Zac Brown Band Covers Jason Isbell’s “Dress Blues” on College Gameday
As the college football consciousness of the country zoomed in on Arlington, TX and the first official National Championship game ever played at the collegiate level Monday night, Zac Brown Band was tapped as the entertainment for ESPN’s College Gameday presentation leading up to the big game. The Ohio State Buckeyes would shock the Oregon Ducks when they won the game as the 4th seed in the tournament, but even more shocking for many independent music fans listening beforehand was when the Zac Brown Band played Jason Isbell’s much-appreciated but fairly obscure song for fallen soldiers called “Dress Blues.”
The song appears on Isbell’s very first solo album Sirens of the Ditch released in 2007 by New West Records, after he’d left the Drive-By Truckers. It makes reference to the formal dress of Marines that unfortunately so many are buried in after returning to home from war. It was written about Cpl. Matthew D. Conley. Unlike many of these soldier songs, which sometimes cross certain lines of decency in an attempt to tug at heart strings and jerk tears with sappy and even cheesy lines that simplify the issues surrounding loss and war, “Dress Blues” shows off Isbell’s burgeoning prowess as the world-class and well-decorated songwriter that is known in the Americana world today.
Many acted surprised and downright shocked when they heard Zac Brown performing the song, but folks shouldn’t sell Zac so short. Remember, in 2014 Zac not only allowed Sturgill Simpson to open for him on his arena and amphitheater tour, he requested him. Brown seems to be aware of at least some of the doings in independent and Americana music world. A video of Zac performing ‘Dress Blues” acoustically at Camp Southern Ground can be found from November 1st, 2014, so this is not something completely new.
Some Isbell fans have complained how the song was introduced as one of Zac Brown’s “hits,” which was unfortunate, or whined that that Zac Brown changed the late verse from, “Hollywood war” to “God awful war.” But Isbell himself was very appreciative for the opportunity given to his song, thanking both ESPN and Zac Brown on Twitter following the performance. This isn’t a competition between whose version is better, and we can’t be surprised some clueless announcer didn’t give Isbell proper credit. As Isbell said yesterday, “If you want more popular country artists to sing songs that have some real meaning, don’t be pissed at the ones who do.”
The next question looming in the minds of many Jason Isbell and Americana fans is if Zac Brown’s performance is a precursor to the song making it onto Brown’s upcoming, much-anticipated album this spring, or even potentially being released as a single. Saving Country Music has seen some chatter that this very well might be the case, but nothing has been confirmed just yet. Major acts like Zac Brown like to keep things like track lists to upcoming albums close to the vest until they’re ready to announce them, and we should all respect artist’s right to release that info when they so choose.
But a major country artist like Zac Brown is not going to take the opportunity to perform a song he’s not invested in somehow when such a big spotlight is shining on him like it was with the College Gameday experience right before the National Championship. Songs that show respects to fallen soldier have become almost a requirement on mainstream country albums over the last decade, and maybe Zac Brown decided that if you’re going to do one, you might as well do one with heart.
It is, or was only a matter of time before big mainstream artists started tapping into the incredible talent pool of independent country and Americana for album cuts, if not singles. Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson have done something remarkable in the last couple of years, elevating independent roots music to an entirely new level, and in a way where songwriting and not performance is the centerpiece. The possibility of these two becoming like the Guy Clark and Keith Whitley of modern country, directly influencing and writing for the bigger performers of the genre is very real.
Zac Brown has now shown love to both Isbell and Simpson. A few weeks back, Spotify was passing around Jake Owen’s most listened to albums of 2014, and Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson were #2 and #4 respectively. We know Keith Urban is a big Sturgill fan, and that he was turned on to him by Jake Owen. Isbell and Simpson are who many mainstream country performers are listening to, and are passing that information around to each another, and opening up possibilities of other independent artists. It’s only a matter of time before multiple cuts from these artists make it onto big albums, and with that, the reward of financial stability and greater exposure as songwriters.
Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves though, and let’s not jinx their prospects. We don’t even know if Zac Brown’s performance was a one-off deal. And even if it was, what a cool moment for Jason Isbell, Zac Brown, and the interfacing of music and sports, which is always fun. And once again it symbolizes a changing of the tide as a big mainstream act looks away from Music Row’s cubicle farms for material, and look towards the modern day heroes of independent music.
January 13, 2015 @ 9:43 am
As for the questions in the 5th paragraph– it looks like ESPN’s own on-screen graphic says “From the Forthcoming *something* Album”
Their version gave me a chill– wish I had turned the game on earlier…
January 13, 2015 @ 9:53 am
It says, “From The Forthcoming New Album,” and that is where people are drawing their conclusions that it will be cut by Zac Brown. But they also called it a Zac Brown “hit” when it is neither by Zac Brown, nor a hit, at least yet, so I’m not sure I can trust ESPN as a source for information about the song. They’re sports guys, so I’m not surprised they screwed it up.
Nonetheless, I do anticipate the song being on the new Zac Brown album. I just don’t want to be the guy that jinxes it by proclaiming it will be so when we’ve received no confirmation. There was another independent songwriter, Caitlyn Smith, who was supposed to have Garth Brooks’ very first single back called “Tacoma.” It was sent to radio and everything. Then at the 11th hour, it got pulled for the lame “People Loving People.” So don’t count chickens until they’re hatched.
January 13, 2015 @ 9:58 am
That “People Loving People” song is my jam… I love preachy, sappy songs about world peace!
January 13, 2015 @ 9:47 am
It is, or was only a matter of time before big mainstream artists started tapping into the incredible talent pool of independent country and Americana for album cuts, if not singles.
Miranda Lambert is among the mainstream acts who has been doing this for years. See her covers of Gillian Welch’s “Dry Town” on 2007’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and “Look At Miss Ohio” on 2011’s Four The Record and her covers of Buddy & Julie Miller’s “Somewhere Trouble Don’t Go” and John Prine’s “That’s The Way The World Goes ‘Round” on 2009’s Revolution. Not all of these were successful covers – her cover of Fred Eaglesmith’s “Time To Get A Gun” was also too literal, & stripped the song of its ironic detachment, and Patty Griffin herself was critical of Miranda’s cover of “Getting Ready” from 2010’s Revolution. But the point is, Miranda has routinely dipped into independent country and Americana cuts. I almost forgot “All Kinds Of Kinds,” cowritten by Phillip Coleman/Don Henry, from Four The Record – it was a single, but got the throwaway treatment as it basically stepped in to replace the Pistol Annies single “Hush Hush” when they abruptly suspended operation.
Dierks Bentley’s 2003 debut album featured a cover of Buddy Miller/Julie Miller’s “My Love Will Follow You,” while his 2005 follow up included Del McCoury Band’s “Good Man Like Me” (and featured the band), and 2009’s Feel That Fire included Ronnie McCoury’s “Last Call.” 2010’s Up On The Ridge obviously drew even more heavily from the bluegrass world.
The title track of Kenny Chesney’s 2010 album Hemingway’s Whiskey is a Guy Clark song. I’m tempted to cite Keith Urban’s recordings of Rodney Crowell and Radney Foster songs and also Darius Rucker’s long history of collaborations with Radney Foster, but those have all leaned poppy. Sara Evans did cover Rodney Crowell’s “Revival” for her current album. And I don’t think we can have this discussion without citing Darius Rucker’s cover of Old Crow Medicine Show’s “Wagon Wheel,” which was a monster hit even if it didn’t compare to the original.
This is just off the top of my head. I certainly welcome more of a trend where mainstream country acts start diving into the alt/indie country & Americana world. It’s not a new development, but if we see a micro-trend in that direction, it’d be good new for the quality of mainstream country.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:07 am
Rodney Crowell, Radney Foster, Buddy Miller (& Jim Lauderdale), and even Guy Clark back in the day all either spent time in Nashville or lived there momentarily attempting to be professionals in the industry, professional songwriters and/or players working within the major label system. I will give you Fred Eaglesmith and Gillian Welch, and I think you point out importantly that Miranda Lambert has done lots to support independent songwriters and performers, including her work with Adam Hood. But overall I don’t think we’ve seen anything similar to the environment we saw back in the 70’s and early 80’s where respected independent performers were regularly being supported with album cuts and singles. I think Sturgill and Isbell represent a new generation. Even Americana has an oligarchy that is difficult to work within and cloistered. It is good to see these guys getting some traction.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:04 am
Rodney Crowell, Radney Foster, Buddy Miller (& Jim Lauderdale), and even Guy Clark back in the day all either spent time in Nashville or lived there momentarily attempting to be professionals in the industry, professional songwriters and/or players working within the major label system.
OK, that’s a fair distinction to make. I would certainly agree that today’s environment is MUCH more constricted for independent songwriters, and that goes back to that excellent albeit depressing recent Tennessean article about the demise of Nashville’s musical middle class that I know you’ve read. Though it’s still the independent singer/songwriters who have made enough of a name for themselves to gain media plaudits getting their songs picked up in this case.
I think Sturgill and Isbell represent a new generation. Even Americana has an oligarchy that is difficult to work within and cloistered. It is good to see these guys getting some traction.
Absolutely. Though I like the development of an infrastructure that can promote Americana artists and reach existing and potential fans of Americana music, I think the two communities existing as separate islands with no interaction hurts both.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:49 am
I agree. And though it is on a microcosmic level, I think Americana in many respects suffers from the same exclusiveness and political gaming as the mainstream does, if not to an even greater extent.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:14 am
Miranda is the reason I started listening to Will Hoge. I remember her tweeting about his new album being on Spotify when Number Seven was released and how good he was.
January 13, 2015 @ 9:56 am
P.S. Thanks Trigger for clarifying the lyric change on the “Hollywood war” line. Maybe just bad headphones on my end but I couldn’t figure out what it was Zac Brown was singing there, I just knew it wasn’t the original lyric. As a result, I wasn’t too sure how I was supposed to feel about their cover. Musically, I thought ZBB’s version was respectful and strong, and I’m glad they’ve chosen the song – it’s in their wheelhouse.
January 13, 2015 @ 3:37 pm
“What did they say when they shipped you away to give all in some god awful war”
I appreciate the change, de-politicizes the song. Isbell is one of my absolute favorite singer/songwriters, but I don’t think we see eye to eye on much in the political realm. That’s okay, but I don’t want to be beaten over the head with moveon.org talking points when I’m listening to music.
January 13, 2015 @ 4:48 pm
A line about “a Hollywood war” constitutes getting “beaten over the head with moveon.org talking points?” What a ridiculous thing to say.
January 13, 2015 @ 8:37 pm
“Somebody’s Hollywood war” means what, exactly, to you, in the context of this song, it’s subject, and the time it was written in?
Right up there with Reckless Kelly’s “American Blood.” *yawn*
January 14, 2015 @ 10:42 am
@Spoony: I think the line could be interpreted in many ways, and I hesitate to get too far into my own interpretation given your telegraphed interpretation and my complete disinterest in debating politics with a stranger, but I will say that I find it odd that you’re so put off by this single line when there’s a clear message throughout the song (and found in much of Isbell’s catalogue), that probably doesn’t sit well with you. And putting aside politics, are you not bothered by the license taken by Zac Brown, assuming there was any? (I’ve also heard that Jason himself changed the line in recent live performances).
January 14, 2015 @ 1:06 pm
i have no problem with brown changing the line and understand why he would do it. I love that jason as a writer put in exactly what he felt and dosent sugar coat it. put a boot in her ass its the american way has been written 100 times, jason’s song was nothing if not unique.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:09 am
Sirens Of The Ditch was released while Jason was still in DBT. Sorry to be that guy. Also, I’m sure the folks in Greenhill Alabama enjoyed it.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:55 am
Jason Isbell announced he was leaving The Drive-By Truckers on April 5th, 2007. He released “Sirens of the Ditch” on July 10th, 2007. Though I’ll give you he may have recorded the album while still somewhat a part of the Truckers or played some shows afterwards, I believe the characterization that he released the album AFTER the Drive-By Truckers era is correct.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:58 am
Okay sorry, I left this before seeing the continued thread below.
January 14, 2015 @ 12:25 pm
i dont know if this is ok here or not, but this version of dress blues was one of the best things ive ever seen at a live show. Jason came out at stubbs during a break in a trucker show and played this alone. I dont know if it was the first time he performed the song but as a huge trucker fan it was the first time i had heard of it.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQyCkwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DaJb1_EGnapY&ei=vcC2VP_jLY_jsASZqoLIAw&usg=AFQjCNG_z3HD7kZx9qK-pzPamhhretdSKA&bvm=bv.83640239,d.eXY
January 13, 2015 @ 10:22 am
NEGATIVE…Jason left DBT in April and “Sirens” was released in July.
Hopefully the coin that this song earns will enable Jason to continue playing small venues for fans who acutually appreciate his music.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:05 am
Totally willing to admit when I’m wrong. Good catch. He recorded it while still in the band and I first heard it while he was still in the band. Good work, Jared.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:23 am
I think that part of the reason Jason left DBT was his feeling (which is probably justified) that his songs weren’t going to get the exposure they deserved while sharing the writing duties with two other songwriters. Looks like they’re starting to now from folks in the mainstream.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:30 am
Nice!! some may not like his version but I like it, especially his acoustic rendition. As a huge Isbell fan, I approve!
I’m not sure how I would feel if a bigger artist like Luke Bryan or Jason Aldean were to cover someone like Isbell or Simpson. Would be nice recognition but damn it would be butchered to hell.
March 30, 2015 @ 2:49 pm
I agree, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean should probably keep their hands off of these types of songs. ONE EXCEPTION: As far as big names go, I think Eric Church could cover any of their songs well. I personally would love to hear him take on Sturgill Simpson’s “It Ain’t All Flowers”. That sounds awesome in my mind.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:33 am
I think the larger problem is that many country fans don’t want mainstream artists singing more meaningful songs. We want the artists who sing the more meaningful songs to be mainstream artists. I don’t have a problem with Zac Brown and the only real problem with his cover of Dress Blues is that it is not Jason Isbell. That being said, I don’t want Luke Bryan covering Jason Isbell at #1, I want Jason Isbell at #1. I don’t want Florida Georgia Line scoring a #1 hit covering Steel Wheels, I want Steel Wheels scoring at #1 hit. I don’t want Keith Urban hitting the top 10 with Lori McKenna, I want Lori McKenna on the radio.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:27 am
I agree whole-heartedly – although I admit its a selfish sentiment. I especially don’t want some drunk fratboy standing next to me at an Isbell show trying to tell me he’s playing a Zach Brown cover.
January 13, 2015 @ 12:04 pm
That goes without saying Stormy, but we also have to have at least a semblance of pragmatism and realism about our prospects for mainstream music. IF artists like Jason Isbell or The Steel Wheels would ever get big enough to have #1’s on their own, it would be because artists like Zac Brown Band exposed their music and proved their commercial relevance. Saving country music is not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take a slow, methodical reorganization of the business and a re-education of the masses to the virtues of real music. Zac Brown covering Jason Isbell would be a big step in the right direction.
If it wasn’t for Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, barely anyone outside of Texas would have ever heard of Townes Van Zandt and Billy Joe Shaver.
January 13, 2015 @ 1:19 pm
As much as I agree about Waylon and Willie, one can’t really compare 2015 to the 70s in terms of the tools available for artists to gain exposure without going mainstream.
January 13, 2015 @ 6:40 pm
Good point! The bottom line is, in our “bigger is better” consumer-driven culture, the advertising dollars that create the biggest splash get the fans. The obvious being stated there, there is nothing wrong with mainstream artists being “stepping stones” to really great artists for listeners who wouldn’t have been exposed otherwise, or decent mainstream acts like Zac Brown spreading the greatness of Jason Isbell. I give that a big “hell yeah!”. Great songs communicate no matter what!
Incidentally, I’d been covering “Wagon Wheel” for years before Darius Rucker had ever waxed it, but even back in ’08 it was so overplayed that I retired it. Anyhow, a couple of the people who I knew back in the day were under the impression somehow that I had written it (ha! I wish). You can lead a horse to water, ya know.
Incidentally, if “Pancho and Lefty” and “If I Needed You” hadn’t become huge hits, I could see Townes becoming like a country music Nick Drake eventually.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:37 am
Nice job on the song! But I have no desire to hear mainstream artists taking great songs that those of us smart enough to already find & knows this music don’t need or want to hear their watered down for the masses versions! The songs and artists are great on their own! I swear as soon as I hear Blake Shelton (or any other big country act) singing ‘Cover Me Up’ and people going crazy over it I’m gonna freakin lose it!!
January 13, 2015 @ 12:08 pm
Why, because it will erode your sense of self-importance about being an informed and intelligent music listener? EVERYONE deserves good music, including the masses. Just like Jason Isbell deserves to make a decent living off of his music, which someone like Zac Brown can deliver for him.
I may enjoy Jason Isbell’s take on the song more, but nothing about Zac Brown’s version to me feels “watered down.” Arguably, Zac Brown’s last album “The Grohl Sessions” runs circles around Jason Isbell’s “Southeastern” in regards to technical prowess and musicianship, without sacrificing soul. I stil think “Southeastern” is much better, but it’s a new day for both Zac Brown and popular music. Things are changing, and we should be happy that the sense of fulfillment independent music can offer is being exposed to a wider audience.
January 13, 2015 @ 12:58 pm
It is funny to me that people feel that way. I understand wanting to assure the right artist gets credit for his/her song, but not wanting them to get exposure just so you can be the guy that likes obscure tracks is just laughable. I pine for the day that i can turn on FM radio or CMT and hear music with heart and soul in it. Any variation from this stance is just borderline “hipster”esque and the reason for this movement has eluded you all together.
January 14, 2015 @ 12:28 pm
i dont see how any fan could be upset about something Jason is very proud and thankful for. Jason does not mix words and if he was upset or the least bit peeved by someone covering his song he would have lit up twitter. He didnt, he thanked everyone involved and chastised his “fans” who bashed browns cover.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:42 am
I love this.
January 13, 2015 @ 10:45 am
The song was written for a Marine, so it doesn’t reference soldiers. May seem nit-picky but there is a crucial difference.
The subject of “Dress Blues,” Cpl. Matthew D. Conley:
http://projects.militarytimes.com/valor/marine-cpl-matthew-d-conley/1550696/
January 13, 2015 @ 11:02 am
Thank you for picking the gnat shit out of the pepper.
January 13, 2015 @ 11:39 am
Marines are NOT soldiers and don’t appreciate being called “soldiers.”
Troops, or GIs, however, seem quite acceptable, if you’re looking for generic terms.
January 13, 2015 @ 12:43 pm
Then why did you post a link that refers to Marines as “soldiers” twice?
January 13, 2015 @ 3:31 pm
I don’t know, because it was written by a newspaper reporter who should also be taught about how Marines aren’t called soldiers?
January 13, 2015 @ 11:05 am
That is significant and not nit-picky at all. I’m ashamed at myself for missing it until you pointed it out.
January 13, 2015 @ 12:24 pm
I have made a change in the story from “soldier” to “Marine,” and put a link to the story about the Marine the song was about.
However, I agree it is nit picky, and a little bit unfair for some people to think that everyone should know and respect that the term “soldier” is somehow considered as a reduction of a Marine by some people. “Soldier” is simply a word to succinctly describe an individual in the military, which a Marine is. Yes, I know that Marines are an elite and distinguished part of the military beyond mere enlisted “soldiers,” but it was not offered in an insulting manner whatsoever, and shouldn’t be taken as one. I write about country music, and if I was a war correspondent, I’m sure I would have not made this mistake. But there is a list of rules that stimulate an immediate reaction from some people as insults to the military when they’re simply either oversights or misunderstandings that are neither intuitive or widely known by the public.
I apologize if anyone took offense.
January 13, 2015 @ 12:50 pm
None taken here, Trigger. As I said, I know better and I missed it, so if you don’t have a military background there’s no reason why you should know it. But I also don’t think Spoony was being nit-picky. These distinctions have meanings and the correct terms should be used if possible:
Soldier – US Army
Sailor/Seaman – US Navy
Airman – US Air Force
Marine – USMC
January 13, 2015 @ 2:06 pm
“Sailor/Seaman ”“ US Navy”
“Seaman” is actually a rank.
January 13, 2015 @ 12:51 pm
I don’t know who’s taking offense and I could go off on an entire tirade about whether its proper to call a Marine “elite” vs a standard Army foot soldier, but one part of serving in the military is being partial to your own branch over the others. So yes, as a veteran I think we notice these little nuances between the service branches.
January 13, 2015 @ 8:44 pm
I sure wasn’t offended, I just wanted to point it out for you and the readers. Marines can be very picky about those things and I’m sure some of them would take offense. The US Army does have their own dress blues, but they’re not nearly as snazzy.
January 13, 2015 @ 1:26 pm
I echo your thoughts Trigger, while it was not a perfect cover and I would have preferred the lyrics remain unchanged, I’m glad to see mainstream artists covering songs that tackle subjects beyond trucks and cut offs.
Plus I think it coming from the Zac Brown Band should help a lot, Isbell fans and country fans know that their talent is legit and they have generally ignored the trends at country radio (though they ape the island/Kenny Chesney/Jimmy Buffet sound a bit much) at least this cover is coming from them and not Luke Bryan or Aldean where it would not feel as genuine.
Traffic Vortex Tiddy Bits | Rawhide And Velvet
January 13, 2015 @ 3:20 pm
[…] ZBB’s ESPN Isbell Cover […]
January 13, 2015 @ 3:37 pm
A welcome respite from Centuries by Fall Out Boy.
January 13, 2015 @ 4:01 pm
The link in this article to the acoustic version is my video. I was at Camp Southern Ground that day and he did confirm to about 150 members of the Zamily fan club that this song WILL be on their forthcoming album, just to clear up speculation.
January 13, 2015 @ 4:44 pm
I suppose I am in the minority here, as I absolutely cannot stand Zac Brown’s music. I know this is not the first time he has expressed respect and/or admiration for an indyish/Americana musician, and he does seem like a nice and thoughtful guy, especially as far as pop-country artists guy. But that stupid “Chicky Fried” song is one of the most annoying things I have been subjected to over the past decade or so, and the other songs of his I have heard are not far behind. Jason Aldean may or may not be a tool (I’ve never met the dude), but there are several of his songs I enjoy in spite of myself when I hear them come on. Personally, as a huge longtime Jason Isbell fan, I would probably enjoy an Aldean cover of his much more than a Zac Brown cover. But regardless of who does it, the mainstream attention it attracts for music like Isbell’s is going to be the same. So who cares who the mouthpiece is?
I guess the biggest problem I have with the sentiment I’m seeing expressed here is the idea that fans of Americana and/or indyish rootsyish music should be happy about one mainstream country megastar (Brown) covering one of our heroes but not if another equally mainstream country megastar (Aldean or Luke Bryan, who I am not familiar with) is the one doing the covering. Why is one any less cringeworthy than the other? Because some of you personally prefer Brown’s music? Because Brown isn’t quite as un-hip in Americana circles as some of the alternatives? I find the idea of splitting hairs over which bro-country artists are more acceptable to enjoy pretty funny. It’s like asking who was the bigger stoner, Beavis or Butthead?
January 14, 2015 @ 5:39 am
I think overall you are right with you’re assessment, I had originally made the comment that I wouldn’t care to see Aldean or Bryan do a cover of his, but the more I thought about it, the more I felt that it doesn’t really matter who covers him, the recognition alone is pretty cool. I can’t see how I’d be upset if I saw Aldean on tv singing that song, I’d probably still be jumping up and down telling everyone “That’s an Isbell song!”
I too prefer a lot of Aldeans music(older stuff) and some Bryans over Zac Browns. I guess my original sentiment spawned from the direction that these artist have taken. Aldean/Bryan have gone full pop/synthesize production and Zac Brown seems to be moving away from his Chicken Fried days. The inner Snobby side of me wouldn’t want to hear an overproduced/pop/etc cover. But yeah when its all said and done we’d just be splitting hairs like you said.
January 14, 2015 @ 11:09 pm
I think the point is that Aldean nor Bryan will be covering Jason Isbell because they don’t even know who he is!! Zac Brown loves all kinds of music and is known for following Americana and Bluegrass artists. Jason is a friend of Coy Bowles in the ZBB and ZBB’s former manager – Lynn Olliver – now works for Thirty Tigers who manage Isbell – so the connection is pretty Organic. ZBB usually covers or duets with at least one of their favorite artists on each of their albums as more or less a tribute to their work.
January 14, 2015 @ 9:13 pm
Zac Brown isn’t bro-country. In fact, I’m pretty sure he hates bro-county. He called Luke Bryan’s song “That’s My Kind of Night” something like “the worst song ever,” as I recall. It caused a big fuss a while back.
Anyway, it’s not just about Zac Brown Band being more hip. There are gradations of quality and substance among different mainstream artists, and a lot of people feel that ZBB is near the top of the heap in country right now. I’ve come around to liking and respecting them.
Of course, if you just happen to like Jason Aldean better than Zac Brown, that’s your prerogative obviously. I’m only familiar with Aldean’s recent radio material, and most of it is pretty appalling to my ears. That doesn’t mean I would protest if he started covering Isbell or Sturgill songs, though!
January 13, 2015 @ 6:51 pm
tje clueless announcer was Rece Davis a former resident of the Florence/ shoals area. The song was written about a shoals native. I doubt he did it on purpose.
January 13, 2015 @ 8:08 pm
Rece should know better being from the same neck of the woods as Isbell himself.
January 14, 2015 @ 8:16 pm
Don’t forget ZBB covered The Wood Brothers’ “Muse” on their Grohl Sessions EP
January 15, 2015 @ 10:11 am
I’m happy for any and all attention that Jason Isbell can get – even if it’s having a song covered by a mainstream artist. College Gameday is a huge stage. I think Zac Brown Band covered it pretty well, but it felt sort of watered-down without the 400 Unit (and of course Jason’s vocals). That’s one tight f’n band. Saw them twice in 2014 and was blown away.