Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (studio album) by Sturgill Simpson

From LebowskiRams 06/19/2019 03:24

Townes Van Zandt on acid. I dig.

From buzzdainer 04/27/2019 18:07

It took some time for Sturgill Simpson to win me over. Americana and country music create all sorts of interesting problems for me because these genres often tread the line between American values I find repugnant--the gun-toting, Confederate flag-waving, xenophobic elements within the Trump cult, for instance--and those that appeal to my deep love of the land and its people. I identify Sturgill Simpson's vocal style more closely with the former than the latter. Then again, so did Merle Haggard's, and I like Merle Haggard. So I've come around quite a bit on Sturgill Simpson, mainly on the strength of his songwriting and the genuine complexity of both his music and his lyrics. I can see this album, as well as his others, continuing their upward trajectory on my charts.

Yes you hear old school country with psychedelic twists, and yes it sounds like Waylon Jennings in 1973, but look closer. Look at the in-synch musicianship and the clever poetry here. It's a carefully planned and executed record, and after hearing Sailor's Guide many times, I just can't see myself favoring that record over this one. "Turtles" is unlike any country song you have ever heard before and the reworking of "Promise" is new and refreshing. Highly Recommended.

Track Pick: Turtles All the Way Down

From junodog4 09/26/2016 02:52

Maybe it's because I'm an old curmudgeon, but when a new country artist bucks the pop-country cliches and sounds like Waylon Jennings, I like it. This is a damn fine album.

From samistake2ice 07/09/2015 20:35

2 things surprised when when I came back to this page. 1, that I had not yet commented on this album. 2, that so few people have it on their charts. MSiCM WILL sweep the Americana Music Awards this year. Put your house on it! His vocals are out of this world as are his themes, it's masterfully produced by Dave Cobb (Isbell's Southeastern), and there simply isn't anyone doing what he is doing. A lot of people say that he sounds like Waylon, and that is fair praise, but he is the type of songwriter and singer that people, 30 years from now will be saying "That dude sounds like STURGILL SIMPSON!'

I loved this. Old type country. Just so well done! MEZ

From paladisiac 12/30/2014 22:53

This feels like old school country music. My favorite track is his take on 80s hit "the promise".

From zdwyatt 08/01/2014 15:06

The title is no jest; this is country music. But it's Waylon and Willie country, straight out of the early 70s. As people's patience wears thin with checklist songs and beer anthems, this album is being raised as a beacon. If you've ever been known to say, "I don't like country music," please give this a listen. If you still don't like country, at least it will be after hearing how good it can sound.