Golden Hour” marks a brand-new new direction for the Texas native and it really delivers. 

In her third studio album, Musgraves’ trades in her raw country appeal for a more polished and orchestral sound. In addition to banjos and acoustic guitars, Musgraves incorporates more alt-rock sounds like synths and electronic drums throughout the album.

In doing so, Musgraves proves that she’s afraid to dabble in different genres even if they don’t sound so “country.” One moment she’s channeling James Taylor and the next she’s rocking to a disco beat like in “High Horse.” Overall, the album is chill and a relaxing listen in a world that has increasingly grown more hostile and complex.

From a lyrical standpoint, the songs sound cohesive rather than like they were strung together one by one. The songs are consistently good – it’s easy to blow through the album from beginning to end without skipping a single track. That alone could be another reason why the two-time Grammy winner could be in for another award.

The album opens with “Slow Burn,” which may be the first song, but it was actually the last addition to the album. Musgrave told Billboard she was inspired to write the song after an acid trip, saying it’s about “taking your time with things, rather it’s a drink or a conversation.”

Similar to her prior albums, Musgraves’ songwriting in “Golden Hour” highlights her uncanny ability to take clichés and make them sound profound: “Sunsets fade, and love does too.” It makes you instantly think, “yes! But wait, did I hear that somewhere?”

The new album has blatant crossover appeal, but maybe that’s not such a bad thing. I have a feeling this is just the beginning for Musgraves as she continues to spread her wings as an artist. As she sings in her opening track, “old soul, waiting my turn, I know a few things, but I still got a lot to learn.”  

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Latest Favorite Singer-Songwriter Max Jury

I love when I “discover” a new artist. I’m usually late to the party for these kinds of things, but I recently got this feeling when I heard singer-songwriter Max Jury for the first time. His seamless blend of country and soul-inspired pop is like honey to my ears. 

I first came across one of his songs in the movie “Me Before You.”  I immediately googled the lyrics to figure who he was. And I’m so glad I did. 

Here’s a short list of my favorite tracks:

1) “Black Metal”

2) “Numb” 

3) “Ella’s Moonshine”

4) “Little Jean Jacket”

5) “Beg & Crawl”

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Shania Twain is Back

Shania Twain has returned and she’s not holding back. 

The queen of the country-pop has released her first studio album in fifteen years. For Twain, the album “Now” is deeply personal. In fact, the singer deems it as the “most personal album of my career.” Make no mistake, it’s refreshingly real as it explores the highs and lows of overcoming adversity. 

In the new album, the Canadian singer-songwriter dives into her own past struggles, including a painful divorce and battling Lyme disease. Both took a toll on the singer, and one almost threatened to end her career for good. 

In an interview with  New Zealand journalist Dan Wooton, Twain said losing her voice as a result of Lyme Disease felt like “the death of a real joy.” Twain said she got the disease while on tour for the album “Up!” Though she managed to catch it early, treating the life-long illness has been an uphill battle.

In addition to finding her voice again, the album has a profound and hard-fought lesson to teach. And that would be that life is about the journey – you have to take the good with the bad.  As Twain aptly sings in her lead single, “Life’s About to Get Good:” 

“Life’s about joy, life's about pain.  It's all about forgiving and the will to walk away.”

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Folk Trio I’m With Her Dazzles with New Tune ‘Little Lies’

There’s something about folk music and Sunday afternoons that just go together like fine wine and cheese, but I digress. If you’re looking some new tunes, you may want to try folk trio I’m With Her.

Founded in 2014, the trio features some of Americana’s most accomplished virtuosos, including Nickel Creek’s Sarah Watkins, acclaimed Texas singer-songwriter Sarah Jarosz and Irish-American singer Aoife O’Donovan. Together, their distinct voices thread together seamlessly while tickling your ears ever so lightly. 

Taking a break from pursuing their solo career, the supergroup has reunited for new track, “Little Lies.” 

“Is it alright with you if it’s all wrong with me / because it’s alight with me if you want to be set free,” O’Donovan and Watkins harmonize over Jarosz’s delicately plucked chords. There’s a beautiful yet haunting quality to the melody that leaves you wanting more.

Much like their new song, their new video is masterfully simple. Featuring the three musicians together in the studio performing, their raw talent is striking as it is breathtaking. 

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Indie Rock Makes a Comeback at 2017 SXSW

Lo and behold, indie rock is making a comeback. Thanks to performances by Spoon and The New Pornographers, fans can relive a bit of the early-2000s nostalgia at the 2017 SXSW Music Festival – even if it’s only for just a few nights.

Spoon has been a staple in the Austin music scene long before they ever hit mainstream. The band’s unique experimental approach to mixing and arrangement has helped them stay relevant over the course of their 20-odd-year history together.

Spoon will be playing a three-night residency at The Main Stage from March 14th through the 16th. The band is currently on tour in support of their upcoming LP Hot Thoughts, which is due out March 17th. 

The New Pornographers meanwhile will be playing two shows at SXSW this year. Fans can catch the Canadian supergroup at Stubbs on March 15th, and at the Austin Convention Center on March 16th. Group member Neko Case will also be doing a solo performance during SXSW’s Film Festival portion at Showtime’s Twin Peaks two-day event, which takes place March 16th-17th.

The supergroup is set to release their upcoming seventh studio album Whiteout Conditions on April 7th.  Singles “High Ticket Attractions” and “This Is The World Of The Theater” are currently available to stream on Spotify.

Even though critics have long been eulogizing its demise, 2017 is shaping up to be a big year for indie rock. The Dirty Projects and The Shins are also expected to return with new albums this year. 

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‘Hot Thoughts’: I Think I’ve Found My Favorite Spoon Album

Spoon announced the upcoming release of their ninth studio album Hot Thoughts, due out March 17th. After nearly two years, one of the most innovative (and least-gimmicky) indie rock bands is back, and it’s safe to say that their new album is a Spoon masterpiece.

With a career spanning nearly 20 years, the Austin rockers never fail to reinvent themselves without losing their identity as a band, and their upcoming album Hot Thoughts is a certainly a testament to that. 

Co-produced by Dave Fridmann, the band brought in multi-instrumentalist Alex Fischel from Daniel’s side project, Divine Fits. In an interview with the Texas Monthly, frontman Britt Daniel revealed that Fischel helped bring a new sound to the record that wouldn’t have otherwise been possible. “Now I have somebody [in the studio] playing the parts I can’t play,” Daniel revealed. “Before, if I couldn’t play something, it wasn’t going on the record.”

The band dropped two singles ahead of the new album, including their latest single “Can I Sit Next to You” and title track “Hot Thoughts,” the latter of which I have on repeat.  Atop blinking bells and swirling synths, Daniel sings, “Hot thoughts all in my mind and all of the time/You must be trouble for sure.” Both tracks have an unshakable melody and groovy beat. 

While the indie rockers may just have made the news official, they have been secretly leaking new music over the past few months. In addition to a secret live show in Austin, single  “Can I Sit Next To You” has been in the background for months – literally. You might have heard it while boarding the plane on American Airlines or while watching The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 

Spoon added several European and North American tour dates in support of their upcoming album. The North American leg of the tour kicks off March 6th in California with stops at South by Southwest before wrapping August 9th in Bellvue, Colorado. 

Singles “Hot Thoughts” and “Can I Sit Next to You” are both currently available to stream on Spotify.

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Grammy Performer Gary Clark Jr. Announces Raw ‘Live/North America 2016′ Album

Gary Clark Jr. announced the release of his new album Live/North America 2016, due out March 17th. The second volume includes recent live performances from Clark Jr.’s North American tour in support of his fourth album The Story of Sonny Boy Slim.

With 12 all new and previously unreleased live recordings, Live/North America 2016 was recorded without overdubs. The album contains several tracks from Clark Jr.’s fourth album including “The Healing,” “Grinder” and “Our Love.” In addition to these tracks, the live album also features several covers of classics such as Jimmy Reed’s “Honest I Do” and Elmore James’ “My Baby’s Gone.”

For his new album, Clark Jr. collaborated with fellow Texan, Leon Bridges. Joined by his saxophonist Jeff Dazey, Bridges is a guest vocalist on the track “Shake.” Both hailed as contemporary blues and soul revivalists, it was only a matter of time before Clark Jr. and Bridges came together for a collaboration – and lucky for us, they did. The duo first crossed paths while on tour in Australia last year where they held an impromptu jam session and performed "Mississippi Kisses” at the Sydney Opera House.

Following Clark Jr.’s album announcement, the singer-guitarist dropped a video for “The Healing,” the first single off of the upcoming live album. Interspersed  with colorful animated graphics, Clark Jr. sings “This music is my healing.” The simple music video highlights the power of Clark Jr.’s raw voice and bluesy guitar riffs in all their glory.

This is a big week for the singer-guitarist, who is set to perform at the 59th Grammy Awards on Sunday. The acclaimed artist has partnered with Lincoln Motor Company for a 60-second commercial that will air during the 59th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.

Live/North American 2016 is available for pre-order. All pre-orders will include an instant download of a live version of “The Healing.”

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Gary Clark Jr. Joins 2017 Grammy Lineup

Born and raised Austin musician Gary Clark Jr. joined the lineup for the 59th annual Grammy Awards on February 12th. Clark will collaborate with William Bell, who is nominated for Best Traditional R&B Performance and Best Americana Album, for a special live performance.

“Honored that the Recording Academy / GRAMMYs asked me to perform at the #GRAMMYs,” the singer-guitarist announced on his Facebook page. “Looking forward to celebrating on Feb. 12!” While Clark isn’t up for a nomination this year, he took home a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2014. That same year, the singer-guitarist also became the first artist to ever receive nominations in both rock and R&B categories for debut album Blak And Blu.

Clark is set to join previously announced performers, including Adele, John Legend, Bruno Mars, Metallica, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. The awards announced live collaborations from Maren Morris and Alicia Keys. Rapper Anderson .Paak will team up with A Tribe Called Quest, and the Weeknd will take the stage with Daft Punk.

By mixing Grammy veterans and new talent, the Recording Academy hopes to showcase artists across various genres. In a statement, Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy said, “As fans' access to music has increased, so has their appetite for variety expanded,” said Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow stated.  “This year's lineup already reflects that — and we're still not done!"

Clark recently performed at the nine-day fan festival Super Bowl LIVE in Houston. His latest album The Story of Sonny Boy Slim was released last October. The ace guitarist is currently working with soul singer Leon Bridges and rapper Big K.R.I.T. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he revealed that “2017 is go time” and has a new album in the works.

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Willie Nelson Talks New Album

Willie Nelson announced upcoming album God's Problem Child, which is due out this spring. The new LP is produced and co-written with longtime collaborator Buddy Cannon.

“Well with your successful with someone you know if it ain't broke, you know why fix it?” Nelson says. “Same way with Buddy Cannon and he and I have had some incredible successes you know in the last few years.” Cannon, an accomplished songwriter and producer, has worked with a number of artists, including other legendary country outlaws such as Merle Haggard.

The album features a Donald Trump-inspired song called “Delete and Fast-Forward.” The country icon and old school liberal has voiced support throughout the election cycle for both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton. Nelson previewed some of the lyrics for the new song. "Delete and fast-forward, my friend/ The elections are over and nobody wins/ But don't worry too much, you'll go crazy again.” The lyrics encapsulate the drowning feeling that many feel following the post-election media frenzy.

Nelson is also co-starring in Woody Harrelson’s upcoming movie and first-ever live cinema project Lost in London. (Harrelson and Nelson happen to be friends and neighbors in Maui). “Oh you know we hang out a lot and we talk a lot,” Nelson said in a recent interview. “He [Woody Harrelson] was telling me about what he was going to do and actually I come up with a song that I had written.” The idea for the live movie was inspired by Harrelson’s 2002 arrest when he spent a night in jail for breaking an ashtray. The comedy will broadcast January 20th in over 550 theaters across the United States.

Despite his busy schedule, Nelson is currently on tour with stops in Houston and Las Vegas before wrapping May 6th in San Francisco. You can also catch him at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo February 16th.

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Randy Rogers Band Booked for Bipartisan Pre-Inaugural Ball

When the Randy Rogers Band announced that they would be playing at the 2017 Black Tie and Boots Presidential Inaugural Ball on January 19th, some were less than pleased. It was so unfavorable, in fact, that Randy Rogers took to Twitter to fan the smoke the announcement left in its wake. “Calm down, everybody,” Rogers tweeted. “We are playing an event for the Texas State Society in DC. It’s grand, historic and an honor.”

Despite what some click bait headlines would lead you to believe, this doesn’t mean the six-piece Texas band is lending their support to President-elect Donald Trump. They were booked before the election even took place, and it’s important not to confuse this with the President-elect’s official inaugural festivities.

Though Black Tie & Boots leads up to Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20th, it’s not part of the official inaugural balls, and it has no direct affiliation with Trump. It was first organized by the Texas State Society of Washington D.C. “to foster and encourage a fraternal spirit among the Texans at the National Capital.” It has since become a bipartisan event that has been historically hosted by homegrown Texas entertainers since its inception 64 years ago. Throughout the years, it has featured everyone from Willie Nelson and Robert Earl Keen to Jamie Foxx and Asleep at the Wheel.

The musical performers playing President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration has turned into a contentious who’s who of reality show runner-ups and B-list actors. The only confirmed performers thus far are the Radio City Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, America’s Got Talent singer Jackie Evancho and the “Deliverance Banjo kid.”

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Review: “A Very Kacey Christmas”

Christmas music this time of year is inescapable. From the doctor’s office to the grocery store, it isn’t exactly hard to find. But a decent holiday album, not so much – the classics are hard to beat. With his velvety smooth baritone, Bing Crosby is Christmas, so it isn’t any wonder why few of even of the most accomplished artists venture into holiday music. This is why Kacey Musgraves’ A Very Kacey Christmas is even more impressive. Balancing originally with yuletide tradition, her album doesn’t sound kitschy – or forced.

The album includes eight tried-and-true holiday favorites, such as “Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, “Let it Snow” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.” It also has four original tracks, featuring Texas artists that range from Willie Nelson and the Quebe Sisters to Grammy-nominated singer Leon Bridges. Originally intended to be a solo, Musgraves cowrote duet “Present Without A Bow” with Bridges, guitarist Austin Jenkins and songwriter Luke Laird.

Atop a ‘50s doo-wop beat and clean electric rhythms Musgraves sings, “The holiday's just another day that's cold, standing all alone under the mistletoe.”  Lyrically, the song sounds like Musgraves through and through, but the classic soulful melody can be attributed to Bridges. Musgraves said, “Leon [Bridges] has an interesting way of just throwing a melody out when you’re writing that’s super-intrinsic to what he does stylistically.”

Together, the songs compose a perfect blend of merry and melancholy. “I’m describing it as part western swing sprinkled with bits of classic pop, hazy Hawaiian moments and child-like fun that all comes to nostalgic/melancholy end and ultimately is very ‘me,’” Musgraves wrote in a statement.

The country superstar is currently on  "A Very Kacey Christmas" tour, which concludes December 21st in Forth Worth, Texas.

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At The Drive-In Returns With Thrashing New Single “Governed By Contagious”

After 16 years, who would have thought this would be that this would be the year that At The Drive-In would make their comeback. To the delight of many loyal fans like myself, the post-hardcore band released single “Governed By Contagious” Friday, and it sounds like they picked up right where they left off.  

Atop frantic guitar riffs, singer Cedric Bixler sings, “How many bites do you think it takes to get to the cyanide tooth.” Packed with melodic bite, the 3 minute 22-second track manages to single-handedly encapsulate the current political angst in America right now surrounding Donald Trump’s impending presidency. This single comes ahead of their untitled new album, the highly anticipated follow-up to 2000’s Relationship of Command.

In addition to their new single, the post-hardcore act has announced a leg of 2017 North American tour dates. The short trek kicks off March 20th in Washington, D.C. and winds down a few weeks later in Toronto. They’ll be back in the Europe in August to play the Leeds Festival. The band had to call off many of their North American tour dates in March after singer Cedric Bixler-Zavala was struck by "a health concern with his vocal chords."  

The band’s tour lineup will not include guitarist and founding member Jim Ward. Ward left the band shortly before At The Drive-In departed for their world tour in March. In a statement, the band wrote, “As our ship prepares for voyage, we announce that Jim Ward will not be joining us on future journeys. We wish him well and are excited to see you soon.”

“Governed By Contagious” is available on Spotify, and for download on the band’s official website. Check out the new lyric video here.