Farce the Music: Cody Jinks

Showing posts with label Cody Jinks. Show all posts

Jan 8, 2020

Can't Wait for CoKo Fest!

inspired by a tweet from Jonathan Tyler

Dec 30, 2019

Scott Colvin's Top Ten (12) Albums of 2019

By Scott Colvin

I really expected to write a lot in 2019.

In fact, as the calendar moved from 2018 to 2019 I had a bunch of concerts already scheduled to review. Was going to do some record reviews (and I even mentioned to Trailer that I might do a couple interviews which I really don’t enjoy doing). Yup. I had every intention of being a super productive member of Farce The Music’s dysfunctional writing family. Then it happened in late February. Stroke. Really.

To say I’ve been adjusting physically and psychologically since that day is an understatement. After reluctantly cancelling a few concert reviews in March and April I decided I was ready in mid-May to give it a shot.

Cracker. A slam dunk. Right? Wrong. I could barely take notes and thus had a notebook full of song titles and chicken scratches which I never could decipher. And that’s before I sat in front of my laptop to type which was almost impossible. You see the left hand was good, the right hand, not so much (don’t even get me started about the time I picked up my acoustic guitar).

Have I also mentioned the doctors at this difficult time said “no more booze?” 2019 officially sucked.

Needless to say I had a lot of time to hear a lot of new music. Sober. And I did. But, whereas most years I find myself in December going through dozens of albums to bring “The List” down to a manageable top 50 before whittling it down, I really only found 11 records that I really enjoyed this year (even if my real No. 1 is only in spirit). Here goes!

Honorable Mentions: Tyler Childers, Shovels & Rope, Frank Turner, Whiskey Myers, Karly Driftwood, Erin Enderlin, Grace Potter, Alice Merton, Maggie Rogers and Meiko.

10. Jenny Lewis – On The Line It really is too bad that the “controversy” involving Ryan Adams (producer of much of the record) was going down as this album dropped because it’s one of Jenny Lewis’s finer moments (and that includes a mostly spectacular run with Rilo Kiley). Regardless of where you stand on the Adams thing, it cannot be denied that Lewis wrote a fantastic record that was also produced by Beck, who no one has a reason to dislike.

9. Hayes Carll – What It Is It certainly was nice to see a more easy going and light-hearted Hayes Carll emerge on this album after his previous effort.

8. Molly Tuttle – When You’re Ready There’s something very familiar about Molly Tuttle that I can’t put my finger on, but I know I like this. A lot.

7. Dori Freeman – Every Single Star Pretty much what I said about Molly Tuttle. I like this one a little bit more so it gets the higher spot.

6. Sturgill Simpson – Sound & Fury Sturgill Simpson is like a druggier Eric Church who I also seem to dig even more as he deviates from “his norm.”

5. Randy Rogers Band – Hellbent The Randy Rogers Band has been the stalwarts of the Texas country music scene for almost 20 years. Nothing flashy here, just consistently good. Like Shiner Bock.

4. Jade Bird – Jade Bird I’m pretty sure “Lottery” is the song that every alternative band in the 90s wished they wrote. And I say that as a compliment. The whole album is just wonderful ear candy that is ridiculously infectious.

3. Chris Shiflett – Hard Lessons Hard to believe that this would be the Dave Cobb produced album I latched onto in 2019 but so be it. The guy is a rock legend. Guitarist for punk greats No Use For A Name and Me First And The Gimme Gimmes (and this other band Fighters of Foo…or something like that) Shiflett released his fourth country album full of catchy So Cal country goodness.

2. Kelsey Waldon – White Noise/White Lines Kelsey Waldon is like Elizabeth Cook without the quirkiness.

1. Cody Jinks – After The Fire and The Wanting – Kudos to Cody Jinks. The man delivered two stellar albums which he released in consecutive weeks AND didn’t hide behind some lame premise like one album is my rockin’ side and the other is my sensitive side…Or in lame-ass Zac Brown Band terms my crappy pop country side and my really crappy pop side.

THE REAL No. 1 ALTHOUGH THIS ONE IS NOT OFFICIALLY ON MY LIST Billie Eilish – When We All Fall Asleep Where Do We Go In all reality I probably listened to this album the most. Inventive, shocking and unabashedly cool. While people in my generation were crucifying her for not knowing who Van Halen was, I was laughing because I might be able to name more of her songs than “original Van Halen” songs (despite being a huge rock/metal fan I always thought VH was kinda lame).

Dec 23, 2019

Farce the Music's Top 20 Albums of 2019

This year we welcome Megan Bledsoe and Travis Erwin in as voters. As previously, our other voters are Kevin Broughton, Jeremy Harris, Matthew Martin, Trailer, Scott Colvin, and Robert Dean. Here are our staff-voted favorite albums of 2019.

Top 20 Albums of 2019

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1. Vandoliers - Forever

A blast of punk meets roots rock energy with big hooks, sing-along choruses, and plenty of heart and song-craft as well. Forever is proof you can make a party record without having to dumb it down. It went bell to bell as my favorite album of 2019 - a tough task with such a strong field of contenders.

~Trailer

Josh Fleming and his rowdy band of Texas rockers had their wish come true when they inked a deal with Bloodshot records, then rewarded the label’s faith in them with this tour de force. It’s an album that combines Fleming’s focused, fiery storytelling with the raw, rough-edged roots you might hear from Lucero or the Old 97s. And oh, the fiddles and horns!

~Kevin Broughton

2. Ian Noe - Between the Country

I remember a few years ago, it seemed like there was something in the water in Alabama. There was a great new album coming out of Alabama every couple of months. But, now it seems to be that has switched to Kentucky. Ian Noe is the next in line. He has a unique voice that sounds right out of the 60s. The album rises to the crescendo of what I think of his best song, the bluesy “Meth Head.” The song is gross, memorable, and incredible. The album will only grow as the years go by.

~Matthew Martin

Just Google everyone else’s review. There’s nothing left to say.

~Jeremy Harris

3. Tyler Childers - Country Squire

I was at the show in Circleville at Tootle’s Pumpkin Inn the day after Tyler smelled the factory smells in Chillicothe prior to his Steiner’s Speakeasy performance. I spend so much time in Chillicothe I forget it smells but it does.

~JH (was Jeremy drunk when he ranked his albums?)

The song that I couldn't turn off was "House Fire." By the time the song completely breaks down halfway through, you can practically smell the smoke. There's a reason Tyler Childers is selling out arenas right now. He's untouchable. His ability to write songs about everyday things and make them seem like they are the most important subjects is incredible.

~MM

A popular pick on most lists, Childers turns back time by transposing me to my childhood when I would listen to country radio as I fell asleep. The title track kicks off his classic sound quite well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1XMgUg8p-k ~Travis Erwin

4. Charles Wesley Godwin - Seneca

From the lyrics to the vocals to the production, where it sounds as if Godwin recorded the whole album in forgotten mines and on lonely mountainsides, this is a beautiful tribute to his home state of West Virginia.

~Megan Bledsoe

The voice, the stories, the music. Everything I love about country music is on this record. This is all I ever want out of an album. Songs about forgotten places and love. Songs about dead ends and never giving up. These are songs everyone needs to hear. After first hearing this album, I could not put it down. I tried to tell everyone I know about it. I tried to see him every time he came to D.C. I became obsessed with these songs

~MM

5. Mike and the Moonpies - Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold

“You Look Good In Neon” is the kind of country song the world is missing more of. These guys are so damn traditional that if you say their name three times Hee Haw will appear on your television screen. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BkHhaIR6Gcc ~Travis Erwin

6. Kelsey Waldon - White Noise/White Lines

A tough, touring gal posts up with an album and band that shows John Prine was right to sign her to O Boy Records. It’s dreamy and trippy and wonderful, and she’s so full of confidence. Kelsey Waldon will amaze. ~KB

Waldon's songs are as bluesy as they are country. This is soulful country and her voice is perfectly paired with the music. This album feels like it could have been recorded in 1979 or 2019. And, that's what makes this album great- it's timeless. It will be around a long, long time. ~MM

7. Jade Bird - Jade Bird

I’m pretty sure “Lottery” is the song that every alternative band in the 90s wished they wrote. And I say that as a compliment. The whole album is just wonderful ear candy that is ridiculously infectious. ~Scott Colvin

Everything comes together on Jade Bird’s debut record, from her incredible vocals to the angst in the writing to the variety in production and mood. An excellent, very re-playable record. ~MB

8. Jason Hawk Harris - Love and the Dark

Bloodshot continues its hot streak of great debut records. Harris endured an unimaginable series of tragedies in the few years leading up to this album, yet managed to emerge with clarity and hopefulness. He’s a brilliant songwriter who also deserves legitimate Isbell comparisons. ~KB

One of the most fascinating records of the year, focusing on the morbid and macabre and managing to do so in a thoroughly accessible and compelling way. ~MB

9. Dalton Domino - Songs From the Exile

A change of pace, style and life converge in this brilliant follow up to 2017’s Corners. On this album it’s all about the lyrics, and the artist is brutally honest in his self-reflection. The lyrical imagery is reminiscent of Isbell’s Southeastern, and one hopes that sobriety will have a similarly positive impact on Domino’s career going forward. Even if Songs From The Exile is his upper limit, it’s a worthy career-defining effort. ~KB

Another powerful album from an artist who has ascended in skill, openness and songwriting strength with every release. ~Trailer

10. Whiskey Myers - Whiskey Myers

I hate when people put S/T instead of typing the self titled album name. Stop being lazy. Obviously any artist or band that names their album after themselves is proud of it. We don’t call Hank Jr self titled.

~JH (dammit Jeremy)

It’s counterintuitive that this band self-produced a masterpiece after having two great records helmed by all-everything Dave Cobb, but that’s exactly what happened here. There’s depth and balance to this album, but ultimately it’s a Southern rock record in the very best tradition of a nearly forgotten genre. “Houston County Sky” channels The Marshall Tucker Band, and “Little More Money” and “Bad Weather” are right out of Dirty South-era Drive By Truckers. “Hammer” is a sultry, swampy reminiscence of early Black Crowes. This album is a triumph, and long-awaited.

~KB

11. Molly Tuttle - When You're Ready

An album as songful and charming as it is technically dazzling. Tuttle's voice is spellbinding, but she doesn't rely on ambiance... these are expertly written tunes.

~Trailer

There’s something very familiar about Molly Tuttle that I can’t put my finger on, but I know I like this. A lot. ~SC

12. Cody Jinks - The Wanting

Introspective Cody Jinks is my favorite Cody Jinks. Those songs where he slows things down a bit and tries to do a little brain surgery on himself. Those are the ones I gravitate towards. So, The Wanting is my cup of tea. Every song is a dissection of Jinks's psyche. These songs are like pages out of his diary. When an artist can be honest with themselves and in turn with their audience, we will always be receptive to that because we feel that way too...we have those same doubts and worries. Hearing them from someone like Jinks makes us feel validated. ~MM

13. Sturgill Simpson - Sound and Fury

Sturgill Simpson is like a druggier Eric Church who I also seem to dig even more as he deviates from “his norm.” ~SC

14. Black Pumas - Black Pumas

You'll swear you've heard them before, so timeless sounding are the Black Pumas. Soulful seventies inspired R&B with a modern flair. Well worth a listen for fans of Otis Redding or St. Paul and the Broken Bones.

~Trailer

15. The Highwomen - The Highwomen

Another album on almost everyone’s radar, this collection of talent did a great job of rekindling the magic of Country’s all-time best supergroup. “Wheels of Laredo” spoke the loudest to me and close the album with a hauntingly classic sound. ~TE

16. Caroline Spence - Mint Condition

Caroline Spence has a beautiful voice and writes crushing, beautiful songs. In a perfect world, Spence would be a household name. She's special and we're lucky to have her songs. "Sit Here and Love Me" is one my favorite songs of the year. ~MM

17. Emily Scott Robinson - Traveling Mercies

Not much to say here, just simply a gorgeous collection of songs. Some candidates for the best songwriting of 2019. ~MB

18. (tie) Tom Russell - October in the Railroad Earth

The title track is an ode to writer Jack Kerouac but beyond the literary influence it carries a deeper meaning and sets off the album on a wonderful journey of its own. “Small Engine Repair” is another wonderful song that uses the simple to create a broad metaphor. My personal favorite is “T-bone Steak and Spanish Wine,” but there simply is not a bad track among the bunch. “Highway 46” is on the surface, a where were you when Merle Haggard died song, but really it is a tip of that hat to both discovery and loss. One could argue the ghost of Johnny Cash sat in while the 72-year-old Russell laid down his tracks as the influence is undeniable so it is fitting the final and eleventh track is a cover paying homage to The Man in Black. ~TE

18. (tie) Left Lane Cruiser - Shake and Bake

So much sound from just two guys. Left Lane Cruiser really hit it out of the park with this one. Just a gritty and in yer face rock album. At first glance of the cover art you expect the entire album to be an ode to left hand cigarettes but after a short listen you find yourself immersed in Left Lane Cruiser’s best album. ~JH

20. Hayes Carll - What It Is

I reviewed this entire album right here on Farce the Music, and if anything my appreciation has grown as the year went on. One of my best friends in the world argues that Carll’s wife, Alison Moorer put out an better album, but while her release is a very good album and emotional album, it did not take me on quite the same ride. For me, few to none can match the easy way Carll disarms a listener. Writing that feels natural and familiar yet impactful. Like a stoner prophet, Hayes Carll makes me think why hasn’t anyone else said that on almost every song. For me his work is always sneaky good and emotionally satisfying. This album has such a great track progression to it. I love the opening line to “Be There.” ~TE

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Just beyond the top 20: Erin Enderlin - Faulkner County, The Raconteurs - Help Us Stranger, Joshua Ray Walker - Wish You Were Here, Michaela Anne - Desert Dove, Shane Smith & The Saints - Hail Mary, Gary Clark Jr. - This Land, Chris Shiflett - Hard Lessons, Houston Marchman - Highway Enchilada, Baroness - Gold & Grey, Randy Rogers Band - Hellbent.

Dec 19, 2019

Casper McWade & Cody Jinks Perform "Whiskey"

(this was my second favorite Cody song of 2019)

Top 10 Songs of 2019

Top 10 Songs of 2019

(List by Trailer)

1. The Highwomen - If She Ever Leaves Me

2. Ian Noe - Letter to Madeline

3. Cody Jinks - William and Wanda

4. Yola - Keep Me Here

5. Koe Wetzel - The Worst Part

6. Bohannons - Refills

7. Molly Tuttle - Don’t Let Go

8. Drivin N Cryin - Ian Mclagan

9. The Lowdown Drifters - Black Hat

10. Erin Enderlin - Run Baby Run

Dec 10, 2019

What Your Favorite Album of 2019 Says About You

Lizzo - Cuz I Love You

You started listening to this so your daughter would think you’re cool. She does not.

Thomas Rhett - Center Point Road

You can talk for hours on end without ever saying anything of importance. You go to church just so you look cute on Instagram once a week.

Billie Eilish - When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?

Your mom started listening to Lizzo so you’d think she’s cool. You don’t, but mostly because she won’t let you have blue hair or date a 23 year old.

Vampire Weekend - Father of the Bride

You’re at the age that you know what yuppies felt like in the 90s. You drive a Volvo.

Miranda Lambert - Wildcard

You don’t get drunk on the weekends as much anymore, but only because the hangovers really hurt in your mid-30s. You’ve had non-physical fights with your significant other so loud that the police were called …more than once.

George Strait - Honky-Tonk Time Machine

Country radio is not for you, but you don’t care if other people like it. You iron your jeans and only have one tattoo you got in the Navy.

Cody Jinks - The Wanting

Country radio is not for you, and f*ck anybody who likes it. You’re still wearing the same jeans from Saturday and have at least two skull tattoos.

Mitchell Tenpenny - Telling All My Secrets

You don’t know what year it is and have the shittiest taste in music possible.

Koe Wetzel - Harold Saul High

You have a jacked up truck with exhaust stacks, fight with your girlfriend in public, and are drunk right now. But you still think you’re better than those douchebags who listen to Florida-Georgia Line.

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This is satire. Don't take it seriously.

Also, if your favorite wasn't here, there will probably be another edition.
Idea stolen from Medium.