Sturgill Simpson Absolutely Destroys the Saturday Night Live Stage
In the music business, they call it a “moment.” Some artists go their entire careers without ever having one, even quite successful artists. A “moment” is what caused Chris Stapleton to rocket to the biggest artist in all of country music. A “moment” is what rockets the obscure to the profound. And a “moment” is what insurgent country artist Sturgill Simpson experienced late Saturday night.
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Sturgill Simpson stopped by 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Saturday (1-14) in the capacity of the musical guest for the offbeat broadcast television institution known as Saturday Night Live. In a career that has seen incredible achievement and never dreamed-before accolades for a non-radio country star, playing SNL was a distinction that had eluded Sturgill heretofore. But a nomination for the Grammy Awards’ Album of the Year, and impressive performances on NBC’s The Tonight Show, put SNL‘s booking agent and the rest of the world on alert to this burgeoning talent with a generational impact.
Opportunities are only what you make of them, and though we’ve seen other non-radio country artists grace the SNL stage lately, including Chris Stapleton and Margo Price, and other up-and-coming country stars like Maren Morris, it is Simpson’s performance that stands out as memorable, significant, impactful, and perhaps even standard setting. Folks like Margo Price, Chris Stapleton, and Jason Isbell may have walked through the door to mainstream impact without radio play, but as Sturgill Simpson illustrated Saturday night, he was the one who initially busted it down through the sheer power of creativity and performance.
The first song Sturgill played was A Sailor’s Guide to Earth‘s “Keep It Between the Lines.” Along with the nucleus of his touring band that includes Miles Miller on drums, Laur Joamets on guitar, Chuck Bartels on bass, and Bobby Emmett on keys, Sturgill Simpson had a mess of horns with him on stage—way more than the three or four he normally tours around with. The performance went from energetic to downright frenetic in moments, with Sturgill dressed all in black dancing around the stage and feeding off his fellow players.
“Keep It Between The Lines” was certainly a valiant introduction to the world that asked “Who is Sturgill Simpson?” when the Grammy nominations were released a few weeks ago, but this would be nothing compared to when Sturgill took the stage for the second performance, and ran through a sped up, slightly abridged, and overall blistering performance of the crowd-pleaser “Call To Arms.” A full 5 1/2-minute song in the studio, Sturgill axed a verse, and put the tempo off the charts to fit the song into the constricting television slot. But instead of robbing the song of its rising action and theme, it resulted in a performance like few have ever seen on the Saturday Night Live stage, or anywhere else.
When Sturgill walked out with his worn Telecaster strapped over his shoulder as opposed to his acoustic guitar, you knew it was on. Along with it’s faded paint job, the Tele was also rocking the Rebel insignia from Star Wars, perhaps an homage to the host of the episode, Felicity Jones of the recent Rogue One movie.
It was the same guitar Sturgill played when Saving Country Music first saw him perform live way back in 2011, concluding, “Sturgill Simpson is a singular talent, one of those one-in-a-million folks who is touched by the country music holy spirit, and has the vigor to fully realize his potential, and assert his solely original perspective on American music without fear.”
The key to Sturgill unleashing the full mite of his talents has always been to tap into his incredibly focused anger. You saw that in the performance of “A Call To Arms,” where he at one point knocks one of the drummer’s cymbals off the stand with his guitar’s head stock, and finished the song with a downright scowl on his face, almost like he was ready to fight the entire crowd, or they entire world if they had anything left to say after the performance he turned in.
Sturgill Simpson wasn’t just giving his best in an opportunity to ingratiate himself to a national audience and perhaps increase his chances of actually winning a Grammy come February. Sturgill was unleashing anger and frustrations for not just himself, but the legions of overlooked and under-appreciated artists and bands out there burning up pavement, and playing to empty barrooms on Saturday nights, yet evidencing incredible talent to whomever is intelligent enough to pay attention.
Sturgill Simpson wasn’t just asking for your attention, he was warning you at the folly of your apathy and ignorance. It wasn’t just a performance, it was a formal wake up call, a slap to the face to all of the minds programmed to mass media out there sucking up corporate entertainment, showing them there is an alternative, and it’s vibrant, potent, ugly sometimes, served without chaser, and profoundly real.
You thought that a guy like Sturgill Simpson doesn’t belong in the top echelons of American music, being considered right beside heavyweights like Adele and Beyoncé? That’s only because you didn’t know him yet.
And now you do.
Kyle
January 15, 2017 @ 9:32 am
I really want to like him but I just can’t listen to someone who wants to bash my religion. Say what you want about me, but as talented as he is I ain’t gonna be a fan.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 9:37 am
He bashed your religion? I guess I missed that.
“But I swear that God is there
Every time I glare in the eyes of my best friend…”
J. Smith
January 15, 2017 @ 9:45 am
?
Lorraine O'Grady
January 19, 2017 @ 5:25 am
At least the OP said “bashing religion” and not “bashing God.” SS takes God seriously. My favorite example of this is Sunday Valley’s “Jesus Boogie,” Sturgill’s (to me) beautiful and profoundly touching meditation on the Last Words, “Father, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJtCp6lVR2Q
Thinking and questioning seem like “bashing” to some, but others disagree, including advanced Christian thinkers, many of whom SS seems familiar with — he’s the first pop musician I’ve ever heard say he’s read Teilhard de Chardin, the mid-century French Jesuit philosopher. Amazing.
Chad
January 15, 2017 @ 9:47 am
To many, “questioning the establishment’s tenets” is equal to “bashing.”
But Sturgill’s fan base (myself strongly included) is drawn by this very thing. So, yeah, I would expect mainstream evangelicals to not like him, hence his trouble ever breaking out on radio.
BJones
January 15, 2017 @ 4:05 pm
i don’t know about the religion but Call to Arms certainly seems to demean everyone who ever put on a military uniform. I understand music is often about protest but I don’t respect the sentiment. The lyrics aren’t also written on a fourth grade level (at best).
Mike W.
January 15, 2017 @ 7:56 pm
Sorry, but your just flat out wrong. “Call To Arms” is not demeaning to military members, rather it points out that too often service men and women are pawns in rich men’s wars. How you can take any other message away from that song is beyond me.
BJones
January 16, 2017 @ 6:48 am
Well son I hope you don’t grow up
Believing that you’ve got to be a puppet to be a man
Well they cut off your hair and put a badge on your arm
Strip you of your identity
Tell you to keep your mouth shut boy and get in the line.
Meet your maker overseas
Message: military members are puppets with no independent identity sent overseas to die like sheep. Pretty sure most of our service men and women don’t view themselves this way.
Derpderp
January 16, 2017 @ 2:45 am
Sorry Bjones if hes demeaning to everyone that has put on a military uniform, he would be demeaning himself. He served in the navy….Next time do some research.
Steven
January 16, 2017 @ 7:31 pm
Marine Veteran here. MANY veterans feel exactly that way.
Kenneth Hilt
January 17, 2017 @ 2:20 am
I feel that way lol 39 mths combined in a combat theater, looked for my “maker” overseas……couldn’t find’em.
Jack Williams
January 16, 2017 @ 8:36 am
Seems to me that’s just a different kind of butthurtedness. With respect to the lyrics you reference below, a less aggrieved take might be that he’s advising his son to remain his own man and not get swept away by rah-rah nationalism, because THIS is what can happen to you.
weep
January 16, 2017 @ 6:12 pm
exactly. did that REALLY needed to be explained?
BJones
January 16, 2017 @ 7:05 pm
Right. Every line of the song is about the military. The song is called Call to Arms. But it doesn’t mean what it clearly says. It’s a subtle METAPHOR. Get the fuck out here with that bullshit. It’s about war. It’s about the military. It’s saying “son don’t join the military like all the other mindless, identityless puppets.” You’re not comfortable with the explicit message so you want to change it to something other than what it obviously is.
Oh he was in the military? Yeah no shit. I guess no one every bad mouthed an organization they used to be a part of.
Sereng3ti – go read some more Noam Chomsky.
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 8:06 pm
BJones,
Please don’t hard cuss other commenters, or your comments will be edited/deleted. I’m the only one you can hard cuss here 🙂
We can disagree and still be respectful to each other.
Jack Williams
January 16, 2017 @ 7:36 pm
Every line of the song is about the military.
Bull. Fucking. Shit. The abuse of the volunteer rank and file is part of the song, but to say that “every line of the song is about the military” is horseshit.
Here’s a couple of books I’ve read, both by Andrew Bacevich. He’s a retired Army lieutenant colonel, identifies himself as conservative and he lost his son in Iraq.
The New American Militarism (How Americans Are Seduced by War)
Breach of Trust: How Americans Failed Their Soldiers and Their Country
The Americans that are failing their soldiers are the chicken hawks in power and all those patriotic folks who get to feel good about “supporting the troops” without any skin in the game.
You’re not comfortable with the explicit message so you want to change it to something other than what it obviously is.
Man, you’ve got everybody figured, don’t you?
Sereng3ti
January 16, 2017 @ 8:55 am
Eat it B Jones. Go listen to Toby Keith
BJones
January 16, 2017 @ 8:21 pm
Jack –
And yet you’ve failed to cite a single line in the song that isn’t about the military either in isolation or in context. There isn’t one.
Bacevich is aggrieved (rightfully) about losing a son in a foolish, improvident war. You’d be hard pressed to find anyone who believes the invasion of Iraq was a good idea. And I could cite you a few hundred books about how we’d all be living with The Man In the High Castle if wasn’t for the “puppets” in the armed forces.
The lyrical theme of politicians sending kids off to die for questionable purposes is about as well worn and cliche as it gets. SS isn’t breaking any ground there. War Pigs did it a lot better 45 years ago. My issue with Call to Arms is that the latter part targets the soldiers, not the system. It says those who enlist are mindless puppets trying prove their manhood – not individuals with a clear-eyed desire to serve their country. He can say whatever the hell he wants, mind you, but I don’t have to nod my head and agree. And I don’t. You say that’s not what he’s really saying. I say it’s clearly what he’s saying because … well, English.
And for those touting SS’s military service, by his own account he joined on a whim so he could travel. He joined for all the wrong reasons and quit because he realized it. He didn’t like taking orders. I don’t think someone stationed in a non-combat area has automatically earned the right to criticize the mindset of a soldier in a combat zone. No one sent SS off to “meet his maker.” They sent him to a base in Japan.
Jack Williams
January 17, 2017 @ 10:12 am
BJones,
With respect to Bacevich, he wrote the first book I listed in 2005. His son died in 2007. I think maybe his son dying was a hearbreaking exclamation point on what he already believed.
Here’s article he wrote in the same year as his son’s death. Also, it’s clear that he doesn’t believe that his son was a puppet.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/25/AR2007052502032_2.html
As I recall, Bacevich started to question the prevailing foreign policy view of the establishment after the Berlin Wall fell. He was still on active duty at the time and had the occasion to go into East Berlin, where he interacted with some Soviet troops. He was taken aback by how destitute they seemed to be and I think he thought something like “so THIS is the Evil Empire?”
I agree that SS is not covering any new ground here. As for War Pigs, I had Paranoid in my teeange album collection. I just happen agree with a lot of the message in that song. ANd I like the song overall. It’s one of my three favorite songs from the album. I think the album is a good listen but not a great album. Didn’t make my top 15.
I’m still going to disagree with you as to the target of the song. I think it’s mostly about the system. For example, all but the first verse seem to be all about the system, in my view. I agree that the “puppet to be a man” line is inflammatory. I just don’t know that you can definitely say from that line that Sturgill Simpson believes that anyone who joins the military is a mindless puppet. It’s a song lyric as opposed to an essay or an answer to a direct question. Maybe it means bad shit can happen to you if you’re a certain kind of puppet. But I can’t say with certainty that you’re wrong. I hope that’s not what he meant. I will say that if I had a son (I have daughters) that wanted to enlist, I’d be fearful of him being sent off on some misadventure that TPTB decided was serving “American interests” and maybe was not so much about the defense of the country.
I think these lyrics are not at all about the military:
Nobody is lookin’ up to care about a drone
All too busy lookin’ down at our phone
Our ego’s begging for a food like a dog from our feed
Refresing obsessively until iur eyes start to bleed
They serve up distractions and we eat them with fries
Until the bombs fall out of our fucking skies
Turn off the TV
Turn off the news
Nothin’ to see here
They’re serving the blues
Bullshit on my TV
Bullshit on my radio
The Hollywood telling me how to be me
The bullshit’s got to go
As far the stuff about bombs at the end of the first verse above, I took that to mean drones being used on us right here at home. Now, maybe that’s a bit hysterical (I hope so), but if that were to happen, it wouldn’t be the military making that decision.
graynote
January 17, 2017 @ 1:44 pm
I can’t figure out how it “demeans everybody in uniform”, especially since he was in that uniform himself.
Furthermore, what you quote as “demeaning” describes a system which individuality and individuals don’t matter. Individuals submit to the system which they have no say in. As this entire album is advice for his son, he’s simply saying, through the album, “don’t make the mistake I made.” That is how Simpson felt in the military.
Will
January 15, 2017 @ 9:43 am
Nobody’s making you listen to him.
Ll28
January 15, 2017 @ 9:49 am
Then that’s your huge loss.
“So to each their own til we go home..”
That’s about as inclusive as you can get.
I think his overarching point is that, really, no one knows, regardless of what beliefs they have or don’t have. So be a good person and love each other and everyone’ll be fine, no matter how you go about finding your own truth. I’m failing to see how this is religion bashing?
Mike W.
January 15, 2017 @ 11:03 am
This comment makes no sense. I’m sorry, but when I listen to Sturgill Simpson, the very last thought I have is “this guy hates religion”. Just because he isn’t overtly waving the religious flag like someone like Josh Turner or Ricky Skaggs does, doesn’t mean he is “bashing your religion”. Whatever, if you think Sturgill Simpson is “bashing your religion”, you must not be able to consume much mainstream entertainment period.
Reed wallace
January 15, 2017 @ 11:44 am
Ohh no he’s open minded! Persecute him! Being an atheist country music fan Sturgill is a breath of fresh air! Finally I can relate to an artist on an intellectual level. You are what’s wrong with the music industry today just because it doesn’t fit your agenda you Bash it. I don’t agree with Merle Haggard’s world views but I still believe he’s one of the greatest songwriters to ever pick up a guitar. Your ignorance is disgusting.
Bill Goodman
January 15, 2017 @ 11:59 am
. The song that you’re most likely referring to is about drugs, not religion.
CavemanRamblin
January 18, 2017 @ 5:06 am
If it’s Turtles all the Way down you’re referring to, the song is absolutely about religion/spirituality. Sure there are drug references, but they are there to support the theme that friendship and love are more worthwhile pursuits than organized religion.
“Every time I take a look inside that old fabled book, I’m blinded and reminded by the pain caused by some old man in the sky.”
“So don’t waste your mind on nursery rhymes, or fairy tales of blood and wine…”
And then you have the title of the actual song, which is a reference to a creation myth shared by several cultures.
Freddy C
January 15, 2017 @ 12:00 pm
HEAVY eye roll. If you want to be offended, you will find a way. Seems to be the case here. Simpson challenges the nature of access to god. If you find that to be bashing, then stick with Luke Bryan and other “acts” that will just entertain your narrow and obviously flimsy sensibility. A person must be rock solid in their faith if they can’t enjoy a musician because he has a couple of songs that don’t necessarily agree with. (sarcasm in case you were wondering).
For crying out loud, Simpson sings about “god” in a positive manner as much as (if not more) any secular artist I’ve heard. It’s a breath of fresh air to hear someone bring god into mainstream music without attaching all the dogmatic, man made nonsense that people get hung up on that actually limits their access to god instead of enhancing it.
Sturgill Simpson is an artist. He doesn’t compromise his vision and I hope he never does. We need more like him.
DJ
January 15, 2017 @ 1:31 pm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyot2S8yN7w
BwareDWare94
January 15, 2017 @ 4:49 pm
Sounds like you’re a bit too sensitive, chief.
If you aren’t open to being challenged, you’ll never experience art as fully as you should.
MH
January 16, 2017 @ 7:47 am
Lyrics to his son:
“God is inside you, all around, and up above..”
Now, tell me again what bothers you about him?
Don
January 16, 2017 @ 2:08 pm
I would take another listen to all of his albums. He sounds to me like your average Christian, fighting the struggle everyday. There were moments when I’ve raised an eyebrow or two for some of his lyrics, but when you take it into context with all of his music, I get where he is coming from.
Dck Hunter
January 16, 2017 @ 3:24 pm
Poor baby.
andy
January 16, 2017 @ 8:05 pm
what the hell are you talking about? lol are you high?
Randy
January 17, 2017 @ 8:12 am
You know I had a problem with this when Metamodern Sounds came out. However, I began to think if I stopped listening to every artist (or watching every movie or TV show or reading every book) that questioned or challenged my faith, then I’d surrender a whole lot of stuff I like. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that Sturgill was not bashing any religion but even if I’d concluded otherwise I’d still be a fan. If you only surround yourself with people who believe like you, think like you and have the same tastes as you I think you are living in a fantasy world. Ultimately, that’s how cults form.
I’m a pastor myself, and I’ve even received criticism from some church folks for listening to Waylon, Cash and Haggard. Just wait until they find out I’m a Sturgill fan…
Rich1
January 18, 2017 @ 11:00 pm
Bash away…
There is too much of God said it, I believe it that settles it… in this empty-headed world. Turn some criticism on the “holy’ books…
“‘Respect for religion’ has become a code phrase meaning ‘fear of religion.’ Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect.” Salman Rusdie
Thank you Sturgill, Thank you John Moreland, Joe Huber, and Two Cow Garage…keep shedding the light.
Pauline
January 21, 2017 @ 5:39 pm
Everyone’s got an opinion, you can twist lyrics anyway you need to…This guy and his band are incredible at making music! I was dancin’ around my living room, rewinding “Call to Arms” over and over again! The music was throbbing, the vocals were strong, the musicians were incredible and his voice rivaled any southern son who ever sang out loud! We’re talkin’ about an artist here, not a preacher, not a teacher, a rockn’ and rollin’ musician who’s voice was as strong as anyone I’ve ever heard, with fantastic back-up musicians and enough energy to light up New York City! Get over yourself….It’s only rock n’ roll and I Loved It!!
Chad
January 15, 2017 @ 9:37 am
Any Sturgill performance on SNL is a plus, but I would have liked to have seen one with a little more focus on lyrical art rather than performance art. Both songs are, in their studio versions, short on lyrics, and were made even shorter to allow for more horn-and-dancing time. I worry that it was a performance more aimed at being edgy than true to what he’s about.
Wait…I just realized I’m not sure exactly what Sturgil is “about.” He’s doing his thing. So, carry on, Sturgill, and I’ll keep tuning in.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 9:39 am
It may have been nice if he would have pulled out “Turtles All The Way Down” perhaps, but it’s the right move to play the best music from your current release, and that’s what he did.
Chad
January 15, 2017 @ 9:42 am
I certainly expected selections to be from his current release. I was just expecting “Brace for Impact” and maybe one of these. He seemed to choose the most frenetic ones.
Jack Williams
January 15, 2017 @ 9:46 am
This was an abridged version of what he’s been closing his shows with. It’s just about 6 or 7 minutes shorter. This is exactly what he’s about right now.
There’s a time and a place for everything. SNL was exactly the right time for this, IMO.
Chad
January 15, 2017 @ 9:48 am
>>There’s a time and a place for everything. SNL was exactly the right time for this, IMO.
I can’t argue with that.
Dave
January 16, 2017 @ 10:05 am
Lorne Michaels requested “Call to Arms”
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 10:12 am
How do you know this, if you don’t mind me asking?
Dave
February 8, 2017 @ 4:55 am
so.. what are they going to play at the Grammy’s?
DarthChase
January 15, 2017 @ 9:42 am
Wish he could have played a Country song…and the first song sounded too much like “Hard to Handle” with the jazz band
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 10:14 am
I’m a country fan, so of course I wish he would have done a more country song too. That said, I can’t complain about the performances he turned in. And the results are hard to question. His appearance had impact. The video is going viral, and he’s rocketing to the top of iTunes. This was Sturgill’s “moment,” at least up to this point.
Jack Williams
January 15, 2017 @ 10:21 am
I’m guessing we’ll get a more country song at the Grammys. I think he might go with Sea Stories, which I think is the most country song on ASGTE.
DarthChase
January 15, 2017 @ 10:26 am
Being serious for a second, do you think this will just be YouTube views way after the show aired? The actual show itself was so bad. Curious what the ratings were compared to the rest of the season.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 12:47 pm
The show was awful. Barely even watchable, which has been my SNL experience for the last few years. But I can tell you is that anything Sturgill right now is exploding on the internet. “Call To Arms” is what everyone is talking about coming out of last night’s show, not Alec Baldwin. Sturgill is #1 at iTunes, and social network is blowing up. I’m seeing folks saying this was a bias review based in fandom, but I’m here to tell everyone, this was Sturgill’s moment. This is not based in my opinion, this is based on metrics and social network chatter. He won over lots of folks last night.
DarthChase
January 15, 2017 @ 2:14 pm
The Cold Open from SNL last night is the #1 video right now on YouTube. He is not on the list right now. If I remember corectly, Stapleton/Timberlake was up there for days. Not sure this made the impact people here are saying.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 3:22 pm
NBC does not post their content to YouTube. They use proprietary players located on their website. That is what is embedded in the article above. Anything posted on YouTube is an illegal copyright violation. I wouldn’t use any YouTube metrics to gauge anything.
I’m telling you, this performance was off the charts in regards to reception. This article has gone viral. Dozens of other articles on it have gone viral, he’s #1 on iTunes, American is eating it up. The only naysayers are hardcore music fans who already knew about Sturgill, who compile probably less than 1% of the population.
ElectricOutcast
January 15, 2017 @ 5:22 pm
To reply to Trigger’s point, I was looking up Chris Stapleton’s Saturday Night Live performance and it confirmed to me that Chris was able to get his performances saved on his VEVO on YouTube, I don’t imagine Sturgill has his own Vevo but if he has his own YouTube channel there might be a way where he can save it .
Brendan
January 15, 2017 @ 11:44 am
I thought “Oh Sarah” is the most country song on the current album.
DarthChase
January 15, 2017 @ 3:53 pm
They for sure post content to YouTube. Not sure if they post any musical performances though.
Frank the Tank
January 15, 2017 @ 2:26 pm
I’d love to see him play that. I can’t get enough of that song.
Cleve
January 15, 2017 @ 4:33 pm
I remember Sturgill saying “my grandpa always told me, take the one that got you there” or something of that effect, in regards to playing Turtles All the way Down at his first Ryman performance.
The new album was definitely “what got him there”. I didn’t assume there was any chance we would get anything different than what we got, and it was great.
Good on you, Sturgill.
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 11:55 am
That guitar progression that is the backbone for Call to Arms is as “country” as anything you will ever hear. I don’t know how people fail to see this. It is almost like as soon as people who think they are the standard bearers of what country is hear the horns, they just close their mind. You can call what Sturgill does country or not….but does it really matter? Finally, I don’t think he cares at all about being labeled as being a “country” artist, nor do his fans like myself who have been following him for years.
Clark West
January 15, 2017 @ 9:55 am
Yes, it was a riveting performance and the rage was palpable. Though I interpreted the anger as being rooted in the lyrics themselves, not a comment on the pop/country music industry and its failures. A prophetic “call to arms” about this nation’s failures–almost like Dylan’s Masters of War at breakneck speed. And I don’t know quite why, but right after it was over and I was catching my breath, Ray Wylie’s “Rock and Roll is a Vicious Game” came slithering into my brain.
Jack Williams
January 15, 2017 @ 10:02 am
So many times a SNL music performance is just kind of there. This, under the other hand, was distilled version of what it’s like to see Sturgill and his band firing on all cylinders. Feral. Brilliant.
creesta
January 15, 2017 @ 10:35 am
I do not listen to country music, ever, but if this wasn’t an amazing PERFORMANCE, I don’t know what is! WOW. Googled him instantly after he threw his instrument on the ground and have alerted friends and family of his existence. Well done whatever his objective was last night!!!
BJones
January 15, 2017 @ 4:30 pm
Haha. A+ troll job.
Matt White
January 15, 2017 @ 11:26 pm
I did the exact same thing. I was totally blow away by him, and since last night I have gotten caught up on all things Sturgill as I watched, read, and listened to as much about him as I could, etc. – I even had my wife watch it today.. – Oh and to the person who said he was bashing the military- please do your homework & really listen to the man.. He has at least served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy right out of high School for 3+ years… anyway I’m now a fan & it has been many many years since I was that pleasantly surprised, and taken aback by such a powerful & talented musical performance. Very cool.
Jed
January 17, 2017 @ 10:20 am
Yawn, throwing the guitar down is so cliche. I have definitely hopped off the SS train. SS needs to stick to country.
Jacob Ware
January 15, 2017 @ 10:44 am
I have to say that I completely disagree, this was not a particularly good performance. It felt staged completely and you couldn’t hardly understand him. The horns are too much. I think your wanting him to succeed is blinding you to this, like a parent does when their kid performs. You know I love sturgill and blew that horn loud as hell; I DO credit him as country music’s savior. But this was not country music, not a genuine “moment” but forced, and really feels close to selling out.
I know I will catch a lot of flak for this, but I have seen so many of his performances this does not compare. Oh Sarah on Charlie rose, that was what perfect looks like. Those brewery whatever sessions they were rocking. I don’t see what you guys see, I think this is large scale “culture vulture” mind set (had to look that up). I am losing my faith in Sturgill.
Also, I doubt he cares about bashing religion, he was just into knowledge, science, and expanding your mind (the enemies of religion).
gbkeith
January 15, 2017 @ 12:31 pm
In fairness, being hard to understand isn’t a one time thing for the guy.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 12:55 pm
For those saying that I’m just a superfan and being bias for Sturgill, go back and read my review for him when I saw him at ACL Live last May. I gave him a 6/10, and had lots of negative things to say:
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/live-review-sturgill-simpson-at-acl-live/
For those saying his performance was staged, that is the exact reason that I mentiond the first time I ever saw him live at Pickathon in 2011. That is why I linked to my 2011 Pickathon recap in this review. It is crucial to understanding this is the REAL Sturgill Simpson. The one that stands politely at center stage, THAT is the one that’s staged if any is. And there’s video from 2011 to prove it. THIS is Sturgill Simpson, the Sturgill Simpson you saw last night, and the Sturgill Simpson I’ve been waiting to emerge for the last 6 years.
I understand that it appears there is a lot of hype around the performance at the moment, but trust me, this shocked the world. The internet chatter on Sturgill at the moment is through the roof. You can’t fake this. It may not be your cup of tea, but Sturgill touched a huge nerve.
Jacob Ware
January 15, 2017 @ 1:17 pm
Not saying just you, i have been guilty of this in the past aswell as many others.
I’ve already seen the performance you linked. Anyone who watches that and says they are anything more than modestly similar IS blinded. SNL performance included Elvis moves, Kurt cobain moves, drumming with headstock of guitar, kicking piano (why), slamming guitar. The only thing that is similar is the wild guitar strumming (playing bluegrass style with punk attitude), in the pickathon all he did was away and headband. As one poster said it was like a lady gaga, just gimmick, cause you couldn’t understand the music and that doesn’t make it art. Sturgill music is good in general, and he does make real music, but this is how you lose that genuine quality trying to put on a show.
And for someone who was able to experience the Sturgill Simpson phenomenon in real time (meaning you trigger, one of the first to notice), you should be able to see the difference easier than me, who you introduced him to. See I watch these videos literally everyday, whether my wife likes it or not, from Sunday valley to SGTE. This is Sturgill evolving into the new age millennial’s pop star. But hopefully I’m wrong.
Jacob Ware
January 15, 2017 @ 1:20 pm
Sorry for bad spelling: “Sway and headbang”
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 3:26 pm
This is what I wrote about Sturgill Simpson’s performance at Pickathon over six years ago:
“The set ended with one of those moments you can only be there to appreciate. During an extended and wild rendition of their song “Never Go To Town Again”, Sturgill stepped out onto a monitor speaker that he was hoping to support his weight, and it didn’t, and he instead took a dive into the crowd. The guitar cord got caught on the microphone stand, and stage chaos ensued as gear went tumbling. But Sturgill didn’t miss a beat, never stopped playing, and possessed by the country music holy ghost, eventually popped up back on stage, eyes rolled up in the back of his head, wires and music stands intertwined with his limbs, and never even acknowleged the chaos until the song was over.
All I can do is speak from my own experience. Were histrionics employed last night? Of course. But believe it or not, they were less than they were when I saw him playing on a dink stage when nobody knew who he was, for maybe 25 people max. That’s how I know last night was genuine.
Lorraine O'Grady
January 18, 2017 @ 1:55 am
Of course, SNL WAS STAGED. . . Sturgill’s no fool, and the stakes were high! But I agree with you. A lot of things can be true at the same time. The performance was staged AND Sturgill’s anger was real. I think the reason the combination was so effective is that SS loves the studio — the recording studio, the TV studio. It’s the studio where he seems to come most alive, not the auditorium. It’s where he can second-draft, do extra shaping, have more control. The more prepared he is, the truer his spontaneity can be. Maybe that’s why he could wrap those albums so fast? But unlike the new CD and previous TV appearances, on SNL I also sensed — I could be wrong — a gently guiding outside eye, not so much on SS himself (he doesn’t need it) but on the band, who here seem less retiring and more themselves. But I disagree with you about the resemblance to the 2011 Pickathon. This performance is way beyond that. At the Pickathon, Sturgill was totally wasted. He’s not wasted on SNL. He knows what he’s doing every second that he’s there.
Panic
January 17, 2017 @ 6:42 am
You’re trying way too hard. No one likes a musical hipster. The popularity scares you because you have an underlying need as Cake puts it to.. “prove you were there, that you heard of them first.” No one cares. Energy isn’t a gimmick and I’m not sure how you get to tell the artist what he should feel or convey on stage. That performance was genuine and original and indeed art. But I can see you are after all the real genuine article yourself with that cowboy hat and classic Marlboro lean on the fence style… Never ceases to amaze me when fans start calling bands sell outs. The naivety is charming but the arrogance is hilarious.
Jacob Ware
January 17, 2017 @ 1:39 pm
My opinions have always been independent and singularly my own, do not lump me in this category. And wouldn’t the hipster thing to be jump on the bandwagon as popularity surged? I will not comment on Sturgill Simpson again, because you can’t handle criticism. Atleast when I’ve been a hypocrite or an asshole I’ve admitted it and acknowledged I was wrong. Many agree with me, those that lack perspective refuse to even consider.
liza
January 15, 2017 @ 7:28 pm
Never see Sturgill’s passion and emotion as staged. I was rooting for him and he blew me away.
BwareDWare94
January 16, 2017 @ 6:44 am
I think maybe what you want and expect from Sturgill is too specific. I, for one, thought it was special because it showcased the raw power of truly live performances. Also, knowing what “Call to Arms” is about is so important (obviously you know what the song is about but I’m referring to first time listeners, here).
That being said, I do think “Keep it Between the Lines” was a poor choice for the first performance.
Alsace
January 17, 2017 @ 2:50 am
I thought the same. For an album, part of whose point is the diversity in its styles, “Between the Lines” was a poor choice in that it doesn’t provide enough musical contrast with “Call to Arms.” But SS seemed to be making a political as much as a musical statement on the night. In that sense, the two songs together reinforced what to me seems their main point — the need to “stand back,” to think and live reflectively.
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 12:09 pm
I would suggest watching it again with a better sound setup (on your computer with headphones, maybe?). I thought the mixing was great….vocals, horns, guitar, keys drums sounded great, and I especially loved that the amazing bass backbone of the songs came through loud and clear. As for the other aspects….”staged” or “fake” are the absolute last words that come to mind when seeing such an intense performance. Just look at the sincere looks on the faces of his amazing band. So much passion and raw energy, and the furthest thing from staged. Also, Sturgill has been an intense performer since day 1. Are you really that turned off by someone not just standing there stationary on stage…and why do you care so much about his “moves” or lack thereof. Finally, with respect to the “country” question (one that he cares little about, btw), Call to Arms is definitely a country song. There is no way you can listen to that guitar and bass progression and not see that it is very country.
Jacob Ware
January 16, 2017 @ 12:36 pm
I watched it 5 times already, I didn’t say “they must have had a terrible sound guy”. Look here you can’t understand the words, and call to arms has no progression crazy, it is a boogie woogie blues shuffle in E, with effects added, literally no other chords. The song has great lyrics but you couldn’t make them out. This was not a showcase of sturgill talent this was a a showcase of his coolness. If you ever watched the press conference video where his whole team explains how they are making him cooler by making him less accessible and that when he did decide to show up he would explode on to the scene. Strategy worked, but proves it was planned ahead of time to make him the “it” thing. With the election, SNL taking a firm stand against the trump and the subject matter of call to arms, they couldn’t pass this up. I think Grammy nomination put this plan on fast track, whereas he would have for there next year with country release.
Sturgill not caring What you think is a marketing plot for millenials, he ain’t a back porch picker, he is a professional musician/artist he has to make money too. I dont mean to disrespect him for that, but don’t piss on my hand and tell me its raining, cause I’ve seen tornadoes and this wasnt that.
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 1:55 pm
Completely agree with you that it was a one sided showcase of his coolness. That was the most attention-grabbing way to fill the 10 or so minutes he had on this national stage. Sure this was a strategic decision with some business / marketing aspects, but how could it not be. It is also important to note that Sturgill’s latest shows are all centered around showcasing his amazing band, with several jam-like sessions, mini solos, etc…..so that is definitely where he is at right now with his live shows and they captured that perfectly right now. It is where he is at the moment in his musical career. Who knows, 2 years from now he might be on the Late Show playing a new song that is country-er than country. I am not aware of any press conference, but maybe I missed it. As far as the simplicity of the shuffle backbone of Call to Arms, I don’t think that takes away from the song at all, and actually fits it very well. Did people call Merle Haggard a sellout for singing Working Man Blues?….. which is a very shuffly and simple song. Who knows, maybe they did, but I think it is uncalled for. Here is a good live version, complete with guitar and piano solos from his bandmates: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbEstJ98TcM Finally, I don’t think there is some marketing genius at his record label whispering in his ear “act like you don’t care, and are a badass” or something like that. This personality trait of his has been there since the Sunday Valley days. In the end, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and it makes for an interesting discussion!
Lorraine O'Grady
January 18, 2017 @ 7:11 pm
For sure, at this stage of his career Sturgill needs all the strategy he can get. Kudos on him for being able to attract and work with such a high-level and (relatively) principled team — I think the interview referred to may be this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7rx2Gklu0Q (Panel Discussion: The Rise of Sturgill Simpson). To me, a strategy of “coolness” seems appropriate, since Sturgill is BOTH country AND cool..
Regarding SNL specifically, there haven’t been many comments about THE LOOK. . . Can we give the stylist a hand? I can’t remember any band cleaning up so well. So many shades of black, each with its own effect on its wearer. As an example, the transformation of a formerly listless keyboard player was stunning. The shades, black leather jacket and new hair seem to have unleashed his inner world-class keyboardist. Of course, SS has been moving toward this for a while — from the pure scruff of a down-and-out hippie, through that jolting World War II haircut (complete with Hitler mustache), and here, the forward-flat crop of a Roman Emperor. Was he wearing Prada? Armani? something close? With a leather guitar strap refined enough to be Gucci, he looked the epitome of Italian “cool.” Is this where it ends? Hardly. With SS, everything seems a passing phase. He could land eventually, or end as the sum of all his phases. But I think he’s right, whatever he does will still be country because Sturgill IS COUNTRY, as well as cool.
london
January 16, 2017 @ 9:43 pm
This is such an elaborate set-up for the ever hipsterish “I liked him before he went on SNL and went mainstream” lolololol
Lorraine O'Grady
January 18, 2017 @ 12:04 am
Yes, Sturgill CROSSES GENRES. . . because he has political and philosophic messages he wants to send, not just musical ones. It seems the ideas come first, then he figures out how best to express them. Visual artists have been doing this for decades. SS sounds more concerned with truth than with purity. People who don’t understand this may not be ready for the ride he is about to take them on.
Farmer Brian
January 15, 2017 @ 10:51 am
Wow, Stugrill really tore that place up. Maybe not his most country song, but strong picks none the less. I really liked “call to arms” myself. I’m just glad to see him getting some mainstream attention.
Scott S.
January 15, 2017 @ 10:53 am
Though I’m happy to see Sturgel get some exposure on SNL, neither song sounded in the least bit country. Sounded more like Sturgel and the E. Street Band. Sort of seemed he missed an opportunity to promote the music that got him here.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 1:00 pm
I agree it would have been good to see Sturgill do something more country, but Stugill will get back to the country stuff. He represented his current album, which is what you’re supposed to do.
I don’t think this was a missed opportunity though. Folks who normally don’t dig into music like we do are buying up and listening to anything he’s ever release, including his country stuff. A rising tide raises all boats.
BanditDarville
January 15, 2017 @ 6:39 pm
“…but Sturgill will get back to the country stuff.”
I hope you’re right. However (not trying to be a dick here) what makes you so sure that he will?
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 7:49 pm
Because he’s said it multiple times.
Sturgill Simpson on why he decided to make “A Sailor’s Guide”:
“I spent most of the first year of his life, year-and-a-half of his life on the road. So it was a lot of pictures; watching him grow up in pictures. Even at the risk of detriment to my career I decided I wanted to kind of say thank you to my family for at least getting me to this part of everything. It’s kind of a good little pause. But there will be more country records.”
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/sturgill-simpson-there-will-be-more-country-records/
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 12:12 pm
Call to Arms is very country in my opinion. But, then again, everyone is entitled to their opinion and in the end, a song is a song, and genre titles aren’t really that important.
RedDirtCyclone
January 19, 2017 @ 8:12 pm
When I first listened to ASGTE “Call to Arms” was the first time I went, “Now there is a country tune. But I still loved them all.
Jody whelan
January 15, 2017 @ 10:56 am
This was, as expected, awesome. Just want to note that the final Grammy ballots were due in a week before the show.
Really excited to see his performance at the Grammy’s though.
seak05
January 15, 2017 @ 11:21 am
Sturgill absolutely tore apart the stage. Their was absolutely nothing country about the performance. Both of these statements are true. Musically it was incredible to watch, and I very much enjoyed the performance. Admittedly, if I didn’t know the lyrics, I would have had no clue what he was actually saying (especially on Keep it Between the Lines). But overall it was a tour de force.
Gena R.
January 15, 2017 @ 1:15 pm
Agreed — that was straight-up rock ‘n’ roll, and I liked it a lot. 🙂 Speaking as a longtime SNL fan, the show itself was overall pretty lackluster even by their current standards (outside of Update and maybe the cold open, IMO), but Sturgill and his band brought a much-welcome jolt of energy.
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 12:15 pm
Disagree. Call to Arms is totally country. That guitar progression that is at the heart of the song, when combined with Sturgill’s vocal delivery, is very country. Not that it really matters all that much. Re: the vocals, I thought they sounded great. Sturgill has never been easy to understand, live or in the studio. It’s just the way things are.
Jimmy Row
January 15, 2017 @ 11:28 am
I thought it was actually pretty lame. Sorry but it sounded like blues fest drivel.
Looking forward to Sturgill coming back to shore.
SKW
January 15, 2017 @ 11:37 am
I know I’m in the minority here, but I thought the performance sucked. I was hoping that for once I could understand him in a live performance, but, nope, that didn’t happen. Every live performance I have ever seen has been just like this (including virtually every song on ACL- had to turn that off). My husband calls him Mumbledore. Seriously, I like quite a few of Sturgill’s songs, but I’m totally turned off by his live performances.
Sophie11
January 17, 2017 @ 11:39 am
I admired the passion all the performers showed. but I am old, and all I thought about while watching this, was Jerry Lee Lewis, but unleashed into a cruder time frame….Sorry..
I hope he shows more skill in his vocals in some of his other songs.. They sure weren’t great in this one.
Lorraine O'Grady
January 18, 2017 @ 1:15 am
To me, Sturgill DOESN’T REALLY MUMBLE. . . his lines are too long! He writes poetry, not song lyrics, then tries to write music to fit the lines. It wouldn’t be such a problem if only he wrote lyric poetry. But he writes narrative poetry, so no matter how simple the music, the words are too big a mouthful. It’s such a big effort, the longer he tours with a song the less clear it gets He sings less and less and plays more and more. As a lyricist, he reminds me of early Bruce Springsteen.
Jed
January 19, 2017 @ 10:22 am
Lorraine, I’m enjoying your comments and perspectives. And your from Beantown : )
marc
January 15, 2017 @ 11:39 am
“I’ve got the Rocky heart, man,” Sturgill continues. “I’m gonna do it now out of spite. And I’m gonna go play rock ’n’ roll, too, and take all those fuckin’ people, and I’m going to build a little army. And you’ll come to my show, and it’ll be four hours long, and it’ll be an American music show. It won’t be a country music show, Americana music show or a soul music show. We’re gonna hit it all, we’re gonna touch it all, because I love it all. And I want to love everybody.” After last nights performances I am pretty sure he has some new recruits.
Doug
January 15, 2017 @ 12:23 pm
This is a real quote from Sturgill? Amazing quote that says a lot about this performance, Sailor’s Guide, etc. Where from?
marc
January 15, 2017 @ 12:37 pm
I got the quote from SCM article on Oct. 27. The quote came from an interview with Adam Gold of The Nashville Scene.
albert
January 15, 2017 @ 11:55 am
I agree with many posters here. I am not a Sturgil fan but respect that he has a following .
Jacob Ware nails it above , for me . This performance had me switching it off mid-way through the first song ..partly because I’m so tired of fighting to process his lyrics due to his mumbling delivery , and partly because if his generic approach to playing ‘soul ‘ music . I caught the end of the second song and felt the same . This was all just too forced , too UNFOCUSED, too generic ….and if I want to hear blues/r and b/ soul music I can think of about a dozen acts off the top of my head who bring more character , far better vocals and far better songs to the table .
Sturgil may have been the weakest link in terms of the musicianship on that stage and while his ‘angry guy ‘ approach may have surprised , even shocked or entertained some viewers …THIS ISN’T MUSIC ……its a page from the Lady Gaga , Sia and Madonna performance manual but it isn’t good music . Bruno Mars did this WAYY better several months back on SNL but those cats could SING AND DANCE and put on a choreographed show , if a show is what you’re after . SS seemed too desperate to impress , too ‘fake’ angry for a guy who is apparently riding a wave of success….and far too hard on Telecasters .
I was , frankly , bored by the jam-iness of it all and tuned in hoping to give SS another chance to show me what all the hoopla was about . I still don’t get it and I’m still not a SS fan .
Jack Williams
January 15, 2017 @ 12:47 pm
You have already made up your mind on Sturgill . He’s not for you. I get that that. But THIS ISN’T MUSIC? That right there? Pure arrogance. Sorry, but it is.
Saying it’s a page from Lady Gaga, Sia and Madonna is beyond absurd. This was a ROCK AND ROLL performance. I still remain a passionate rock and roll fan 40+ years after buying my first Led Zeppelin and those three acts that you list mean next to nothing to me. Some more appropriate comparisons might be Bruce Springsteen or Joe Strummer. Rock and roll people. And yes, I know this site is called Saving Country Music.
I saw Sturgill do this song from the third row about 3 months ago to close out the show. This SNL performance, although cut down time wise by about two thirds for practical reasons, was faithful in spirit to the full concert version. And that full version was transcendant. For an SNL music performance, I thought this one was too.
Not music? Good God.
Mule
January 17, 2017 @ 10:14 pm
Thank you. Amen.
I swear, I’m beginning to think some folks want Roy Acuff country or none at all. Amazes me how the Outlaw movement ever got started!! Have you folks completely forgotten about Waylon f’ing Jennings and how rockin’ and door busting he was?? Maybe some of y’all have selective memories but goodness gracious!
The performance was a highly energetic rock’n’roll show that one would see on any given night in a bar by a damn good band with passion and chops. He just brought it to national television and everyone is freaking out. Those of us that go to actual shows in clubs that are up close and personal and that aren’t in arenas or amphitheatres with the pretty boys already know this.
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 1:07 pm
Look, we’re seeing the same type of reaction pattern was saw after Chris Stapleton’s performance with Justin Timberlake at the CMA’s in 2015. You have the internet exploding with postivity for it, but core fans all of a sudden begin to severely question just how country it is, and almost resent the attention from the masses. We already said our peace about the non-countryness of “A Sailor’s Guide.” That ship has sailed, so to speak, and I was one of the loudest voices about it on the internet. But at some point, you have to put all of that away and focus on the music, and the moment. You only get so many opportunities to experience something like this as a music fan in your life. It’s like your favorite team winning the Super Bowl. So don’t squander it due to petty concerns about genre or because you wish it was done in a different way.
Since 2011 when I first saw Sturgill live, I wanted the rest of the world to experience what I did in front of a tiny stage outside of Portland, OR. And last night, it did.
truth5
January 16, 2017 @ 8:56 am
I like Sturgill and wish him success, but he warned everyone before this album came out that it was not going to be as country as his previous. He told us how it was going to be and he was right. This music isn’t country and none of his performances are country. I don’t get the hoopla of this album, don’t like the music, and its not my cup of tea. I really enjoyed the first two albums, wish him a ton of success, and hope his next output is leaning more towards country.
I was more aggravated with the Timberlake/Stapleton performance because it was on a country music award show and Stapleton had the spotlight to perform traditional country music and passed it up to trade licks with Timberlake going white boy soul/R&B. At least Sturgill warned us this wasn’t going to be country.
Which speaks of the greater issue of hardcore traditional country music not being as trendy with the general public. If Stapleton performance was traditional country with a country music heavyweight like Strait or Alan Jackson, he would have never received the attention he did for going white boy soul with Timberlake. If Sturgill releases another country album like High Top or Metamodern, he never receives this attention. Its almost like hardcore traditional country tops out with a loyal following but is not trendy enough to gain consistent mainstream appeal (see Jamey Johnson, Whitey Morgan, Cody Jinks)
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 9:24 am
“If Sturgill releases another country album like High Top or Metamodern, he never receives this attention.”
I disagree. Up until Saturday night, “Metamodern” had still outsold “A Sailor’s Guide” and by a decent margin. “Metamodern” is still his biggest record. Rome wasn’t conquered in a day. It was the momentum of “High Top” and “Metamodern” that put “A Sailor’s Guide” on the map of many.
Also interesting about the sales phenomenon after Sturgill’s SNL performance is that at one point, Metamodern had climbed to #3 on the iTunes country chart behind “A Sailor’s Guide.” So buyers are doing their homework, and purchasing his previous material too.
The reason Jamey Johnson disappeared is all self-inflicted. And I wouldn’t speak so quickly about Cody Jinks topping out anytime soon. I see him on a similar trajectory to Sturgill in fact.
I totally understand the frustration of some country fans that all of this is finally happening, and it’s a shame that it’s not happening with Sturgill’s country material. I feel that same frustration too, and have written about it extensively. But all of this is also not happening in a vacuum. It’s promoting Sturgill’s country material, and an artist who’s vowed to make more country records in the future. Also, “A Sailor’s Guide” is more country than some folks are giving it credit for.
emfrank
January 16, 2017 @ 11:33 am
Also, to add to Trigger’s point – it is not as if this performance is “trendy,” either. R and B and blues rock don’t generally find much play in the pop/EDM saturated marketplace. Genuine rock needs the play as much as genuine country.
Kevin Smith
January 15, 2017 @ 12:01 pm
Very rock n roll. I love horns paired with ferocious lead guitar. IMO Brian Setzer does this sort of thing brilliantly. Lucero added horns to their sound with the release of 1872 Overton Ave and it took them from Alt country to greasy Memphis rock n roll and I’ve been aboard ever since. That said, many of us if we honestly admit it out loud, we wish Sturgill would get back to the country because he does it so well. And a guy who sounds like Waylon sounds mighty good to our ears. But as has been discussed, Sturgill has musical ADHD so we’re gonna get what he’s currently feeling the need to do. Spirited energetic performance and yeah a bit East Street band sounding. Enjoy the music.
Trainwreck92
January 15, 2017 @ 11:35 pm
See, I love Lucero with horns, but I’m still on the fence when it comes to Sturgill’s horns. I think maybe I would just prefer for them to be toned down a bit, because I like the texture they can add to a song, but at times I feel they can overpower his music.
Bill Goodman
January 15, 2017 @ 12:06 pm
I loved it. I wish he would be on the show every week.
Stringbuzz
January 15, 2017 @ 12:19 pm
fuck the haters… the performance has gone viral.. he is doing exactly what he wants to do and killing it…its one thing not to like something due to personality tastes but if you cant at least acknowledge an unmistakable talent u are doing youself a diservice…
Sam Cody
January 15, 2017 @ 12:25 pm
Did the house band get a new singer?
Oh well, even if everything he does from now on sounds like a cross between 80s prog rock and a cruise ship act, the fact that High Top Mountain exists, still puts him pretty far up above most of these idiots…
d
January 15, 2017 @ 12:26 pm
glad I’m not his guitar tech….haha.
Ryan
January 15, 2017 @ 12:31 pm
SNL music guest reputation has that ‘cool’ factor. You already respect the artist regardless of genre before they hit the first note. Last night casual viewers just got their shit kicked in and are likely curious. I think this was a huge moment. So many new heads turning.
Hesitate to draw comparisons, but the attitude, band, angry approach may reverberate like early Nirvana performances.
Doug
January 15, 2017 @ 12:41 pm
I can see both sides of the debate on whether this performance was the real rocking deal or show biz jive. Maybe both are true. As Trigger suggested, Sturgill felt on SNL (and feels in general) that he has something to prove, and so he pulled out all the stops. In doing so maybe he overdid it a bit, but to me it didn’t come across as phony, it came across as a guy who has a lot to prove and who set out to prove it not with bullshit dance routines, flashy costumes and a crowd of backup dancers, but with MUSIC, music he believes in. For that reason, to me he kicked ass. (I don’t think the expressions on the band members were faked, either.) Loved it.
DJ
January 15, 2017 @ 1:28 pm
Impressive performance and I’m happy he’s doing it without corporate radio and corporate Nashville but I’m still not a fan. I guess I’m too old and too behind the times to appreciate it, but, It ain’t Country. Which kinda hurts my feelings a little since I was drawn to him as a Country artist not getting the attention he deserves because of the corporatism involved in an industry that lies to itself and it’s listeners….
Corncaster
January 15, 2017 @ 1:41 pm
Kind of a boring tune. Maybe Sturgill was mad because the same chord, over and over again, felt like a straitjacket. Not his best foot forward.
And no one likes a scold. What is he, the Richard Dawkins of country music?
Corncaster
January 15, 2017 @ 1:53 pm
Nah, on second thought, I retract the Dawkins crack. He needs to bring more than anger to broaden his base, though.
Gtrman86
January 15, 2017 @ 1:54 pm
Sturgill fucking nailed it, knocked it out of the park. The whole band was on fire and if you couldn’t feel the energy you are fucking lifeless! Yes it was far from a Country performance, but it was honest, pure and 100% what the music industry needs regardless of genre!
Roy
January 15, 2017 @ 1:55 pm
Call to Arms was just insane. When he knows KS the cymbal off its stand and throws his guitar down at the end of the song, it was him coming to the forefront. Good god, my friends don’t listen to country and were taken by the sheer force he performed with… God damn……..
matt davis
January 15, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
I loved it, but enjoyed the last few times I saw him too.
Hope he plays “you can have the crown” for the Grammys.
It would be perfect
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 12:22 pm
It’s a great song, but Sturgill retired “You Can Have the Crown” from his live performances a while back, and I believe he has stated that he won’t ever play it live again.
Ted Sourts
January 15, 2017 @ 2:19 pm
All good. Powerful and all that. But all that jumping around and making faces, whatever. It’s all about the song for me. Let hungry George Strait from 1979 see that. He’d just laugh, let his gift do the talking. No need to throw a temper tantrum. We don’t need a savior. A young, humble cowboy named King George saved us a long time ago. Don’t anyone ever forget it.
Trainwreck92
January 15, 2017 @ 11:40 pm
I love early George Strait, don’t get me wrong, but Sturgill is by far a more interesting and entertaining artist to me. George is a great singer, and generally knows how to pick good songs, but he’s just never struck me as particularly innovative, and I’m not sure how he got crowned the King.
truth5
January 16, 2017 @ 8:41 am
Strait is the king of country radio… When it comes to a true vocalist, innovative vocal stylist, putting soul and emotion into a lyric, everyone knows the real king George is Jones, not strait.
hoptowntiger94
January 15, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
I hope Sturgill performers ‘Call to Arms’ at that Grammy awards with the Dap-Kings and they throw in a little tribute to Sharon Jones (where the song live transitions into ‘What’s Going On’).
I think that would be badass.
Gena R.
January 15, 2017 @ 7:31 pm
Yes! I’d be willing to sit through the whole show just for that.
Paulie
January 17, 2017 @ 7:26 am
That would be awesome!
Therealbobcephus
January 15, 2017 @ 3:06 pm
The look on his face after he threw down his guitar was priceless.
The star wars reference war either a super cool nod to being outside the main stream, or a product plug. If it’s the first, awesome. If it’s the latter, could have fanned the flames.
And finally, FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CAN WE STOP TALKING ABOUT HOW HIS CURRENT MUSIC ISN’T COUNTRY ENOUGH FOR YOU. He’s an artist, with his own ideas about what he wants to play and doesn’t owe any of you a country album or a country song. So go fly a kite.
Corncaster
January 15, 2017 @ 8:01 pm
“The look on his face after he threw down his guitar was priceless.”
I laughed, for sure.
seak05
January 15, 2017 @ 3:44 pm
For the record, the album is #5 on itunes, it’s #1 on country itunes. None of the singles though have cracked the top 150, keep it between the lines is at #161, which suggests it’s not moving that many units (album sales count towards single sales). I have no way to monitor social media. I thought it was a great performance, and hope it is blowing up for him.
albert
January 15, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
”None of the singles though have cracked the top 150, keep it between the lines is at #161, which suggests it’s not moving that many …”
They are not strong songs ..especially not strong RADIO songs . There’s is nothing to hang your hat on melodically or lyrically ( because you can’t make out the lyrics ) and consequently nothing to relate to ….Sure …good live energy ..no denying that …but ” artistry ” ….?
Hey …I respect SS fans just the way I respect Trump voters . You gotta go with your gut sometimes .
Trigger
January 15, 2017 @ 6:29 pm
Sturgill Simpson. Ostesibly, he’s never had a single, meaning a song that was sent to mainstream radio with the intent of receiving play. That’s why you can’t complain too loudly that he’s never been on big radio. He’s not Carrie Underwood. He’s not even Chris Stapleton. It’s an album strategy, and that is why the album is impacting. And apparently “Metamodern Sounds” is also blowing up on iTunes and other places.
albert
January 15, 2017 @ 9:25 pm
Hear ya , Trigger . A national guest shot (SNL , Idol , The Voice , award shows ) is still the most effective way to introduce your product to the most number of people in the space of 3-4 minutes .Most acts that get that opportunity can capitalize on that kind of exposure and would no doubt see an increase in sales and consequently further live opportunities .
Dominic j battiato
January 15, 2017 @ 3:51 pm
From his humble beginnings in small clubs around the midwest to this stage is an amazing ride. We have been to shows where the opening act drew more fans. Those that left early missed great shows and will come full circle and realize they should have stayed. We have rode the way with him, and it’s been a rememberable one. I hope all those whose missed out will now pay attention to Sturgill Simpson now.
BJones
January 15, 2017 @ 3:58 pm
There was certainly a lot of jumping around, standing on pianos, and blaring horns. Was it good? For me it was meh. The horns are like A-1 sauce on a steak. It’s awful and you can’t taste anything else.
jtrpdx
January 16, 2017 @ 12:25 pm
My first thought was that the performance was mixed really well, especially for the horns being so prevalent on the two songs. I thought the bass, keys, guitar, vocals all sounded great.
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 1:06 pm
I actually thought the sound was great too, especially for how many people were on stage, and for how loud they were playing. That is not easy to pull off.
On a similar note, I remember when Chris Stapleton played there were numerous complaints about the sound quality. The whole thing sounded muffled. Not sure any of that is the fault or to the credit of Chris or Strugill, but this was a common complaint.
jessie with the long hair
January 15, 2017 @ 4:01 pm
This was a boring non-song played by an good but not GREAT band. Sturgil looks awkward jerking around on stage. I like rock, country, and a lot of other music but this just isn’t great no matter what category you put it in. He really looked kind of put on.
Caroline
January 15, 2017 @ 4:48 pm
First of all-this was definitely a “moment” performance for SS. As a fan who leans towards the rock side of country anyways, this was hands down an A+ performance in my opinion. It really, really reminded me of Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats on Jimmy Fallon last year. When they sang “SOB” last year on that show, it was a total game changer for them, and I think this will be the same for SS. Side note-I think this was a total Blues Brothers homage and it makes me love Sturgill even more. Hope it’s a “mission from God” for him, too.
D. Wayne
January 15, 2017 @ 5:30 pm
SS blew the doors off the car. It was a great performance. SS is doing his thing, he will not be put in a box by anyone. Yea it sounded more Memphis but that’s ok it’s his thing !!
Larry
January 15, 2017 @ 6:53 pm
I’ve really tried hard to like this guy, largely due to the generally great music i’ve discovered via this website, but i’m just not feeling it. Not last night and not on any of his albums despite several listens. But i’ll keep trying. On the other hand, the band was spectacular.
Chuck
January 15, 2017 @ 7:06 pm
Good is good. Talent and passion from each musician – can’t ask for more. Like the style or don’t, like the words or don’t, as a musician I found it to be inspiring, motivating and entertaining as hell! The band throws down! Now I know who Sturgill Simpson is, and I’m glad!
S. Smith
January 15, 2017 @ 7:45 pm
First time poster here. I love this site and I think Trigger does an amazing job for all of us keeping us informed on great new music.
He introduced me to Sturgill about the time his second album came out. I was and still am in awe of that records sound. After so many years of crap, here was some true outlaw country music. I think that is what bothers most of us about this new direction he has taken. There are so very few artists out there that can write and make good country music that we all want him to keep making it. Personally I hate the horns he has added to his band. I don’t even like the keyboard player. Sturgill is at his best with a small band and keeping it simple. Can you imagine if he had done Living the dream on SNL like he did on the Conan show? That sound is what made me buy his first two records. I didn’t buy the third and won’t buy another till that sound comes back
Jeremy
January 15, 2017 @ 7:45 pm
For some reason this performance reminds me of Marty McFly doing Johnny B Good on Back to the Future. It was so great it’s like he came from the future and blew our minds with some shit we didn’t realize was possible. im just picturing the people that hadn’t ever seen Sturgill being blown away.
albert
January 15, 2017 @ 10:10 pm
” It was so great it’s like he came from the future and blew our minds with some shit we didn’t realize was possible. …”
Its not only possible, Jeremy, but its all been done already ( The Night Sweats , James Brown , Tower of Power , Earth Wind and Fire, Blues Brothers , Bruno Mars…and on and on ) and, arguably , much better
Jeremy
January 16, 2017 @ 1:48 am
I’m sorry, I wasn’t meaning to be 100% serious with that comment. Of course other people have done it. Just with today’s mainstream music, and what I figure an SNL crowd to be like in my head, I figured it was a funny comparison.
Jack Williams
January 16, 2017 @ 9:14 am
As the Spirit of Townes Van Zant might say:
Sturgill Simpson is Blues. Bruno Mars is Zippity Do Dah. He put on a neat Super Bowl show. Not the kind of thing that I typically would want to spend money on to see live. Maybe if I ever go to Vegas and he’s playing, I’ll check him out.
albert
January 16, 2017 @ 11:12 am
Re Bruno ….I agree Jack ….his latest stuff is pretty ” showy” and yeah ..pretty ” Vegas ” …but I can appreciate the work he’s put into making it that way , if not the actual songs/lyrics . I thought his earlier stuff was much more original -sounding and showcased his vocal ability and uniqueness much more . Sturgil ?…well I suppose “Blues ” is an apt definition for what he was trying to sing on SNL …but his band was more pop/R &B and retro kinda soul for my money .
Jack Williams
January 16, 2017 @ 1:56 pm
I just meant Blues in the context of the Townes Van Zant quote that “there are two kinds of music: blues and zippity doo dah.” I take that to mean music that comes from somewhere deep inside and music that is designed to entertain. Not saying that there’s anything inherently wrong with the latter or that a piece of music can’t have elements of both at the same time. With what little I know of Bruno (i.e., what I see on TV or what I might absorb through osmosis being out in the world), he’s more zippity doo dah and Sturgill is more blues. They inhabit very different places in the music world and so comparisons between the two feel like apples and oranges to me.
I like Bruno in as much as I can like a pop star. Quality zippity doo dah.
George
January 15, 2017 @ 7:55 pm
In the words of Beavis and Butthead “This rule”
scottinnj
January 15, 2017 @ 8:01 pm
Sturgill has 3 of the top 10 country albums on Amazon-Country. The outpouring is huge across the inter tubes. I saw our President-Elect didn’t like the show but I’m just guessing he didn’t see Sturgill’s segmeent.
Banjobison
January 15, 2017 @ 8:02 pm
Haha now maybe my friends who are like sturgill what? Will now know of his greatness
Dick
January 15, 2017 @ 8:11 pm
Whoever wrote this must have been paid by the word.
A WHOLE lot of blather to say
“Sturgill kicked the shit out of it last night”
I’m also amazed at all the references to “country” star Sturgill Simpson.
Not only one hell of a limitation, no way you pigeonhole him in with the Neo Country crap that’s on the radio now.
One last thing.
Yes, “Call To Arms” is an anti-war, anti-establishment song.
As a conservative 60 year old Southern man, I can tell you Sturgill earned the right to say whatever the hell he wants to.
He served 3 years in the US Navy; I did not.
Play On Sturgill
Dragin
January 15, 2017 @ 10:28 pm
It was a kick ass performance….I have never been this blown away by a live performance on television.
I bet if “You Can Have The Crown” was released as a single and starting getting some airplay on country radio, it would be a huge hit!
Jack Williams
January 16, 2017 @ 8:53 am
The last time I felt close to this about an SNL music performance was when Neil Young did Rockin’ in the Free World in 1989.
Brent
January 15, 2017 @ 10:37 pm
He’s going to win the Grammy. Epic.
Wicket
January 15, 2017 @ 11:14 pm
Another exhilarating comments campaign to turn Sturgill into a predictable country hit maker, safely playing standards with perfect elocution, while standing still.
Dude is who he is. If you don’t like him move on. He’s never going to be who you want him to be & like it or not, he’s got plenty of fans who like him the way he is.
Matt
January 15, 2017 @ 11:38 pm
I had no idea who the man was until last night, and I was totally blow away by him, and since then I have been getting all caught up on all things Sturgill as I watched, read, and listened to as much about him as I could, etc. – I even had my wife watch it today.. – Oh and to the person who said he was bashing the military- please do your homework & really listen to the man.. He has at least served his country by enlisting in the United States Navy right out of high School for 3+ years… anyway I’m now a fan & it has been many many years since I was that pleasantly surprised, and taken aback by such a powerful & talented musical performance. Very cool.
Kyle S
January 16, 2017 @ 1:03 am
What this performance really lacks is restraint. Even for an upbeat song like this, the band needs to have some damn restraint to keep it from sounding like a smorgasbord of pots and pans clanging in an infinite pit of moosh. I’m tired of hearing music where every member of the band is trying to play louder than the other member because it simply sounds like shit. This isn’t a moment. This isn’t even a respectable performance. This performance represents the high school garage band where all of the members were so “passionate” that they cranked their amp up to 11 and fricken “slayed that song man”. Also don’t get into Sturgill being innovative with this kind of music. Listen to The Last Waltz or any other live album by The Band and learn about what playing with the sound of THE SONG in mind sounds like.
Wicket
January 16, 2017 @ 6:26 am
Oh, ok now he can’t lead a band. They are a bunch of amateur musicians out of control! This goes right up there with the Sturgill hates Jesus comment.
You know what rock & roll needs? More restraint…said no one ever.
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 9:42 am
Nobody’s specific taste gets to define a “moment.” A “moment” is defined by how it is received by the public. Sturgill Simpson’s second song on SNL was a “moment.”
The performance was off the hook, obviously. It got people to pay attention. What Sturgill does with that attention is what will define his career. And lucky for him he has numerous critically-acclaimed records that now thousands of people are listening to and purchasing, and finding out he’s much more than just histrionics on stage.
Jack Williams
January 16, 2017 @ 1:45 pm
A thousand times this.
Charlie
January 16, 2017 @ 5:21 am
I dozed off at the beginning of the song. I woke up and thought, ‘Has he just come out and done an instrumental song??’. He would do that! I had to rewind and watch it from the start to confirm the vocals. Very cool cat.
And I like that he’s creating work for so many musicians! Very MAGA!!
Michigan Music
January 16, 2017 @ 7:10 am
I too am somewhat newer to the SS experience, only having started listening to him last year per the much praise heaped on him around these parts.
I thought it was a tremendous, energetic performance. Whatever exact genre you want to try to label his performance last night, it doesn’t quite matter to me because I was really blown away. Now I’ll admit I was wanting to like his performance, and he still left me pretty fired up.
Besides hitting the drum set did he also kick over the wurlitzer towards the end of the song?
Want a more ‘traditional sounding’ song? Go listen to Oh Sarah about his wife. He could’ve played that last night, restrained, love song and it would’ve been A+ I suspect. This guy is legit, talented musician and song writer. Period.
EW in DFW
January 16, 2017 @ 7:39 am
My favorite Sturgill performance is Sunday Valley Never Go To Town Again Pickathon 2011. It is on Youtube. I enjoyed his SNL appearance even if the theatrics at the end of Call To Arms were a little silly. I think a bland song/performance does him no good. He used the performance to attract attention as he should have. When I see a performance like that, I am going to find out what the hell I just saw. If he had done The Promise on Conan the first time i saw him, I would have paid no attention.
Dr. Vexid
January 16, 2017 @ 8:43 am
He’s probably angry about Trump and the Republicans. As we all should be. Best thing since Hank Williams III.
DarthChase
January 16, 2017 @ 8:50 am
All the morning news shows were still talking about him today. He is still trending on Facebook and Twitter…only here do people think that is true. Saving Groupthink!!!
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 9:30 am
We’ll see what the sales bump was coming off the performance when the numbers come out, and compare it to other SNL performers. I am still seeing incredible chatter for this event on Facebook and Twitter. For example, my article on Chris Stapleton’s performance on SNL last year received 563 likes and shares on Facebook. So far, this article has received 7,300. That’s roughly 13-times the amount of interest, and it’s still going viral. It will easily get to 10K, likely more.
Not sure why so many are wanting this to be a failure.
Trigger
January 16, 2017 @ 9:35 am
Also, if you think there is Groupthink here, you’re skimming over the dozens of comments ripping the performance as being forced, contrived, non-country, and ripping me being a tool for giving it a positive review. Dissent is encouraged here, even if it’s challenged.
DarthChase
January 16, 2017 @ 9:57 am
I read the site all the time. It seems most of the posts are about a mainstream artist not being country.
I get it though. We have been waiting for Sturgill to breakthrough forever. By the way, he is on the Popular Uploads on YouTube now, even if it is a fan video.
Scott Kerr
January 16, 2017 @ 12:37 pm
You butthurt people have lost your mind and your sense, your very taste, for a brilliant musical performance. Get over your self inflicted selves. If you don’t like the music, the stay the hell away from a site like this, that might actually provide you something other than what the mainstream media may throw at you. I’m sorry Rascall Flatts doesn’t have a new album you can devour.
Bill Eyster
January 16, 2017 @ 2:41 pm
Maybe you loved it, maybe you didn’t, but it’s not every day you see a Hammond organ get upended at the conclusion of a song.
jtypdx
January 16, 2017 @ 3:17 pm
To all of you “true” country fans who were upset with the horns and Sturgill not being “country” enough for your strict standards, what are your thoughts about this?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fbEstJ98TcM
Horns (check), a very similar country shuffle riff that is similar to Call to Arms (check), guitar and keys solos (check). The list goes on!
Corncaster
January 17, 2017 @ 7:34 am
well, my first thought is that Merle Haggard was 41 years old when he played this show and had, unlike Sturgill Simpson, already built a massive record of country music to his credit. he also had recorded superb tribute records to two of his personal heroes, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills, which made statements of commitment and tradition despite those records’ not selling well.
so in my opinion, there’s not enough of a comparison here. Sturgill has barely begun to write, and now there’s a massive bubble around him. it remains to be seen whether there’s more to him than his anger and his ambition. if he ever reads this, I’d say Sturgill, you’ve got a lot of stuff — why not go spend a few weeks writing with somebody like Greg Brown.
jtrpdx
January 17, 2017 @ 10:43 am
I still don’t get how you are drawing such a large conclusion about his anger, etc. from this one, very limited performance. As far as his anger overall, I think he has rightfully toned that down in recent months (being gracious about his Grammy, not talking trash during his live performances, being more reserved in interviews). As to the ambition….that is a good thing, and completely necessary if he is going to get his music out there in this day and age. The point as it relates to the Merle video is that great country artists can and do explore things outside of the same strict formulaic country type songs. And when they do, I think that these explorations can be very “country” in their own right (like A Call to Arms and Working Man Blues). Finally, as far as his writing goes, Sturgill has always said that he has more country albums in him. I also don’t think that he is the kind of guy who will let the “massive bubble” effect him all that much, but we will see.
weep
January 16, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
Love it – sing like Merle, rock like a bad ass and load as many freaking horns as possible on the stage – all to say – I am an artist, I am not a label and can’t be put in a box. rock sturg. rock on.
Bear
January 16, 2017 @ 6:30 pm
Well that was awesome. I love how he slams the guitar down and just there like, “Did that catch you off guard? Good, well I hope you got the message you sheep. People like me have been kicking ass like this for for sometime. You are just to lazy to look for us.”
Stacy
January 16, 2017 @ 8:24 pm
My husband just now “where’s the iPad, I want to look up who sang on SNL. That’s the first time I’ve ever listened to the full performance, that dude was badass” That comment made my night!
onlyNardo
January 16, 2017 @ 11:44 pm
I dug it. I dig it. I understand it. I am a Veteran, 22 years active Army. I served in Mogadishu, Desert Shield/Storm, OIFI/II/III Iraq and in Afghanistan… my butt doesn’t hurt. I get exactly what his message in “Call to Arms” is. It’s a great song with a great meaning. Maybe not for everyone, but neither is military service. That was an *epic performance on SNL! All i’m affraid of now is Big Machine Records going after him! LMAO! \o/
Add that song to my Outlaw 60 on Sirrus!
Cole
January 17, 2017 @ 6:44 am
I really enjoy Sturgill’s music – I started listening to him because I read about him on this site a year or two ago. I thought the performance was fantastic and look forward to seeing him live again one day as I may have had too many beers last time around.
Lance
January 17, 2017 @ 9:46 am
Vid wont play..Im in Canada FFS Not North Korea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dudley's Studley
January 17, 2017 @ 5:42 pm
Call me back when FGL comes on. Until then, it’s all noise.
steve
January 18, 2017 @ 8:22 am
“Keep it Between the Lines” is Otis Redding’s “Hard to Handle” by another name. But hose guys did rock on SNL. I am a fan.
markm
January 19, 2017 @ 6:37 pm
three chords and the truth…with the emphasis on truth…i believe he means what he’s singing…which makes it country in my book…or at least is in the zipcode or right outside it…
Lonesome Rhodes
February 6, 2017 @ 10:19 pm
So only country singers believe what they’re singing? Well hot damn! I’m gonna eat me some Moon Pies, chug me some RC Cola and go bark at the fucking moon! I didn’t know you had the market cornered on honest sentiment. Half witted hillbillies.
Jack Williams
February 8, 2017 @ 7:19 am
Well, that wasn’t very nice.
I think you might be missing some context. There’s been much discussion around here and other certain circles about the “countriness” of Sturgill’s last album. I would guess that markm is saying that Sturgill is still country enough for him, not that only country singers believe what they’re singing.
Head Roadie In Charge
January 26, 2017 @ 10:55 am
Lots of differing opinions on the meaning of Sturgills songs here. I don’t know if you folks realize it but your arguments prove that what Sturgill is doing is true ART. When you listen to him, you bring all the baggage from your life with you. Now I’m a city boy and your life is different from mine so what I interpret the song to mean may be light years from what your interpretation will be. That is the sign of a great and true artist. Whatever you think about him, he’s got you talking and thinking and posting about it on teh intertubes… Love him or hate him, there is no denying he is a true artist.
DML
March 25, 2017 @ 6:26 pm
His music is absolutely phenomenal groundbreaking and thank G-d a kick in ass of the horribly country music world.
I don’t care what “celebrities” say and often don’t care what their lyrics say – his oppioion is his and as long as he keeps away from outright overly political advice – what do u care ? We all have friends and family in uniform – don’t many / most share many if not most of his critique?
It doesn’t take away from him his music or u –
Maybe he’s a bit nuts – but man can he play!