The Pistol Annies Debut At #1 in Country with “Interstate Gospel”
The Pistol Annies have the power of the purse behind their latest effort, lifting their third record Interstate Gospel above all competition during its debut week, and putting them at #1 on the Country Albums charts. Combining the talents of performers Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley together, it was enough power to shuffle more albums out the door of Sony Nashville than anyone else in country.
According to Buzzangle, Interstate Gospel sold 27,819 albums, and racked up 31,097 units with equivalent streams, easily besting Luke Combs’ This One’s For You with 18,616 units, and Chris Stapleton’s Traveller coming in at 3rd with 12,567 units last week. This puts them at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart, and will also see them chart in the Top 20 of the Billboard 200.
A rare, modern day country music supergroup comprised of “Lonestar Annie” (Miranda Lambert), “Hippie Annie” (Ashley Monroe), and “Holler Annie” (Angaleena Presley), they released two records between 2011 and 2013, going #1 and #2 in the charts respectively, and now they have another #1 to add to their resume. Fans had to wait half a decade for a reunification of the group first started when Miranda wanted to collaborate with fellow women and songwriters in the country business, but Interstate Gospel has made it well worth it.
The trio is best known for their sassy storytelling and stage presence, but with songs like “Best Years of My Life,” “Cheyenne,” and “Masterpiece” Interstate Gospel proves that the supergroup is also a formidable in the critical markets. It’s a passion project with an independent streak, yet with commercial implications in the mainstream. All the songs on the album were written by the Pistol Annies themselves.
The next question is if the commercial reception for Interstate Gospel will translate to radio. Interstate Gospel‘s debut single “Got My Name Changed Back” was sent to radio on October 29th, and debuted as one of the top “Most Added” tracks on radio, but has since seen a slow start.
The trio also played three sold-out concert events to usher in the new record, including Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, The Town Hall in New York City, and LA’s The Novo.They are also scheduled to make an appearance at the 52nd Annual CMA Awards on Wednesday (11-14).
BrandonWard
November 12, 2018 @ 10:41 am
And sadly, the album will receive very little, if any radio play. And not because they are females….simply because there isnt one electronic drum beat, manufactured instrument noise or pop rhythym anywhere on the album.
And for the record, “Best Years of My Life” has to be a very strong candidate for Song of the Year.
Tiglilly
November 12, 2018 @ 10:58 am
and if they chose to have released “Best Years” instead of Miranda’s rebranding attempt with Got my Name Changed Back, maybe they would have had better radio.
TxMusic
November 12, 2018 @ 11:40 am
They’re using Name Changed Back because they’re trying to capitalize on the the Blake Shelton connection. If only they used some of that promo money to do some testing they would’ve seen that people are done hearing about Miranda singing about her divorce.
Best Years is a beautiful song and would’ve done much better for them IMO. Would also have a bigger impact at the CMAs.
JP
November 12, 2018 @ 3:28 pm
Miranda can sing about her divorce for the next 50 years as far as I’m concerned if she’s writing songs like the ones on TWOTW and Interstate Gospel.
TxMusic
November 12, 2018 @ 6:08 pm
She can do whatever she wants but we’re talking about her songs actually going somewhere on radio and pushing album sales. Name Changed Back isn’t doing that for them.
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:22 pm
Miranda is the Jennifer Aniston Of country music. No one gives a shit about divorces from years ago, and the fact she’s going thru guys “like a water can” is enough to write her off as a stupid fucking opportunist. Fuck her.
JP
November 12, 2018 @ 7:56 pm
They were never going to get radio play anyway. I don’t think it matters what song they released. If a song like Tin Man can’t get radio play a song like Best Years won’t either. As for album sales they seem to be doing really right now. Also TWOTW has done well without much radio play.
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 7:37 am
Tin Man did far better on radio than Name Changed Back will ever do. Performing it at award shows gave it and the album a big sales boost. It’s still doing better on iTunes than songs off IG. That’s what we’re talking about.
Named Changed Back is getting a lot of negative feedback and even hardcore fans dont want them to perform it at CMAs. Right now it sits at 15 adds on radio.
JP
November 13, 2018 @ 3:02 pm
Interstate Gospel is #1 on Billboard country charts so I think they know what they’re doing. The only negative feedback I’ve seen is from Blake and Gwen fans. Most of the articles and comments I’ve seen people love the song. I’m a hardcore fan of Miranda and the PAs and read and watch everything I can find on them so I don’t know where this negative feedback is. Of course fans have favorite songs they’d like to see performed but I’ve seen nothing but support for the album and the song. I don’t think the PAs care about radio adds because they know country radio barely play female artists. Nothing stopping them from performing Best Years, Cheyenne, Leavers Lullaby, Masterpiece at the next ACMs.
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 3:41 pm
It’s number one because nothing else released that week. If Kane Brown released the same week he would outsell them by over 100 000 copies. Before you try and lay the blame at Blake Sheltons door go on Facebook and read all the comments. Being a fan and supporting your favorite is great. Shoving your head in the sand and blaming everybody else is stupid.
JP
November 13, 2018 @ 9:40 pm
I didn’t blame Blake… I said the only negative feedback I’ve seen comes from that fanbase. I don’t have FB so no idea what is being said on there, but on twitter/articles I’ve only seen support for them. Who am I blaming besides country radio? It is a well known fact the ladies of country do not receive fair airplay… maybe you need to pull your head out of the sand if you don’t see that. Of course Kane would sell more, he has a bigger fanbase with both pop and country fans buying his music. Just an fyi: Tin Man was not the first song released off TWOTW it was the third song… if GMNCB doesn’t do well there are several other songs to choose from that would all be great singles.
TxMusic
November 14, 2018 @ 8:33 am
What does Tin Man being a third song have to do with it still out performing songs from IG? I bring up women not getting radio play all the time. Kane, Kelsea, Maren, Kacey insert any mid level country act could’ve outsold the IG album. It’s easy to be number one when you’re the only one in the race. So you don’t read much on social media yet somehow you know how the public feels?
Again I’ll point to GMNCB radio adds, actual numbers to show that it was not a good choice for a first single. They had better songs to choose from.
Kristen
November 12, 2018 @ 11:15 am
I will be honest, not only Best years of my life being a strong candidate but there are atleast 4 more songs that easily are songs of the year.. such a great album!!
Black Boots
November 12, 2018 @ 11:21 am
As well they should. Pure talent.
I’ve said this before, and no offense to Angaleena at all, who’s absolutely awesome in her own right, but having Miranda fucking Lambert and Ashley fuckin’ Monroe in the same group is insane. Boggles my mind. They’re IMO two of the best of all time. To have them write and sing together is such a treat, at least for me.
Dirt Road Derek
November 12, 2018 @ 11:35 am
Nice!!! That’s awesome news!
Jay Eff
November 12, 2018 @ 12:23 pm
Masterpiece has hit me like no other song has in the recent future. I can’t get over it.
Dewey Essex
November 12, 2018 @ 1:04 pm
Feel the same about Leavers Lullaby
Gena R.
November 12, 2018 @ 3:10 pm
Ooh, love that one. Also, “When I Was His Wife” just kills me, as does Angaleena’s lead on “Commissary.”
ForTheBirds
November 12, 2018 @ 7:55 pm
Leavers snuck up on me but I’m in love with it now.
albert
November 12, 2018 @ 1:12 pm
…” Chris Stapleton’s Traveller coming in at 3rd with 12,567 units last week. ”
Isn’t this the real story here ?….this “Traveller” has legs like I don’t think anyone could have imagined ….Isn’t it almost 3 years since its release ?….Incredible !
Listened to the whole PA’s record again this morning just to try to hear what I might be missing . Still not working for me but I’m happy that women are being acknowledged . And I’m really thinking this ‘me too ‘ thing may be a HUGE factor in its success . …….sure don’t hear it in the music .
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:12 pm
Traveller — that’s the real story in this story. Amazing that it’s still in the top 3 after 3 1/2 years. Trig, is this precedented in any genre?
Trigger
November 12, 2018 @ 9:22 pm
I’ve written so much about what “Traveller” has done, people got tired of me writing about it. It’s still incredible, and was done with very little radio support. I hear so many folks crying you can’t make it without radio. Well here’s an example. Now radio is finally picking up on Stapleton because they have to in order to stay relevant. I also think we could be talking about Luke Combs’ “This One’s For You” in the same vein come a year from now.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 9:53 pm
And Trig, California sunrise by Pardi is now 2 & half yrs old , still in Top 15.. sometimes Top 10 each week.
Pardi, Combs, Stapleton, and surprisingly Brett Young all have extremely strong album sales/ streams!!
Amy Anderson
November 14, 2018 @ 7:24 am
I think it’s not necessary anymore for bands to be played on the radio in order to get acknowledgement. There are just so many other ways of reaching fans nowadays. I think the Annie’s also bring all their solo career fans into it, and cross over with other artists that are similar. I didn’t know Ashley Monroe’s music until I was a fan of Miranda which led me to Pistol Annie’s, for example. But it’s really disheartening when amazing and deserving music doesn’t get played just to maintain some sort of status quo — music isn’t supposed to be about the status quo, but it’s turned into that because of music industry machines.
JP
November 13, 2018 @ 9:46 pm
Seth Lampass: It wouldn’t let me reply up top, but grow up and don’t be such a douche canoe…. that comment was completely uncalled for. If you don’t like her or her music no one is forcing you to listen to it and why are you even reading and commenting on this article?
Seth of Lampasas
November 13, 2018 @ 10:02 pm
Douche canoe? Never heard that one before. You should define that for me. And see my reply to Nan below for why I’m trolling Miranda “Spread It Around And Destroy Families” Lambert. And as the purveyor of this site would say, there is value in criticism when it’s called for. And I will continue trolling this woman until she stops promoting permiscuity in her songs. If I’m classless, like Nan says, then Miranda is the dog crap I just cleaned out of Ralph’s yard.
Marmarbama
November 19, 2018 @ 1:46 am
Judge her music, not her personal life, Pontius.
Seth of Lampasas
November 19, 2018 @ 7:24 am
The only problem with that is, she doesn’t separate the two, and trust me, I’m not riding a high horse. I’m more more like Barrabás — minus the murder bit.
wayne
November 12, 2018 @ 1:25 pm
The album is refreshing compared to the pop crap that is on the airwaves now. But it seems to be like the album is actually Lambert with two very good backup singers. Nothing wrong with that, but that is how I would characterize it,
albert
November 12, 2018 @ 3:49 pm
my thoughts too , wayne ….IMO the other annie’s don’t bring a lot in the way of ‘ character ‘ to the vocals and even less dynamic …lead or otherwise
TxMusic
November 12, 2018 @ 6:27 pm
I blame that on that production. I think it’s on Interetate gospel where you hardly hear Angeleena’s voice. It’s like they forgot to turn her mic up.
ScottG
November 13, 2018 @ 6:57 am
What’s weird is that it’s not just lower in the mix…it’s as if they deliberately made her sound less, to use some engineering terms, “present” and “airy.” In other words it sounds kind of dull, especially compared to the other 2. Maybe it was deliberate, to give them all some contrast? Or did they try to mix in some hierarchy?
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 7:43 am
Your technical knowledge is far greater than mine. I’m not sure if it’s done deliberately or not but in live performances Ashley especially sounds better to me than on some songs off IG. Her voice is clearer and stronger. Angeleena sounds a bit winded but that might be due to her advanced pregnancy. She wasn’t this pregnant during recording though so I have no idea why she sounds the way she does other than the mixing gone awry.
albert
November 13, 2018 @ 1:40 pm
what we’re hearing ( or not hearing ) is simply the characteristics of the voices.
miranda has a voice that cuts ( projects ) in all the right frequencies and records extremely well . it doesn’t compete in the same frequencies as mid-range /low end instruments and inherently has good volume .
the other ladies have voices with different characteristics ….not as much ‘conviction’ overall and particularly in the eq range that counts .
you’ll hear it in AM’s solo stuff too ( particularly the last record ,which is why , in my opinion , that material didn’t work for her overall …you need to be a Gladys Knight or a Maren Morris to convincingly pull off the kind of soulful conviction AM was shooting for ) but it isn’t contrasted with miranda’s in that setting . AM has a pleasant voice , sure enough ….ie ..its not grating and doesn’t ‘ hurt ‘ in certain frequencies ( like Carrie Underwood , for instance ) …but it also doesn’t project like Miranda or Carrie .
When you put the Annie’s together on a track these differences become more apparent. BUT saying all of that …a good production COULD help acieve a better balance ( volume , ‘body’ ) to the weaker voices …..to an extent .
To my ear , AM or Angelina just don’t have that je-ne-sais-quoi …..that ‘character ‘ , that edge , that projection or pitch that Miranda possesses .
ScottG
November 13, 2018 @ 1:59 pm
Albert, yes to a degree, but no that’s not what I’m hearing. I’m speaking of Angeleena and comparing how her voice was mixed compared to her two previous albums. Yes their voices are different, hers is a more mellow for sure…but the mix, at least to my ears, exaggerates the difference even more. Maybe it’s splitting hairs and doesn’t matter to most people – and rightfully so, but I definitely noticed it.
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 2:37 pm
You make very good points Albert and I do agree about Ashley. I’m a fan of hers and I had difficulty with her voice/enunciation/affectation on her last album.
I have to agree with Scott though that to my untrained ear Angeleena sounded almost muffled. I don’t think she has as strong a voice as the other two but even Ashley sounded muted to me.
Black Boots
November 14, 2018 @ 6:11 am
It sounds like the vocals on the record were mostly recorded separately in home and road mobilie studios.
Nicolas
November 12, 2018 @ 1:59 pm
“Best Years Of My Life” could be the song of the year. It’s one of my favorite songs of 2018, along with Cody Jink’s “Must be the Whiskey”, “Whitey Morgan’s “Around here” and Dustin Sonnier’s “Drinkin’ alone”. Acoustic version they recently released is beautiful. It should have been their main single, as “She ain’t in it” should have been Jon Pardi’s main single from “California Sunrise”. The problem is having Pistol Annies on country radios, instead of Kane Brown. Bring back REAL country music is a long way to go. I’m not sure “Got my name changed back” was the best choice to achieve it.
BrandonWard
November 12, 2018 @ 3:05 pm
I have to add Mike & The Moonpies “Steak Night at the Prairie Rose” and “Downey to Lubbock” by Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. Unfortunately I think these 2 albums, plus Brent Cobb’s, may get lost in the mix since they came out so much earlier in the year. What an injustice that would be.
ScottG
November 13, 2018 @ 7:06 am
I could be wrong, but maybe, just maybe, in the middle of the opioid epidemic, somebody out there might have a problem with their lead radio single starting out with the words “I picked a good day for a recreational Percocet?” Just a thought.
G Harp and a Larrivee
November 13, 2018 @ 9:31 am
I’m not bothered by the theme, although I understand why some would be. I am bothered by the awkwardness of the lyrical phrasing in the song. It plays like “let’s see how many syllables we can cram into the intro line in each verse….”
Nicolas
November 13, 2018 @ 11:48 am
That’s true. But what about a single that is a celebration of divorce?
ScottG
November 13, 2018 @ 11:56 am
Divorce isn’t quite frowned upon like it once was, unless somehow I didn’t realize we are all catholic and living in 1910.
Gena R.
November 12, 2018 @ 3:08 pm
Good for them! 😀 I still haven’t had a chance to buy the CD, but I listened to the whole thing on YouTube a few times this weekend.
Nicolas
November 12, 2018 @ 3:16 pm
I agree. They are awesome albums too. We had amazing country songs and albums all along this year but unfortunately there’s an abyss between country music and so-called country radios. I hope this gap will be filled one day.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 4:00 pm
I might have my facts wrong. But aren’t they performing at this Wednesday CMA awards? I know ML is singing with Aldean.
And I find it odd that CMA awards are announcing on their socials that certain artists will be making “a special appearance” , which is lame that they won’t be performing… like Vince Gill, Jon Pardi, ColeSlaw Swindell, Ashley Mcbride, Chris Janson.
Also, everyone nominated this year is also performing… except for poor Chris Janson. He gets nominated for New Artist and Best Song… but he won’t even be able to perform. Sad! I know it’s a 3hour show, but how bout limit Brad & Carrie monologue by a few minutes so maybe Chris Janson or Pardi could sing. We all know that Thomas Rhetts performance won’t project his career any farther but Mcbryde or Chris or even Pardi could benefit by having 10 million ppl watch their newest single…. But guys don’t worry, Queen Bebe will slay her Meant to Be performance!! Reba who.?? It’s all about Bebe!!
Trigger
November 12, 2018 @ 4:15 pm
The Pistol Annies are performing, and yes, the “Special Appearance” will probably be part of the Ricky Skaggs tribute or some other talent medley where each artists gets 15 seconds of face time before they cut to a Cialis commercial. Going to have a completely preview of the awards coming up soon with a run down of all the performers, presenters, etc.
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:33 pm
I seriously hope you’re being ironic when you seem to be promoting Bebe over Reba. Please Arnold tell me you’re not that much of a fucking idiot. If I’m reading you wrong, I will sincerely apologise.
Nan
November 12, 2018 @ 4:22 pm
Yeah!! This is great news 🙂 So glad they got back together, and they are getting support from fans like before.
I think they picked the right song for radio. I know personally I’d rather hear an uptempo song on radio, no matter how decent a ballad is.
Looking forward to their performance most Wednesday night.
TxMusic—speak for yourself, please. Not me, not their fans I’ve read comments from, not from Miranda’s fans I’ve read comments from. Not to mention the many people she is helping with lyrics they can relate to.
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:39 pm
How is TXmusic not speaking for himself? He only speaks for himself, and he does it strongly.
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 3:23 pm
It’s great that you want to hear their song on the radio but you are in a very small minority of people that do. Sorry the facts don’t line up with your emotions but Name Changed Back is dead in the water at this point.
If you want to hear your favorite on the radio maybe being a bit more critical with what they send to radio instead of just trying to put a positive spin on everything.
Nan
November 13, 2018 @ 5:00 pm
TxMusic—“Best Years of My Life” should win awards. But I totally disagree it should have been sent to radio, esp as a first single, as you said. I don’t think people want to hear a ballad on radio as much as an uptempo song, (esp from a female Artist). Those still listening to radio, are working at the time, driving to or from jobs, doing odd jobs around their place. An uptempo song fits better, esp in our fast-paced lives today. The ballads are great, at the right time. I don’t know one person who wants to hear them when turning on the radio. (It doesn’t mean there aren’t folks who like them, just no one I’ve been around, seriously). Also, as a first release, as you wanted, I think is esp. wrong. It’s “advertising” the album, to a degree. People could think the Album is full of ballads. The lead–off song cannot be that, imo. What concert do you go to, and hope the first song is a ballad? The same idea, imo.
If “Got My Name Changed back” is, as you say, I don’t think it’s bec. of your reason. I’m in large company of their fans who really like it. Three years is nothing to “still” write about a divorce from someone she spent a third of her life with, with a music connection on top of that. She is an extremely talented singer/songwriter, sitting on a gold mine of talent, many “vocalists” wish they had. She can write about whatever she wants. Listen or not, it’s up to you.
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 5:35 pm
Nan you’re arguing against numbers here. What you like and what the general population like is two different things. It’s great that you and some Miranda fans like it but looking at sales, streaming numbers and the song only having 15 total radio adds at this time, very few people agree with you.
If it was up to me and other Kacey fans she would be all over radio but our wished aren’t based in reality, and neither are yours.
Marmarbama
November 19, 2018 @ 1:51 am
I dont even know anyone who listens rmyo the radio that much at all….
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 4:24 pm
One of my least favorite parts of any current major Country Award Show is when a Legend artist (like George Strait, or AlanJackson, Reba, etc VinceGill ) is a presenter and they have to announce the atrocious winner of some category. I believe Vince Gill and Garth Brooks even had to praise/honor some artist. I’m pretty sure Garth talked about Thomas rhett with high regard on some televised event a few yrs ago.
I can just picture one day, Reba will be high praising Bebe Rexa for her trend setting achievements in country music. Some traditional country legends are super kind and are willing to praise Gen Z of Country. Reba praised Dustin Lynch. Even Randy Travis approved of Kane Brown.
But I def don’t see StrAit or Jackson praising any Bro Pop artists.
Nan
November 12, 2018 @ 4:46 pm
Hey Arnold, you make a good point. I haven’t seen any Country Award show in a few years, I do rem. it being too much about the current Artists, and those older, without current hits, it’s like they don’t matter anymore. You’re glad to just see them at
all, but isn’t right that they are only presenters.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 5:15 pm
Indeed, Strait, Jackson, Reba, Vince etc haven’t had a “hit” song .. a la Top 25 hit .. Since maybe 2011 or longer.
George was able to stay relevant until around 2012. Now Kenny Chesney, Tim Mcgraw, keith, Rascal Flats are the old pioneers still producing hits. Even brad paisley has faded away on his last album. His last single “Heaven South ” was a good song but I think it stalled at #45 on radio.
I think Keith might be heading on the trajectory. His new single is still climbing but seems to be slow on arrival. Same with Carrie Underwood’s new single.
Thomas Rhett and the 2 Lukes are ruling the charts.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 5:20 pm
The 50th cma awards in 2016 were actually good. In was a good amount of new and old artists together. The November CMAS are usually good at that. But the April Acms aren’t
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:45 pm
Awards shows can suck my salty balls. They are in no way shape or form an indicator of where country is at. They’re a perpetuation of the bullshit this site is inherently opposed to.
TxMusic
November 13, 2018 @ 3:26 pm
That’s where ageism kicks in and for women it’s far worse than men. Tons of women over 35 releasing good music but they don’t get any acknowledgement. As you said they have to come out and honor other artists.
Hey Arnold
November 13, 2018 @ 4:52 pm
For women, the age appears to be over 35. For Men, maybe over 55.
It bothers me that Strait & Jackson don’t release new stuff. I mean, sure radio prob won’t spin it… But they have major fans who would buy the new album… Plus they ain’t getting any younger. Jackson writes a ton of music.. Makes u wonder how many unreleased tunes he has.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 4:28 pm
& Trig, I know u are a fan of Walker hayes. Well on his social media accounts, he posted a video of him sharing audio of his 90s song to Neal Mccoy. Pretty awkward. U can tell Neal ain’t impressed.
It was sort of like when a 6 year old paints a picture in the lines and he’s so happy and proud and he shows it to his uncle. And he could give 2 $h!tz
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:19 pm
Trig is a fan of Walker Hayes?
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 9:26 pm
I tHiNk wE aLL aRe fAnS oF wALkEr hAYeS
Seth of Lampasas
November 12, 2018 @ 9:52 pm
Arnold you are so wrong. Walker Hayes is the antithesis of country music. He’s the opposite of the Country Music Jesus. He is the Country Music Antichrist. And you know what’s the biggest shame about him? He has the life experiences available to him to write some deep shit, but he chooses to write about pedophilic fantasies. He’s just as much an opportunist as Miranda “fuck anyone over that I can” Lambert.
Marmarbama
November 19, 2018 @ 2:00 am
You need to seek counseling to get control of your deep rooted and unnaturally obsessive hatred of Miranda Lambert. It is beyond disrespectful what you say about her. You don’t have to like her , but the savage garbage juice you spew is obsessive. Cruel, and totally out of bounds. Back off. It is downright creepy at this point.
Seth of Lampasas
November 19, 2018 @ 8:26 am
Thou shalt not shame me into silence, winch!
ScottG
November 13, 2018 @ 6:25 am
Pretty sure he’s the LAST thing I would ever listen to.
Hey Arnold
November 13, 2018 @ 8:55 am
You guys seriously don’t get sarcasm? In my original comment I basically wrote that poor Neal Mccoy had to suffer listening to Walker’s song
ScottG
November 13, 2018 @ 9:41 am
I must have missed that. I mean, I do take notes and try to memorize all your posts…
Seth of Lampasas
November 13, 2018 @ 11:43 am
So please tell me you’re being sarcastic about Reba and Bebe also.
Corncaster
November 12, 2018 @ 5:24 pm
This “three graces” nonsense ran its course long ago.
Adam
November 12, 2018 @ 5:36 pm
I want to like this group and I know they’re good, but I just can’t get over Miranda, I hate her.
scott
November 13, 2018 @ 6:55 am
Hate is an ugly flavor to taste, per KK.
Barky
March 11, 2019 @ 2:56 pm
Not a fan of strong women?
Adam
March 11, 2019 @ 3:16 pm
Strong woman? Ha. More like philanderer and home wrecker. She clearly has some mental issues. Try harder
Barky
March 12, 2019 @ 11:33 am
Whatever, dude. Hope you apply that same methodology when you’re listening to male singers. Something tells me you wouldn’t be listening to much music.
Adan
March 12, 2019 @ 12:06 pm
Stop and gtfo with your victimized sexist bullshit, everyone is sick of it. You think being rich and successful equals being a “strong woman”, what a forward thinking notion that I’m sure all women would agree with. You sound like a brain dead idiot.
Barky
March 19, 2019 @ 3:48 pm
Wow. And you call ME a victim? Relax, Snowflake. You should probably stay away from whatever in life has made you this angry.
Hey Arnold
November 12, 2018 @ 6:27 pm
I swear, I’m not spamming on here lol. But if anyone is a Jon Pardi fan and wants to get a taste of his next album… check this song out. Its epic!!. I hope this youtube link works. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GEHnVUZocP8
Congrats to the Pistol Annies too. Definitely some promising traditional country music out there these days!!
For The Birds
November 13, 2018 @ 12:18 am
I’m still shocked by how much I love this album. I’m a huge fan of Miranda and Ashley’s solo work, but the first two PA albums didn’t interest me. This album is getting non-stop play from me and might pass Golden Hour as my favorite album of the year – something I didn’t believe would happen because I love that album so much.
I saw their Town Hall show on album release day and it was phenomenal. It was my first time seeing Ashley in-person and her voice blew me away live. Records just don’t capture the full beauty of her voice at all.
I’m glad that Miranda is giving us some more weighty divorce songs. I felt like the second album of TWOTW never reached a satisfying conclusion after Tin Man. But Masterpiece, Best Years of My Life, Got My Name Changed Back, Cheyenne, and When I Was His Wife feel like they’re a great bookend to the indecision and brokenness in those songs.
Leavers Lullaby is better than anything on Sparrow. And, Milkman is a *beautiful* meditation on generational differences between women.
THIS ALBUM IS INCREDIBLE! Two guns up from me for the Annies.
a reader
November 13, 2018 @ 8:49 am
I really love Cheyenne. That should have been the single, but i feel the label made a cynical choice in promotion strategy (tabloid fodder). Others could probably explain better than I, but the production is a little off putting. I think it was recorded live? But the compression on their mics sound off. just spitballing, there’s just something overbearing in the production i can’t quite put my finger on. Still a solid effort.
Betty
November 13, 2018 @ 2:33 pm
I really am enjoying this album. Glad to see an album that is actually country do so well.Masterpiece and Cheyenne are my favorites.
Sam
November 13, 2018 @ 4:10 pm
Not to be obtuse. But Trigger those aren’t good numbers. Pure sales: 27,819. TEA: 990. SEA: 2,288. Hell on Heels did 44k it’s first week. Annie Up 83k. So an album selling less than 35k can go to 1 on Billboard Country is telling of the music industry. Of course saying an album is #1 is great pr/marketing. And perhaps that’s what the goal is. I am really curious as to what your take is on what you see happening in the music industry. What will happen to albums. I know you have so much to cover but would love your input. Or anyone else who is in industry. Does someone see a different business model in the future?
Trigger
November 13, 2018 @ 5:23 pm
I think the Pistol Annies numbers are pretty good. 2013 when “Hell On Heels” came out might as well be 50 years ago with the way streaming has come to dominate music in the last half decade. The Pistol Annies sold more records last week than anyone else, and that’s what a #1 means. The playing field was equal with all competitors. With no radio support, 28K for a side project in 2018 is pretty good.
Nan
November 13, 2018 @ 6:13 pm
This article is about this awesome news, that the Pistol Annies just scored a #1 Album in Country Music, also a top 20 in all of Music, any Genre. Any Album ranking #1 should be celebrated, but this esp. so, with an all-female group, and esp. an all-female group. in Country Music today. And one with serious songwriting talent, as this is. On critics short-list of best songs to listen to, in all of music. Ideally, everyone would be here to applaud this, esp. with the state of things in Country Music today, with less women Artists and almost none played on the radio.
Seth of Lampasas—Your comments crossed a line here. How about letting those of us who want to cheer on this group, or even disagree respectfully, do so without your disgusting comments toward one of the members?? Nov. 12th, 9:22pm. Nov. 12th, 9:52pm. If you really want to promote this Site, might want to remember there are people visiting here, reading these comments who see that, and might not want to write one after that. Or spend time here after that. Esp. toward the female country Artist/Group being celebrated on this comment section??
Garbage comments. Classless.
Seth of Lampasas
November 13, 2018 @ 6:58 pm
I’m not a fan of philandering females due to personally being at the receiving end of the same behavior Miranda has been engaged in the last few years. And as long as she keeps profiting from songs that glorify her home wrecking ways, then I’ll continue to bash her. I’d rather promote and celebrate female artists with good morals and messages in their songs like JLW, Rhyan Sinclair, Sarah Jane Scouten, Brandi Carlile, Kelsey Waldon, Dori Freeman, Suzanne Santo (honeyhoney), Kristina Murray, Lee Ann Womack, Emily Grants (Mandolin Orange), Margo Price, Michaela Anne, Molly Tuttle, Nikki Lane, Nora Jane Struthers, Sara White, Savanna Chestnut, Whitney Rose — all of whom are on my playlist Modern Outlaws on Spotify. You should have a listen to their beautiful positive music and burn that sexist card you’re playing. Buenas noches.
Seth of Lampasas
November 13, 2018 @ 7:04 pm
*Emily Frantz (Mandolin Orange)
— And I don’t listen to radio, so I have no skin in that game.
Seth of Lampasas
November 13, 2018 @ 7:18 pm
Sorry Trig I’m sure promoting a playlist I against the rules, but I just wanted to correct that error to let Nan know that’s my playlist that I mentioned, so she won’t think I’m an irredeemable sexist. And thanks for deleting that duplicate comment for me. I was typing too fast and too furious.
Seth of Lampasas
November 13, 2018 @ 7:21 pm
Oh cool, you edited for me. Thanks for the assistance sir.
Trigger
November 13, 2018 @ 8:10 pm
I don’t mind if you promote a playlist. As long as you’re not spamming every other comment, promote away.
Nan
November 14, 2018 @ 11:59 am
Seth of Lampasas—I’ll echo what JP here wisely said to you, “……if you don’t like her or her music, no one is forcing you to listen to it, and why are you even commenting on this article?” Regarding your reply to him, I did not refer to you as sexist. I probably never said that to anyone, and consider it something to never throw around lightly. And you were wrong to accuse me of “playing the sexist card” here. Again, nothing I’ve ever been accused of, and you should not use that against someone unless very sure. Aside from that, it’s great you listen to those female Artists, and found them if they’re Independent, not easily known. Regarding your comments I pointed out, they just shouldn’t be said or be able to be posted, here or anywhere. I see you added to them last night, saying about Miranda, “I will continue trolling this woman”, and actually comparing her to “dog crap”, Nov.13th,10:02pm. From what you’ve said, you’re obviously blaming her for problems you had with someone. Until you realize how grossly unfair that is, comments like yours toward her should not have to be seen by her, her family, friends, fans, or any decent minded person.
Seth of Lampasas
November 14, 2018 @ 1:47 pm
I’ll say whatever I want about people like Miranda Lambert, and I assure you she doesn’t give a hoot about what I or anyone else has has to say, because people like her only care about themselves. And why would I blame her for my problems lol? That’s so ridiculous. I just don’t like people like her. You didn’t say the word sexist, but it’s very easy to see you were implying it. All this female this and female that kind of talk.
I couldn’t care less what you or anyone else thinks about my opinions of Miranda Lambert so I would advise you to stop wasting your time trying to get me to shut up. If the triumph of women on radio depends on Miranda Lambert, then thats not a worthwhile battle. It’s a dying medium anyway.
And this website is private property, so if you have a complaint about the comments section, take it up with Trig, but he’s not going to delete these comments because he tries to maintain a free speech zone, and the only time people get deleted is when they’re spamming, off-topic, or breaking a law like threatening someone. I’m entitled to my opinion of trashy people like Miranda Lambert just like you’re entitled to fawn over said trash.
Youre concerned about decent people seeing my comments about a person who is not decent? That doesn’t make any sense, because she’s one of the most indecent people in country music.
And why do you have a double standard about comments? You say JP is wise? Why is he not indecent for calling me a douche canoe? (BTW JP I’m still waiting for a definition lol) It’s ok for him to talk like that, but not me, as long he’s not talking about Miranda?
You seem like a nice lady, so I’ve refrained from using the salty language I normally would use when being attacked by someone, but I will not pull any punches when referring to people like Miranda Lambert.
Have a wonderful day
Marmarbama
November 19, 2018 @ 1:40 am
Do you apply this same scrutiny to Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, George strait, jason aldean, merle haggard, George Jones, Blake Shelton and all the numerous other men in country music who supposedly had widely known affairs and indiscretions the way you pontificate regarding miranda? I’m sure you’re right when you say she wouldn’t give a shit about what you say, but the woman could sing about cheese and people would try to connect it to Blake. She can’t win regardless of what she does with people like you.
Seth of Lampasas
November 19, 2018 @ 1:41 pm
Marmabama…no sabes lo qué digas, huey.
Ok, let’s go down the list.
Alan Jackson–got caught cheating and spent the next decade asking his wife for forgiveness in his songs
George Strait–idk anything about his personal life other than he likes Wrangler jeans and has a son named Bubba I think. And his grandma looks like Minnie Pearle.
George Jones–everybody already knows he was an s.o.b.
And I already talked about Blake.
Like I’ve said, I’ll lay off if she quits singing songs about her divorce and glorifying her personal exploits, then I’ll lay off.
And burn the sexist card you’re playing as well.
For the Birds
November 13, 2018 @ 6:20 pm
Cheyenne >>>>> Tin Man
Biscuit
November 13, 2018 @ 9:15 pm
I like Monroe and Presley solo, but can’t seem to get into Pistol Annies for some reason. It’s not that I dislike Lambert, but I’ve also just never gotten into her music. Reading the audio concerns above about Presely and Monroe’s roles on this one, I am not sure I’ll like it. Thoughts?
Stella
November 14, 2018 @ 11:23 am
I love this album one of my favourites is Cheyenne. These gals have set the bar so high with their honest songwriting, so relatable!
Katie
November 15, 2018 @ 4:19 pm
Well, for what it’s worth regarding the low number of sales for a number one album, I would have bought an extra copy or two had it been in stores. I’d be willing to bet I’m not alone. I wanted a physical copy for myself, and another for my mom, who enjoys the music but doesn’t think to buy it for herself. I guess I’m an old timer for 32, but owning a download just isn’t as informative nor as special as the cd, and now I have to rely on my neighbors not stealing my mail to get one. It puts a damper on my enthusiasm.
Lunchbox
November 15, 2018 @ 11:02 pm
Miranda looking good in that picture
Nan
November 16, 2018 @ 3:25 pm
Trigger,
What’s up. You said recently that commenters are to “police” these sections ourselves. Myself and JP called attn to Seth for what he wrote here. Are you okay with those three comments? Or do you see it as crossing a line? Is it, simply, freedom of his speech, as he said, so you’ll allow it? How far can someone go then, in degrading another person on here, as he has done. Seth admitted he’ll write whatever he wants about her, no matter how low. Does he get to do this, and I guess, then, whenever/whenever on here he wants? This is a Country Recording Artist you feature on here, one who has even been a friend to this Music Site.
Nan
November 17, 2018 @ 2:21 pm
I of course was hoping for a reply. I guess you don’t know how to about this. Seth himself said you have deleted comments when someone is spamming. Aside from his disgusting comments about her, that was bad enough—We were all commenting on here, no problems Monday when you put this article up. People were very glad, or added other info, maybe some neg. but all okay. When I read thru the comments the next day, after he came on here Monday nite, it was as if a torpedo hit this comment section, from him. After his “nice” question to you, a disgusting comment about the CMA Awards, an obnoxious reply, not even making sense, to me, referred to Hey Arnold as an expletive. Then the next nite, more disgusting garbage. Is this not “spamming”?? He changed the whole tone of this comment section. You wrote an article on this group, to bring attn. to their achievement. If you can’t get behind trashing his “garbage comments”, can you realize his whole purpose being on here was to change the whole section to negative?? He obviously hated the topic, of the positive you wrote about this group. My concern is that he’ll just do this again, and maybe worse. He seems to know what he can get away with on here. Do the rest of us to just have to tolerate this?
It’s not his cursing that is the problem. He could have cursed their music all he wanted. His comments crossed the line of what is okay, of human decency, when he directed such animosity to her, in a disgusting way. And his slamming thru this otherwise fine comment section, with (it’s obvious) his intent to change it to as negative as possible thru out.
Surely this can’t be okay with you (?). I need to know where you stand on this.
Seth of Lampasas
November 18, 2018 @ 7:43 am
Nan,
I sincerely apologise for offending you or anyone else with my comment about awards shows. I don’t like that one either. But my comments about Miranda were based on her current behavior in her personal life, which I am strongly opposed to coming from any person and I would have the same opinion of all of them. My comments about Miranda are harsh, yes, but they are based on facts, and stated in those comments a couple times I said that I would lay off her if she stopped profiting off of her divorce that happened over 3 years ago and also songs about permiscuity. Forgive me, but real people move on from real shit that happens to them that’s way worse than anything Miranda Lambert has had to endure in the last 3 years. And since you seem to be painting a picture of Miranda as some sort of beleaguered madonna, I’ll venture into speculation as well, and say that I’m sure she AND Blake were both messing around on each other, and it seems like Blake got tired of it and wanted something different.
Jesus, this is getting really soap opera-y, and I’m sick of talking about this, so all I’ll say is that of all the outrageous things you’ve accused me of and called me on this thread, its VERY TELLING that you have not once called me a liar.
And Hey Arnold I’m sorry for coming at you strong, and I’ll try to do better, but sometimes you say some stupid shit. Love ya bruh.
Seth of Lampasas
November 18, 2018 @ 7:49 am
And I’m not spamming. I’m trolling. With religious zeal and fervour.
Marmarbama
November 19, 2018 @ 10:02 am
If you are going to judge every country singer, Male and female by their personal life, you should choose another genre. Country MEN and women been running around for decades. Take your one sided religious fervor to church and stop the individual crucifixion. I’m surprised Trigger let you get so nasty and vulgar. You sound like it us personal for you…….hmmmm…..
Seth of Lampasas
November 19, 2018 @ 1:51 pm
I’m agnostic so idk wtf to tell you other than go back to school so you can understand parody and sarcasm. After seeing my comments, you really think I’m a Bible thumper. And you’re just repeating the same b.s. Nan was saying. I don’t give a shit about Miranda. I don’t like all people like her, male or female. So take that sexist card and shove it up your you stupid p.c. fuckhead.
Marmarbama
November 19, 2018 @ 1:42 am
Do you apply this same scrutiny to Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, George strait, jason aldean, merle haggard, George Jones, Blake Shelton and all the numerous other men in country music who supposedly had widely known affairs and indiscretions the way you pontificate regarding miranda? I’m sure you’re right when you say she wouldn’t give a shit about what you say, but the woman could sing about cheese and people would try to connect it to Blake. She can’t win regardless of what she does with people like you.
Seth of Lampasas
November 19, 2018 @ 1:46 pm
Ok, let’s go down the list.
Alan Jackson–got caught cheating and spent the next decade asking his wife for forgiveness in his songs
George Strait–idk anything about his personal life other than he likes Wrangler jeans and has a son named Bubba I think. And his grandma looks like Minnie Pearle.
George Jones–everybody already knows he was an s.o.b.
And I already talked about Blake.
Like I’ve said, I’ll lay off if she quits singing songs about her divorce and glorifying her personal exploits, then I’ll lay off.
And burn the sexist card you’re playing as well.
Nan
November 19, 2018 @ 2:06 pm
Seth—-I appreciate the reply that included an apology. Not the comments most needing an apology for, but it was something.
You prob.wont listen to this, but stop thinking the “tabloid junk” is true. The same “junk publications” that reported on her, are the same that say numerous stories, every week, that are not true. It’s a joke to read them. Their sole purpose is to sell the mag/paper, and at any cost, to the Celebrity/Artist.
I’m not going to change your thinking here about this person. Trigger never responded to me on this, so is either 100% agreeing with you, or not sure where he stands.
I’m against the other comments you made about her, but the comment I can’t get past is the one Nov. 13th, 10:02pm. Trigger hasn’t taken it down, as I had hoped. It simply goes against human decency toward another person. I’d say the same if it was toward FGL. It crosses a line, even more than the other two I mentioned. It is repulsive and disgusting, esp. toward a woman it does add another element of indecency to it. I have thought your comments toward her come off as cowardice, hiding behind your computer or phone to say them. If you would act so low as to say them to her face, how about if certain other people would be standing with her. I’ve lived in the “tough” Northeast, no “Southern Gentleman” in sight, and I have known some men who would have some choice words (or more) for someone who refers to a woman in the disgusting, repulsive way you’ve referred to her on here, and because it is toward a woman. Agree to it or not, that is how most people would view this.
Marmarbama
November 20, 2018 @ 9:48 am
Thank you. I could not have said it better. Well done and so damn true.
Seth of Lampasas
November 23, 2018 @ 10:26 am
I’m an equal opportunity asshole. One’s gender, race, creed, religion, etc. do not factor into the equation when I am calculating the level of destruction that is necessary to nuke egos and bad ethos.
sszorin
November 19, 2018 @ 3:44 am
The sound of the album is dynamically compressed. The producer killed the joy of listening to the music.
Anybody for the class action lawsuit against the label and the producer ?
Nan
December 1, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
To Trigger,
Disappointing. I was hoping by now you would have taken this out. “…..then Miranda is the dog crap I just cleaned out of Ralph’s yard.”–Nov. 13th, 10:02pm. This is okay with you? Seth has “a right” to say what he wants in a comment here, you protect a commenter’s rights, but to degrade another person like this? A Country Artist you featured right here? I thought his other 2 comments about her were crossing a line also–as other commenters agreed. He clearly has an abnormal negative view of her that is disturbing to read. But this reference to “dog crap” is a level of indecency I cannot get past. It is, simply, below human standards of what is okay, at the lowest level possible. I have liked you and this Music Site But I don’t understand how this is okay with you. If you still don’t agree to deleting this line I can’t be a part of comment sections or Sites that allow this.
Trigger
December 1, 2018 @ 1:30 pm
Nan,
I’m sorry you were offended by something another commenter posted. Though I feel like it was immature and inappropriate, it doesn’t directly violate any of the comment rules. I asked everyone who comes to these comments sections to do so with a hard nose, and to understand there may be people you severely disagree with. If we’re too restrictive with the comments here, it can stifle important conversation. That said, I also want to point out that I did not consciously decide to not delete this comment. There are many comments on the site, I try to read them all. But a comment buried in an article posted weeks ago is not my priority. I value both your readership and comments here and hope that you stay. But I don’t see the need to delete that comment at this point.
altaltcountry
December 10, 2018 @ 12:06 pm
“Interstate Gospel” in particular and female country / Americana musicians in general have been doing well on those “Best of 2018” lists.
From Pop Matters’ list of the top 70 of the year (primarily indie, rap, world, and electronica):
Brandi Carlile 63
Pistol Annies 37
I’m with Her 33
Sarah Shook and the Disarmers 32
Kacey Musgraves 2
The only male artists on the list who could be considered country: Old Crow Medicine Show 58
And a female singer/songwriter who’s often labeled country or Americana / roots has made Slate’s Best Jazz Albums of 2018: Lucinda Williams, who guests on Charles Lloyd and the Marvels’ eclectic “Vanished Gardens.”
Nice to see women who take chances being recognized for their diverse achievements.
altaltcountry
December 11, 2018 @ 6:39 am
Just in: Pitchfork’s 50 best of 2018 (about 75% rap, 25% indie / electronica) has only one country / Americana entry: Kacey Musgraves “Golden Hour” at #2.