Illinois-native David Quinn was raised on classic country records and that long-held appreciation for the genre’s roots shines through on “Cryin’ Shame,” a traditional country two-stepper about a doomed relationship.
“Cryin’ Shame,” which Wide Open Country is premiering today, is the debut release from Quinn’s forthcoming album Wanderin’ Fool, produced by Andrija Tokic (Alabama Shakes, Margo Price).
Americana duo Roses & Cigarettes have a new album coming in late February, and they’re giving The Boot’s readers a first listen to one of its tracks. Press play below to hear “Feel the Fire.”
“Feel the Fire” is a melodic, sweet-sounding-but-rocking song about the beginning of a relationship — that moment when “you can feel the tension building with someone, but no one is making the move,” explains duo member Jenny Pagliaro.
We love songs that fulfill our souls with memories and feelings, and this Tom Freund’s Angelus is one of those songs. It’s extremely summery and nostalgic, the brightest ray of sun you’ll see today (if that is possible), and this is due to Tom’s long career. The thing is a lot of people keep on making Americana music but only a few make it amazingly like Freund, for instance. And that’s easy to realize, Tom has performed alongside with so many renowned artists like Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne and has shared the stage with many many others. Angelus is “just” another great song from the Venice Beach-based singer-songwriter, included in his most recent full-length album East of Lincoln.
Does Chris Stapleton have a younger brother named Kyle Daniel? Because that’s what he sounds like. My goodness, this is a country music power ballad. There’s a touch of Tim McGraw in there, too, and that’s nothing to take lightly. Kyle Daniel’s composition is rich with layers of piano and guitar work that are really fun. Also, the “born to lose” lyrics are perfect for my pessimistic heart. We don’t often feature modern country, but this one is worth an exception.
Boo Ray titled his new album, releasing Feb. 15, Tennessee Alabama Fireworks, taking inspiration from a sign he saw regularly on I-24 in his frequent drives between Chattanooga and Nashville. But the title also does a fair job of describing the sound of the album as well, as influences from Nashville, Memphis, and Muscle Shoals come together for one big bang of a Southern rock masterclass.
Boo Ray has a lot on his mind on Tennessee Alabama Fireworks and the album’s lead single and first track “A Tune You Can Whistle” sets the stage for a his thoughts on how a plugged in world and an increasing dependence on medication to regulate the flow leads to personal disconnect.
“This song’s a true love relationship being torn apart by addiction, financial struggle and depression, in emergency crash-mode begging to “Hold on! We ain’t got the good out of this yet.” It’s a country song and can be cut a couple of different ways. I was thinking The Mavericks-retro-modern-California country style so I could pitch it to somebody hip, maybe Russell Dickerson, Brothers Osborne or Eric Church. And it could also be done as a devastating, heartbroken ‘Whiskey Lullaby’-style duet by a pair of singers like Kacey Musgraves and Charlie Worsham, or Maren Morris and Russell Dickerson.” – Boo Ray