Must Listens for November: The Shotgun Seat Team Picks

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Annie: “Call Me When You Get There” by Dan Layus

The former Augustana frontman turned Tom Waits-ian on his recent solo debut album Dangerous Things and this song immediately grabbed me on first listen. It really shows that he’s been listening hard to country music since his recent move to Nashville, with a simple repeated hook that changes in context slightly at each chorus. It’s romantic but not cheesy, poignant but not overwrought. His vocal is laden with character and the instrumentation is stripped, letting the focus rest on the lyric and his voice. The entire album is incredibly compelling, whether you were a fan of Augustana or a folk-alt-country lover, and this song is a standout.

Christina: “Keeper of the Flame” by Miranda Lambert

If you are not excited for a brand new double-disc full length from Miranda Lambert this month, shame on you. After a rough year personally, Lambert has announced not only her first album in two years but also a headlining tour. Last Friday, fans who pre-ordered The Weight of These Wings were treated to a brand new song, “Keeper of the Flame.” The ethereal and at times nostalgic tune takes a different turn from the previously-released “Vice.”  Lambert reminds us in an upbeat rhythm that she is human, feels deeply, and is ready for this next chapter in her life and her career.

“I’m walking in their footsteps / I’m singing their old songs … I’m bent, but I’m not broken / I’m stronger than I feel / I’m made of flesh and bone, not made of steel.”

As a veteran in the country genre, she has not only learned from artists that have come before her, but also paves the way for the slew of fresh female talent creating music in Nashville these days. As she continues to reinvent herself and her music, her loyal fans appreciate her vulnerability and honesty, and “Keeper of the Flame” is no different.

“Sometimes I’m just a flicker / A candle in your eye / But I swear to God, I’ll never let it die.”

The much-anticipated The Weight of These Wings is out November 18th.

Natalie: Mescalito by Ryan Bingham

How I made it to 2016 without hearing this 2007 masterpiece I have no idea, but here I am, nine years later and ten listens deep, obsessed. It’s inherently Americana, totally outlaw, and half south-of-the-border, and Bingham’s gravelly, slightly-off vocals are unique to anything else I’ve heard. I genuinely believe if it were released today the project would be met with plenty of critical acclaim, and would fit right in with the country “resurgence,” a la Stapleton and newcomers like Luke Bell and Cody Jinks.

My favorites include “Sunshine,” “Take It Easy Mama,” and the definitive opening track “Southside of Heaven,” which somehow changes tempo – and vibe – three times and yet still sounds entirely cohesive.

Sam: “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington

In October, Billy Currington achieved his 11th #1 single with the utterly real and passionate, “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To.” While the song’s success was a slow burn, its chart recognition is not to be ignored. In Currington’s usual fashion, the song finds the happy medium between country and pop with an enjoyable, mid-tempo tune. The singer takes listeners through the journey of getting over a heartbreak—the good days and bad, the successes and pitfalls. “I’m finally gettin’ out back into the world / Life is good, I’ll marry a girl,” Currington sings. “She got a beautiful heart, eyes are blue / I don’t hardly ever think about you / Hey, hey, what can I say? I can just lie and say it’s all okay/ Oh-ho, what can I do? / Been goin’ through hell gettin’ over you / But it don’t hurt, it don’t hurt like it used to.

The song is unique in its ability to dance the fine line between being prideful and vulnerable with one’s emotions. And, with no surprise, the artist’s sultry voice perfectly suits the earnestness of his lyricism. In its entirety, “It Don’t Hurt like it Used To” is another commendable release from Currington, and one that all audiences can love and relate to.

Lydia: “Fishing Alone” by Erik Dylan

I could have easily picked the entire recently-released album Heart of a Flatland Boy, by Erik Dylan, but I chose to highlight “Fishing Alone” this month. While the album is an anthemic project particularly dedicated to blue collar America, “Fishing Alone” strikes an emotional chord from the very first line. 

“If I’d have known it was the last time / We’d be sitting on the shoreline / I’d have probably talked a little less / About myself I guess / Would’ve got to say goodbye.” 

It’s a heart-wrenching story of losing someone you love without warning. The longing to rewrite history and take the time to truly live in the moment with the ones who mean the most to you, and the regret of not doing so.  Dylan is a talented singer-songwriter who stays true to his roots and writes about real-life struggles and emotions. This song is certainly no exception – literally everyone could relate to the lyrics in some way.  The stripped down recording allows you to truly feel the emotions behind the lyrics without being distracted.  “Fishing Alone” is guaranteed to put your life into perspective.  

“Lord I never saw it coming / But I guess you never do / I used to call him Sunday mornings / And I really don’t know when / It turned to every now and then.”

Markus: “Three Wooden Crosses” (CMA Cover) by Josh Turner

Turner had quite the job matching up to Randy Travis’ classic hit, but he does so with ease and magnificence in his installment of the CMA cover series. An excellent vocal match, Turner brings the same life, personality and storytelling to the table that Travis did to his original version, and the beautiful acoustic instrumentation only helps the song’s case. What was already near perfect is at least matched, making this cover an absolute must watch. If Josh Turner’s new upcoming material is even half as good as this cover, we’re all in for a treat.

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