CQ Roundup, January 28th
By CQ Staff
Been a minute, but we got some real gold for you. One from under the radar, one from a pioneer, two from newly-minted Americana stars, and one from a bona fide mainstream country artist. Let’s go!
Song of the Week: “Persephone (Late Show),” Allison Russell
Russell brings her tender ballad of young sapphic love to late-night t.v., with absolutely enchanting results. For our money, it beats the (still great) version from last year’s album, Outside Child, that garnered Russell three Grammy noms.
“I Can’t Shake the Stranger Out of You,” Lavender Country
This track is gradually accumulating the patina of a classic, having made an appearance both on Lavender Country’s 1973 debut and their 2019 sophomore album, Blackberry Rose (about to get its label release on Don Giovanni Records), with a 2020 cover by drag star Trixie Mattel adding a bit of glitter to its reputation. “Stranger” showcases the remarkable precision, humor, and pathos of writer/frontman Patrick Haggerty’s lyrical gift.
“Boys Who Made Me Cry,” Sundaes Band
Gorgeous. Dreamy. Queer. Country. From Nashville’s Sundaes. Fire up a jay, lay back, and cry along.
“Love Will Tear Us Apart,” Amythyst Kiah
Kiah renders a remarkable transformation of the 80s gloom-goth classic into a brilliant folk-Americana plaint.
“Headstone,” Brothers Osborne
Country radio stars lay a touch of twang on top of a serious old-school metal riff and cap it off with a fly-through of an animated graveyard. Not. Even. Kidding.
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