Put A Record On: Diggin' Around Bandcamp, Thinkin' Bout Life

Beaucoups of Country and Blues

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.

I’ll be helming this week’s picks while I try to soak in a few days of fall-ish weather and resist an existential panic about the impeding election. Music helps! - Marissa

The Good

“Reckless Road,” Julie Williams: Off her really lovely EP Tennessee Moon, this is a gorgeous, ethereal (thanks to William’s ability to hit uncanny, breathy high notes) little country song that packs in the twang in really modern ways.

“Motel Room,” Bob Sumner: Every now and then I spend a good chunk of time just roaming around Bandcamp, looking for something new and interesting. This week was one of them! This song, and the whole album from the Vancouver-based Sumner, has this really relaxed approach to it, like I’m listening to “Bluebird Wine” on repeat. Countrypolitan when it needs to be, pure picking at others.

“Never Been the Boss,” Ben Arsenault: Really good sad honkytonk from…Canada. Again! Is Canada hiring?

“Vegas,” Midland featuring Kaitlin Butts: This is one of my favorite tunes on the new Midland, made even better with the addition of the does-no-wrong Kaitlin Butts. As a duet, this really hits a Dolly/Kenny Rogers sweet spot. Sounds like velour feels.