Try-It Tuesday (8-2-22): The Country by Tennessee Jet

 

Note: On Tuesdays I will be reviewing albums that are new or at least new to me.

Album Released: 2020

About Tennessee Jet: It’s the stage name for singer/songwriter TJ McFarland – note he was raised in Oklahoma.

Members: Just McFarland, although Dwight Yoakam’s touring band play a prominent role on this album.

What I Know: Nothing. Never heard of this fellow, but it came up on Spotify and thought I’d give it a go.

Did You Know? Tennessee Jet’s parents were rodeo performers. …His musical idols are The White Stripes and Kurt Cobain. … This is his third album.

Why this album: See What I Know.

My thoughts on The Country: This has the feel of an alternative country album in the vein of Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, as it blends old-time country, folk, and rock ‘n roll. It was his goal to showcase the range of country on this album. I hear a little of Steve Earle in his voice.

• The opening tune “Stray Dogs” is a borderline rocker with a nice hook. It’s the most listened to original tune on the album.
• The second tune, “The Raven & the Dove,” has some classic steel guitar and some solid harmonica.
• “Johnny” is the third track, and it is a tribute to Johnny Horton. It features some heavy rock-influenced guitar and drumlines.
• The first of two covers is fourth with Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho & Lefty.” He gets help on this one from Cody Jinks, Paul Cauthen and Elizabeth Cook, and some nice horns. Just a great song, and a nice take on it.
• “Off to War” is a slower, statement song, followed by a honky-tonk type of tune in “Hands on You.” He then swings into a ballad for a country dance in “Someone to You.”
• The title track delivers the message of the album with the line: “I miss you like the country, radio don’t play anymore.” This is an ode to what should be on country radio rather than the pop drivel country that pollutes the airwaves. This tune is a straightforward acoustic song with vocals, and it’s well done.
• The second cover is the ninth of ten songs in the Black Crowes’ “She Talks to Angels,” and he gives it a bluegrass sound. It’s an interesting take, with banjo, violin, and solid backing female vocals.

The Wrap: I like the experiment of purposefully taking a tour of the various sounds of country music. If you like off-the-beaten path country, this is one for you to check out. If you want songs about drinking and summer and girls in jean shorts, it’s probably not for you.

You’re Up: Let me know your thoughts on this album, or anything new to you that you are listening to this week.