Put A Record On: Big city bluegrass and small town nihilism

And really new, really folk music.

Welcome back to Don’t Rock the Inbox! Here’s this week’s music recommendation post and playlist, which are for paying subscribers only. Subscribe to get access to all our new (and old) music picks and pans, and so much more — including new playlists weekly, which are always at the bottom of this email (paying subscribers — make sure you don’t miss them!). If you’re interested in paid content but not able to afford it, shoot us an email.

Fun news: Both Marissa and I have profiles out this week on two artists who could hardly be further from each other on the country spectrum, but both have bangers (and can pack a house in Texas, at least in my experience). Here is Marissa on Sierra Ferrell for Rolling Stone, and me on Randall King for Texas Monthly.

The Good

by Janice Reid

“The Internet,” Kaia Kater: Undeniably folksy and relentlessly contemporary at once, complete with that haunting, sad and pretty echo of uncomfortable truth that makes folk music as a discipline so affecting. A true stop-you-in-your-tracks release! I’ve gotta shout out DJ Salty Cracker (who I came across through — what else — the internet) for leading me to this one with his great Both Kinds Of Music playlist! Definitely recommend giving it and him a follow. — NW

“The Mother,” Brandi Carlile: Hi from Mexico! I’m writing this from Brandi Carlile’s Girls Just Wanna Weekend in Mexico (thanks Natalie for taking the helm on the picks this week while I do the disgusting work of going to someplace tropical, listening to my favorite artists and having fun). But if you know me, you know I land anywhere with a ton of guilt - caretaking my kids, caretaking a parent, I feel like I’m not allowed to have fun sometimes and I’ve nearly forgotten how to. I expect Brandi will play this song tonight, and it always reminds me of who I am: I am a mother, and I am me. (PS - Annie Lennox is the special guest here!!!!! I’ll be posting from the festival on our Instagram if you want to check out what I’m up to!) - MM

“Can’t Pass The Bar,” Scotty McCreery: They can’t pass the bar, and I can’t pass by goofy country pop wordplay. I’ve been asking for radio country with whimsy and this is as close as I’ve heard in a while (although I know we can do better!). — NW

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Natalie’s Small Town Nihilism Corner

“Lemonade,” Peytan Porter: A Kacey-meets-Ashley McBryde thing happening here that’s compelling enough to stand on its own. — NW