“Country Squire” by Tyler Childers Debuts at #1
This story has been updated.
Tyler Childers and his major label debut album Country Squire are #1 in country music. Released August 2nd via Sony’s RCA and Tyler’s own Hickman Holler Records, the album sold 23,962 records in pure album sales, and when considering the 9,938,075 streams that songs from the record received, amassed a total of almost 32,212 total units, besting all competition, including the red hot Luke Combs who comes in at #2 on the week.
Additionally, Country Squire comes in at #1 in all of music when considering pure album sales, speaking to the loyalty of Tyler Childers fans. Country Squire also comes in at #1 on the Billboard Americana/Folk chart, and #12 on the Billboard 200 all-genre albums chart, far and away Tyler’s best showing. His previous album Purgatory debuted at #17 in the Billboard Country Albums chart, and didn’t chart on the Billboard 200 at all.
Tyler Childers joins a very select group of artists who’ve gone #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart with no significant mainstream radio play, including Sturgill Simpson, Aaron Watson, Blackberry Smoke, and Jason Isbell—names considered apex predators in the non commercial country industry. Also as a surprise, his last record Purgatory received a boost due to the new release. The record surges back onto the country charts at #32 after receiving nearly 4 million new streams last week, along with selling over 1,000 new physical copies.
The performance of Country Squire speaks to the surging interest in Tyler Childers as he continues to sell out live dates and headline festivals all across the country, and follow in the footsteps of his producer Sturgill Simpson in amassing a huge following despite the ambivalence of mainstream country radio. It will be interesting to now see if the Grammy Awards and others will pay attention to Tyler Childers after the big debut for Country Squire.
Tyler Childers is also taking a leadership role in country music, saying recently, “The problem with country is we’ve turned the props into the play. Let’s not just Solo cup and pickup truck it to death. Let’s handle this in a smart way. Nobody is thinking about lyrical content, or how we’re moving people, or what’s going on in the background of their minds…”
The 28-year-old from Lawrence County, Kentucky started playing music when he was 13, and learned how to sing in the church choir. He released his first record at 19 called Bottles and Bibles, and appearing throughout Kentucky and West Virginia, Childers became a regional phenomenon. He was given a major boost when the drummer for Sturgill Simpson, Miles Miller, introduced the two. Soon Childers was signed to Thirty Tigers, and became one of the fastest-rising artists in country music. It was announced in May that Tyler Childers had signed to Sony Music division RCA Records in a partnership with his own imprint, Hickman Holler Records.
Luke Combs and This Ones For You came in at #2 in country this week, only selling 2,870 units in pure album sales, but putting up over 23 million streams. Expect Tyler’s Country Squire to fall out of the top position next week, but don’t be surprised if both the new record and Purgatory remain strong on the country albums chart for months to come if serve holds.
Mike Blackwell
August 12, 2019 @ 11:30 am
Bottles & Bibles is lightyears ahead of a typical 19 year old songwriter’s maturity. Tyler Childers has a special voice, and it’s good that the world’s starting to listen.
63Guild
August 12, 2019 @ 12:53 pm
Still my favorite Tyler album
Mike
August 12, 2019 @ 11:31 am
Can we just talk for a second about how Country Squire did more sales in a week than Lambs and Lions has done in almost two years? This seems significant.
Kevin Davis
August 12, 2019 @ 1:17 pm
That is a great point. ‘Lambs and Lions’ gave Chase Rice his first #1 with “Eyes On You,” and the video has 25 million views. Yet, the album has remarkably under-performed. Even with a much larger social media profile (e.g., Rice has 1.1m Twitter followers versus Childers’ 63k followers), Childers sold more in his first week. Chase Rice is proof that Music Row is chasing singles more than albums and even more than artists, who are disposable it seems.
Conrad Fisher
August 12, 2019 @ 11:39 am
This is great. Good for Tyler. And good on the people at Sony for signing him. I think they know a money maker when they see one.
I do not understand his appeal. There are always lines I like in his songs but I’m usually so bored by a verse and a chorus I don’t even want to finish the song. I’ve never seen him live, so maybe that’s the big deal.
I know he’s not the first guy to put a song like Ever Loving Hand on an album, but it’s more juvenile than laughing at fart noises. The psychedelic imagery is lame, too, and doesn’t really serve the album well. Are we all still in middle school?
It seems like its becoming cool to like Tyler Childers to prove how deep you are about music.
I sound really grumpy. I’m usually a pretty positive guy, but I just don’t get it this time. If anybody has a video where the Childers magic is apparent, I want to see it. I’m gonna dig deeper into his stuff this afternoon.
Rebecca
August 12, 2019 @ 12:07 pm
I felt like this for ages. I downloaded Bottles and Bibles pretty early but couldn’t seem to get into the rest of that album. Whitehouse Road was the first (and only) song I tried from Purgatory, and that didn’t do much for me either. Honestly, I even felt embarrassed when I saw all the positive stuff on here. I guess we’re all going to like different things, though.
Rebecca
August 12, 2019 @ 1:27 pm
Should probably add that I decided to give Purgatory another shot before the new album and I’m most definitely a convert. Going to see him in Dublin in January.
Stringbuzz
August 12, 2019 @ 12:18 pm
Curious. Example of someone you do like?
Conrad Fisher
August 12, 2019 @ 1:24 pm
John Prine (yes, I’m away of Donald and Lydia) and Bob Mcdill are probably my favorite writers of all time. I like Mcdill because he is capable of writing a piece of art AND a commercial success, sometimes even in the same song. One of my favorite songs of the year has been Caroline Spence’s “Mint Condition.” I love most of Jason Isbell’s work, although being as white and successful as he is, you’d think he’d be a little less whiny. I’m a little hesitant about writers whose work consist of “the world sucks and here’s why” songs so a lot of what is labeled Americana is a bit hit or miss for me.
JT
August 16, 2019 @ 9:56 am
You specifically mentioned another song about masturbation, so what the fuck’s the difference here? You can’t just brush it off when it completely contradicts your original complaint.
Wild Billy
August 12, 2019 @ 12:22 pm
I fully understand what you are saying. However, if you gave me “one moment” to convince you of his talents, I would ask you to search YouTube for “Our Vinyl Sessions” and the song “Nose On The Grindstone” . That performance was probably my watershed moment about 2 years ago now. As a side note, that performance currently has just over ten million views. Enjoy!
JB-Chicago
August 12, 2019 @ 12:42 pm
Conrad and Rebecca it’s not just you guys. I’m 15 or 20 spins into this and I like 3 or 4 songs and that’s ok and I tried!!! I felt the same about Purgatory. I saw Tyler a few weeks ago and he was good live opening for John Prine, but like Turnpike I’m fine with admitting this isn’t for me. On the flip side I’ve been playing new Moonpies every day and smiling while happily singing along. Love the Gethen Jenkins album, Ben Jarrell is still in heavy rotation, as is Steel Blossoms. My album rotation is bursting without this one. I’m happy for Tyler going #1 and everyone that loves it but we all can’t love everything or the same things. Maybe I’ll love the next one.
NJ
August 12, 2019 @ 3:06 pm
We most be polar opposites. 🙂
Love Turnpike, really enjoy Tyler, cannot for the life of me understand the appeal of Mike and the Moonpies or Ben Jarrell.
Matt
August 13, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
Glad I’m not the only one. I’d just as soon not listen to music if Mike and the Moonpies was my only option.
To each their own and all that, but yeah.
JB-Chicago
August 13, 2019 @ 9:33 pm
Are you saying silence is better than Mike and the Moonpies Matt? That’s sad. C’mon man I would never say that about anyone most of us love on here…lol Much of Pop Country maybe but I’d never say that about ___________ anything many on here love but I don’t care for ie ……..Tyler, Troubadours, Isbell…etc…and for the record I do like Tyler a lot better than Troubs or Isbell which are still both better than “not listening to music”.
Benny Lee
August 12, 2019 @ 12:43 pm
Not sure I can help you. The first time I heard about him was when Trigger covered Purgatory. I was sold from the first note. The Red Barn sessions are probably my favorite, though. Nothing gets in the way of the song and the singer.
Koozie
August 12, 2019 @ 1:01 pm
Here’s your Tyler Childers song: Nose on the Grindstone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoqfOXLYjak
If you don’t “get it” or appreciate it after that, then maybe it’s just not your thing – and that’s okay! There’s plenty of his music that didn’t quite do it for me the first listen or two, and still a few songs that don’t. That’s part of the reason Country Squire is only my #3 album so far this year.
albert
August 13, 2019 @ 8:14 am
thanks for the link , koozie……..but …..nope …..
this song didn’t do it for me either ….there’s something missing in the narrative , as good as some of the lines are .
but again ……this may not matter to folks who love TC’s overall vibe . there’s an authenticity about his delivery that is as honest as the day is long . won’t find that in mainstream .
JT
August 16, 2019 @ 9:58 am
What is missing about the narrative, exactly? Are you aware of his other songs that are totally narrative-driven like Peace of Mind, Matthew, Banded Clovis? It feels like you’re cherry-picking things to complain about because you just don’t like the vibe from the guy.
The Dot
August 12, 2019 @ 1:30 pm
If you want to know why fans are excited about him, start with Red Barn Radio. “Follow You to Virgie” is one of my favorites from that release. And “Coming Down” wasn’t his write, but his voice is amazing on it. The less produced, the better for him, I think. It lets the purity of his voice come through.
I’m a massive Isbell fan, and was wondering if Tyler would be a bit too ‘hootin’ and hollerin’ for me. But, his songwriting is pretty special, his voice is amazing, his pedigree is insane, and he’s as roots as you can go. Every artist has songs that make us eye roll, but this guy and his band are the real deal.
Conrad Fisher
August 12, 2019 @ 1:43 pm
Thanks for the suggestions. I checked every one of em out, and more. He’s just not for me. I will say that every single song has a line or two that I really love, but I feel like he should boil 5 of his songs down to make one good song, or something. It’s almost like he’s scared of writing a hook. The melodies are mostly very forgettable. Thanks for the replies. It’s very nice to have a civil conversation online lol.
Chris Smith
August 12, 2019 @ 2:40 pm
The first I heard of Tyler was “Hard Times”
https://youtu.be/1Lwzn5nLRPw
I was a fan from that moment. I’ve since became a little obsessed with his music, mostly Facebook and YouTube stalking live videos. Saw him in concert at the Mountain Arts Center and was blown away with the live show.
But sometimes people just don’t like what others do. No biggie. I want to like Isbell, and for a while I convinced myself that I did, I liked a couple of songs and thought I would grow to like them all. It just didn’t happen.
Good luck on your music listening in the future, hopefully you find all kinds of it.
Black Boots
August 12, 2019 @ 3:12 pm
Lol his songs are full of hooks.
JT
August 16, 2019 @ 9:59 am
Yeah like, what?? No hooks? What do these people want? These songs are about as standard as country hook songgwriting gets…
albert
August 12, 2019 @ 4:35 pm
i’d be in your camp I’d say conrad . its not for me either …. but hell , i say ” i don’t get ” it about a dozen times a week listening to mainstream radio so i’m happy for TC that he’s doing it HIS way and has a following . like sturgill and isbell ( whose popularity I’m also a bit mystified by ) TC is at least introducing folks to an alternative and re-introducing trad instruments here and there. when I was 21 i didn’t get django . what can i say ? we grow … ….we learn ….we enlighten ourselves to the options and then its hard , sometimes , to listen to a TC . but he works for so many and for honourable reasons so ,again …..he provides an honest alternative to mainstream flavours of the week .
Corncaster
August 12, 2019 @ 5:13 pm
Isbell doesn’t move my meter, either
albert
August 13, 2019 @ 8:17 am
I’d have to say that I do like some of isbell’s writing ….a lot of it actually . just not a fan if isbell the ‘singer’ or the sound of his stuff .
now maybe stapleton singing the right isbell song might be the magic elixir for me …??
Koozie
August 13, 2019 @ 5:38 pm
In complete agreement here. Isbell’s a clever songwriter and really good slide guitarist (his work on Brent Cobb’s “Black Crow” is just fantastic), but his voice grates on my nerves to the point I can only listen to one of his songs within a long mix of other stuff.
Curious what you thought of the Ian Noe album?
Mark Tembreull
August 12, 2019 @ 5:00 pm
My first instinct was to chide you because I disagree with you. Then I realized I’ve had similar thoughts after listening to Radiohead, Tool, the Beatles, etc….I don’t know, not everything is for everybody.
Trigger
August 12, 2019 @ 7:01 pm
Yes, everything is not for everybody, and that’s okay. Still, I’m surprised to see so many comments of people saying they don’t get it, when there’s a clear silent majority who are losing their minds over this record, Tyler Childers, and the fact that he went #1.
ShadeGrown
August 12, 2019 @ 7:49 pm
I totally “get it” – Purgatory had my vote for album of the year and there was no way I wasn’t buying this day one. I do wonder why him with other incredibly talented people out there getting NOwhere. Hopefully his success leads to real country getting some traction, unlike Simpson and Stapleton. Childers seems to like real country more than those two so I have a little hope. Still crazy that the 2 lead singles are the worst offerings on the album…
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 12, 2019 @ 9:59 pm
Obviously you are entitled to your own tastes. But the “it’s become cool to like Tyler Childers to show how deep you are about music” is utter BS. The kid is objectively a killer songwriter and talented as hell. Even if you don’t like him for some odd stylistic reason, no way you can deny that.
Also, you really think John Prine is singing his praises just to show people how deep he is and to gain street cred? : )
Conrad Fisher
August 13, 2019 @ 4:08 am
No, it’s not BS. Even Trig has reported on it. https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/sorry-sam-hunt-name-dropping-tyler-childers-doesnt-give-you-street-cred/ And it seems like every other day another celebrity is name dropping Tyler Childers on their socials. I don’t know why John Prine sings his praises, but I bet Tyler is fun to hang out with.
Don’t give me that “objective” garbage. You basically just said I have poor taste. He’s a good, maybe great lyricist, but his melodies are so freaking forgettable, I’ve been listening to a bunch of his stuff and have yet to get something stuck in my head, except the melody from “I will follow you to Virgie,” which is mostly annoying to me. I don’t need an earworm out of every song, but maybe one, just every now and then. He doesn’t enunciate, either, which doesn’t make you interesting, it makes you hard to understand. He’s got great lyrical hooks like “Keep your nose on the grind stone and out of the pills” but its just not very musical.
That being said, I’m really happy that he’s been so successful. I think its great that such an organic sounding album is #1. If I met him, I would wish him well and thank him for the music.
Drew
August 13, 2019 @ 5:19 am
Prine sings his praises because he has consistently referred to him as the best young songwriter he has encountered. He took him to New Zealand and Austrailia on tour…it wasn’t just to shoot the shit.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 13, 2019 @ 8:23 am
Getting “name dropped” by celebs is simply part of him getting bigger and bigger. And it’s a good thing…because he is a huge breath of fresh air, extremely talented and his name getting out there to a broader audience is great.
I don’t get the enunciation beef. Yes he has a strong East Kentucky accent which may make some of his words harder to understand for some, but he sings perfectly clear.
Tyler is a story teller, not a writer that focuses on hooks or catchy choruses. I can see how this could be a turnoff if one is looking for catchy tunes or hooks, but you are approaching his music from the wrong place if you are critiquing it with song hooks as a major part of your criteria. Finally, Drew is right on the Prine relationship….it goes far beyond Prine just picking some fun loving guy to open for him.
Two Stepper
August 13, 2019 @ 5:32 pm
Hey, Conrad, I looked at your YouTube channel. (I guess it was you. Newsboy cap?) I didn’t think your stuff was “pop country” at all. Really well-written folk music in the John Prine vein, in my opinion.
The advantage Tyler does have over so many, though, is his voice. He could sing a ketchup bottle with that voice and it would be compelling. However, I prefer him on a stool by himself with the acoustic. And yeah, the psychedelic cartoon art and masturbation song…gimme Red Barn.
Mike honcho
August 13, 2019 @ 6:06 am
I will put this plan and simple ,if you are not where he is from it’s hard to understand his songs …..
Red Cloud
August 13, 2019 @ 7:58 pm
I’m from Northern Wisconsin and I can understand him perfectly.
Mike Hawk
August 13, 2019 @ 10:04 am
Conrad I just looked up your facebook. It seems you claim to be a musician yourself. I would venture for you to show us a song of yours that would move us. I found your YouTube channel and it was unimpressive to say the least. Your voice is generic and even more so illustrated by the pop country you choose to play. You sound disgruntled that someone is doing better than you. You don’t understand his lyrics and voice because you aren’t from that part of the country. Go on some where and review a Brad Paisley album.
Conrad Fisher
August 13, 2019 @ 10:34 am
I’m not sure who’s channel you stumbled across, and I’m definitely not going to turn this into a spitting contest. I’m really happy that Tyler Childers is successful, but I wish the number 1 album in country music this week wouldn’t contain a song about masturbation. If you’re serious about having a conversation, email me.
Roadblock
August 13, 2019 @ 11:47 am
Conrad, What’s Wrong with the Number one album in Country music having a song about masterbation on it?
KarenInPittsburgh
August 13, 2019 @ 12:53 pm
Check out John Prine’s “My Own Best Friend.” I might be misinterpreting, but it sure as the devil sounds like a masturbation song to me.
Conrad Fisher
August 13, 2019 @ 1:16 pm
Yeah! If you took the time to read my other comments, you would know that I’m familiar with Donald and Lydia as well. I hate both songs. My point is that Tyler is getting a really cool opportunity to show the world that traditional country is still relevant, intelligent, and that country folks aren’t a bunch of weirdo freaks, but instead he releases a song (on a really short, lack-luster record, no less) that is so juvenile, I don’t even know where to start. Aside from the wonderful production, its worse than any number of bro-country songs that we cuss till we’re blue. If Walker Hayes had written something like this, we’d be pooping all over it. I’m just calling it how I see it, and I’m flabbergasted that this seems like a foreign concept to some of you.
Matt
August 14, 2019 @ 12:40 pm
Hi there. I know you said you’re done commenting on this post, so no need to respond!
Although I really like Purgatory and like Country Squire OK, I don’t think your analysis is unfair. I may be flailing here, but Childers reminds me of a non-country-identified singer-songwriter, Citizen Cope. They definitely remind me of each other for dumb reasons, like man-buns (TC used to have one and CC still does) and a general cool, slouchy, charismatic vibe. For both of them, the appeal of the songs themselves may be more about the vibe than the poetry.
In any event, I’m trying to say that I really like Childers and I think he’s a good songwriter, but not for the reasons I like Steve Earle (who I can’t stand any more, but that’s a different story) or John Prine or Guy Clark or TVZ or….
Two Stepper
August 17, 2019 @ 6:34 pm
Hey, Mike Hawk, check out Conrad’s song called “Ain’t No Shame.” It’s on another level! I’ve even reposted it on my Facebook and recommended it to people (unfortunately my Klout score as a social influencer would be in the negative digits, but I try).
Conrad, I’m glad your comments here led me to your music, BUT…you might want to post under a different name if you’re going to critique big stars. Your points are valid, but as an aspiring writer, your goal is to get people like Tyler Childers and RCA to LIKE you and HELP you. This approach ain’t gonna do it! Believe me, I’ve been there! You’ve got real talent, don’t step on your own toes! More bees with honey! Best of luck!
Andy
August 13, 2019 @ 10:46 am
As a native Kentuckian I am undoubtedly biased towards Tyler Childers. Even with that being said, I think that the reason that I (along with many others it seems) enjoy him so much is perfectly embodied in his quote that appears in the article: “The problem with country is we’ve turned the props into the play. Let’s not just Solo cup and pickup truck it to death.”
Mainstream Nashville country music has, in my opinion, started to all feel and sound the same. It is a young, well-manicured guy singing about Bud Light, his pickup truck, There’s no actual stories being told – which is what country music is allegedly all about. As Willie Nelson said, all I need to write a country music song is my guitar, three chords and the truth. With some exception, mainstream country these days is a young guy singing about Bud Light, his pickup truck, a hot summer day, etc., i.e. a series of anecdotes designed to appeal to the broadest possible audience.
All of Tyler’s songs feel like they mean something to him and like they are a part of his story. As a result, even when a song might not really work, I still find myself going back and listening to it.
bobby
August 13, 2019 @ 11:27 am
The last thing you said is spot on. You truly feel like Tyler’s is writing this shit for himself and honestlly not caring if it sells or is popular. The songs feel handmade, idiosyncratic, and deeply personal. You just don’t feel that in most music, regardless of how catchy the hook is or how clever the lyrics are. That appeals to me, and it appeals to lots of people. It also appealed to me when Evan Felker did it.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 14, 2019 @ 8:47 am
Completely disagree. Yes it is technically about masturbation, but he packaged it as a song about commitment and staying faithful on the road. Not even comparable to the simplistic, repetitive crap that is “bro country”. And Walker Hayes couldn’t write a song that clever if his life depended on it.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 14, 2019 @ 8:48 am
Sorry..that reply was meant to be a reply toe Conrad’s comment up above that mentioned Walker Hayes.
Matt
August 14, 2019 @ 10:17 am
LOL, have you tried “Little Feathered Indians”? I love that one most.
Matt
August 14, 2019 @ 10:18 am
Sorry, that was supposed to be a reply to Conrad elsewhere in this thread.
Conrad Fisher
August 14, 2019 @ 11:50 am
Hey Matt,
Yeah, I have. I like that album more than Country Squire because I don’t have to struggle to understand the lyrics. After listening to a bunch of his stuff, my favorites are White House Road and Nose to the Grindstone.
My favorite songs are songs like “She Thinks I Still Care,” by Dickey Lee, “Dreaming my Dreams With You,” and “Wrong Road Again” by Allen Reynolds “Good Ole Boys Like Me” by Bob Mcdill and “Sam Stone” by Prine . They are clever and beautifully written, lyrically and melodically. (All those guys are still alive, by the way.) It is strange that people seem to disregard or even applaud the rambling hooklessness in a lot of his songs. A memorable melody and structure doesn’t diminish the artistic integrity of a song. I don’t think these are songs that people will keep coming back to in 50 years. And again, I like what Tyler is about, but I expect more from the #1 album in country music. I’m through commenting on this article. Hope we can all still be friends lol.
North Woods Country
August 13, 2019 @ 5:53 pm
I struggle too but his handful of great songs are downright great.
Kyle Ziegler
August 14, 2019 @ 5:49 am
Ever Loving Hand is a brilliant song. As someone who travels for work I related from “they got my favorite lotion here, something in a hotel I admire” and I didn’t even know it was about jerkin it yet. It’s. Song about commitment to a loved one and making it work with your significant other when you travel for a living.
To say that openly singing about a subject that’s a part of every man’s life is juvenile is…. juvenile. In a way it’s genius that he took a subject that’s usually talked about in a shallow way and gave it a deeper meaning.
Also, idk how someone can hear a song like creeker, piece of mind, or Matthew and not be moved in some way.
pmull14
August 12, 2019 @ 11:51 am
I love the Red Barn Radio series on YouTube. Absolutely amazing.
Stringbuzz
August 12, 2019 @ 12:13 pm
Great album. So easy to listen to.
I wish him all the success.
Tex Hex
August 12, 2019 @ 12:27 pm
Mainstream coverage on places like NPR and Pitchfork, and a spot of The Tonight Show, will help you do that.
dukeroberts
August 12, 2019 @ 1:30 pm
I’ve heard him a few times. I haven’t been able to get into him either. My best friend – who hates country music, and has ALWAYS hated country music – likes him. I’m not sure what to think about that.
dukeroberts
August 12, 2019 @ 1:32 pm
Does the cover of this album tell me something about him that I should know? Cuz I don’t like the looks of it.
Kevin Smith
August 13, 2019 @ 5:52 am
Duke, I agree on the album cover. It’s awful. And it’s strange knowing TC is trying to reach a more mainstream country audience, that he goes for the weird stoner psychedelic album art.
Your other comment has some truth to it. Tyler is a guy people who dont like country music love. And I’ve thought about this a bit, so here’s my take. Back in the day your hippie trippie rocker dudes latched onto folks like Gram Parsons, Byrds, Burritos,Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, etc.Then the Outlaw movement in Austin, where Willie found fans of both worlds. These kinda fans loved the sound of country music but related more to the longhair, trippin, counter culture movement than to clean cut mainstreamers like Buck Owens, Ernest Tubb, Haggard, Webb Pierce, etc.
These days there is still a fair number of music fans who feel a kinship to the counter-culturalists. You see these folks at music festivals where jam bands and Americana acts are featured. Typically these are not the folks who grew up on George Strait, Brooks and Dunn, Garth etc. And in my opinion, much of Tyler’s fanbase comes from these folks as well as the older NPR crowd and the hipster “Pitchfork” devotees. They also love Sturgill, Isbell and others like that. There’s a whole crowd of daily readers at SCM that only know this version of country music. Mention Keith Whitley, Don Williams, Gene Watson, Moe Bandy, Tracy Lawrence, Ed Bruce, Chris Ledoux etc and it’s chirp…chirp crickets…
I’m the weird one who grew up in mainstream country but also discovered the other stuff. That said, I definitely see why many like Childers, and I think it’s possible he could reach more mainstream folks. But man , that cover art ain’t the way to do it!
albert
August 13, 2019 @ 8:33 am
kevin …I think those are great observations . TC and some others are the ‘new outlaws’ in a sense and as such they present a ‘cool and hip option’ to commercial crap . it gives life’s underdogs someone to relate to if only because these musical underdogs and also-rans are seeing some success ON THEIR OWN TERMS and there’s a part of ALL of us who’d like to be able to say the same ….no matter our station , our job , our political, religious or musical allegiances . so sure TC speaks loudly enough for folks in that sense . he’s the ‘everyman’ who seems to have beat the odds – and on his own terms . good on him for that……….I guess .
Travis
August 13, 2019 @ 7:28 pm
You are correct. I was recently standing next to a college age kid in line and I was wearing a Hank 3 shirt. He said “oh cool is that country? Do you like Tyler Childers?” Yes, I replied, followed by asking if he knows who Hank 3 is, he says no, and I said “oh really, well it’s Hank Williams’s grandson.” And he said “who is that?”
Roadblock
August 13, 2019 @ 11:55 am
The inside Cover art is done By Jimbo Valentine who is an integral part of the Huntington WV Music scene and has been making Flyers for Tyler for years. The cover was done by KY native Comic Book Artist Colonel Tony Moore who has done art for The Walking Dead, The Punisher, Ghost Rider, Punisher Deadpool and more. There is a lot of symbolism in it and we all like to nerd out on good art and books around these parts and im sure no one gives a shit if you like it or not.
JT
August 16, 2019 @ 10:05 am
Agreed. Tyler thinks it’s cool and so he put it on his album cover. This kind of stuff IS cool in eastern KY. Exactly like you said, round those parts that comic book art style is cool shit.
So many people want to try to fit this kid into their own box. Also, all your favorite country artists smoke pot. Time to grow up and accept it.
Bernie Nelson
August 12, 2019 @ 3:08 pm
Looks like a good start. Could live without the cocaine reference on his other song. But I’m old skool
The Dot
August 14, 2019 @ 8:24 pm
The last time I had to drive my son’s car, he came in the house the next day and said “you left your cocaine cd in my car”. Guess he’s not a fan either.
JT
August 16, 2019 @ 10:08 am
Do you get scared when Johnny Cash sings about it too? Cocaine is a real thing that real people use. Tyler sings about real stuff and real people. Even when it’s a tall tale. It’s ridiculous that that bothers you.
Roadblock
August 16, 2019 @ 12:15 pm
most of the True Old School guys around here all did Cocaine.
Chucky Waggs
August 12, 2019 @ 4:36 pm
For folks saying it’s not as good as ‘Purgatory’, I remember alot of folks saying ‘Purgatory’ was no ‘bibles and bottles’ when it came out. Consider the idea that maybe his stuff is a bit more nuanced than much of the ‘country’ formula we’ve heard for years and may take a bit more gestation time. That really good art isn’t necessarily immediately accessible to everyone and may take a couple revisits. I’ve found this to be the case with much of Isbell’s stuff and had friends who couldn’t stand him for yrs before they started balling their eyes out at an Isbell song that hit just right. Maybe that’s the case with Childers. After all, the type of songs that have an immediate appeal are often the one’s with a ‘good hook’ a pleasant beat and recognizable chord structure, catchy melody, tropes, cleches’, catch phrases and clap tracks. This has been a proven formula that resonates in our brains for some reason and the cause of all the cookie cutter, marketable, production projects masquerading as art. His stuff has always grown on me rather than hit me hard the first time. For now, I think this is a great piece of work and I’m oddly proud for him and his success.
AndrewEsq
August 12, 2019 @ 5:42 pm
Country Squire deserves the recognition it’s getting. However, I am also of the opinion that bottles and Bibles, the red barn “albums,” and purgatory all deserved more recognition than they got. I’m happy Tyler is getting the recognition he deserves. I’m sad that his grassroots movement didn’t get him the recognition at the time it became apparent he deserved it. This is, imho, not only a sign we are moving in the right direction but, also a sign that an artist’s merit alone still isn’t nearly enough. The latter point takes nothing away from the fact that he deserves this. Better late than never!
Trigger
August 12, 2019 @ 6:54 pm
“I’m sad that his grassroots movement didn’t get him the recognition at the time it became apparent he deserved it. “
I understand what you’re saying, but I also disagree. It was his grassroots following that got him the deal with RCA, and allowed him to debut at #1. His first album and the Red Barn albums had no label, no publicist, no nothing. This is how the system works, especially if you want to sign a major label deal on your terms. You have to go out there and prove yourself first. Tyler Childers did, and now he’s reaping the rewards, as will ALL of his albums (and “Purgatory” specifically) have and will continue to receive renewed interest due to his success. This album going #1 is a success and testament to country music’s grassroots.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 12, 2019 @ 10:11 pm
Well said Trigger. In my mind, he is the perfect example of how to do it the right way. That is, put your heart into your work, on your terms, tour your ass off, continue making great albums, and partner with a major label (while still retaining creative control) once you have made a name for yourself and want that extra muscle to further spread your art to the world. And he has absolutely stayed close to his roots with Country Squire….even if it is packaged a bit differently than a 19 year old broke kid and his acoustic.
We also can’t forget that Tyler had the KY / Miles Miller connection to Sturgill, which has helped speed the process. But even absent that, I think he would have gotten to this point eventually.
AndrewEsq
August 14, 2019 @ 5:00 pm
Oh, I get how the system works and don’t dispute that fact. Such contracts are my very livelihood as evidenced by my unfortunate user name here. I just don’t think it’s beyond us to take that power back in this day and age. I’m a big fan of your perspective generally and tend to only really ever disagree at the most nuanced levels. We are certainly allies.
Ultimately, having taken a greater interest in the opinions of others on this site, I just see a lot of forming an argument in order to achieve a desired result. If Sturgill makes something terrible or a Tyler or Cody puts out something that sounds “mainstream,” we should support Sturgill through these trying times and he’ll come home one day and these fellas now need to cater to their bigger audiences. As you’ve quite fairly pointed out, the Dixie chicks make a similar statement or a Florida Georgia Line caters to the largest audiences of all, the mindless masses, it’s what we stand against here! Without taking anything away from the guys I wanna see do well, Let’s just say for the sake of argument that the songs on Purgatory and the songs on country Squire are of similar quality yet, the praise and acclaim for this album are exponentially greater, even amongst those of us whom many might fairly coin “the independent country guys.” I should be very careful to articulate that Tyler very clearly deserves his current check. I should also be clear that I don’t fault him for playing the game the way he’s playing it. However, if the only conceivable difference between this album and Purgatory are the suits (of which I am one), then I do think it’s a shame. If the mission is saving country music, I think it might be time to start questioning whether the mission is accomplished through the system that fails a pre-major label Tyler Childers, the same system that gives us Old town road as our number 1 country song. My only point is, saving country music probably doesn’t mean bringing the masses back to what we love. I’m not sure they’re capable at this point. Again, I’m in no way opposed to Tyler playing their game with real music. I just think the technology is there to get our artists notoriety and the checks they deserve without playing a pure numbers game oh so clearly unrelated in any way to the quality of the music.
I find myself a bit disturbed that we celebrate independent artists for bucking the system, then celebrate their writing playful songs to appeal to the same system, while we criticize FGL for being prostitutes to the system notwithstanding appealing to the masses through writing exponentially more playful, albeit silly songs lacking in substance.
At this point I’ve encountered so much hostility from my fellow fans of real country I’m searching for some cohesive principles I’m missing but, typically just see folks choosing the arguments needed to reach the desired outcome in spite of their own precedent. If the answer is “I know it when I hear it” why not just say that? Is the goal simply starting independent and then transferring over to the mainstream and being forcing a good song into the mix of garbage?
Trigger, I routinely find your arguments to be well thought out and very compelling so, although in response to you, this isn’t aimed at you. I would like to hear what this community believes the answer to saving country music is if anyone wants to chime in though? What principles should one adhere to? Why do we respect This number 1 so much if we disregard virtually all the rest as nonsensical? Why are we okay with this body of Tyler’s work being treated as better than the remainder of his catalogue? Just seems to me that, aside from a small minority, our overall philosophy might need some work to be considered cohesive.
You guys are my allies here. I’m just trying to get past the venom (not in this post that I’ve read but, in the past) and understand where some of you guys I’m trying to justify continuing to banter with are coming from? More simply, what’s good country music to you guys and what do you respect? Is country Squire really that much better than the rest or are we just happy he’s gonna get paid more fairly now? I’ve just gotten confused by this site as I’ve engaged more.
Billy Wayne Ruddick
August 15, 2019 @ 8:45 am
I don’t think anyone is saying Country Squire is necessarily better than the rest of his catalog and is being treated better. It’s gaining more notoriety and chart success simply because it’s a new album, he has continued to get substantially more popular over the past 2 years, and now he has the marketing and distribution relationship with RCA that has added further muscle to getting his name out there. In my mind, Country Squire is a logical progression and is a great album (would have been near impossible to top Purgatory, but that happens with about 99% of “sophomore” albums).
It was recorded before “the suits” got involved, and his distribution deal gives him full creative control in any case. Said differently, I don’t think many people feel that Tyler is catering to anyone, and made the album that he wanted to make. If you are referring to ever lovin hand in your reference to “playful songs”, that would be a pretty ridiculous way to try to garner radio play or appeal to the masses. There aren’t any parallels to draw here to Florida Georgia Line making “music for the masses”, or anything remotely close to that.
Finally, it is my belief that he is playing the game exactly as I describe above….in a way that is shame-free. If he keeps on putting out material that is true to his roots and is good….and he can use the system to reach as many people as possible and make some good dough along the way….more power to him. Believe me, I will be one of the first and loudest critics of him if he starts putting out crap music aimed at getting further mainstream recognition. We are far, far from that with Country Squire though.
AndrewEsq
August 15, 2019 @ 5:29 pm
The “playful” songs reference was just a rehashing if what I’ve heard critics say. For example, I’ve heard things like “Purgatory was a depressing record inducing images of an all male group of fans standing around slowly nodding their heads lost in stories of Appalachian strife whereas Purgatory is light hearted and caters to the larger audience he now has and should rightfully cater towards.” That’s paraphrased of course and is no way representative of my personal views. In fact, it strikes me as flawed logic from someone who constantly criticizes “mainstream acts” for catering to the masses. The dilemma I see so regularly is, “mainstream country is mindless music that only caters to the masses” but then, “country Squire rightfully caters to Tyler’s now larger audience.”
I agree there’s no shame in the way he’s playing the game. I also think it’s true to his vision to choose to play the game as Tyler seems to believe the MASSES will return to quality country music. He may be right, I personally don’t think so but, I want him to prove me wrong and will continue to put my money where my mouth is in an effort to assist him in testing that theory.
I suppose my vision for how country music is saved is just different. I tend to think it’s saved through abandonment of the mainstream system and further growth and monetization of the independent system I spend virtually all my time in. While I don’t necessarily claim to have the missing link in making this vision a reality, I do think the issue is primarily effectively monetizing the independent scene. I don’t imagine many people are like me with hundreds of independent artists’ T-shirts and I hypothesize this to be the problem. Almost every other industry recognizes that success through reaching more people is only one way to skin the cat. Old Town Road plays that game well (even if not entirely ethically). There’s millions of people more than happy to stream that track due to its controversy, because it doesn’t challenge or make them uncomfortable, because it’s so generic as to appeal to urban kids in New York and country kids in Alabama on, at least, a frivolous level. I agree that, by it’s very nature, success in the mainstream system encourages homogeneous music devoid of regional characteristics.
While I would never argue that Tyler’s approach lacks any moral fiber whatsoever (to the contrary, I think it’s very in line of his stated vision), and while I wholeheartedly respect the wherewithal and integrity associated with negotiating a deal with complete creative control, I also think that assuming that “playing the” current “game” is the answer is a little dangerous.
Personally, I believe that it’s equally, if not more viable, to adopt a system more closely resembling the approach of a premium brand.
Reaching for a modern example, if mainstream country is “fossil,” maybe “our” country is Tag watches. Perhaps fewer fans overall is inevitable but, what we do have are enthusiasts. Maybe if the independent system was monetized in such a way that actually supporting an independent artist didn’t require all the effort of finding them, reading up, driving to a city they’re actually playing in and buying a ticket or tracking down their mercy and ensuring we buy directly from the artist, the enthusiasts could make the independent a viable alternative to playing the pure numbers game. The numbers game is best played by folks who, not only drop any regional character, the most successful even become nationally ambiguous and appeal to an international fan base. While I don’t have the exact answer in how to monetize the system I’m discussing such that regional enthusiasts actually contribute on a higher level, it actually seems a smaller problem than a Tyler Childers becoming an international superstar while still feeling like the voice of Appalachia.
I don’t mean to criticize Tyler at all and have repeatedly referenced creative control as an admirable victory, I’m simply pointing out that the answer may not ultimately be the traditional one for us. Perhaps it’s the me’s, and the Triggers, and the Billy Wayne’s who feel so grateful this music exists paying $100 in support of an album than millions of international fans generating percentages of pennies per stream that is the long term solution to saving country music. Maybe not but, it’s certainly not so far fetched as to abandon as a concept entirely.
As for the remainder, I think it’s fine to just say “I know good music when I hear it and as long as it stays good and I feel good about how the game is played, I support it.” However, it’s difficult to remain so viscerally supportive of Sturgill Simpson Relying upon those principles. The secondary point is this is a hostile community that zealously protects its champions. As a rational thinker, I simply find it very difficult to find any set of principles that can be applied to justify all the venom. All I’m saying is, it might help newcomers understand if we could do a better job about that. I don’t mean to label myself an authority but, frankly, if I cannot find a way to justify all our firms held positions through application of sound principles, I think it’s going to be very difficult for us to ask a newcomer to do the same. Maybe the solution is as simple as more explanation and less venom? All I know is, I see a lot of hypocrisy flowing through these comments when viewed globally and I think we are better than that.
I thought your response was very real though and contained some good points. I’m not saying anyone is wrong, only that there may be more than one way that could be right.
Nick
August 12, 2019 @ 6:39 pm
I’ve been a huge Childers fan for awhile, like ‘5 people watching him busk under a bridge in 2014’ huge. I feel like his creativity and songwriting has taken a hit since he started touring and got so famous. It’s a crying shame really. I saw him in Lexington yesterday and the two take aways were 1) his voice and his own band are soo much better than what his last two albums have been, and 2) his new fans clearly don’t care about lyrical substance or songwriting or any of the things that Tyler is so good at. His band, while better than the session guys in terms of vibe and feel, will never make his songs better than they were when he used to do them solo. Just one grumpy opinion but I’m getting tired of this happening to my favorite artists. They get some success and do a musical 180 to attract all the Johnny-come-lately’s who have to have something to writhe and dance to
Rob
August 12, 2019 @ 8:42 pm
This isn’t what’s happening at all. It’s simply what you think. Purgatory is a magical, once in a generation album. Sturgill Simpson simply brought out the Tyler in Tyler Childers.
The Bottles and Bibles crowd needs to quit their bullshit.
Tex Hex
August 12, 2019 @ 9:14 pm
Ah, the age old “the old stuff was better” argument. Yeah that happens. Artists lose creative steam over time and it becomes a job and a means to keep up the lifestyle.
Or, often an artist who’s been grinding for a while hits on a successful commercial formula, albeit dumbed down, and they just keep going with that because the grind sucks and pleasing new fans becomes the priority. For example, the Black Keys were a pretty good garage blues band for five albums, then they hit a successful commercial formula and have been releasing insipid crap ever since.
I don’t think any of that is happening with Tyler yet, but I hear shades of that on a track like “House Fire”. A heavy backbeat, a big electric guitar jam/solo, with some relatively shallow and repetitive lyrics. If that track becomes his “anthem” for the masses, we can probably expect more of that on future albums.
My hopes and expectations are pretty high that that won’t happen for a long time (if ever) though.
bobby
August 13, 2019 @ 11:42 am
So goddamn sick of reading this type of comment on TC Youtube videos or on this site. I saw the same comments when Purgatory was released and people bitched “These aren’t even his good songs that are getting popular!” “Ah the instrumentation ruins everything!” or “People just like Whitehouse Road! They don’t like the real lyrics!”. Tyler Childers isn’t for you. This dude is making music for himself, and doing whatever the fuck he wants. People like that and respond to it. Strongly. Why is that something to be so discontented about? As a die hard fan of an artist, if you end up liking every direction they go in their career, they probably didn’t make very interesting music anyway.
ZEKE BUTTONS
August 12, 2019 @ 7:14 pm
Mainstream Radio might not play him, but WSKV has been playing his music for a long, long time, Way before anyone knew who he was. I played “HOUSE FIRE” today on my show, BLUEGRASS 2 THE BONE & ZEKE’S VARIETY SHOW. W e play all these Appalachian Music Movement Artist on our station, 0n a regular basis, not just occasionally. But I reckon he has to impress the “big boys” for people to understand what a talent he is. We are proud to have him living in our little town of Irvine, KY. His wife, Senora May is also quite talented. I love it when he gets to do gigs with John Prine,,,now there is REAL MUSICAL TREAT. ZEKE BUTTONS WSKV STANTON/IRVINE, KY wskvfm.com
Rob
August 12, 2019 @ 7:45 pm
The only other artist I’ve been into as much as Tyler Childers is Steve Earle. Those are some big “dancing on Bob Dylans coffee table” boots to fill.
If there ever was a successor to Guitar Town it’s Whitehouse Road
Seth of the Wilderness
August 12, 2019 @ 8:59 pm
I can’t help but notice he looks awfully worn out in this picture. Looks like the man could use a night off from the grindstone. We appreciate the hard work tho, TC.
AndrewEsq
August 15, 2019 @ 6:11 pm
He has to be. In one of the shows I saw I almost got frustrated because he was visibly hungover, drinking honey, running off stage, and his voice was struggling. Then I remembered it was his 3rd night in a row in the same city because the dive bar sold out 3x. Add to that he hadn’t had a day off in several weeks and didn’t have one upcoming for several more and I remembered I was very lucky to be seeing him in a dive bar again at all. Work ethic certainly isn’t one of that man’s shortcomings. However, given his music’s flirtation with hard drugs and the grueling schedule, one cannot help but drop a prayer or 2. I respect him for doing it but, a young man often doesn’t quite know when to hit the brakes. Hoping he takes some time to enjoy his success and catch his breath after this tour. He certainly deserves it.
Saving Bro Country Music
August 12, 2019 @ 9:41 pm
I think you might be using the Hits Daily Double numbers? I’m actually seeing him at #1 on Billboard Top Album Sales and #12 on the Billboard 200.
Trigger
August 12, 2019 @ 11:49 pm
No, not HITS Daily Double numbers, but there must have been a late revision on the “Descendents 3” numbers or something to put Tyler Childers ahead of it in pure album sales. I’ve updated the article. It now makes this news even better for Tyler.
PopGoesTheWeasel
August 13, 2019 @ 5:50 am
I wonder if putting up good numbers will push him into having his Brandi Carlile moment and we get to see him acknowledged by mainstream country with performance slot at the CMAs.
Corncaster
August 13, 2019 @ 5:46 pm
I hope he videos in his thanks from a canoe.
RD
August 14, 2019 @ 11:55 am
As long as its not a kayak…
Chris
August 13, 2019 @ 10:05 am
I really like this album and I’m really happy for Tyler as this is a great achievement for him.
I was ambivalent about House Fire at first, but the song has grown on me like crazy. It reminds me of 1970s Waylon Jennings stompers like Are You Ready For The Country and I bet it’s a monster live. Yeah it’s a bit different from most stuff on the album, but so was Whitehouse Road, so was The Universal Sound.
I reckon Matthew is probably my favourite track though.
therealbobcephus
August 13, 2019 @ 12:35 pm
He played it on a late night show last week and it was kind of flat.
Koozie
August 14, 2019 @ 7:25 am
Yeah, that mix felt weird. Vocals were in the background, lead guitar was too low in the mix, bass never comes through well on TV, and they needed to either replace that tremolo with a phaser or add a little grit to Tyler’s guitar. Too bright for the song.
It’s an absolute barn-burner live, or it least the version he played for years where the bass, lead guitar and drums kick in at the end of the second line.
Gina
August 13, 2019 @ 10:13 am
Awesome! Very well deserved. It also gives me faith in humanity.
The Other Wayne
August 13, 2019 @ 10:31 am
I’m proud to say I was listening to Tyler back in 2013!
Travis
August 13, 2019 @ 4:23 pm
Regarding the SCM tweet about “don’t be THAT fan”, and because I would rather support the comment section here, Tyler’s new album is great and far above average. It is also, in this humble fan’s opinion, a step in the wrong direction for him. Cody Jinks got a good beating around internet circles for simplifying his songs too much, and Country Squire is just that, a more simplified Tyler. I’m not necessarily knocking it either, because I bought that vinyl like a good fan and have played it dozens of times, but simplicity and accessibility usually leads to more popularity, and hey he deserves it. I just miss the emotional hitters from his previous work.
Doug
August 13, 2019 @ 5:43 pm
I’m here to say that some of these comments from readers helped me understand the album and artist better. I appreciate that kind of dialogue because it helps me become a better and more intelligent music fan who can consider scenarios different from what I had conceived.
Trigger
August 14, 2019 @ 12:01 am
When these comments sections work, they can be very valuable. I use them for the same thing.
Red Cloud
August 13, 2019 @ 8:32 pm
Album of the year.
Crum
August 14, 2019 @ 11:29 am
Trig,
Any idea why 5 tracks on Bottles & Bibles are no longer available on Spotify? Was listening at work and noticed this.
Folkfan
August 14, 2019 @ 12:03 pm
While Tyler Childers’ voice and authentic performances are amazing, where he really gets me is with his song writing. He portrays people in his songs, such as Matthew, on Country Squire by showing us who they are with carefully selected details about them. This paints a much richer picture than just telling us what they are like. Being from eastern ky myself, I think he is writing anthems for a lot of people who are otherwise portrayed in modern culture as either dumb and uncivilized hillbillies or tragic, helpless souls. Tyler writes about our heros, our tragedies, and our average folks in a way that humanizes a group of people that have been marginalized for a long time. If you aren’t from a similar background, his imagery might not work as well for you, but hopefully you can appreciate the depth and authenticity.
Hoss Newman
August 15, 2019 @ 9:38 am
Conrad Fisher 4k < Tyler Childers 151k
Size does matter…lol