Saving Country Music’s 2019 Album of the Year
Album of the Year is not an accolade handed out lightly. Obviously, the title chosen has to be regarded as the best record of a given calendar year in Saving Country Music’s estimation. Though universal agreement will never coagulate around any album, there needs to be at least some groundswell of momentum or underlying consensus behind the record from the greater country music listening public as well. But most importantly, there is a precedent behind this achievement, especially when it comes to an artist or band potentially on the brink of rising from the ranks of relative unknowns to be launched into the realm of headliners and contenders as Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold has done for Mike and the Moonpies in 2019.
When Purgatory from Tyler Childers won Album of the Year in 2017, and when Metamodern Sounds in Country Music by Sturgill Simpson won in 2014, these wins were precursors to these artists making waves far beyond the club circuit and country music blogs, not because Saving Country Music gave these guys an Album of the Year nod, but because they were already on that trajectory, and their momentum was undeniable. What we’re witnessing with Mike and the Moonpies right now has that same tingly feeling and premonition, with praise coming in for Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold from corners of the internet we didn’t even know this unsigned band was on the radar of.
For a few years now, Mike and the Moonpies have been regarded as one the best live performers in country by Saving Country Music and others fortunate enough to see them out there on the road. That’s not to slight or shade out the efforts of their previous albums in any way since 2015’s Mockingbird, and 2018’s Steak Night at the Prairie Rose are excellent records with not nearly enough attention paid to them. It’s just what they’d been doing live so outpaces the rest of the field, this is where the praise for Mike and the Moonpies was mostly centered.
If 2019 had played out like it should have, Mike and the Moonpies would have mashed down on the accelerator with a new record, and released something even more hard charging, even more hardcore honky tonk recorded deep in the heart of Texas to continue to fuel the intensity of their live shows. But instead they played a wildcard, flew to London of all places, and recorded an album of mostly understated and nuanced material at Abbey Road Studios with the London Symphony. It was risky, bold, completely unexpected, and potentially hazardous. But the Moonpies rose to the challenge, navigated themselves out of their comfort zone on purpose, and worked without a net. Where most bands and artists might think or dream of one day recording at Abbey Road, Mike and the Moonpies actually did it. They called their own bluff.
True country fans are used to getting their hearts broken by their favorite artists when they eventually grow bored of country or their original sound, and go venturing off into who knows what, be damned what those established fans think, if not purposely trying to piss them off in some misguided notion about what it means to be a true “artist.” Many in the media today and even some musicians love to claim that country music is too restrictive as a creative medium, and that you must “evolve” away from it if you want to be regarded as a real artist. Of course this overlooks just how expansive and omnivorous the country music genre is, how there are so many different eras and styles to explore, and also how creativity can be expressed just as much, if not more by working within a limited sonic palette as opposed to opening up your music to all influences.
Mike and the Moonpies illustrate and underscore this brilliantly in Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold. It’s true that there’s only eight songs here. And it’s true that a couple are pretty recognizable covers. But where some bands might avoid certain subjects or modes as seemingly cliche, Mike and the Moonpies embrace these things as timeless, and breathe new life into them by applying their own perspective.
On paper, an album from an Austin honky tonk band playing with the London Symphony doesn’t work. Yet the left field nature of this album is one of the reasons it works so well. There was a very real possibility this record would flop. And let us not forget, Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold was a completely surprise release with no run up in the press, and had to compete with a new Tyler Childers record released on the same week for attention. But now with this gamble, Mike and the Moonpies can not only be regarded as one of the best live bands in all of country music. They can be regarded as one of the best bands in all of country music, period.
Great praise is due all of the 2019 Saving Country Music Album of the Year nominees, but special mention must also be given to Emily Scott Robinson’s Traveling Mercies. If there was a runner up for this award, it would be her. And the Album of the Year decision may have been split with Traveling Mercies if it wasn’t for the fact that she won Song of the Year for “The Dress.” Also important to note, these two records were the ones to receive the most votes by Saving Country Music readers, and this factored into both the decision for Song of the Year, and Album of the Year.
There is no guarantee that we’ll be seeing Mike and the Moonpies headlining arenas soon, or getting Grammy nominations like we saw with previous Saving Country Music Album of the Year winners Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson. A lot of this might depend on their next move, as it seems there’s always a year or two lag between when a band breaks, and when the rest of the world finally begins to pay widespread attention. But it’s probably a good bet we’ll be seeing more and more people bandying about the name “Mike and the Moonpies” as one of the best bands in country music well beyond the Austin honky tonks where they got their start, and it’s because Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold awakened our collective love for true country music better than any other album in 2019.
READ: Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year Nominees
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December 26, 2019 @ 12:20 pm
I highly agree, Trigger. A great album and one of the best I’ve enjoyed this year. Thanks for what you do.
December 26, 2019 @ 12:24 pm
Couldn’t agree more. I was counting the minutes until the new Childers record dropped. Awoke that morning and it was all Moonpies. As much as I love the new Childers record, “Cheap Silver” has dominated my airwaves ever since.
December 26, 2019 @ 12:34 pm
Almost Daylight is the album I keep going back to, and got my vote. But I think this one is great too, so I can’t complain. Congratulations to them, and thanks to this site for tipping me off about their tour. “I’ll be seeing some of “the best live performers” soon.“
December 26, 2019 @ 5:59 pm
I kept going back to Charles Wesley Godwin’s Seneca
December 26, 2019 @ 7:37 pm
Yeah that’s some good shit too.
December 26, 2019 @ 12:35 pm
Just wanted to say thanks for running this website. I’ve found so much wonderful music through reading stories and reviews here. It’s so much appreciated.
December 26, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
Thanks for reading David.
December 26, 2019 @ 2:45 pm
I echo this sentiment
December 27, 2019 @ 4:47 pm
Could not agree more, I gave up on country before college, feeling like I was the only person who thought radio country sounded so bad, and was in the dark on these kinds of artists for four long years. A huge thanks to Trigger and any/all who help and support this site and community.
December 28, 2019 @ 8:00 am
Absolutely. Spotify creates a playlist based on what you listened to the most over the year and I was surprised by how many artists on that playlist I heard of here first, or were ones related to ones I heard about here first.
December 26, 2019 @ 12:41 pm
Yessssssss!!! I remember when this and Tyler’s album came out, I gave Tyler’s one spin but this record has been in constant rotation ever since. I’m excited to finally get to see them in February with American Aquarium at Roadtrip to Raleigh
December 26, 2019 @ 12:56 pm
It’s not my favorite album of the year, but the quality is undeniable. Add in the risk factor of recording it the way they did along with a surprise release, and it’s more than deserving.
December 26, 2019 @ 1:01 pm
As It Is by Hayes Carll is my favourite but this is great too just wish they’d get some vinyl over to UK retailers
December 26, 2019 @ 1:22 pm
Yes! Absolutely solid album destined to be a classic.
December 26, 2019 @ 1:28 pm
Thank God for moonpies.
December 26, 2019 @ 1:49 pm
Was so excited for the new Tyler Childers album. Enjoyed it for about an hour, and then this thing came out. It’s been the one constant in my rotation ever since. Effortlessly listenable and so much fun, but also surprisingly timeless.
Got tickets for Christmas to see them in February, can’t wait!
December 26, 2019 @ 1:55 pm
Agree completely. This is the best record of the year, and a complete surprise in so many ways. Can’t wait to see (again) them in February.
December 26, 2019 @ 1:59 pm
Unanimous decision I think we all knew was coming. I absolutely love this album and these guys. The other nominated albums are great as well, but this deserves to be AOTY!!! Congrats to Mike And The Moonpies!!! Here’s to a successful 2020…………..I think I’ll buy us all a round!
December 26, 2019 @ 2:13 pm
Again, I know I am in the minority on this site but as much as like Mike and the Moonpies, I think this is their worst record. The strings ruin it and remind me of The Nashville Sound which for the most part I couldn’t stand. Their previous two efforts were far superior. This is sleepy music. Bob Dylan & Johnny Cash The Bootleg Series Vol. 15 was way better as was Country Squire, Beautiful Lie (Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis) and several others including Reckless Kelly’s Bulletproof Live and Micky and the Motorcars Long Time Comin’. Let my flogging begin!
December 26, 2019 @ 2:36 pm
No flogging. We all have our subjective interpretation on what makes a song/album good or not. If Cheap Silver isn’t your cup of tea, that’s your prerogative, but I have to disagree with the ‘Nashville Sound’ comment. In my opinion, which is, admittedly, highly biased, there has been no Moonpies’ song that has ever been Nashville. The lack of ‘Nashville Sound’ is what keeps fans who are seeking something different enamored by The Moonpies. It’s different, it’s upbeat, it’s happy, it’s sad, and most importantly, it cannot be confined into one ‘box’. The Moonpies are The Moonpies. For years I’ve tried to explain their sound — it’s impossible. What is undeniable is that their live performances are some of the best I’ve ever seen, if not the best. Their dues are finally paying off, and years of hard work are being recognized by the likes of Saving Country Music and others.
‘One last toast the lost souls’
December 29, 2019 @ 8:58 am
After reading this comment, I have a question for you….
Will you be my friend???
Lol, you are 1000% spot on; this album is a complete and total bore, it put me to sleep.
Shallow in depth as well
Sweet GA Browns album is 10X’s this clunker
December 26, 2019 @ 2:15 pm
I won’t disagree. For me, Cheap Silver feels light for reasons you spelled out and the strings novelty wore off faster than I expected, but it’s still a top ten album for me and an important to the genre and the bands growth.
Another year SCM heavily influenced my playlists. I think all but 2 albums in my top 20 were covered by Trig. The best SCM find this year: The Franklin County Trucking Company.. Thank you!
1. Country Squire – Tyler Childers
2. Almost Daylight – Chris Knight
3. Whiskey Myers – Whiskey Myers
4. Troubled Times – Ben Jarrell
5. The Further Adventures of the Franklin County Trucking Company – The Franklin County Trucking Company
6. Ride Me Back Home – Willie Nelson
7. Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold – Mike and The Moonpies
8. Wildcard – Miranda Lambert
9. Closer Than Together – The Avett Brothers
10. After the Fire – Cody Jinks
11. The Wanting – Cody Jinks
12. Long Time Comin’ – Micky & The Motorcars
13. Guy – Steve Earle & The Dukes
14. Fried Chicken and Evil Women – Vincent Neil Emerson
15. Pinkville – Rod Melancon
16. Blood – Allison Moorer
17. White Noise/ White Lines – Kelsey Waldon
18. Seneca – Charles Wesley Godwin
19. Tryin’ to be a Blessing – Dallas Moore
20. Old News – The Steel Woods
December 26, 2019 @ 2:22 pm
The Steel Woods Old News is a killer.
December 26, 2019 @ 2:43 pm
Good list. I forgot to include the Cody Jinks releases and like those both better too.
December 26, 2019 @ 4:58 pm
I’ve been an Avett fan for about 10 years now, and credit them for opening me up to the Americana/independent country scene. I think their work post-Emotionalism gets too much criticism for being too poppy and over produced. That being said, their last album and True Sadness might be their worst. A lot of their albums are hit and miss, but I found quality tracks to be few and far between on those two.
December 26, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
I’ve been seeing them a lot in concert lately with the Outlaw Fest and fell back in love with them. I’m not denying that didn’t elevate the album for me. But, I liked the political message of the album.
December 27, 2019 @ 7:58 am
Ditto on Franklin Country. Best of the year? No. Most infectious, fun album? Truck yeah! I know every fuckin’ song by Jerry Reed.
December 27, 2019 @ 9:42 am
Easy, fun listen. When I’m in my truck, it’s my go-to album. I haven’t listened to their first album yet, because I wanted to live in this one for awhile. But, I will soon. On their FB page, they were kicking the idea around of touring.
December 26, 2019 @ 2:32 pm
Personally Donice Morace’s “Long Live The Cowboy” album is my favorite. There is not a Bad song in it. No fillers. Donice Morace does an excellent job on this album. The album being called “Long Live The Cowboy” is not just a catchy title. Donice pays tribute to the Cowboy in this album. Mike and The Moonpies album “Cheap Silver And Solid Country Gold” is also full of Great music. I noticed however it was mentioned how great a live show Mike and The Moonpies put on. That is a reflection on their showmanship not the album.
December 26, 2019 @ 2:44 pm
Well…
My Album of the Year: Felicity Urquart – Frozen Rabbit
I knew Frozen Rabbit would be my AotY back in spring 2019. The album is so much better than all other releases in 2019.
Felicity Urquhart is an award winning australian singer/songwriter/(former) radio & tv presenter.
She leads the nominations for the upcoming Golden Guitar Awards in 4 weeks in Tamworth (together with Lee Kernaghan…both with 8 nominations).
Australian Abum of the Year: Gina Jeffreys – Beautiful Tangle
After a 9 year break GJ returned with a fantastic album. An album made for a grown up audience incl. the 5-week #1 single “Cash”.
Bluegrass or Heritage Album of the Year: Danny Burns – North Country
Out of nowhere came Danny Burns with a great album & guests like Tift Merritt, Mindy Smith, Dan Tyminski, Tim O’Brian, Critter Fuqua, Holly Williams, Jerry Douglas & Sam Bush.
December 26, 2019 @ 4:21 pm
That’s quite an endorsement from someone who seems to listen to a lot of music, I’ll check it out.
December 26, 2019 @ 4:28 pm
Yep, could’ve seen that one comin’ for a country mile. No complaints here – how could I complain, seeing how it’s a Euro country album of sorts? Admittedly it was made in Euro North, but we Euro Southerners will take it. A huge masterpiece of a record that one day just dropped from the sky.
I discovered the country album that blew me away the most this year after we were done discussing the AOTY nominees in early December:
Leslie Stevens – Sinner
If sensitive, intelligent, melancholy songstresses are your thing, don’t miss out on this one. Leslie is one of those with whom after a couple of spins you know you’ve found a new special friend. Music that warms the soul.
December 28, 2019 @ 5:41 pm
I listened to Leslie Stevens based on your recommendation and agree that it is excellent. Thanks for the tip.
December 29, 2019 @ 4:44 pm
Likewise for your recommendations of Croy and the Boys and McKay & Leigh, both are great. I highly recommend her other solo album and even more so Leslie Stevens and the Badgers – Roomful of Smoke, one of whose many highlights is the amazing song “Old Timers.”
December 29, 2019 @ 5:17 pm
I’ll definitely dig deeper with Stevens, thanks. While I’ve still got some credibility with you, LOL, I’ll recommend Kathryn Legendre’s two albums. “Whiskey Angel” by the Black Lillies (of whom I’d never heard before Trig’s post the other day, but now, wow), “Wooh Dang” by Daniel Norgren (recommended by a commenter on this site, and wow, it’s effing amazing; a combination of Neil Young and Van Morrison), “One Town Away” by Sons of Bill, and anything by the Delines. I also just got turned on to Uncle Lucius, a now-defunct Texas band that is definitely country and also has a touch of the Grateful Dead at their warmest. I really enjoyed Austin Meade’s 2019 album, too, called “Waves.” Looking back at all of these recommendations, it occurs to me that they’re very different from each other, so you may like some more than others.
December 30, 2019 @ 3:30 pm
I’m familiar with Legendre and The Delines and also liked Meade’s album. Will check out the other stuff, thanks.
December 26, 2019 @ 4:29 pm
My wote goes to Erin Enderlin. Such a great CD. Also Ags Connelly is one of the best this year.
December 26, 2019 @ 4:31 pm
There is no doubt it is a great album! I know it’s personal preference, but it is not nearly as good as Country Squire, After the Fire or The Wanting. But that is just my $0.02. The song writing is just not as good. Tyler and Cody are better story tellers in my humble opinion. Thanks for the great website and all you do for real country music!
December 26, 2019 @ 4:41 pm
Way to give the album of the year to a fucking EP. Seneca got robbed
December 27, 2019 @ 2:35 am
So were all those old Merle Haggard albums EPs too?
December 26, 2019 @ 4:43 pm
Nice choice, a lot of competition. Thanks to Trigger and all of the “commenter’s” for a fun and informative year!
December 26, 2019 @ 5:09 pm
Yes! Great record, even my thirteen-year-old daughter likes it. Home run, boys. More!
December 26, 2019 @ 5:14 pm
It’s not Just the songs.
And this is a fine example of that fact.
It’s the performance too.
And the production as well.
Songwriting is just a piece, an important piece to the puzzle.
And it’s collaborative.
And it’s daring.
It’s in and of a piece.
Moreso than any of the other finalists, Silver felt like an album.
Not just a bunch of songs recorded at the same place and time.
December 26, 2019 @ 5:23 pm
I love Mike and The Moonpies, but I just never could get in to this album. It’s unique, and I don’t hate it, but with every song I think it would sound better WITHOUT the symphony sound. Like London Homesick Blues. I have no doubt that could have CRUSHED that song, I’ve always loved DAC’s version. But I just can’t get in to it. But I’m clearly in the minority and I’m happy so see all the praise for them. I would have gone with Seneca by Charles Wesley Godwin. That album immediately spoken to my soul. But hey, I got VIP tickets to see Charles Godwin with Ward Davis in January for Christmas so I can’t be mad, lol. Again, congratulations Mike and The Moonpies!
December 26, 2019 @ 6:12 pm
Yeah, this album isn’t that good. Honestly, it’s kind of boring. Emily Scott Robinson is way, way, way, way, way better. Good grammar counts, y’all.
December 26, 2019 @ 6:20 pm
Jake Xerxes Fussell – “Out of Sight” is my number 1 of the year. People will nitpick and say its not country, but its country enough for me.
Other top tier albums for me:
Chris Knight – if it had been released in the spring or summer it may have risen to the top for me. Excellent album and a bit of a slow burner.
Daniel Norgren “Wooh Dang”
Mike and the Moonpies – excellent aoty choice
Charlie Marie – if she had released a full length with similar quality songs, would have potentially been my top choice
Charles wesley godwin – this one really had staying power this year for me.
Billy Strings and Charley Crockett deserve a mention for two of my most listened to albums this year,even though i wouldnt put them in the aoty conversation.
I appreciate everyone sharing their picks, i dig up a lot of great music from the comment section here.
December 27, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
I agree that Jake Xerxes Fussell’s album is excellent. Thanks for the tip on Norgren. I’d never heard of him and am really enjoying the album right now. I can suggest Chris Catalena for you; I love it and his voice and Norgren’s have a lot in common.
I like all of your suggestions, though I’m slightly less, ahem, over the moon about Mike and the Moonpies than most people here.
Also suggest Croy and the Boys and Vincent Neil Emerson if you haven’t tried them yet.
December 26, 2019 @ 6:35 pm
They did a great job staying fresh on this record by mixing countrypolitan and honky tonk. Thanks Trigger for another great year of reading and music. I look forward to checking in here every day for 2020 just like I have ever since I discovered Sturg in 2017 which led me to this site. Thanks!
December 26, 2019 @ 6:56 pm
I’ve loved this album from day 1. The Childers is good but I just keep coming back to this album.
December 26, 2019 @ 7:00 pm
I only recently discovered SCM early this Spring and fortunately just in time to learn about Mike & the Moonpies and their great music.
Love this album! I think a great album has no bad songs and this is one of those rare albums where every song is great and works together, and you can listen to it over and over again!
Great choice -thanks Trigger!
December 26, 2019 @ 8:18 pm
It occurred to me that The Vandoliers seem to have largely flown under the radar here. Farce The Music is the only blog I’ve seen hyping them but I liked their album much more than this one.
December 26, 2019 @ 11:02 pm
Vandoliers are the most underrated band out there. They were in my top 10 this year.
December 29, 2019 @ 9:16 am
I love going through threads like this in order to discover new music that like minded individuals are into
Due to this review, I just purchased this album, thank you
December 29, 2019 @ 9:21 am
Due to this, I have discovered this band and purchased the album
Thank You
December 26, 2019 @ 8:49 pm
I can’t stop listening to Arthur Hancock’s EP. It’s killer, and features Miles Miller and Jesse Wells among a few other names everyone will recognize. It’s got 2 song of the year contenders on it….but I think it was hampered by its under the radar status and its late in the year release.
December 26, 2019 @ 9:04 pm
I know I’m in the minority here, but I just don’t get them. Steak Night was ok, but nothing amazing, and Cheap Silver was just…..boring.
Definitely my least favorite of the ones nominated.
December 26, 2019 @ 9:10 pm
My top 5 would be:
Chris Knight – “Almost Daylight”
Joseph Huber – “Moondog”
Charles Wesley Godwin – “Seneca”
Whiskey Myers – “Whiskey Myers”
Ian Noe – “Between the Country”
December 26, 2019 @ 9:41 pm
Joseph Huber released an excellent album that really flew under the radar this year
December 28, 2019 @ 7:29 pm
I’m with you man. I just don’t get it.
December 26, 2019 @ 9:23 pm
Good choice. Well deserved. In my top five this year for sure. Lyrically it’s not quite there for me though, compared to previous Moonpies albums. My personal pick is Charles Wesley Godwin’s Seneca or Joshua Ray Walker’s Wish You Were Here.
December 27, 2019 @ 12:12 am
I really like Mike and the Moon Pies. Loved their output, this last release, for me at least, I couldn’t get on with it. I suspect normal service will be resumed with the next album.
December 27, 2019 @ 3:03 am
I just don’t get this? I like this website a lot most of the time, until i see stuff like this. Cody, tyler, sturgill, and a few others released brand new albums this year. yhall pick mike and the moonpies fir album of the year? Not trying to talk bad about them, at least theyre not pop country. I listened to their album. It doesn’t compare to sturgill, tyler, cody, or anybody by a long shot this Year. Since the website is called saving country music, i can see sturgill being kicked out. I just figured for sure cody’s new double album was the winner when i clicked on this post. Ik music from 1800s to today’s. I pretty much should have a degree in albums and music history of bands. From countless genres, my favorites being classic country, classic rock, blues, this underground / higher country, grunge, and bluegrass. Cody’s new album is a master piece. Tylers is a step forward in the same direction, but still really great. Sturgil caught the world by surprise , and the album is honestly great if you look past the synthisizers. Honestly it would have been a master piece too if it didn’t have all the synths covering up the guitar riffs. If the website is about really saving country music. Cody has the best album, and is one of the only ones staying true to traditional classic country. He’s killing it , he has never wrote a bad song in my opinion. Y’all think mike and the moon pies beats the wanting/ after the fire. Your crazy. I would say the same thing if my unknown higher country band won instead of cody. Yhall are crazy loll
December 27, 2019 @ 10:06 am
People like you make it so frustrating to be a Cody Jinks fan.
December 27, 2019 @ 6:59 pm
Totally agree with this sentiment. Jinks and Childers fans are the fucking worst.
December 27, 2019 @ 8:25 pm
Worse than Florida Georgia Line fans? People who say stupid stuff like above are the worst!
December 28, 2019 @ 2:29 pm
Lol found one
December 27, 2019 @ 10:26 am
I appreciate your opinion, but I’m not sure anyone could make a strong case that Sturgill Simpson’s “Sound & Fury” deserves the Saving Country Music Album of the Year, even if they think it’s a stellar record. Also, I don’t like the idea of assigning awards to artists just because they released an album. That’s kind of like cheering for laundry in sports. Tyler Childers has won this before. Cody Jinks has won Song of the Year before. The last thing I would want to do is be like the CMAs and be handing out Entertainer of the Year trophies to Garth Brooks in 2019, just because of some sense it’s his to lose.
December 27, 2019 @ 3:25 am
“Beautiful lie” by Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis is my AOTY up there with “Mint Condition” by Caroline Spence but i also loved this album from Mike & MM for different reasons… good choice!
December 27, 2019 @ 7:23 pm
I agree with the Bruce Robison and Kelly Willis record. Criminally left off of most Best Of lists and I continually go back to it. Not a bad song on that record.
December 27, 2019 @ 4:37 am
This was the right choice. Bravo!
On a related note.
I’m wondering if there every was a physical release of the following Mike And The Moonpies releases. And if so, if there’s anywhere on the dark corners of the web where somebody can still buy them. Also, if I’m missing any releases by them pre “The Hard Stuff”, let me know. I am not counting the live stuff for now (Daytrotter / WinStar).
2009 – Lyin’
2009 – Catalina EP
2010 – The Real Country
2012 – Mike And The Moonpies EP
Once again, deserved win!
December 27, 2019 @ 9:19 am
PS – I know there’s a physical version of “The Real Country”
December 27, 2019 @ 6:08 am
Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold is an album that either completely grabs you from the get go,or you just don’t get it. It spoke to me from the first listen and never let go. Then you see them live and they deliver big time, playing these songs quite effectively in the live setting. Night I saw em, they opened the set with the title track, I was Wowed instantly.
I liked Steak Night at The Prairie Rose also, but this album is a brilliant piece of work. The melodies grab you and don’t let go. And when you talk to these guys you can tell how proud they are of this record.
December 27, 2019 @ 8:40 am
Well deserved. When country artist experiment, i usually don’t like it. I loved this album!
December 27, 2019 @ 12:14 pm
i love REAL music no matter the genre . i LOVE country music …..the traditional themes , the sounds of trad instrumentation , 3 chords ( most times ) and the truth , a unique but REAL , unaffected and honest-sounding vocalist and a GREAT lyric ( ESR’s ‘ The Dress ) .
i’m a longtime fan of jimmy webb’s music …not just his songs …his MUSIC …his arrangements , his vision and , of course , his lyrics . i’m an eagles fan , i’m a burt bacharach fan and i’m a fan of the great american songbook for too many reasons to list.
i make all of these references because to my ear they are all present to some degree in this AOTY by M and the M’s . so as a fan of good music no matter the genre I pretty-much have to like the approach to this record …and I DO . the production is superb , the songs interesting and fresh-sounding ……but a couple of aspects don’t sit quite right with me .
i’ll get this out of the way first . i LIKE but don’t LOVE the lead vocalist . there . i know , i know….george , merle …..they aren’t coming back …but i hear them in my head along with randy , diffie , gosdin , chesnut and others when i hear COUNTRY songs . i don’t hear Mike .
I respect the vision for the record . for me this is M and M’s ” Golden Hour ” ….country music with a few more than three chords ..but lyrically ..the timeless truth . i respect ANYONE for wanting to experiment with a symphony . but saying all of that , i’m a bit on the fence about this project as a whole .
do I like the orchestration ? absolutely. would it have worked as well without it ? I think it most certainly would have . i’m not sure the songwriting holds up overall WITHOUT the fleshed out arrangements …BUT ..I think we’d be closer to COUNTRY than Golden Hour and the Cosmopolitan -sounding result M and M has achieved here .
i have to say how much i appreciate and enjoy the band …the Moonpies on this album . these guys can play some tasty parts when its written into the arrangement …its always clean , always appropriate and always about the song …not the solo . terrific production when it comes to incorporating the boys in the lush environment .
this is a great record ….an innovative approach to COUNTRY music …far more-so than most REAL country artists have taken . M and M have not forsaken their roots like almost ALL the mainstream acts .
in closing , your honour …..yep i totally get why this one was chosen as AOTY even if it may not have been my choice .
December 27, 2019 @ 2:58 pm
London Homesick Blues with sappy strings? I think not! Jerry Jeff must be appalled!
December 27, 2019 @ 4:51 pm
In all honesty Jerry Jeff was usually too drunk to sing this song, usually done by Gary P.
December 30, 2019 @ 11:08 am
That’s actually my favorite song on the record. I don’t love this album overall, but I love their take on LHB.
December 27, 2019 @ 7:52 pm
Wow.
Bluesy & sexy
December 30, 2019 @ 12:44 pm
Just took a trip down to Texas and saw them at the Coupland Inn Dancehall. They put on one hell of a show and the album is great. Had their two previous albums already, so this is a nice addition. Well deserved.
December 30, 2019 @ 4:21 pm
Emily Scott Robinson’s Traveling Mercies was my favorite (and the Ian Noe album after that), but once I saw that she got the song of the year, I figured this one might get the AOTY nod. It’s a very nice album that continues to grow on me. It’s outside of my specific country music comfort zone, but damned if it isn’t a great listen.
January 7, 2020 @ 9:17 am
I literally dream about this LP. I wake up whistling the opening number…
And I’m form London, by the way. We love country music over here. Huge scene. Can’t wait to see the Moonpies in person, March 25th! I know from over there, London may seem like an odd choice but from this side of the pond, it fits like an old pair of shoes!
Happy New Year, all.