New Music Tuesday Vol. 5

The irregularity is back, baby.

While I’d like to say it's my renegade spirit — it’s more likely the responsibilities of life that brought back the irregularity in these posts. Here is some new music.

Ramona and the Holy Smokes, “Till it’s Over”

Perhaps two years ago now, Ramona’s targeted Instagram video landed in my feed — these Latin-infused classic honky tonkers played my kind of country music. Snarky, funny and feminist. Willing to be sexy but unwilling to relinquish any sense of power or control. I was sure they were from South Texas — the swagger, sound and soul seemed to be a dead giveaway.

However, the Virginia-based band is not from Texas, and that doesn’t change the vibe and power of the group. But it does push on our assumptions — or at least mine.

The band’s latest single provides a great entry point for listeners looking for a nostalgic, sixties-style country love song with modern sensibilities. Dripping with wordplay and lovely vocals supported by perfectly mixed and balanced band play, “Till It’s Over” could find its way to playlists next to Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette — but it wouldn’t fit perfectly. The modernity is in there, making what is a good song great.

Joel Adam Russell, “Knock The Boy Out of You”

Well, here is the pissed-off liberal white man country song that I sure needed after the election.

The song structure and sound are just barely controlled rage — and rightly so. As a response to the little boys who have been posting drivel like “Your Body, My Choice” online in recent weeks, this song pulls no punches and lands a vast majority of them. The line about violently protecting women seems antithetical to the song’s message — but honestly, I’m all right with it. Some things require violent opposition.

Perhaps a few of those little boys will hear this song and change their ways. More likely, it will serve the significant but small population of pissed-off liberal white guys who love country music.

Thanks to DJ Salty Cracker for the recommendation — I also like the rest of this guy’s socially inspired country music.

Bubba Bellin, Western Soul

From top to bottom, this broadly influenced album provides a modern take on today’s society through the lens of country music. With clear 90s Texas vibes, respectful soulful sounds and just a bit of somehow balanced Bro Country and honky tonk, Western Soul is a great album.

The opener, “Ain’t Allowed to Leave Texas,” sets the tone perfectly, giving you just a bit of swampy, jam-style country-fried goodness. The slow melodic journey left me wanting more of this style of music. The sad heartbreak of a traditional highway song in “Driving You to Denver” swings you back to early-1990s radio country. “Blue Like the Ocean” incorporates something that could be mistaken as Bro Country but more likely is just a bit of Michael McDonald-meets-the-Opry — in the best possible way.

Perhaps the expert use of soul in its most modern interpretations led me to confuse the soul vibes with some elements of hip-hop that find their way into popular country music. Or maybe I can’t categorize what is happening — where all the influences come from and lead. Regardless, I like this kind of country music, no matter what makes up its foundation.

But the easy favorite on this one is “Queen of the Suburbs (Karen’s Song)” — good god, this is a funny song. And just a solid honky tonk banger with wonderful peddle steel.

Until next Tuesday, whenever that is.