In 2011, the Pistol Annies formed and gave this industry something we needed. Three very independently successful artists/songwriters collaborated and the Pistol Annies were born & it was glorious. These ladies probably had absolutely no idea how much we needed this...that only 4 years later a radio consultant would label women in Country as the “tomatoes” who shouldn’t be played as much as men. If you don’t remember this, look it up. It was 100% BS and we showed him “what little girls are made of” afterward. Anyway, women are not/have not been played as much as men on Country radio and it is a real problem.
So in 2011, Miranda Lambert (Lonestar Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie), Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie) formed a group. Everything about their group screams GIRL POWER and it is phenomenal.

Their sound is like a girl band meets Loretta Lynn. It is traditional, old-time inspired, with a certain spice added in. They pretty much tell the the good, the bad, and the ugly truth. These ladies don’t mind breaking the rules and saying how they feel. They don’t take anyone’s shit; they do what they want.

They released their debut album Hell on Heels in 2011, and Annie Up in 2013. They took a few years off, but the rumors that they are reuniting this summer and releasing a new album have been confirmed. And we are all squealing because we need this. So I decided it was necessary to highlight a few of the hidden gems from their first 2 albums.

(If you have looked at my Instagram, you probably have seen my best friend, Pistol Annie The Puppy. She is my 2.5 year old golden retriever that was my wedding day present from my husband & she 100% lives up to her name with as sassy as she is. So yes, the Pistol Annies are my favorite, I even named my damn dog after them, so this is no secret. But I put my favorites aside when writing, so I promise to not be overly biased.)

So here we go, these are in no specific order:

​Hell on Heels
This track was the first we heard of Pistol Annies. I love how raw and blunt they were. “I’m hell on heels, say what you will. I done made the devil a deal. He made me pretty, made me smart, and I gonna break me a million hearts...sugar daddy I’m coming for you” Like y’all, I know that Miranda has been talking about lighting people on fire for years, but other than that, no one in Country music talks so blatantly about such content. It’s brilliant.

Takin’ Pills
Quoted at the top of this post because its so great. This track serves as an introduction of the ladies’ personas and literally doesn’t hold anything back.

Bad Example
How creative that this track sounds traditional & “nice” but really it is about being pissed that others behave because rambling is what they were born to do. This juxtaposition is perfect.

Don’t Talk About Him, Tina
Love the twang and the good ole country feel to this one. Bottom line, when a man leave, he sucks and you move on to better things.

Trailer For Rent
Life ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes you get so tired of your man & his shit, you just need to get rid of it all.

Lemon Drop
Sometimes being a woman is hard & annoying. The shit we put up with. But there is always a sweetness that comes. The simile of a lemon drop is cute.

I Feel A Sin Comin’ On
This track was the first on their second album it started things off with a bang. The melodies in this track are second to none, it truly showcase their vocal talents and ability to harmonize. It also isn’t shy about temptation & transgressions. In the past, Country women have been painted as delicate flowers. Not anymore: “I got a buzz in brain, drunk on love going down like champagne. I got a feeling it’s going to leave a lipstick stain, & I’ll be the only one to blame.” Bold and unapologetic.

​Unhappily Married
Tongue in cheek writing at its best. Every married woman can laugh at this honest tale of holy matrimony. If you are pissed at your husband, blare this track & you’ll feel better. Also, once again, the blatant honesty is the best.

Girls Like Us
Such a female anthem that discusses the heart & soul of women. “Don’t girl like us make the world go round & round.”

Boys From the South
With most of their sound being humorous, sarcastic, rebellious, and unapologetic, this track is a nice change of pace. It is a tribute to those Southern boys that we love so much. There just something about them that makes us crazy...but I try not to let my Southern husband know this :)

Damn Thing
I drink beer, gallivant, and deal with all kinds of crazy...and I can’t do a damn thing about it. Grab your girls and turn it up.

I Hope You’re the End of My Story
I don’t like love songs, but I love this one. So simple, so sweet. Not overdone. Not idealistic. Just endearing. Ending Annie Up with this track was a great move, letting the simplistic beauty resonate.


BONUS

The ladies got together to contribute to a Don Williams tribute album...and they recorded one of my Don Williams’ favorites, Tulsa Time. Nailed it.


Thanks for being my soul sister, ladies! Can’t wait for the new music. Who run the world? GIRLS.

Xoxo
Faith

This week’s post features the OG Outsider, Mr. Misunderstood, Eric Church. (That was the first time I’ve ever used “OG,” I’m a really cool 27 year old, I know)

Eric freaking Church. Since this is my blog and I do what I want, I’m naming him Entertainer of the Year for 2017 because, let’s be real, he SHOULD have won that damn CMA Award.

Mr. Church puts out the best albums. Literally the best. And the singles get radio play, but I still think he is one of the most underrated artists, songwriters, and entertainers in this town. I’m literally just going to work backwards, periodically throwing one his albums in the mix of posts. So this post will focus on his latest album, Mr. Misunderstood.

Before we dive into the album let’s talk about the release. He is seriously the biggest badass and here is why, he recorded, produced, and released this album with it being a complete secret. There was no promotion. That’s a really big deal. First of all, only Eric Church could convince a small group of people to keep this a secret, because that’s not the way its done. Second of all, only Eric Church would do it without his label dropping him or being seriously angry that there was no radio promotion. Basically only Eric Church can do whatever he wants.

So the album was sent exclusively to his fan club, his Church Choir. The album was not publicly discussed and anything that was leaked on the internet was taken down immediately by his team. The next day he premiered Mr. Misunderstood at the CMA Awards, with the announcement that the album will be available everywhere the following day. The reason: he wanted his fans to hear the music first instead of radio and promoters having all of the power. Legitimately the OG of rebellion.

One more thing...he should have CMA Entertainer of the Year 2017 simply because of his record setting tour, Holdin My Own. He played 62 shows in 5 months with NO OPENERS. He also proved once again that he doesn’t take any shit because he cancelled tickets that were sold to scalpers so his true fans had a chance to see him without having to pay 4x the face value. Scalpers are a huge issue in Nashville and I think standing up to that is such a respectable move. I went the very last night of this tour, which set records at Bridgestone Arena. Since he didn’t have any openers, the show was split into two parts with an intermission and the concert was 4+ hours long. Y’all I have been to a ton of shows, but this show was hands down the BEST I've been to. With all the pun intended, he took me to church.

It’s probably time to discuss the actual music…

Mr. Misunderstood.

This album does an amazing job of marrying the Southern Rock & Country sound to meaningful and important lyrics. Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Casey Beathard, Ryan Tyndell, Travis Meadows, Luke Dick, and Monty Criswell nailed the writing. Truly amazing, impactful lyrics. Jay Joyce always nails production, this album was no exception.

Every. Single. Track. Sticks out to me.

Mr. Misunderstood- a summary of why I love Eric. He sticks up for the outcasts. He gets them because he is one. Thank God.

Mistress Named Music- EVERYONE who is chasing their dream in the music industry can relate to this. The first time I heard it, I cried.

Chattanooga Lucy- dancing in my car.

Mixed Drinks about Feelings- sad and beautiful lyrics, featuring Susan Tedeschi.

Knives of New Orleans- amazing and powerful. Travis Meadows is a co-writer. If you don’t know his story, look it up.

Round Here Buzz- good ole Country Music content

Kill a Word- WHY DID THIS NOT HIT #1? This powerful track is so, so needed in our world. Huge thanks to Rhiannon Giddens and Eric for bringing the important message written by Church, Dick, Hyde to life.

Holdin’ My Own- focus on the important things. Also used as his tour title because he had no openers. YES.

Record Year- the only track from this album to get adequate radio play. Such an AMAZING story. Love the play on words, true artistry.

Three Year Old- Perfect way to end this album.

Thanks for inspiring all of us who are “married to a dream, with a mistress named music,” Mr. Church. You are truly one of the best this town has.

​xoxo

Faith
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PS... click the link below for an article that came out exactly a year ago about the Holdin’ My Own tour. Thanks to Facebook Memories, I came accross it today. All kinds of goodies in this post, y’all are spoiled.
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Hi Friends! This week we are doing a bonus post. Don’t worry, the staple Friday morning post will still go out, but this bonus post is dedicated to this brand’s namesake.

16th Ave.

For those of you who aren’t in the music industry or aren’t familiar with Nashville, 16th Ave, along with 17th Ave and the small side streets make up Music Row. Music Row is where all the music magic has happened since the 1950’s. It houses historical recording studios RCA Studio B, Quonset Hut Studio, as well as many other industry related businesses.

The beauty of Music Row is that it isn’t glamorous. It looks like just another street of bungalow style houses, some are even unmarked. The modest appearance may fool some, but this is where the magic is made. Many songwriters, musicians, and artists write, play and record here.

The simplistic beauty of this area also symbolizes the journey that all individuals in the music industry embark on. The industry is tough to break into. Even when you are in, you have to fight to stay relevant. Everyone wants in, but even at the top, it is hard work. Just like the the actual area being understated, the industry is also far from glamorous. Lying, manipulation, being stepped on... is a labor of love, as it is not the most lucrative unless you are part of the 1%. But the strong willed fighters persist, because they believe it is worth it.

As someone who dreamed of living in Nashville working in the industry my entire childhood, this area means the absolute world to me, as it does so many others. It symbolizes our dreams, and connects us to our idols. My first week of living in Nashville I often made a point of driving down “The Row” and each time I would tear up. This history, the dreams, the legacy, that this area represents is crucial to Nashville. Though Nashville has outgrown its exclusive nickname as “Music City,” the music industry has shaped this city more than any other industry.

A brief history: In 1954, Owen & Harold Hut opened Quonset Hut Studio on 16th Ave. Other businesses started moving in, such as Hill and Range Publishing and deadwood Music Publishing. In 1957, RCA Studio B opened. This studio was run by Chet Atkins and is known for housing Elvis Presley, Eddy Arnold, Everly Brothers, Dolly Parton, and many others. In 1961, CMA (Country Music Association) moved in. In 1967, The Country Music Hall of Fame Museum opened, and remained on Music Row until 2000. The Row is where the “Nashville Sound” of Country Music was born. Many other businesses have moved in since, most keeping the original buildings.

Though many businesses have chosen to leave The Row over the last couple of years, it is still considered the heart of the music industry in Nashville. Personally, I find such persistence in staying and honoring the original roots. There are a few vacancies, but this area is still very much alive.

Unfortunately, developers have other ideas. An area of The Row is being looked at for redevelopment. There is a proposed new 8 story building for office space. Though the office space is being branded for music industry individuals, it still is not being welcomed by the industry as a whole. Because, again, the magic of Music Row lives in the historical, understated feel. Songwriters like writing in an old house converted into an office. It inspires creativity. It brings them closer to the history. It’s the Nashville Way.

There are quite a few of us who feel that a new 8 story building will disrupt the look, feel, and history of this area. There was an informational meeting this week where musicians, local business owners, and others have voiced their opinions to the developer. It dawned on me that some may not even understand that rich history and mean this area represents, so I decided it was important to tell the story.

This is not the first time developers have tried to redevelop the area. In 2014, a developer bought properties on Music Row promising to preserve the history, but instead had plans to put condos in. This plan included shutting down Studio A. During this time, the music industry came together to fight this proposals, and with a petition, the plans were shut down. During this fight, Chris Stapleton recorded Traveller in Studio A, an album that went double platinum and won many various awards. He later recorded his next album From A Room there, with the name paying tribute to the studio. If this doesn’t give y’all goosebumps & all the feels, you’re heartless.

16th Ave. Music Row. My inspiration.


I am not sure the next steps in fighting to preserve The Row and the businesses that would close if this redevelopment happens including Classic Ax, Wolf Mastering, Big Spark Music, Krazy Pop Studio, Rhinestone Wedding Chappel, Legendary Bobby’s Idle Hour (last Tavern on Music Row), Warner/Chappell. Please comment if you have any more information. Let’s fight the good fight together.

Xoxo
Faith

References:
https://www.nashvillescene.com/music/features/article/20991582/three-years-after-being-saved-from-the-wrecking-ball-studio-a-still-makes-an-impact

https://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/entries/music-row-nashville/

https://www.tennessean.com/story/money/2018/05/23/nashville-music-row-development-bobbys-idle-hour/629165002/

http://www.wsmv.com/story/38241949/bobbys-idle-hour-hopes-for-future-on-music-row-despite-new-development-proposal












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You ever have an album that speaks deeply to your soul? So deeply, you swear you are there, during the writing process, pouring your heart out? The Weight of These Wings is that for me. Miranda Lambert is my true soul sister, and her albums always meet me where I am in life. Always. It’s actually crazy.

Miranda is a damn superstar, so many of you may be asking why I am writing about her. Put simply, she is underrated and misunderstood at times. Here is the thing, she is more than a sassy, outspoken woman. She sings about more than lighting cheaters on fire; not all of her songs are upbeat, and she is a damn good writer. She is a human and she is so transparent about her emotions, life, and demons.

This last album was such a pivotal moment in her career. She went through a divorce and we all were thinking this album may be ‘Kerosene Pt 2.’ But instead we got a story. We saw her vices, we peeked into her soul.

This album is actually hard to write about for me. It speaks for itself; as do the best albums.

My favorite part of this album is that it is a true album. It tells a story. It doesn’t have any obvious singles. There is nothing more transparent than an album that contains 2-3. radio friendly singles, with “fillers” mixed in. This album is so opposite of this trend, that it actually hasn’t had great success with any singles released. Miranda also released darker, brutally honest singles, showing she was really here to do her own thing, despite what is considered a “radio hit.” Some would say that Miranda’s career has suffered because of this move. Because she did not exploit the upbeat, sassy girl power sound on this album.

But I would actually say the exact opposite. I believe this album shows immense artistic growth. I believe it shows vulnerability. I believe it shows heart. I believe it shows humanity. Listening to this album feels like having a heart to heart with your best friend. Oh….and let’s not forget that this is a double album. 24 pieces of pure gold.

In various interviews, Miranda has talked about moving to Nashville after the divorce and going out to Midtown every night. (For those of you who don’t live here, Midtown is where the locals actually go it, Broadway is a tourist trap). Y’all she is just like us; she orders a Miller Lite and hangs out. In fact, she is still sitting there “as the ugly lights come on,” which is what inspired Ugly Lights.

There are the songs that are full of heartbreak: Runnin’ Just In Case, You Wouldn't Know Me, Getaway Driver, Use My Heart, Tin Man, Things That Break, Well-Rested, To Learn Her. They are all beautiful, sad, but hopeful at the same time. To Learn Her is one of those blessed songs that is just COUNTRY. It’s twangy, simple, classic, and pure gold.

The ones that talk about the messy, imperfect crazy trains: Vice, We Should Be Friends, Ugly Lights, Covered Wagon, Six Degrees of Separation. All so unique, and so needed.

The ones that are fun: Highway Vagabond, Pink Sunglasses, Smoking Jacket, Tomboy, For the Birds, Bad Boy. These are so different than Miranda’s typical upbeat songs. They are more chill, more “whatever.” Don’t get me wrong, I love Miranda’s Fastest Girl in Town vibes, but this album brings such a unique feel. Highway Vagabond makes me want to pack up all my shit, travel around aimlessly, and leave the drama behind.

There’re are also the ones that are hopeful: Pushin’ Time, Good Ol’ Days, Dear Old Sun, Keeper of The Flame, I’ve Got Wheels. I love that these are sprinkled throughout the album as little reminders that there is always hope, always better days.

Personally, Pushin’ Time will always be extremely special to me, as it I reminiscent of September 12, 2015, which was the day I got married. It is the only love song on the album, as it recounts the day she met Anderson East: “Oh how I remember well, the sunset on September 12th.” We just happened to have an absolute perfect sunset in the rural rolling hills of Northern Missouri where I am from that day, and many of our wedding guests still talk about that to this day. I’m not a classic romantic, but that is absolute perfection. {Soul Sister}

The album ended in the perfect way. “Sometimes these wings get a little heavy & I can’t stay between the lines, but I’m rocking steady. When I can’t fly, I start to fall, but I’ve got wings, I’m rolling on.” Flawless.

As much as I hate celebrity gossip, Miranda was very transparent that this was her “version” of the story as it pertains to her divorce. So I will say this: The Weight of These Wings is raw emotion, but bitterness is not present. She takes a look inwardly, owns her shit, explains her heartbreak, and moves on. BLESS.

“...I wrote the book on losing sleep & gaining weight. On pain & shame & crazy trains.”

Music is medicine. Love you long time, Miranda.


Xoxo
Faith

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Aaron Watson. If you love George Strait, if you love fiddles, if you love true cowboys, if Texas Country is your jam, this man is for you. He has been doing this a long time. 19 years, 13 albums.

He is well known in Texas, but only in Texas & surrounding areas. The funny thing about Country is that there are 3 distinct styles based on region: Bakersfield, Texas, Nashville.  I could write a whole post about just this subject, but I’ll make it brief. Bakersfield Country sounds a little less polished, less tracks, more banjo. Texas country is based on the ‘outlaw’ mentality. Anti Nashville. I do my own thing, anti establishment. It tends to be a more traditional country sound. The Nashville sound is the smooth, pop sounding Country. There is a bit of an ongoing tiff between the regional differences, specifically Nashville & Texas. Needless to say, Texas guys do not get much national radio play.

Ok, ok, back to the damn music. Aaron Watson is George Strait cowboy Country with Dierks Bentley rasp. He is a true cowboy. If I ever need a reminder of why I moved to Nashville, I pull out my Aaron Watson albums. The dream is not dead; the classic sound still exists. There is an ongoing joke in Nashville that the worst “music crime” you can commit is simply to play classic country. It breaks my heart because King George, Willie, Waylon, Reba, Loretta, etc made me fall in love with Country music as a child. This sound has such a special meaning to me, as I know it does others. It honestly breaks my heart that this style doesn’t get noticed in the mainstream world as much anymore.  

BUT, this is why Aaron Watson stands out. He has that classic sound, is a talented writer/artist, and HE DOESN’T GIVE UP. He knows he is the underdog, and he keeps giving it his all. There is something so damn beautiful about that. This has inspired me countless times to persevere. Seeing him live proves that I'm not the only one inspired. His fans are some of the best there are, singing along with every word to every song.

All of his albums are fantastic; 13 indie albums and none feel stale, which is remarkable. The guitar, fiddle, and lyrics always work together in the most beautiful ways. His latest, Vaquero may be the best. Here are the tracks that stand out to me:
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This was a more serious one, sorry not sorry. I believe that sometimes the best music brings you to tears. But, in the words of Panic! At the Disco, I “swear to shake it up, if you swear to listen”

Xoxo
Faith

You know how to be a “rebel” in today’s Country? Write/sing about the hot topics, such as same sex marriage, legalizing marijuana, and telling mainstream Country off, all with the whine of a steel guitar. I’m only half joking. Kacey Musgraves is a true rebel because she literally doesn’t give two shits what people think. She says what everyone else is thinking, but scared to say. Which pretty much makes her amazing at what she does.

Now, I know that she recently released Golden Hour, which I promise I will discuss in the future. But for now, we are going to talk about one of my all time favorite albums, Pageant Material. This album has a true Texas Classic Country sound. The tracks are led by the steel guitar & banjo. I have put the entire album on the playlist, but it’s 2018 & attention spans are short, so I’ll highlight the gems that stick out to me.
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