You had me at Nudie Suits

I started this blog with a promise that I would talk about the underdogs, outcasts, etc of the Country music platform. And I am going to do so. But, this week’s blog is dedicated to a group that has had a bit of radio play.

Don’t write me off just yet... they definitely fit the outskirts of ordinary description. They sing about drinking too much, smoky bars, galvanting around... all of the “typical” Country contexts. Here’s the thing... they have a steel guitar, 3 part harmonies, sing about getting high, and they wear blessed nudie suits.

Y’all, these guys have brought the 70’s back. In a time where Country songs are more about Snapbacks, “boys,” and comparing women’s bodies to backroads, and building the song with tracks, these men brought the neotradional Country back with all the traditional instruments. Bless. They have the smooth tempos of Willie, with the cowboy style of King George, the harmonies of the Eagles, and a hippie grunge of their own. California meets Texas and took on Nashville.

I first discovered them when Drinkin’ Problem hit the radio. Loved the sound. So I hit YouTube and found the BEST gem. As you would have it, this music video was uploaded by some super random user. The song has never been released and it is a shame because this smoky bar, hippie country, steel guitar perfection needs to be known. Here is the gist: You can just feel the heavy air in the smoky bar and their clothes came straight from 1975. They haven’t showered in days. No flashy production. Just the whine of the steel guitar led by understated lyrics.

So, here it is. You are welcome.

Their album, On the Rocks, is a great mix of traditional staples, great harmonies, and a contemporary spin. This defies the mainstream Country in numerous ways. It is not overproduced; there is still a bit of grit. Praise. Despite this being their freshman album, it tells a cohesive story while not sounding repetitive. This is HARD to do. Though the album contains singles, it is written as a collaboration. In their words, “this ain’t check chasing Country,” but it is damn good Country. Thanks for defying the odds, Midland, y’all are the real deal.