Tyler Childers Readies New 7-Song Album, Releases New Song/Video
The latest album from Tyler Childers will arrive on on September 8th via Hickman Holler Records, distributed by RCA. Called Rustin’ In The Rain, it was recorded in the home studio of Tyler’s pedal steel player and guitarist James Barker above his garage. The new album was produced by Tyler and his backing band The Food Stamps, who along with Barker includes bassist Craig Burletic, drummer Rod Elkins, Chase Lewis on keys, CJ Cain on acoustic guitar, and fiddle/guitarist “The Professor” Jesse Wells.
Childers says of the album via press release, “This is a collection of songs I playfully pieced together as if I was pitching a group of songs to Elvis. Some covers, one co-write, and some I even wrote in my best (terrible) Elvis impersonation, as I worked around the farm and kicked around the house. I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed creating it. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
Strangely, no track list accompanies the album or the pre-order, which might render some reluctant, especially after a few felt let down by the packaging of Tyler’s last album, Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven. What we do know is that Rustin’ In The Rain only includes seven tracks.
The songs we can confirm to be on the album at this point are “Rustin’ in the Rain,” which is a song Childers has been performing in concert for a while, the Christmas song “Luke Chapter Two, Verse 8-10” that some expected to be on Tyler’s last album with its religious theme, as well as the song “In Your Love,” which accompanies the album announcement (listen/watch below).
Tyler says that the album is mostly love songs, with the deeper tie-in being the mules that make numerous appearances in the lyrics. This might also mean that the song “Percheron Mules” that Childers has performed live on many occasions will be on the album, but Saving Country Music hasn’t been unable to confirm that as of yet. Unheard song “Barn Burner” is another track confirmed to be on Rustin’ In The Rain.
The release of the lead song “In Your Love” is also accompanied by a cinematic, big production video written and creatively directed by Silas House, who is a New York Times bestselling author and current Poet Laureate of Kentucky, as well as a long-time friend and collaborator of Childers. The video was directed by Bryan Schlam and stars actors Colton Haynes and James Scully as two coal miners from the 1950 who fall in love.
Though set in the ’50s, Childers says he wanted a “’90s vibe” for the video. Tyler also says that growing up with a gay cousin that was like a brother to him inspired the gay love story that is the centerpiece of the video. When asked by Ann Powers of NPR about the risk/reward of making political statements through the “In Your Love” video, Tyler Childers responded,
“I think that people are doing it. Margo Price is very vocal and outspoken in her music. Steve Earle’s been that way for years. There is risk in it, though. The good old boys and people that I run into—to them, Steve established himself with these songs, and [now] they’re just like, “Ah Steve, he’s just barkin’.” Is it possible to be taken seriously? I do think so, if you’re coming from a place that’s less preachy and more real. That’s what I hoped to accomplish with this video.”
The question some may have is just how necessary the storyline of the “In Your Love” video is in a world where gay marriage is legal and was recently affirmed in the United States Congress with bipartisan support. Often the parental attitude of certain artists and their allies in media in believing simple exposure to certain subjects is enough to reshape hearts and minds ultimately alienates the very audience meant to be reached, or simply comes across as signaling to constituencies.
At the same time, the release of the “In Your Love” video will likely stir up the few, but outspoken homophobic elements within the country music community, exposing the continued need for more acceptance of LGBT individuals in country music and beyond.
Later in the NPR interview, Childers also doubled down on his reasoning for not moving to Nashville, and the importance of that decision in the perspective of his songwriting.
“Nashville is an extremely necessary town; everybody’s got to meet somewhere, and this is a heck of a meeting place. But there’s this hard disconnect. The writers didn’t necessarily grow up in a rural setting, but the nostalgia for that way of life resonates with them in some way. So they’re working within these stereotypes of this nostalgia that they might not even have any reference point to understand.”
Since this album is from Tyler Childers, it immediately rockets up the depth chart for anticipated 2023 releases. Though Childers’ Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven quickly disappeared from the Billboard Country Albums chart after its release despite a 24-song track list, his 2017 album Purgatory remains a perennial title in the Top 30 as Childers enjoys headliner status at country festivals, and arena-level appeal on tour.
No track list is currently available.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:01 am
1. Gonna have a very quick trigger with this comments section. If inappropriate comments or personal back and forth insults persist, I’ll just shut it down.
2. Though it’s the video that everyone will want to make a big issue of on both sides of the cultural divide, the issue that I see as most problematic is how the track list is being purposely withheld from both the promotional copy of this album from Sacks & Co., as well from DSPs by the label. They don’t want you to know there are only 7 songs on this album, and they don’t want you to know what those songs are as they charge $15.00 for CDs, and $25.00 for LPs. The only way I was able to find out there are only 7 songs is through back channels.
Not sure if there any longer-running tracks on the album and it still consititutes a full LP, but after the borderline deceptive aspect of the packaging of “Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven,” I feel like the public deserves to see at least a track list for this album before they’re asked to pre-order. You rarely or never see an album announcement, or at least not a pre-order without the publishing of the track list.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:07 am
It literally shows that there are 7 tracks on Apple Music.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:18 am
I understand that, and I saw that during my efforts to run down the track list. But it’s not showing any of the track names, just “Track 1,” “Track 2,” etc., with ‘In Your Love” at Track 6. Usually Apple will present the track names grayed out until they are available.
I’m not saying its unprecedented to announce an album without the track list. It happens. It’s more unprecedented to do a pre-order without the track list, but it happens upon occasion, though very rarely as well. In this case, it really feels like they don’t want you to see how many tracks are here, or what the track list is. Otherwise, why is it not available anywhere?
I’m not trying to be conspiratorial here. If folks are fine with seven songs, go ahead and pre-order. I just want folks to know what they’re getting, especially after all the frustration from many folks who pre-ordered “Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven.”
July 27, 2023 @ 11:24 am
Didn’t Garth Brooks offer an album for pre-sale a few years back that wasn’t coming out for months, had no firm release date, and only had a couple of tracks announced at the time? I feel like I read about it here but maybe not.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:42 pm
Hey Tom,
Yes, I reported on Garth’s album “Fun” and how he kept people’s pre-order money for a very extended period without offering a track list or even a release date. I wrote numerous articles on this, but this is the one that gives the best explanation:
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/garth-brooks-fans-deserve-explanation-for-endless-fun-delays/
Some may not remember, but when Tyler Childers released “Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven,” there was a lot of backlash from people who purchased the 3 LP version. I got flooded with emails and many of the initial consumer reviews on Amazon were 1 star, specifically complaining they felt bait and switched. At the time, people even specifically mentioned that it felt very Garth-like, meaning trying to sell the same basic tracks multiple times to rack up sales numbers and revenue.
That is what makes this track list issue specifically concerning. This has nothing to do with the potential quality of the seven songs to be released. This is more of a consumer/packaging concern that came up with his last album specifically, and here we are again.
I have no beef with Tyler Childers whatsoever, or with RCA. But I feel like it would be irresponsible to not disclose how many songs are on this album, and for the media to not ask that question and present it to consumers.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:22 am
I disagree with the framing that gay marriage was reaffirmed with bipartisan support. That makes it sound like most Republicans voted for protecting gay marriage. The majority voted against it. 169 of 222 House Republicans (76%) and 36 out of 50 Senate Repulicans (72%). The public may very well be trending as general more accepting of same sex couples, but when the majority of a political party that’s in power half the time are against your right to marry, one doesn’t feel safe and secure. In that situation, affirmation that people from a rural background support you is very welcome and necessary, not preaching to the choir.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:25 am
Sorry for relevance. I was intending to comment in the general thread, not reply to anyone.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:53 am
Those Republicans were voting against the federal government interfering with marriage and the people’s right to vote for or against policy in their state. It’s not the position of the Republican Party to ban gay marriage and polls show that the vast majority of Americans are fine with it. Who cares? Move on.
Not trying be political but there is bipartisan support for gay marriage as Trigger stated.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:30 am
I disagree with the idea that you can support a right and then support the right for a more local government to remove that right. I disagree that 25% of one party being in favor of something is “bipartisan” no matter the issue. When something has at least 80% support in both parties, that is bipartisan in my book. You and I are allowed to disagree on the definition of bipartisan and what it means to use it in a misleading way. That’s our right as Americans.
But don’t tell me to move on. I don’t take orders from you.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:40 am
I have no doubt there is still lingering homophobia in America, and specifically in Tyler’s community in rural Kentucky. I think the question is how persistent is it, and if this video will effectively challenge that prejudice, or just stir those sentiments up? I don’t think we have that answer yet since it was just released. I don’t fault him for trying.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:59 pm
Trigger, why did you condemn Aldean’s video and song, and view them as agitation and meant to provoke. Yet when Tyler does the same thing except from a leftward position, you give him the benefit of the doubt? Shouldn’t you condemn both, if the critique is that it is meant to provoke? The NPR interview made it clear this was a political move meant to upset people on the right. You can’t have it both ways.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:09 pm
I might have a dedicated review of the song and video at some point. This was a news article relaying the details of Tyler’s new album. That said, though I do see Tyler’s video as politically motivated, I don’t see it as nearly as provocative and reactionary as Jason Aldean’s.
That said, please don’t mistake my opinion. I believe Jason Aldean and any artist has a right to release whatever they want, and the attempt to assign blatant racism to the Aldean song/video and remove it from consumption was irresponsible, and incidentally, extremely counter-productive.
July 27, 2023 @ 4:30 pm
I disagree. Tyler’s politics are just as divisive, inflammatory and about causing a ruckus just as Aldeans are. He’s made his positions quite clear in the last few years from the BLM supporting album, to the most recent one where he calls out right leaning Christians. I’ll give you he isnt as forceful and overt in his statements as Isbell and Karen Morris or Sturgill, but Tyler is very clear in what he wants to do and say. It’s absolutely inflammatory. He literally said in that interview he wants to piss off Christian Nationalists with this video and songs. No one is denying Aldeans intent, it’s clear. It’s just the bizarre double standard you seem to take. You wrote this absolutely grave and call to arms about Aldean last week. The horror he spoke about his views. Yet, Tyler also is in your face about it, he hates Christian Nationalists and wants to call out half the country. Seems antagonistic to me. If Aldean is called out, you need to provide the same call out for Tyler. You said you were fine with Aldean expressing his politics, yet why the Eeyore, country music is doomed, pessimistic War and Peace rant when Aldean dropped, but you seem quite pleased about Tyler? Why? Tyler speaks to a subsection of the Appalachian population. Your earlier comment that he speaks for all of those people is totally ludicrous, inaccurate and in bad faith.
July 28, 2023 @ 4:34 am
The problem is is that Tyler is showing support to a family member through a fictional video that people will contort into being some ultra political statement but really he’s a musician expressing his owned lives experiences which is natural.
Jason Aldean paid other people to write a song with lyrics that no one would disagree with on the surface other than the suggestions of violence. Then releassed a wyldly politically one sided (why no Jan. 6 footage? Why no harassing Asians footage over covid footage, why no small town heroin junkies stealing grandmas tv) video attacking poor people essentially helping to create a further divide between two sides of the political coin.
July 28, 2023 @ 5:21 am
“Jason’s” video is not “wyldly politically one sided.”
Jason’s video shows the incredibly violent and destructive actions of 60’s wannabee’s, who glommed onto a pseudo smoke & mirrors movement, created by posers with quite the ulterior motive.
Guessing you have not had a personal encounter with any of, or a group of, these fine upstanding “anti-establishment” individuals.
Burning, looting, firebombing band of selfish idiots. Self destructive. Narcissistic. All about them.
Flat out harassment of anyone they deem(ed) weaker than they.
That didn’t pan out nearly as well as they had planned, in certain cases.
In one instance a group of 30 + individuals “Not in a small town,” but 2 blocks off of Broadway, in Nashville, had an opposite experience of what they totally expected.
If the people really wanted to make a difference, they would be working to help build people up.
a)Help implement community gardens in any community.
b)Help build homes.
c)Grass roots prepping and distributing of meals.
d)Taking people under their wing to teach a trade craft.
e)etc., etc.
Everyone involved, working & learning side by side.
So many things we can all do to help others, and ourselves.
July 28, 2023 @ 2:38 pm
The majority of Democrats didn’t openly support gay marriage until it became politically favorable to do so. Everyone seems to forget that Hillary and Obama drug their feet on the issue until 2012.
July 31, 2023 @ 5:08 pm
The Democrats filibustered repeatedly at the various Civil Rights Acts passed in the 1960s while every single Republican unanimously voted in favor of them. How people forget. Al Gores dad led one of the filibusters if I recall correctly. Yet somehow they pretend to have a moral high ground on issues of race just as they do on gay marriage now.
August 2, 2023 @ 8:03 am
That’s a lie. More Democrats voted for the civil rights act in the House and Senate. A slightly higher percentage of republicans voted in favor. Then you leave out the part of how it was southern democrats, the blue dogs, who were fighting against it. Democrats who then jumped to the republican party.
July 29, 2023 @ 5:15 pm
This should not be a political issue. It should be a social issue.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:10 am
I like to support artists by buying their albums, but I will not be purchasing an EP for full price. Nor did I purchase a “triple album” that was only 6 new songs.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:32 am
There’s been great albums that were 7-9 tracks. Would rather have 7 good tracks and fillers? Or whatever number of tracks you feel constitute an album.
The super sized 2000’s really warped our definition of an album.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:06 am
This is a good point. Jamie Wyatt’s 7-song “Felony Blues” is killer and also includes a cover song. Ward Davis has now released two 4-song EPs that are better than most LPs. We should all be patient and wait to hear what the album actually has to offer.
But it’s the pattern of behavior from these Tyler Childers releases that is going to render some reluctant. People have been complaining since “Country Squire” that they’re being underserved by Tyler’s albums.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:27 pm
To me, if it’s at least 30 minutes, it’s an LP. The Kaitlin Butts album was 7 songs and was my favorite of that year.
July 27, 2023 @ 3:37 pm
Kaitlin Butts is another good example.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:17 am
Maybe your beef with the price of this and his last album is the principle of it, but if he wanted to charge me $100 for five new songs, I would just smile and pay it. For all I know he is the only one properly charging for music these days. I am paying three times more for it airline travel than I was four years ago.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:22 am
Fair enough. I’m not trying to dissuade anyone from pre-ordering this album. As a journalist, I just want the public to know what they’re getting, and it seems like the label and publicist do not in a way that’s unusual for albums announcements/pre-orders.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:44 am
In the UK his label is asking for £27.99 – about $36… and they are not even offering the coloured variants…
Glad there is a new record, but that price is ridiculous
July 27, 2023 @ 10:52 am
You know there is going to be some controversy when the song comes with a “Trigger” warning;-)
July 27, 2023 @ 10:01 am
Why wouldn’t it be considered an EP?
July 27, 2023 @ 10:07 am
It very well may deserve to be considered an EP. It’s certainly not priced as one, nor is it presented as one. But they’re also not presenting the track list at all, or telling people how many tracks are on it. There is the possibility that there are some long-running tracks on it that would still constitute and LP. But since we don’t have the track list, we can’t confirm that.
I’m not trying to slag on Tyler Childers here at all. He may not even have any say so over this. But after the controversy of so many people feeling misled and short changed by “Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven,” this is not a good look. The public has a right to know what they’re paying for.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:08 am
EPs to me were always non-lead singles from an established album released with one or two tracks. This is all unreleased material.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:04 am
How long before Kyle tells us he “broke this story” despite the fact that I’ve seen this on at least three other sites so far.
I put the over-under at 4 days.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:10 am
This story went out via press release this morning, and if anything, I am last in reporting it, specifically because I didn’t just regurgitate the press release. Instead, I tried to get ALL the information about the album that is possible, attempted to resolve the concern of why they’re not presenting the track list, and also read the detailed interview Childers did with Ann Powers of NPR that I linked to in the article that gives a lot of great information about the album and the inspirations behind it.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:14 am
Well this feels petty.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:33 am
Oh, absolutely!
July 27, 2023 @ 11:12 am
I listened to the song, I didn’t think it had a Tom Petty feel to it at all.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:28 pm
Worse than that. Dickish.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:44 pm
That was definitely what I was going for. Kyle’s earned it.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:07 am
Six new songs on Hounds and a total of seven on this one (apparently including covers)? Maybe this is some newfangled way to release music in the streaming age that I don’t understand, but it doesn’t instill confidence in Tyler’s future.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:14 am
As a counterpoint, that last album was released at the end of September and it seems like both of these are themed. We far too often see years in between releases. Perhaps he only has six or seven songs for each theme and if I get 13 new songs in a year, personally I am happy.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:20 am
That’s a good point. I wasn’t big on him padding Hounds with two versions of each song and some nonsensical third version but I suppose there is a full album of songs between the two releases. Assuming this new one actually has seven album-worthy songs. I hope it does.
July 28, 2023 @ 4:59 pm
It’s 2023 not 1970. Plus many artists over the years have put out EPs. Music is music however it is released.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:09 am
Rad. His vocals just keep getting better. I am sure that some folks will cry that he isn’t doing exactly what he used to, but he can do whatever he wants.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:15 am
The new song is wonderful, video had me humming Ain’t Going Down on Broke Back Mountain by Willie Nelson.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:17 am
Good song.
Video is what it is, impactful story, and cool of him to bring in fellow Kentuckian, Silas House.
Hope that he eventually passes through this current iteration though. These concept releases are not the move, and the pricing on that is insane for the value conferred.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:25 am
How impactful is it really? Gay marriage is mainstream. It’s actually kind of trite and cliche lyrically at this point. Isbell did something similar on Cast Iron Skillet. Interracial marriage is supposed to hit hard in 2023? Not so much.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:37 am
When there are still people trying to take away the rights of same-sex couples to marry, yes, it is still very relevant.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:44 am
That’s not a thing. Perhaps some fringe groups but not the mainstream. Whatever fuels your narrative is fine by me, though. I personally find the song to be trite and cliche. Pure virtue signaling and unnecessary. The opposite of brave.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:22 am
Well, when one of the longest-serving, most conservative members of a conservative court cites the decision legalizing gay marriage nationwide as a ruling he’d like to “revisit,” given the new makeup of the court, I’d say that there’s definitely one (unfortunately) influential person who is looking to take the hard-fought right to marry from gay and lesbian couples.
August 1, 2023 @ 7:49 am
If the political establishment of one political party has continued to go after gay and trans folks in every way they can manage and succeeded in passing laws in dozens of states that only exist to make their lives harder, if multiple sitting supreme court justices are writing about ways to roll back the Obergefell ruling and one is even writing about wanting to revisit Loving v Virginia, if mainstream churches like the Southern Baptist Convention and the LDS are continuing to oppose marriage equality, it’s not a settled issue only argued about by fringe groups.
August 2, 2023 @ 9:07 am
Accusing someone of ‘virtue signaling’ is basically saying you’re more virtuous than they are…
July 27, 2023 @ 11:14 am
Almost nobody wants to take away same sex marriage. What we want is to not have people shoving gayness, transness and other lifestyle choices down our throats. We are not against people living as they wish, but we don’t want our children programmed by those with an agenda we don’t accept. It’s not others place, including public schools, corporations, and entertainers to force feed their values on our children. You do you, but quit militantly demanding that we accept your viewpoint. You also can’t shut up our right to speak out with our beliefs. It’s not bigotry to have the view that certain ways of living are immoral and harmful to society. It’s a conversation that shouldn’t be censored, and if it’s not censored a reasonable resolution will eventually be achieved. If you censor one side, it creates anger and a stiffer resistance to your viewpoint, violence even occurs from those that are too extreme, on both sides. The problem with those like Tyler is they pick fights that have been settled. The issue of gay marriage is settled to those that aren’t crazy or paranoid. I think he’s just trying to impress his “artsy” friends with this album/video. I live in the same town as he does. I won’t comment on what I see from that angle/perspective, other than I think he has influences that won’t maximize his career in the long run. He could become an iconic artist that transforms country music, but I doubt it happens because it seems he’s distracted and has veered of that path. It’s quite possible he doesn’t care and is happy on this lesser journey, much like Colter Wall. Each album since Whitehouse Road has been a disappointment. This one will most likely be as well.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:01 pm
I grew up an hour or so from Tyler’s hometown and I’ll only note that I don’t recall an uproar about “children programmed by those with an agenda” when the military recruiters were in our school cafeteria several times a week after Bush claimed there were WMDs in Iraq. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather my children be gay than for them to be potentially be physically or mentally disabled if they make it home at all. But maybe you disagree and that’s your right.
But gay people do exist and the purpose of school is to prepare children for life in the real world, not the world as you want it to be. In the real world, they may (and almost certainly will) encounter people of different racial, cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as people who identify as LGBT. Teaching them that these people exist and talking a little about their background and beliefs isn’t indoctrination, it’s education. Indoctrination is pretending they don’t exist simply because you don’t want them to. We have too much ignorance already and I don’t want my tax dollars subsidizing more of it.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:48 pm
“We are not against people living as they wish, but we don’t want our children programmed by those with an agenda we don’t accept. It’s not others place, including public schools, corporations, and entertainers to force feed their values on our children.”
But you’re absolutely okay with prayer being put back into public schools, the Ten Commandments being put back into public schools, “in God we trust” being printed on money. You’re okay with those things being shoved down people’s throats, right?
July 27, 2023 @ 12:51 pm
So, you’re posting under “Bibs” today instead of “CountryKnight” I guess?
July 27, 2023 @ 1:03 pm
Bibs and CountryKnight are two separate commenters, and I have confirmed this as we have discussed before. This is a very positive and productive conversation for the most part. Please don’t ruin it with divisiveness and accusations.
Thank you.
July 27, 2023 @ 4:46 pm
Interstate Daydreamer, you are ok with trans and gay stuff and leftist Marxist talk in classrooms, but not bibles, god and prayer?
July 28, 2023 @ 4:51 am
Adam, I’m a teacher. It is indoctrination when public schools demand that students accept that being gay or trans is morally OK and suggest that those who disagree with these lifestyle based on moral or religious, grounds are bigots and can’t openly state their opinion. That is exactly what kids are being taught from the very moment they enter a public school. My son had a gay teacher recently. I went to that man and we had a conversation about the fact if my son came home and gave me any indication that the gay lifestyle was being promoted or talked about that we would have a public issue because I would bring it up at a school board meeting. I am fine with my kid having a gay teacher, but I will not accept him being told he has to accept that it’s OK, or not OK. I will not accept a govt. employee suggesting to my kid that my values are wrong or bigoted. It is not a public entities job to give my child moral/religious advice. In my classroom, I don’t suggest students be Christian or adopt any religious values, etc. It’s their parents ‘place to teach them these types of things. So, you are dead ass wrong if you don’t think many in then LBGT community aren’t “coming for peoples” and/or schools aren’t cramming this ideology down kids’ throats.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:01 am
Bibs,
Please understand that this is a country music website. It’s not a proper place for you to rage about whatever cultural issues are bothering you. I understand there is a LGBT quotient to this story, but this is not about schools, teachers, etc. Let’s please stay on topic.
July 28, 2023 @ 5:07 am
There is no “Marxist” talk in classrooms, Junior. That’s a scare tactic used by you loony right wing nutjobs.
And no, I am not okay with Bibles and prayer in public school classrooms. And I say this as a practicing Christian. Would you be okay with the Quran in public school classrooms?
July 28, 2023 @ 9:27 am
I got new for ya, Bibs….your views ARE bigoted and being gay IS morally OK.
July 28, 2023 @ 9:31 am
And another thing Bibs (or CountryKnight, or Court Jester of wherever, or whatever name you prefer), your assertion that it “isn’t morally ok” is the same assertion that was used for years to prevent interracial couples from marrying, or to prevent integration of schools. You can claim all you want that your views aren’t bigoted or that you aren’t bigoted, but the fact is your views are and you are.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:10 pm
The problem is, “shoved down our throats” means a video about a not uncommon American couple. Please enlighten us where Tyler is “militantly demanding” you accept his view point. Tell us how this video about love and loss is “programming children.” And it doesn’t sound like anyone is shoving anything down your throat when you can just turn off the video.
Gay couples exist. They don’t have a duty to hide from you because you think they are “immoral.” If you don’t like how gay people can be featured in art, don’t watch it. But don’t say they’re shoving anything down your throat.
July 30, 2023 @ 10:16 am
I keep hearing this “shoved down our throats” line. And aside from the obvious Freudian material, I’d like to know what this exactly means? Were you eye held open with toothpicks and you were forced to watch the video, a la Clockwork Orange or Birdbox? Or, did you hear the buzz, decide to check the video out, and decide it wasn’t for you. And that’s fine. But no one is forcing anything by writing a song or releasing a video.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:50 am
“Impactful” as in “it made me feel something because it was a well written, well directed short of a sad story”, not social commentary.
I actually listened to the song on the way into work this morning and just heard a love song. I didn’t watch the video until I saw others were talking about it. I still didn’t connect it lyrically with any homosexual undertones, even after.
I had a different take on “Cast Iron Skillet”, I think too many people missed the forest for the trees on that one. To me, that song was more about the town/culture than the subject couple and direct family.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:13 am
It’s easy to see a song promoted as social commentary as that only and forget that it’s also just a song.
Good point on “Cast Iron Skillet.” It’s a great song, I wasn’t arguing otherwise.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:45 am
The song is clearly a love song for his wife. The video is unrelated. Just a story he wanted to tell.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:46 am
Same thing here. Listened to the song without seeing the video. Thought it was a great song. Paid no more attention to it.
Now, having seen the video, i am worried that i wont be able to resist a Bud light.
Because that’s what happens if you are not careful.
July 27, 2023 @ 3:49 pm
Nothing says winning like slugging down carbonated urine to “own the Cons”. Am I right?
July 27, 2023 @ 7:03 pm
💯 agree with the above. For TC’s I heard a love song period. For Isbell culture and place. Any.good artist can weave a story that could be open to interpretation depending on the lenses one is looking out from.
July 27, 2023 @ 7:26 pm
I would also add to my point of the lenses one views things from …. I was in tears with part of Isbell’s cast iron skillet because it actually reminded me of my own story from many years ago as a young white girl who’s family disowned her b/c she was madly in love with a poor white country boy and let me tell you, damn if Isbell doesn’t hit it on the head in terms of the damage that kind of misunderstanding can create (“treats her like a queen, you don’t know because you dont see…”) ….he is a poet of place, deeply rooted in so much and the complexity of it all. Which is in my opinion at the essence of the South and Appalachia and the contradictions of humanity.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:17 am
Man, I’ve been so burned by Childers after his last brace of releases, it’s kind of hard to get my dander up for this. I was one of the saps who forked out $60 (before shipping) in advance for that x3 disc “Hounds” package on good faith. That faith was not rewarded. In fact, I felt a little insulted by it.
I’ll hold fire on saying ‘Tyler Childers is nothing without Strugil Simpson’ until I hear the full album… but it’s increasingly looking that way from where I sit.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:41 am
I’ll stop short on saying he’s “nothing without Sturgill” for a few reasons.
A. Tyler wrote all the songs on “Purgatory” and “Country Squire” himself, his talent as a songwriter and melody maker is undeniable
B. Sturgill had nothing to do with “Hard Times”, and that album, being as good as it is with essentially just him and his guitar, is as good of a representation of Childer’s talent as you can find. Not to mention the Red Barn Radio album, which is also phenomenal.
C. Childers voice is generational, to a level that its inspired dozens of copycats, none of which come close to being as good as his. Sturgill can’t sing for him, and he definitely does not need to.
BUT: what I will say is that it might be Sturgill’s vision on the production and instrumentation side that is capable of letting Childer’s songs reach their full potential, at least to a higher degree than somebody else or Tyler can.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:06 am
All good points but hell, I didn’t see much songwriting prowess on that last record. And the fact that he re-recorded “Purgatory” and actually made it worse… I mean, if I was Strugill and I heard that, I’d have been downright insulted.
Great studio collaborations are always hard to find and harder to replicate. I’m sure not being able to record with his own band probably irked Childers and fair enough.
Artistic control is important for any artist but “Hounds” was a release where someone really needed to step in and say, “you can’t put that out like that”.
Hopefully he’s learned and this release will have more focus and identity.
July 28, 2023 @ 9:32 am
I haven’t liked anything he’s done since Purgatory. I remember talking Dustin that owned Duke’s in Indianapolis after his next album came out and we both thought it was awful. I gave him another shot with Hounds last year, I gave it two listens on a drive from Louisville to Florida and it sucked. Sometimes you peak early. IMO he’s living off reputation, I haven’t heard anything out of him that makes me think he’s the generational talent everyone insists he is, I think he made one hell of a record he can live off of the rest of his life and that’s it.
July 28, 2023 @ 2:14 pm
I totally agree. Childers is a one-album wonder. He is a curious case though – with Purgatory being such an undeniable testimony to his great talent, you wonder why he can’t put together anything else approaching that.
July 29, 2023 @ 11:54 am
Maybe he needs Sturgill to be the guiding voice in the studio. Some creative people need someone to weed out their bad ideas. I think what frustrates me is that his fans have went all in on him and refuse to acknowledge that he’s not been good for a while. You can be critical and still be a fan. I love Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen, but I thought their HMBWT Volume 3 was awful.
July 30, 2023 @ 1:48 pm
Yeah, I’d say that Hounds and Long Violent History in particular show you’re right: he needs someone to steer him in the studio so that he can put his best stuff out in front, and not get led astray by the musical workouts of his “Ever Lovin’ Hand”.
July 31, 2023 @ 8:07 am
Meanwhile…I’d rate Bottles and Bibles over Purgatory, haha!
July 31, 2023 @ 8:51 am
There is much merit to this take, and I am inclined to agree.
Did you see Turnpike in Philly?
August 1, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Ah, I wish! I’m in Europe until September – missing Steve Earle by two days (luckily I caught him when he was over here).
August 1, 2023 @ 9:38 am
Damn. I am envious. What part? Work, I take it?
Turnpike is in 100% form with Evan healthy. Can’t miss.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:19 am
Great song. And for those wondering if the message is necessary in this day and age, all you have to do is read the comments on social media to know it’s more necessary than ever. Only seven songs is less than ideal, but hell we only got six last time, and it was a lot more expensive.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:21 am
I know he shouldn’t charge like he does, but Childers just doesn’t prioritize or respect the recorded music part of the industry. I mean, how many CDs or LPs will he really sell? 1k? Those people are fanatics and would buy anything he releases. 99.9% of the sales or quantified units counted will be digital. So no harm, no foul not releasing the track list.
Childers is a live/ in concert artist that makes you buy a ticket (or streaming ticket) to hear his best songs.
There was some fear on my part, the miner snippets from the video released earlier in the week was for “Nose on the Grindstone.” I contest that that song is the highlight of his concerts around these parts and after what he did to “Hounds,” I never want him to properly record it.
Childers nails it about not recording in Nashville. Isaac (49 Winchester) and other Appalachian artists have echoed the same sentiment.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:33 am
Childers will sell well more than 1K physical with this release. It will probably be closer to 16-17K upon release, and maybe 40-50K in the first year. I’d have to go back and find the numbers for “Can I Take My Hounds,” but my guess is they will be comparable.
Again, I’m not trying to discourage anyone from pre-ordering/buying this album. But I feel like it’s imperative that the media let’s people know what they’re getting, and none of the copy from the publicist Sacks & Co. divulges that, nor do the direct pre-order links.
Remember, when “Can I Take My Hounds” was first released, this was a huge issue, with the majority of initial reviews on Amazon and other places being very negative from Tyler Childers fans paying $60 for the vinyl package, and angry they only received 3 or 4 new songs. That’s why it’s a little unnerving that there are only seven songs here with a certain amount of covers, and it least appears they don’t want the public to know that. I do.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:27 am
Ive only ever played the first disc of the last album and listened to bits of the rest of it but Ive never regarded the other two discs as being essential. I listened to disc 1 or side 1 and I do think it grows on you. But with the rumour that theres tonnes of other gospel songs he could have used so Take my hounds to heaven sounds like a mixed opportunity.
Im still interested in what hes doing here but do think hes fallen behind folk like colter wall and Vincent Neil Emerson BUT hes so talented it would be foolish to write him off.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:30 am
Well that song wasn’t the most country thing I’ve ever heard to say the least…can definitely tell it was produced by The Food Stamps lol. Not a bad song but certainly another new direction sonically for him. All I’ll say is that, for whatever reason, he’s seemed intent on distancing himself as far as possible from the Purgatory fanbase over the past few years.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:36 am
I don’t care if one track is longer (doubt it)
I’m putting my foot down on a 7-song “album”
3 songs on one side? Is this a joke?
July 27, 2023 @ 10:43 am
Please please have Percheron Mules on the album
July 27, 2023 @ 10:44 am
One of the great things about streaming is that it doesn’t matter how long an album is or how many songs it has. The only people who buy physical releases are collectors anyway, so it doesn’t really matter there either. This is a good thing, as it means artists aren’t forced to produce dull filler or wait years to release stuff.
July 27, 2023 @ 5:57 pm
Collectors and people who prefer good sound as opposed to a compressed file. The average listener can’t hear the difference between the two, but many can. Whatever works best for each individual. Streaming is convenient.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:44 am
Releasing a 7 song “album” that has covers is just annoying. I enjoy some covers when they are mixed in with a decent amount of original material, but this feels like it’ll be a let down like CITMHTH. Guess time will tell.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:44 am
It’s great bringing in Silas on this based on Silas own personal background and the song is a good song that will make Tyler money from all the weddings that it will be played at from here on out. Like others have said though, wish is was longer than 7 songs with a lot of them being unreleased songs you can find on YouTube everyday .
July 27, 2023 @ 10:50 am
Back to the song, are those opening notes echoing The Dance? Would make sense and fits the 90s retro theme of the video as well.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:12 am
Might have a separate song/video review for this. There was a lot of information to push out here and I didn’t want to intermix that with review stuff.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:13 am
That’s the one. I’ve been rolling those opening notes around in my head trying to figure where he lifted them from, thanks for putting my mind at ease.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:52 am
Since we don’t know the track list or length maybe he has a full-length cover of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida on it. That would qualify it as an LP.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:54 am
Journalist.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:02 am
Totally lost me as a fan since 2019. Maybe I’m wrong, but I get the feeling that he is unsure what he wants to be aristically. There are so many artists to chose from who are hitting their grove (e.g., Charles Wesley Godwin, 49 Winchester, and Jesse Daniel, etc.) that I very rarely even consider listening to Tyler. I’ll continue to pass.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:13 pm
He’s very sure, the problem is he wants to spout off political BS that insults half the country. Isbell, Karen Morris, Mickey and Sturgill fell into similar traps. i dont want to be lectured by these people about morals and told I am a horrible person for voting for Trump. I just want good music. His music took a backseat to the woke sloganeering. Why would I want to be told I am a horrible person for being conservative. No thanks, I’ll just listen to someone else.
July 27, 2023 @ 7:08 pm
I think Tyler has that Neil Young artistic gene in him. Meaning he’s going to do whatever pops in his head.
1. Wants to make a fiddle record
2. Wants to write a song about racial discrimination
3. Wants to make a record about his spirituality
4. Wants to make a techno version of said record
5. Wants to make a video about rural gays
There’s no telling what he’ll do next.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:38 am
a true Outlaw in the modern day sense of the word.
Fitting in a box is b-o-r-i-n-g!!!!!!!
July 27, 2023 @ 11:12 am
I do have one social commentary about the video (if you allow).
As a gay man, I never let me sexuality define who I am. I’ve never participated in a Pride event and very rarely went to gay bars (but I don’t disparage those who do). And I don’t need Tyler Childers to validate my choices.
But, I do feel like we are at the dawn of a New Appalachia (like the New South BJ Barham sung about) with artists like Tyler Childers, Chris Stapleton, Sierra Ferrell, and Sturgill Simpson leasing the way.
I write a lot of the Industrial Revolution under way in this region, but attitudes and acceptance is evolving too. And seeing the positive comments on social media posts for this video make my heart want to burst.
It’s a good day.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:46 am
I agree, and I appreciate your perspective on this. I don’t think we should fault anyone for trying to address racism and homophobia in Appalachia (or anywhere else) through their music. Reading Tyler’s perspective in the NPR interview, I think he is very aware that there is a line when you broach these kinds of subjects, and when you cross into terse name-calling, you’re not doing anybody any good. I do wonder about the effectiveness of what he’s trying to do here. But instead of yelling at people on Twitter, he’s trying to present a story that perhaps may open some people’s hearts.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:55 am
I do wish the song would have been released for some time before the video. That way the song could have had a life of its own.
One smart thing I remember Garth Brooks saying back in the day was he didn’t like making music videos because it robbed the listener of their own personal experience.
In this case, all everyone is going to be talking about is the music video and the song is playing second fiddle.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:25 pm
Another good point. Often, the videos take away from the songs, not lend to them. That is one of the reasons I rarely used them when previewing songs at the end of album reviews. Every once in a while, there is a great video, and I make sure to feature it. But I honestly feel like many videos are made more for the artists than the public. They like those visual representations of their songs. But unless they’re ambiguous enough, videos impress a static interpretation on a song that otherwise would not be there.
I think in this case, the publicist/label saw that the best way to get the attention of the media was to release the song and video simultaneously, and I think they’re probably correct. Also, a 5-week lead time between announcement and release is pretty rare these days. We’re used to waiting 3-4 months. That means this album has an unusually short lead time, likely because they don’t have a lot of tracks, so they don’t have a lot of singles to release beforehand.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:06 pm
I have already read someone saying he was virtue signaling. What the heck?
Your point about him not yelling on Twitter is a great one. I thought his BLM thing was fantastic because he was not pointing fingers or casting judgement, but rather was offering a different perspective. I LOVE when someone puts their foot in the arena of these types of issues and does not do it with hate and finger pointing.
I am sure someone will hate me somehow for saying all of this and I feel bad for them because I cannot even envision a counterpoint where I will get reprimanded.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:11 pm
He is a woke virtue signaler. There is not a contingent of white Hickman Holler residents going to the city murdering city dwellers in Philly. I do not support Burn Loot Murder or any of their goals at all. They are a violent, racist, paramilitary group intent on spreading their political aims by violence and intimidation. If you can’t make your political points without resorting to violence I want no part of that. You don’t think his song, and his interviews he points fingers and blames people? You read that part about Trump and Christians? What are your own politics, RJ? And what did you think of Aldeans video and song? Was that just someone expressing their view or did you call for the video banned and canceling of Aldean? Speak up, RJ!
July 27, 2023 @ 6:03 pm
He never mentioned BLM. He talked in generalities, and what he said was authentic. Black people are sometimes unfairly targeted by police. This is true, and anyone saying it’s not is talking nonsense.
And this is coming from someone who is not at all down with BLM or the DEI initiatives.
Tyler spoke apolitical truth in that video. It wasn’t virtue signaling. Has he said actual pro BLM statements? If so I haven’t heard them.
July 27, 2023 @ 6:10 pm
First, Tyler Childers never said he was against Christians in the new NPR interview. What he said is that he was concerned people would take him as a “Christian Nationalist” for releasing a religious-based album, and so he included an element of multi-culturalism in the main video for the album.
As for Tyler Childers mentioning BLM, he did do this in the video that accompanied “Long Violent History.” He said, “Stop being so taken Aback by Black Lives Matter.”
July 27, 2023 @ 6:42 pm
Ouch. I don’t like to be wrong, but I believe you, Trigger. I will say that although I was never down with the protests or symbols, I did have a lot of sympathy for BLM in their early days. They lost my sympathy when it became clear the protests were cover for violent actions and the group itself was corrupt.
July 28, 2023 @ 4:52 am
First, thank you for actually asking questions and being respectful. This conversation has gone into politics and unfortunately that is rare.
I only know about him what I have seen and heard personally and I have not seen any direct evidence of that. Perhaps I simply have not seen the right things, but one thing I do not do is draw conclusions about certain things people have said when they may not be true.
My politics are very simple, they are grace, mercy, and love through the lens of realism. I do not lean in any direction because the vast majority of it is garbage fueled by hate.
July 27, 2023 @ 7:07 pm
yes, exactly James. While he did say they are killed by police, statistics show around 9 unarmed blacks are killed by police every year. In a nation of 350 million, the 9 are sad but its a lie to say they are targeted or theres a genocide going on. Thats just silly. And like you, when it became clear, during the Summer of Saint Floyd, that the impetus was causing mass destruction to buildings and businesses, burning them down, looting, and murder by BLM, the idea I would support their cause flew out the window. if you remember in the first days of protests Trump and Hannity and every conservative supported them. But once the violence came to the fore and it was clear thats what was driving it, the conservatives correctly abandoned the cause. As did many on the left to be clear. BLM was never a legitimate organization, its stated goal is Marxian, and they want to cause the destruction of the nuclear family. Thats on their website. And they are terrorists just as ISIS or AlQaeda is and should be treated no differently. If you cant express your political stance calmly, and peacefully without violence and trying to burn down federal courthouses or throwing rocks at cops, then thats not a cause I want any part of. I dont support BLM or any of its goals or missions. I support cops not thugs, criminals and hoodlums. They killed 40 people in the summer of Fentanyl Floyd. And caused billions in property damages. I support the harshest possible punishment for any rioter caught in that. If police end up slamming rioters on the ground, or being harsh with them when caught. oh well. Maybe next time dont riot. Tylers premise was that if Hickman Holler residents were being killed like blacks we would raise hell. Whites are more likely to be killed by police than blacks. Without Googling, tell me the name of some black people killed by police in the last 7 years. Now also without Googling, tell me the name of a white person killed by police in the same time frame. The fact there is that discrepancy tells you everything. One fits the narrative, one doesnt. 9 unarmed killed every year isnt a crisis, isnt genocide, and isnt targeted racism. You follow specific rules and you dont get killed by police. In 99 percent of these cases the suspects mouth off to cops, run, grab for the cops gun, lunge at them, try to escape in a car. Thats not how you calm a situation and the cop has every right to react with lethal force if their lives are in danger or the public’s life is in danger. Jacob Blake got what was coming to him. Ahmaud was a felon scoping out his next targeted house and neighborhood, and Saint Floyd, was a convicted felon, who put a loaded gun to a pregnant woman’s stomach during an armed robbery, who swallowed his baggy of meth, fentanyl and pot, was driving under the influence of these drugs and was freaking out because of this. Non compliant, and refused to follow orders. Their deaths were preventable. Not by restricting police, but allowing police to actually do their jobs and go after felons. I stand by all cops who do what is necessary to protect us all. Chauvin did nothing wrong.
July 27, 2023 @ 7:17 pm
What would be wrong with being a Christian Nationalist? If you are Christian shouldn’t you want a Christian nation? Im sure Jewish Americans want the same thing. As do Islamic Americans. Catholic Americans. I dont get the problem with Christian Nationalism.
July 28, 2023 @ 6:58 am
First of all – Catholics are Christians, they’re the OG Christians. Next, we are to be governed by laws that benefit everyone, and not everyone is Christian. A Christian nationalist USA, at least, would go against everything the 1st Amendment states as there would be no freedom of religion.
July 27, 2023 @ 8:05 pm
…”I don’t think we should fault anyone for trying to address racism and homophobia in Appalachia (or anywhere else) through their music.”….
Why?
It’s stupid to address things that don’t exist (homophobia), or exist in such tiny numbers that it’s irrelevant(racism).
July 27, 2023 @ 1:06 pm
But isnt that the issue? No Republican has an issue with gay marriage or gays. The idea of homophobia or transphobia in 2023 is silly. No one on the right refuses to go to a gay neighborhood and is worried about gay crime, that they may get carjacked in San Francisco. Thats not reality. It’s a difference of opinion as opposed to phobia. The problem is actually gays and trans people do make it their entire personality. My straightness, I dont wear it everywhere, I dont meet someone and say Im straight. Don’t dress in straight colors. The issue is, it is a private action, who you sleep with, brought to a public setting. I dont need to know who you sleep with or what goes on. Thats your buisness. Why subject us to that thought. Gay and trans stuff invades the world in spaces it shouldn’t. I dont need a teacher telling me about pronouns to a kindergartner. The problem is the gay issue is too public. No one is getting denied a job in 2023 and getting murdered because they are gay. The idea that things are in 2023 as bad now for gay people as they were in 1911 is so silly and it’s a lie.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:13 am
I can welcome 7 solid songs not previously recorded. I have avoided watching Childers songs on YouTube that I know aren’t on his albums for this reason. But PLEASE no instrumental tracks on what already is a short track list. That, along with the pointless rerecording of Purgatory, was my biggest beef with Hounds.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:44 am
It wasn’t just pointless….it was terrible.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:13 am
Six songs and a cover? Unless they’re stretching out like ABB, Phish or the Dead, that’s an EP. It’s not worth the cheese they’re asking for.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:13 am
Another artist that I loved their earlier stuff and have seen live, but to me at least has just gotten mediocre and tiresome over time. To each their own though, I know some people are still drinking the cool aid.
My comment on the video is 2 words: Of course.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:19 am
The price of vinyl, across the board, has gone nuts. It’s the sign of a healthy market and I’m all for actually buying a person’s record rather than streaming but we must be in some kind of bubble. I was in a record store recently and they were asking $25 for a second hand, G+ at best, David Allan Coe record. I mean, what in the world!?
July 31, 2023 @ 5:24 pm
Actually if you get on Discogs and see what some of DACs records go for, $25 is a steal. The rarer ones go for big bucks. Supply and demand at its finest…
July 27, 2023 @ 11:25 am
Tyler has bad influences that are causing poor decisions and distracting him from what should. R his goal, at least musically. Each album since Whitehouse Road has been a disappointment. This one will surely be as well. It’s sad that he’s not maximizing his career and legacy. He has immense talent. Maybe he’s happy to muddle around, cash relatively big checks, and live his life without dealing with the fame he could achieve, not that fame should be his goal.To each his own.
July 31, 2023 @ 8:57 am
What exactly are his “bad influences”?
July 27, 2023 @ 11:39 am
Yeah, count me as one who felt burned by Hounds and will wait and see for this one. I was actually optimistic until “7 songs” and “some covers”
July 27, 2023 @ 11:42 am
I’ve listened to this song a few times today and I’ve come to the conclusion that it just isn’t good. The lyrics are lazy and that weird run on sentence in the chorus is messy at best. Let’s hope he doesn’t mail in the other six songs.
July 27, 2023 @ 11:59 am
An obvious point but the fact that you ask if it’s necessary when you wouldn’t if it was just another dude and hot chick making out in a country video kind of demonstrates why it is.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:58 pm
Not true. We ask why it needs to be for exactly the opposite reason. Left wing people view everything from a race, LBGT perspective, and the most progressives think they have to create their art with a cause that supports their agenda. It’s the cool thing to do. If the video weren’t in the context of the militancy of the left, who specifically state that they are going after others kids, hold parades where they shake their genitals at kids, feel it’s OK to castrate an 8 year old boy based on his logical(yeah right) belief he’s a girl, and use public schools to indoctrinate others kids. I’m a teacher; they are without question indoctrinating people’s kids to adopt their values. They are getting more clever and not calling it by certain names, but it’s happening. We want you to be yourself, but to not militantly force your values on us and our kids. The issue I have is with those that deny that it’s happening, if you deny reality you can’t be rational and discussions can’t occur. I also have an issue with men that dress as women and use women’s/little girl’s restrooms. You shouldn’t be able to mask your physical identity. It allows for perverts to commit sex crimes. I agree it doesn’t happen rampantly, but it happens enough to be a concern. If you don’t want to be a dude, make the transition and I’m all good. People that feel homosexuality is a sin based on religious reasons should also not be censored. The Bible unequivocally states that homosexuality is an abomination to God. “You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination,” (Leviticus 18:22). You don’t have to agree or be religious, and that’s fine, but religious people should not be censored, neither should you. However, your side is attempting to cancel people and censor them calling it hate. It’s not hate. I would defend your right to be gay, etc. and say what you want. I don’t want any harm to come to those that are gay, etc. 99% of Americans don’t. However, I think it’s OK for those that disagree to say so, even to a gay, trans. persons face. Just because you don’t like it, doesn’t matter. The Constitution protects your rights, not your feelings. If the LBGT community is suggesting we shouldn’t be allowed to hurt their feelings, that’s not your right, Your feelings and my feelings don’t matter. To argue that people should accept your viewpoint is arrogant and people are not bad for not approving of these lifestyles. The LBGT community is hurting their cause. I didn’t give a damn what they did until my kids started school and had to enter the indoctrination process. They are creating more enemies by their desire to “go after our kids.” Last month that chant was heard loudly at a NYC pride parade, so don’t deny it. Government institutions that deal with citizens’ kids should not be pushing agendas that a large number of people find unacceptable. Our kids and families already put very little value on learning and our schools suck compared to most other nations. Schools need to worry about the fact that the average American can’t do math or science relative to the rest of the civilized world.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:05 pm
We’re going out of bounds folks. Let’s please keep the discussion on topics, or I’ll be forced to close this comments section.
July 28, 2023 @ 6:58 pm
You are so forgiving to conservatives and so quick to shut down the comments when a liberal speaks their mind. I don’t know how you can even pretend to be even handed anymore.
July 28, 2023 @ 7:39 pm
Do be serious …
July 27, 2023 @ 4:43 pm
Bibs is correct.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:19 pm
Every single time a progressive country artist makes a statement or takes a stand for a social cause, it only helps to reestablish the original purpose of the “genre” as the voice of the common people.
I’ve been a country fan my entire life, and I’ve had my finger on the pulse of this “alt country” thing or whatever you want to label it since shooter put the O back in country. I remember thinking it was so cool to hear kickass music with sonic and lyrical components I could get into from someone who i felt like was speaking from the heart and not pandering in any way. I LOVE when something like “long violent history” or this video come out because it’s cool to see someone from this part of the world state loudly that this is what the south is really about. You have assholes everywhere with super loud opinions but of course those are magnified in the country music sphere, especially on social media.
Worst case scenario he’s going to lose some fans he doesn’t probably want anyways. Best case scenario, it causes some bubba out there to question the echo chamber he’s been living in and feel empathy for someone who is different from them, and the more challenging that is to their worldview the better. This kind of visibility and allyship is a vessel for changes in heart.
Side note, reminds me of when I went to Birmingham in February 2020 for the first night of the Ill-fated good look’n arena tour with him and Sturgill. It was hilarious because the crowd was nothing but frat boys and once Sturgill came out wearing a fucking black nudie suit with red Japanese dragons embroidered and just started wailing on a Les Paul through a marshall stack, the place cleared out. Like three songs in he remarked “I see all the yeti cooler crowd is gone, let’s fucking party”
Trigger, as a long time lurker and commenter please allow me this semi related tangent. Slow day at work.
Last night leaving the Barbie movie, there was a frat boy in line wearing the full uniform that asked me to bum a dip. He asked what we were seeing and i told him we were between films (highly recommend barbenheimer btw) and we had just seen Barbie. His face looked puzzled and he said something to the tune of “I’m not gonna go see that, i heard it’s nothing but a bunch of feminist man hating bull” i then explained that it was very well done and none of it was incorrectly portrayed. He actually told me he thinks he’s too insecure for something like that and kind of laughed it off. I told him it would probably be good for him. I could tell he felt challenged by that in some way. I think Tyler’s outspokenness on social causes has the potential to affect people in the same way. He has the yeti cooler crowd by the hats, and the younger ones who are flexible and open minded individuals with the capacity for growth may actually consider how ridiculous some of the things they have been taught really are. I think it’s cool to be a friend to all and there’s nothing cooler than to stand up for your friends.
End rant
July 27, 2023 @ 4:37 pm
Seems to me you only approve of country music and culture content when it supports your own political viewpoints. If Barbie was spouting off about how great red states and conservatives were, would you support that movie? What was Barbie spouting off in this specific one though. And as far as authenticity and pandering, I have no doubt Tyler believes what he says. But just this week, half the country felt Aldean spoke for them and was authentic and speaking the truth. My guess is that didn’t agree with you. Why? Aldean speaks loudly and proudly for his neck of the woods as well. You name checked a bunch of leftist artists and movies, Sturgill, Tyler and Barbie, all fit into a specific political model. Do you extend that grace to others from the other side of the aisle too or just when it agrees with your political ideology? You mentioned how amazing it is that Tyler and Sturgill are so outspoken on issues. Are you happy Aldean, Aaron Lewis and others are outspoken on issues important to them as well? Lots of people are outspoken and speak the truth, not just leftists.
July 27, 2023 @ 5:01 pm
I’m glad that everyone has the right to say whatever is on their hearts in any public forum. I love America and believe the first amendment to be the most sacred rule in the land.
That said, guys like tyler and Stu have nothing to gain by standing by their convictions. Every time Sturgill said something politically controversial on his rise he was shedding fans which in that age of touring dote fly affects his livelihood. I’m the other side, it’s a bit of a different situation and I can’t help but think there’s a bit of pandering in some cases and downright grifting in others when the right leaning acts rile up their fans. It only helps them sell records. Maybe their rhetoric is indicative of their actual beliefs, maybe they ham it up to stir controversy and make money, and maybe the truth is somewhere in the middle.
As for me, I grew up in the south surrounded by guys like that and once wasn’t too far off from it myself before I developed my own values outside of that ingrained mindset. Please don’t think I’m saying this with any sort of hubris or arrogance because I’m not looking down on anyone, that’s not my style, but I believe what I believe just like they do. Rock and roll is a found religion and as a devotee I hope that more guys like tyler, Sturgill, Margo price, isbell, or any of the rest of them (a very long list) keep pointing out the silliness of the world and it makes some people think their own independent thoughts for once in their lives. I’m not a raging leftist whatsoever, but I’m hard pressed to name a modern artist whose output I seriously respect who isn’t at least a little left of center, and I just think it’s indicative of a more inclusive and progressive mind frame. You disagree with me and that’s perfectly okay. That’s your right. I love everyone and I think that’s sort of the message I’m attracted to. Love above all.
July 27, 2023 @ 5:13 pm
I didn’t proofread that so read the context clues. Sorry for typos
August 1, 2023 @ 2:41 pm
Fabulous comment here. As someone who grew up in the patriotism, blind faith, cancel-the-Dixie-Chicks, Freedom Fries era / region of the world, finding artists who speak about having second thoughts, complex emotions, and smirking awareness of the irony in the world was quite literally like finding a lifeline to things much bigger than my own feelings of confusion or pain.
It is so interesting how many people think that having a certain accent also denotes a certain political preference or lack of intelligence… this works both ways and for “all sides.” I, for one, appreciate that I can find art in the vernacular that is most familiar and preferable to me that also pushes the envelope of both thinking and sonic possibility. In hindsight, we all like to pretend like ‘A Sailor’s Guide to Earth’ was well-received the day it came out, but lots of people were mad Stu didn’t give them a Waylon Cosplay pt. 3 album.
I attended a Tyler Childers show in Dallas, Texas a few months ago and aside from the atrocious weather management, the crowd was largely insufferable. Young, fratty, belligerent, and talking over every song they didn’t know (which was roughly 70% of the songs TC played that night).
An anecdote that’s relevant to both the EP format and the alienation of art and artist:
I once saw John Baumann in a half-empty room in Fayetteville, AR. It was interesting to me to watch all the U of A frat boys and their dates get most excited when he played ‘Congratulations’ and ‘Midland.’ After the show, I spoke to John for a bit (we have tons of mutual friends) and one of the things I said to him was, “The most interesting thing about irony is that sometimes it’s entirely lost on the very people who most need to experience it.”
I was one of very few people there that night who felt liberated by the West Texas Vernacular EP as opposed to pandered to. It just depends on where you’re coming from and what you want to see/hear. Which is why it’s funny that everyone is up in arms about the music video whereas if he hadn’t released it, this would be another ‘All Your’n’ that gets used as a wedding song by milquetoast people who only know 5 TC songs from the Indigo Spotify playlist.
As for short EPs “being a ripoff,” I also invoked Baumann and West Texas Vernacular because it is inarguably his finest work so far, and clocking in at 5 songs never stopped it from being an instant classic and something I’d gladly pay full price to own.
I do agree that ‘Hounds’ was a bit of a ripoff, but if it had been released as a single album with all of its funkiness and catchy multi-dimensional “angels and devils” layers, it would’ve been much better received. Quantity does not equal quality (see that abomination of a 2+ hour Zach Bryan album for example), but marketing quantity ahead of time, charging accordingly, and basically selling three of the same thing was a bit of bait and switch. The “alternate version” schtick should be explicitly sold as an expanded album, not the only way to purchase.
I, for one, am thrilled to get more Childers music this year. I love the live cuts of ‘Rusting in the Rain’ I’ve seen. I think ‘In Your Love’ is a bit blah for me, and I thought so before I even knew a music video existed. I just think some of TC’s recent love songs are honestly a bit too plain for his usually breathtaking songwriting. ‘Born Again’ is one of the great love songs of all time. ‘All Your’n’ is shockingly boring in comparison. Ditto for ‘Lady May’ vs. ‘In Your Love.’ Hopefully the rest of the album gives us tracks that are a little more complex, and if and where they’re simple and sweet, I hope they really do lean more Elvis and less Indigo.
Thanks to TC for caring about what matters to him, being a gentleman about it, and hopefully thinning the crowd of frat boys wearing Titelist logo “T!tties” hats at his shows.
August 6, 2023 @ 8:17 pm
I think we’d be fast friends. Thanks for your input.
August 7, 2023 @ 8:46 am
Here I am in old comments, but I agree whole heartedly with your take. I wanted to sit with this song before calling it, but it’s just not a great song. Born Again might be Tyler’s most criminally underrated song and I am a little disappointed as a queer person myself to get representation on what is a disappointing song from Tyler.
Also, as much as I love Silas House, I thought that having the one man die of black lung at such a young age was distractingly inaccurate and a bit cheesy.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:19 pm
I didn’t much care for ‘In Your Love’, not because of the gay relationship in the video but just because it sounded like a generic love song that any musician could write and sing. It could’ve been Ed Sheeran up there. That’s not what turned me on to Tyler Childers. But maybe it’ll grow on me.
I appreciate Trigger raising the concerns about the tracklist and other things. Makes a nice change from other websites’ identi-kit promotional guff and SEO optimization.
I’m still curious about the album though. If I don’t like it, Nick Shoulders is releasing an album the very same day so it’ll be a great day. The single already released from that is a lot of fun.
July 29, 2023 @ 7:44 am
I totally agree on the generic nature of the song; I also feel as though the lyrics don’t flow and the theme isn’t cohesive. As another commenter wrote, the song should have been released well before the music video. Besides, the premise of “gay miners in 1950s Appalachia” is so shoehorned and over-the-top that it removes any ability to relate to the video. The three-CD debacle from Tyler’s last release left me unimpressed (both sonically and business-wise), and I can’t say that 7 songs for $25 or this current drama make me care any more about him as an artist.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:30 pm
I thought the NPR interview was really enlightening. I get what you mean Trigger about gay marriage not necessarily being as divisive anymore as I think recent public opinion polls show 75%+ of Americans thinking it is okay and those that don’t are extremely religious.
But in the interview they talked about using Appalachia as the setting and I think it’s important because often times folks view Appalachia has a monolith of ideas, culture, views, stereotypes etc. when in reality that’s obviously not the case.
Tyler also said it best when he said you need to take a stand. Even if gay marriage isn’t as controversial as it once was, LGBTQ+ rights are under attack all over the country with states banning all kinds of things. I viewed as solidarity overall with the LGBTQ+ movement and not exclusively gay marriage.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:34 pm
Yes, let’s appreciate that Tyler Childers isn’t just trying to speak to people in Appalachia, he’s also trying to represent the people from Appalachia to the outside world, which often gives into the stereotype that they’re all cousin fuckers.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:57 pm
Is he doing that, though? Seems to me he’s speaking on behalf of a contingent of Appalachians who share his political viewpoints. The NPR interview made it sound like authentic Appalachian representation is what he just showed in the video. No doubt there are gay people in Appalachia as there are everywhere. But, Appalachia also has Trump supporters, and Patriots, people who are conservative. Thats part of the culture too. I have no problem with him having an opinion. The part that raises hackles is the sentiment he expressed as did you, that this is the only true representation of Appalachia culture thats ever been done. As if the music, and movies that show conservative, bible believers is somehow misrepresenting the region. Its not. Why Tyler, and the woke crew he hangs with, cause a ruckus, is that they seem to suggest you arent country unless you are a progressive. He said it in that interview. You said it too. The suggestion that any representation of Appalachia being conservative is somehow a thumbing our nose at people in that region is ludicrous. Tyler speaks for a specific political viewpoint of that region. He’s not speaking for that region as a whole. The interviewer even said, how do you deal with Appalachia in this post Trump world. As Trump is long gone, and his ideas are no longer important to the people there. Trump 2024 signs still exist in Hickman Holler, whether Tyler acknowledges it or not.
July 27, 2023 @ 8:01 pm
…..”he’s also trying to represent the people from Appalachia to the outside world, which often gives into the stereotype that they’re all cousin fuckers.”….
Trig,
Are you saying that belief in, and adherence to basic biology, is somehow related to engaging in sexual intercourse with a cousin? And that we need Tyler Childers to convince upper middle-class white people that we don’t engage in sexual intercourse with our cousins, by letting all those upper middle-class white people know that he’s down with the homosexuals?
Like, what the heck are you trying to say man? Lol.
July 27, 2023 @ 3:59 pm
Hi Jeff,
I don’t believe your 75% number for a second. As recently as 2008, only 49% of the most liberal state in the nation was okay with it.
You’re saying that in 15 years we went from 49% of California to 75% of the entire country? B.S.
July 27, 2023 @ 4:15 pm
You could probably find it on the Google if you were a motivated/ curious soul! Most Americans don’t do that kind of thing though!
July 27, 2023 @ 4:32 pm
Hey Bibs,
If you believe that 75% number, then you are very susceptible to media propaganda. By the way, I agree with a lot of your comments and I would say you and I are mostly aligned on things.
I’m opposed to same-sex unions, by the way, in case my position was misunderstood.
July 27, 2023 @ 4:43 pm
Joe,
If you Google the polls for same sex marrige support, they’re all in the 70s.
Gallup:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/506636/sex-marriage-support-holds-high.aspx
In 2021, a majority of Republicans began supporting same sex marriage (55%, it’s higher now)
https://www.npr.org/2021/06/09/1004629612/a-record-number-of-americans-including-republicans-support-same-sex-marriage
I’m not trying to say there isn’t still homophobia in America. Clearly there is. But it’s a 70/30 issue that is trending more in the direction of the 70%.
July 27, 2023 @ 4:56 pm
Hi Kyle,
I don’t believe those polls. Anybody can make a poll say anything they want. There is no freaking way that we went from 49% in CA to 75% in the nation, in 15 years. Do you have any idea how statistically improbable that is?
Is it your belief that opposition to same-sex unions is “homophobia”?
July 27, 2023 @ 5:02 pm
Hey Joe,
If you don’t want to believe the polls, that’s fine. But it’s really all we have to go off of when it comes to public sentiment. No, I don’t think that someone who opposed same sex marriage is necessarily homophobic. Some people are completely fine with gay people and just believe marriage is between a man and a woman, and would rather have civil unions, etc.
My only point is that I’m not sure this issue is as hot button as some may believe. You may disagree and I respect that. But there is data to back this up. If you want to cast off that data, that’s your right. But it’s there.
July 27, 2023 @ 5:15 pm
I appreciate the conversation, Kyle. I’ll tell you exactly what I believe.
I believe the Supreme Court created a Constitutional right, out of thin air, and in doing so, overrode the legal votes of tens of millions of people. Removing people’s right to govern their own states doesn’t move them to your side; it does the opposite.
What it also did, was enable the mainstream media to demonize anyone opposed to what is now a “civil right”, as a “hater”, “homophobe”, or “bigot”. Most of those people are still alive, and still feel the same, but now fear being canceled for sharing their honest opinion.
Do you see what I’m getting at? Combine that with the fact that the mainstream media lies so freely, and I have no doubt you could end up with a 75% poll.
July 27, 2023 @ 5:39 pm
Sorry. I’m just a bit frustrated with the whole damned nation, so I get a bit fired up I want my kids to grow up in a decent world. I don’t give a damned what people do with their lives, just don’t shove your crap on others. I think the thing that bothers me the most is the hypocrisy on both sides of most arguments. Hell, I distrust what I read and see to the point that I sometimes don’t know what to think about issues. As a public school teacher (please for the sake of your children don’t let them be a teacher, the kids and parents are batshit crazy), I do know for certain our kids are being indoctrinated in a sneaky clever way. And, anyone that thinks Tyler Childers represents the average Appalachian perspective is nuts. His views aren’t even close to 90% of the folks that live here.
July 27, 2023 @ 6:34 pm
Kyle, yes. That was my point. No one on the right is phobic of gay people. No one is scared they will get their Apple projects jacked when they go to the Mission in San Fran. We are told trans people and gays are dying. Im sure somewhere people kill gays, and they should be sent to prison for doing so. But the idea that theres a roving group of MAGA’s doing that is ridiculous. Same the last 6 years CNN told us the entire nation is overrun with racists and nazis. Thats just not reality in 2023. So I guess we come back to your claim Tyler’s video wasnt divisive and meant to stir things up, whereas Aldeans was. If gay issues are settled, gay marriage is a reality, you’d be sent to prison for harming someone who is gay, and even more so with hate crime laws, you cant fire someone for being gay, you cant discriminate against someone who is gay, where exactly is the oppressive tyrannical patriarchy that is hellbent on harming gays? Maybe in the past such a thing existed but when every single corporation in American designates and flys your flag for an entire month and is proud of it, you might not be as oppressed as you claim to be.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:50 pm
Im sure the people demanding Aldean be censored and canceled will cheer the new video from Tyler. Funny how that works. It’s like they want Nashville to only be about woke SJW politics shoved down our throats and nothing else. Don’t you dare talk about or show the riots from Fentanyl Floyd 2020. But by all means shove your Marxist politics down our throats. What do you think Tyler feels about Aldeans song? It’s like they are saying MAGA and Appalachia are only Woke SJW and vote Bernie Sanders, and that any other political viewpoint, especially one that supports 45, is not real Appalachia. Really? Sturgill, Tyler, Karen Morris, Mickey all seem to view any rightward political viewpoint as outright racist and that it needs to be rooted out of Nashville. Thats not very tolerant and it’s insane. Will the new video be censored because thats a political viewpoint too, or just Aldean’s video?
July 27, 2023 @ 1:00 pm
For the record, Jason Aldean’s video was not “censored,” though CMT did pull it. It was the most popular video in music last week. The effort to suppress it demonstrably backfired. If you hate this Tyler Childers song, the last thing you would want is for someone to try and censor it. That would only create more attention and popularity behind it.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:15 pm
A few things:
-Most people are not advocating Aldean to be cancelled or his video to be censured. This includes those who hate the song, such as myself.
-I don’t think Childers is as established in Nashville/mainstream country as you think he is. As in, there are no agenda-pushers asking Childers to make this video.
July 27, 2023 @ 12:54 pm
Trigger, while I understand that this is a music site, I hope I can go slightly off-topic for a minute to note that Silas House is one of the several outstanding Appalachian writers out there today. I lean more towards crime fiction myself, so he isn’t my absolute favorite. But if anyone who has enjoyed the storytelling of Tyler, Sturgill, Stapleton, etc. is looking to fill up their summer reading list, House is a great option, as are Chris Offutt, David Joy, Donald Ray Pollock, and S.A. Cosby. I’ve spent many pleasant evenings devouring their work and, speaking as someone who grew up in Appalachia, they are definitely the real deal.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:09 pm
“…a world where gay marriage is legal and was recently affirmed in the United States Congress with bipartisan support.”
The Respect for Marriage Act passed the House 267-157 and the Senate 61-36 in 2022.
Just because there was bipartisan support does not mean the issue is settled or a that there is a wide consensus. That is a lot of votes against the bill and against gay marriage. Tyler Childers, and others, are 100% justified for feeling the need to make these types of videos.
I also agree with his approach and quotes here. It’s important for songs and videos of this nature to be real, and not be preachy or veer into name-calling.
July 27, 2023 @ 1:16 pm
Pausing the comments briefly because I will be away from the desk, and to make sure they don’t get too overheated. I appreciate that the discussion has been mostly civil, but let’s please make sure we stay on topic of Tyler’s album announcement, and the accompanying song and video.
Thanks!
July 27, 2023 @ 4:42 pm
does anybody here know what faith Tyler Childers follows?
July 27, 2023 @ 5:02 pm
I could be wrong but it seems to me he believes there is a higher power and he holds the teachings of Jesus and the church close because of his upbringing. But he’s not a Christian.
July 27, 2023 @ 5:33 pm
I believe he was raised Baptist. I don’t know that he practices anything in particular now, but his songs have been full of Christian imagery since the beginning.
His collaborator on this video is an Episcopalian and, as a Baptist-turned-Episcopalian myself, I suspect that Tyler would find a lot in our denomination he would agree with. But I highly doubt he worships there, since Episcopal parishes aren’t exactly easy to find in Kentucky.
July 27, 2023 @ 7:37 pm
Tyler was very noncommittal, to the best of my memory, in an interview about his religious beliefs.
Adam, we have an Episcopalian Outreach Center in little Estill County Kentucky. It has helped many people in a particularly poor area of our county, especially kids; I was one of them. I remember going there as a child to have something productive to do. They tried to tame us feral creatures, but we weren’t far enough removed from the cave to take that leap. I crawled under the fence long enough to get an education and went back under because I love my people, and I realized many places were more worldly and many people were more formally educated, but no place had better humans, on average.
I don’t care where he goes to church. I know this; I hate his politics snd I think those like him are short sighted and hurting society as a whole. But, I also know he has a big heart, helps his community, and is a humble, genuine man. Life is complicated, cultures and societies are complicated. I wish real conversations could be had where people put aside their agendas, operated with intellectual honesty and thought about what was best for our people in the long term. The void of thoughtful conservative artists is filled by those with loud mouths and a fake masculinity (the loss of real, positive masculinity is a major factor in destroying our society) that spew mindless garbage that doesn’t help their cause, just as woke progressives spew intellectually dishonest, selfish, self serving garbage that hurts their cause as well. As a result we are severely divided and don’t even have a construct to address huge issues so we can move forward in a positive direction. I wish music really moved conversations about these issues forward, but it’s been contaminated/influenced by influences to the point it doesn’t anymore because they most all have hidden agendas. I think Childers is a wonderful human, but I think he’s been pushed by others that have caused him to take up a cause (more than this video) and think/act in a way that’s harming his career, and derailed his music. It’s a damned shame. The guy is an amazing artist, but it’s not coming through. Maybe it’s just a temporary part of his life journey, maybe fatherhood will change him. We shall see.
July 28, 2023 @ 9:38 am
….”I wish real conversations could be had where people put aside their agendas, operated with intellectual honesty and thought about what was best for our people in the long term.”…..
Bibs,
As do I. Unfortunately, there is a very specific group of people on this Earth who have a vested interest in preventing those types of conversations from happening. I’ve spoken at great length about them on this website and many other places as well, with the hopes of educating and awakening my fellow man.
July 28, 2023 @ 5:21 pm
I think by enlarge, most people on this site are reasonable and principled; those that aren’t have been the loudest though. We agree on most things, I didn’t realize you were accused of being me! I hope you have better luck than me convincing people in this world to lay down their agendas, speak from a place of intellectual honesty and goodwill instead of from emotion and what they think to be reality. We are such an insulated nation of people that most of us can’t even fathom how much freedom and tolerance people with controversial ideologies have. We are an uneducated lot when it comes to our own perception of our nation. If the LBGT community doesn’t like America, go to Asia or Africa, go to Russia or China. They would have to keep their lifestyles completely hidden from the govt. In Russia the following is true: “homosexuality is disapproved of by most of the population, and same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are ineligible for the legal protections available to opposite-sex couples. Russia provides no anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people and does not have a designation for hate crimes based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Transgender people aren’t allowed to change their legal gender and all gender-affirming care is banned. There are currently no laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender identity or expression, and recent laws could discriminate against transgender residents.” In September of 2021, NPR reported the following about China. “China’s government banned effeminate men on TV and told broadcasters Thursday to promote “revolutionary culture,” broadening a campaign to tighten control over business and society and enforce official morality.” It’s amazing how much we tear our own nation down, but we are a beacon of tolerance compared to 99% of the world. The LBGT community should be grateful to live in America, not hating on it. It’s just a political ploy for them to gain power and indoctrinate the population. Those that don’t call out their hypocrisy are dishonest cowards driving an agenda based on false claims. I live in Eastern Kentucky, and I have never witnessed an instance of hate based on sexuality. I haven’t seen it ever reported in the local media. I’m sure you could go find an instance, but to say it’s something Tyler Childers needs to address is ridiculous. He’s not brave for doing so, he’s just jumping on a bandwagon trying to impress his artsy friends, or he’s being misled by his friends. It is a red herring issue, and the media would say so if they were objective. We will never make progress and become united if we can’t trust them to be objective on both sides. Sure, we can do better in all aspects, but it’s hard to respect anyone that thinks this is an issue that should divide us to the point it does. I wish the article had been posted without reference to the video. It would have been interesting to see the response. I don’t know if Trigger wants the controversy for the views, I would absolutely take his word as to his reasons, but it’s just not a major issue anymore to most fair-minded people. The only thing people like us want is to leave our kids alone and to not jam it down our throats.
July 28, 2023 @ 7:08 pm
“Unfortunately, there is a very specific group of people on this Earth who have a vested interest in preventing those types of conversations from happening.”
True. That group is the alt right
July 27, 2023 @ 7:34 pm
He’s always got that Baphomet pin on his jacket…
July 27, 2023 @ 6:15 pm
New song was amazing. Bummed the album will only be 7 songs but in the age of streaming who cares.
July 27, 2023 @ 6:57 pm
I first and foremost am a Christian, and I’ve long been a Kentucky born Childers fan. Between this video and Aldean’s in your face Red til I’m dead monstrosity I have lost all faith in music videos. I am more for the music. I have too many instances where agendas and other people’s lifestyles are crammed down our throats. We all can respect each other, that doesn’t mean we have to accept a contrary lifestyle to our faith. It is always disappointing when I hear or see things like this on some of my favorite artists that go against my beliefs, but I won’t ever disrespect their artistry or their life. Way too much hate this week. If you hate a video, change the channel; if they take selfies at a concert, look away; if someone lives contrary to you, love and pray for them. I’m done, just felt led to say something. Lol 🙏
July 27, 2023 @ 7:17 pm
I like this video.
It is about love.
Doesn’t intimate that the main characters are married.
It is about love & loss.
But, i think – mainly about love.
Used to work in the floral design side, and then landscaping side of a business out of INDY, when we first moved from Detroit.
The owners of the landscaping business took care of & watched over, many of their friends, as they died of AIDS.
I love Jacques & Dennis.
And, how they provided shelter in their home, to help those who were in their last years, with their love & compassion.
July 27, 2023 @ 7:53 pm
Nobody should be surprised by this. Childers made it clear he stands in opposition to the Creator of The Universe, when he released that fake “Gospel” album last year. He’s an artist, and he’s led by his emotions. People who are led by their emotions will go almost anywhere their emotions lead them. Virtually everything they believe is based on a personal experience, anecdote, or emotion (…”growing up with a gay cousin that was like a brother to him”…).
Trig,
Trying to figure out what you believe and why you believe it, is a lot more difficult than understanding the mentality of these performers. You like to portray yourself as an objective dude, who sticks to the facts, etc., but then you say things like this, and it contradicts everything I think you want people to believe about you.
…..”will likely stir up the few, but outspoken homophobic elements within the country music community, exposing the continued need for more acceptance of LGBT individuals in country music and beyond.”…..
First off, the word “homophobia” is a made-up propaganda word. I’d be happy to tell you who came up with it, but you can probably guess. You have to change the definition of the word “phobia” to make words like “homophobia” applicable to anything or anyone. The purpose of the word “homophobia” is to make it appear as though people who embrace normalcy have a mental illness. You should care that you use words that don’t mean anything. Why don’t you care about that, as a journalist?
That being said, I want to know what you think the word means, if you don’t mind humoring me. I also would like to know how you would define “acceptance”, and how you arrived at the conclusion that it’s needed. In other words, why have you chosen to take one side over the other; what inspired that decision?
You didn’t make the decision based on science or biology, because those things don’t support your decision. You didn’t make the decision based on ultimate truth as defined by The Truth. So, what did you base it on?
I really want to know. You can’t just expect people to go along with something based on emotional appeals.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:00 pm
Honky,
I am not interested in having these kinds of discussions on this particular article, especially if we can’t agree whether homophobia exists or not. This is not a think piece, review, or opinion article. It is a news article about Tyler Childers announcing a new album, and releasing a song and video with it. I might write a review for it at some point similar to the Jason Aldean song/video, and talk about the deeper issues and impact.
July 28, 2023 @ 6:16 am
Way to dance around the comment… spoken like a true journalist.
July 28, 2023 @ 7:53 am
Yes, because a true journalist knows that news is news, and opinion is opinion. This is a news story. As I’ve said numerous times, I may share my opinion on this song and video in the future. But that is not what this is.
Also, these culture war articles are sucking up too much attention from worthy artists releasing important albums. I want to make sure those albums are not getting overlooked first. Then I will come back to this stuff.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:27 am
Ten-4. If you ever do want to have these kinds of discussions in a sincere manner, please be prepared to answer the following questions.
1. What is the historical definition of a “phobia”?
2. Why was the definition of “phobia” changed when combined with the word “homo”?
3. Who made that change?
4. Why did they make it? What was their purpose?
5. If we use the historical definition of “phobia”(an irrational, paralyzing fear), who qualifies as a “homophobe”?
6. If we use the 21st century effective definition of “phobia”(having a belief that deviates from the zeitgeist), who qualifies as a “homophobe”?
7. The logical conclusion of question 6, is that tens of millions of people are now categorized as being sick or “monstrous” in some way, for deviating from the zeitgeist, even though they didn’t change; the zeitgeist changed. Are you okay with that, and if so, why?
July 28, 2023 @ 6:30 am
A Christian fundamentalist bitching about someone not using biology and science in their judgement…I’ve heard it all.
Careful Honky, I’m pretty sure I heard those damn Communists invented science to overthrow America and Jesus.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:31 am
Just so everyone understands, Jbird’s comment is easily obliterated, but out of respect for Trigger, I’m going to refrain. My questions are specifically for Trigger anyway, so I’m not interested in discussing with others at this time.
My questions for Trigger are sincere and real, and I hope at some point we can talk it out.
July 31, 2023 @ 10:15 am
“Just so everyone understands, Jbird’s comment is easily obliterated, but out of respect for Trigger, I’m going to refrain.”
It’s hilarious that you actually think people would believe you. This has “my girlfriend lives in Canada” energy.
July 31, 2023 @ 11:36 am
My comments are only for a certain type of person; not you. Please move along.
In fact, if you want, just ignore me completely.
July 28, 2023 @ 10:03 am
Honky, I know you weren’t talking to anybody other than Trigger, but I’m looking for a little clarification on your stance. You (and others, not on SCM and out in the world) love to claim that “feelings” shouldn’t matter in certain arenas, yet with the very next breath you invoke God or Jesus. Here’s the thing: no matter how much one prays (and I do, daily), God is not a “fact” as we know them. God is not a verifiable truth. I understand that you’ll likely disagree with that statement, but if He were, everyone would be a believer or at least acknowledge his existence. The fact that God isn’t technically “verifiable” is the impetus for the common refrain “He works in mysterious ways.” Christianity is founded on faith, and faith is founded on feelings, particularly love. God is love. But I frankly don’t understand viewpoints where people love to talk constantly about “facts” and how they trump feelings, yet then go on about their feelings on God and The Truth.
July 28, 2023 @ 5:44 pm
Acca Dacca,
I love these questions, and would love to have this conversation with you. Unfortunately, my answer would take this comment section further off topic than any comment section on SCM has ever been taken off topic before. So, I’ll need express written consent from Trigger before answering.
By the way, has anybody ever told you that you write extremely well, and have an impressive command of grammar?
July 28, 2023 @ 8:53 pm
Sure, this may not be the place for such a debate. And yes, I’ve received a bit of recognition (however fleeting) for my writing at times, including by you at another point. I don’t personally think I’m as good at those things as you’ve said (particularly when whatever I’m writing is overlong), but I always appreciate compliments either way, so thank you.
July 28, 2023 @ 11:21 am
Your first paragraph is hilarious! You talk about Childers being in opposition to the ‘Creator’, then chastise him and others for being led by their emotions and basing their beliefs on personal experience, anecdote, or emotion. Talk about a complete lack of self-awareness.
July 28, 2023 @ 5:57 pm
Travis,
Childers released a “Gospel” album, of his own volition. He chose to tell the world that he believes The Gospel, by releasing a “Gospel” album.
The Gospel comes from………..The Creator. If we twist The Gospel to make into whatever we want, or hold positions that are contrary to it, then we are in opposition to its author: The Creator. It’s no more complicated than that.
I’m chastising him for claiming to hold certain beliefs, but then following his emotions instead of his supposed beliefs. In other words, his beliefs aren’t really his beliefs.
How many times are you going to try this? Stop yourself. Think longer before clicking “Post Comment”.
July 29, 2023 @ 4:48 am
Still showing that lack of self awareness. My comment had nothing to do with Tyler at all.
July 29, 2023 @ 11:58 am
Dude, I’m so tired of having to walk you through everything. You seem so obsessed with trying to “own” me, that it prevents you from comprehending what I say.
I know you’re accusing me of intellectual hypocrisy, because I worship God, and you think that’s feelings-based, and therefore I can’t call someone out for following their feelings…dude, I KNOOOOOW. There is zero lack of self-awareness here. It’s just that your position is so worn-out and trite, that I didn’t feel it needed acknowledging. I was hoping that was obvious to you.
For the record, I can make a very compelling, mostly objective argument for believing in God, but I’m not going to here, for the reason I gave Acca Dacca. So, I couldn’t disagree more that holding that belief is feelings-based, although I do agree that it’s not totally void of feelings either.
But for the sake of getting on the same page with my original point, let’s just pretend my belief in God is 100% feelings-based and nothing more. I’m not criticizing Childers, or anyone else, for having feelings, or for occasionally letting their feelings guide them. I’m acknowledging that as an artist, he ONLY follows his feelings, as do most artists…that’s what makes them good at what they do. They do what we can’t, because they run entirely on their feelings and emotions. It’s why they OD. It’s why they end up in rehab, etc.
I’m criticizing him, for letting his feelings completely override something that is objective. You may not believe the Bible, but it objectively states that homosexuality is evil (as is all sin), and should be repented of. So, it’s complete nonsense for Childers to imply he believes the Gospel, by making a “Gospel” album, and then completely rejecting the Gospel’s teachings with his very next endeavor.
Again, this shouldn’t surprise anyone. As I mentioned, the “Gospel” album he released was obviously fake, evidenced by the lyrical content of some of the songs. My entire point is that nobody should be pearl-clutching over this. If you liked Childers prior to this, you should still like him, because he hasn’t changed. If you think he changed, then you weren’t paying attention to all the signs leading up to this video being released.
By the way, Travis, this dude on YouTube made a short presentation about people like you. You should check it out.
https://youtu.be/9agM261CSJU
July 31, 2023 @ 7:57 am
Honk…I’m not trying to own you at all. I’m just here to laugh at your crazy communist conspiracy theories and narcissistic know-it-all attitude.
July 31, 2023 @ 11:00 am
Travis,
Did you at least watch that video they made about people like you? I think it’ll really help you understand yourself better.
July 30, 2023 @ 3:58 pm
I have no idea why Trigger tolerates your repeated 75 years too late Joseph McCarthy wannabe political harassment of him on a country music website, but I’ve noticed that at least he doesn’t waste his time engaging anymore. I’m guessing Trigger is thinking along the lines of this Mark Twain quote – “Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.”
July 31, 2023 @ 11:02 am
We’re really closer to 100 years too late. McCarthyism was a pitiful half-measure. Please don’t compare me to that ineffective movement.
July 30, 2023 @ 4:34 pm
However, I’m not Trigger, and as a lifelong Christian who just returned from church and settled down to catch up with “Saving Country Music” news from the last week, I’ve had it with your utter perversions of Christianity.
It feels like I spend half my time explaining to my liberal friends that have fallen away from religion that people like you that hog all the media attention aren’t even Christian. You’re a Christian Fundamentalist (like Mike Pence or Jerry Falwell) who in your bigoted intolerance has much, much more in common with other Fundamentalists, whether they’re Islamic (Osama Bin Laden comes to mind…), Jewish (the politicians currently convulsing Israel) or political (Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and the noxious idea of “originalism,” which is simply judicial fundamentalism). In almost all ways your Fundamentalism is diametrically opposed to Christianity.
Since you’re misquoting the Gospel, let’s talk about it. Christian Fundamentalists often quote texts from the Bible out of context, and the stuff you’re misquoting comes from the Old Testament. You see, there’s this thing called the Old Testament (aka the Torah, the Jewish Holy text) and then there is this newer book called the New Testament that is the culmination of the prophecies in the Old Testament. So for Christians (but not Christian Fundamentalists) the New Testament supercedes the Old Testament. And the New Testament is the story of this guy named Jesus, aka Jesus Christ, aka the dude where the whole religion of Christianity comes from. And the stories of this Jesus dude’s life in the Bible are called the Gospels, specifically Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. And in the Gospels, this Jesus Christ guy is very, very clear that the essence of Christianity is radical love and tolerance for others. To quote a famous example, in the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus is again very, very clear about the importance of radical love and welcoming strangers. And despite what you fundamentalists heretically believe, in the parable of the Good Samaritan there are no disclaimers excluding gays, transgender people, blacks, Mexicans, communists, or whatever ethnic group you’re currently scared of.
So to put it in Christian Fundamentalis terms that might make sense to you, it’s time to get right with God or you’re going to be burning downstairs with Joseph McCarthy, Roy Cohn & Rush Limbaugh.
So in the spirit of Christian charity, and since we’re on the best country music website on the planet, I’d advise you to repeatedly listen to this song “Long Violent History” by this fellow named Tyler Childers, who in one song displays the Christian virtues of radical empathy, compassion and humility much more than you ever have in all your online rantings. And if after listening 100+ times you can’t wrap your head around the meaning of the song then there is this other fellow named Willie Nelson who’s lived a very Christian life and is universally beloved for his kindness, generosity, charity and Christian grace. In addition to recording a killer country-gospel album called “The Troublemaker.” Or you could listen to this lady named Dolly Parton who is as universally beloved as Willie. Or you could listen to literally hundreds of beautiful bluegrass gospel and country-gospel songs if you’re actually interested in learning and then practicing Christianity.
And if not, please give Rush a kick in the head from me when you meet him downstairs, and please stop lying about Christianity, because remember according to the 10 Commandments “bearing false witness,” aka lying, is a sin…
July 31, 2023 @ 11:06 am
ok groomer
July 27, 2023 @ 9:08 pm
What was the political agenda of the video? It was just a love song video.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:14 pm
Ryan Bingham is releasing a 7 song album this year too, AND is charging a whole dollar more (on iTunes), but nobody wants to talk about that.
July 28, 2023 @ 7:44 am
The issue is not that Tyler Childers is releasing a 7-song album. The issue is that Tyler Childers is releasing a 7-song album while his label/publicist make a unique effort to not disclose that to the public as they try to drive pre-orders. When Ryan Bingham announced his album, it said expressly in the press release and public announcements it was a 7-song album. The track list was presented with the names of all of the tracks. The track list appeared via DSPs. There was an active effort not to disclose this information when it came to Tyler Childers.
July 27, 2023 @ 10:42 pm
Trig: I don’t think homophobia is as big of a deal as it used to be
SCM comment section: hold my beer
On a random note Trig any idea what the first “politicial” song in country was?
July 28, 2023 @ 7:45 am
I don’t know, but Merle Haggard may be a good place to start looking.
July 29, 2023 @ 10:50 am
An early geopolitical reference in a country song may have been “This Cold War with You” by Floyd Tillman, which came out in 1949 at the beginning of the Cold War with Socialist Russia. “Muskogee” and “Fightin’ Side” came out decades later.
Tillman was pretty interesting.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:56 am
I’ve been taking a deep dive into the music of Alice Gerrard & Hazel Dickens. They were two coal mining activists who in the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s wrote and performed some of the best pro-union and feminist bluegrass music. Incredible, timeless music.
Country music is rooted in political dissent. From pro labor/ union songs to representing the rights of farmers, Native Americans, and the incarcerated to protesting Vietnam and the evolution of its own genre, country music is the most political form of music.
With that said, there’s nothing political about the song “In Your Love” and the video just represents a gay relationship in the 50s/60s. There’s no political message about gay marriage or gay rights and the one dies of black lung (not even AIDS!).
In the grand scheme of the genre, there’s nothing political about the song or video.
July 28, 2023 @ 11:29 am
Hoptown thanks for the reccomendations I’m going to have to check them out.
Also agreed with you on all other fronts that you brought up. Definitely nothing politicial about this song/video but people are always going to find a way to bitch because people today where their political beliefs on their sleeves like a damn sports jersey
August 7, 2023 @ 8:59 am
I love Hazel Dickens so much. If you haven’t checked her out, Barbara Dane also made amazing music from a working class perspective, although a lot of her stuff is more bluesy or jazzy than straight folk country like Alice and Hazel.
July 28, 2023 @ 1:03 am
…his vocals seem to have improved quite a bit over the years, judging from the clip of “in your love”, which is a rather beautiful song. .are the projected seven songs a “full” album? yes, but really barely.
July 28, 2023 @ 4:17 am
Childers can F!@# Off. I didn’t like his shitty albums before and I certainly don’t like them now. It’s interesting watching a people budlight themselves. Just like watching a train jump tracks.
July 28, 2023 @ 6:22 am
Take away the video, which is clearly a political statement whether you like it or not, you have to wonder if everyone would be talking about how average this songs is. This song would be considered the worst song on the album of his first two releases.
With his last two albums being a poorly done gospel album and a recording of his bad fiddle practice with another political statement, you have to question if Tyler is purposely trying to destroy his career, or is he just so oblivious that he feels he can just continue to release anything and fans will buy it. Maybe they will. It’s working for his good buddy and mentor Sturgl. Either way, disappointing career turn for someone who shined so bright out the gate.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:03 am
“This song would be considered the worst song on the album of his first two releases.“
Excellent point. This is easily the worst TC original we’ve heard. But everyone wants to talk about the video.
July 29, 2023 @ 8:03 am
This comment expresses my feelings perfectly, and the Sturgill comparison is solid. He’s getting way more name recognition as of late, but as an artist, he feels so underwhelming, like we’re being told “this is good because Tyler Childers”. Should I believe the hype or my lying ears?
July 29, 2023 @ 9:12 am
The first thing I noticed about this song is that it’s the most mainstream sounding song he has released. You have to wonder if this was purposely done to have a broader appeal to draw listeners to the video and subject matter. You also have to wonder if Childers’s core fans would be ripping this song for selling out if they didn’t feel compelled to defend him due to having the same political beliefs.
For me, I’m growing tired of the soapbox approach to music. And every other type of media for that matter.
July 28, 2023 @ 6:31 am
This video was made on purpose to clearly piss off certain fans, you can’t tell me any different. There are groups in this country that are purposefully trying to push people’s buttons in the name of acceptance. We have gay pride month which is perfectly fine but wheres Stright pride month? Oh that’s right there is because Stright people don’t run around telling the whole world to accept Stright people. There is already enough tension between liberals and conservatives and this asshat releases this video , dumping gas on an already lite wildfire. I don’t need preaching from the likes of this guy who makes shitty music from the beginning.
July 28, 2023 @ 7:57 am
“Oh that’s right there is because Stright people don’t run around telling the whole world to accept Stright people.”
Maybe because straight people are already accepted as a default.
I do think Childers may be giving into the school that if you’re not alienating your own fan base, you can’t be considered an artist. But I also don’t think he’s trying to purposely piss anyone off here. And you liked “Purgatory.” Otherwise, you wouldn’t be commenting here.,
July 28, 2023 @ 8:25 am
Nah i tried to listen to and find something to like about this guy and just couldn’t, everything Childers does Chris Knight did Better. Better singer, better songwriter and even has a better backing band. Childers is just becoming a mouthy puke like Isbell is. I
July 28, 2023 @ 1:21 pm
While I don’t doubt that Childers’ politics fall on one side of the isle that may be very different from you or I, I don’t think the video was super intentional on his part, even though he’s being credited with it.
Silas House is a major literary figure in eastern Kentucky. He’s also gay. “Gay novelist authors and directs a short depicting a love story between two gay coal miners” isn’t really a stretch.
Now, does his rapport with Childers make him more comfortable with approaching the subject matter, knowing that there would be an uproar? Without a doubt. Do I think Childers was perfectly cool with it as long as it was well done? Also, without a doubt.
I like Childers and think he’s a great artist, but he isn’t capable of producing a video like that. That’s House. It’s just got Childers’ name and approval on it.
July 28, 2023 @ 6:37 am
INSPIRING!
POWERFUL!
LETS BREAK THESE CHAINS AND GET GAY MARRIAGE TO PASS!
This guy can’t seem to put anything together worthwhile, seems like this is the only card in his deck he’s got to play. Very disappointing
July 28, 2023 @ 7:37 am
I don’t see how this was a video people got triggered by? Would love to see your stance if one of your family
members was gay. Hopefully you wouldn’t ostracize them from your family.
Beautiful video and amazing song. Do agree I’m a little upset it’s 7 songs… three albums in a row now feel like we aren’t getting comprehensive work
July 28, 2023 @ 8:42 am
…..”Would love to see your stance if one of your family
members was gay. Hopefully you wouldn’t ostracize them from your family.”…..
Hi Motts,
That’s an emotional appeal, and should never be used for determining whether or not something is true. And for the record, no, I wouldn’t ostracize anyone. I would tell them that Jesus died to save them from their sins, and that they should accept his gift by repenting and turning to him. It’s inherently hateful to tell people they are “just fine the way they are”, whether we’re talking about sexual sin, or even just the sin of being a liar.
July 30, 2023 @ 6:05 pm
Honky – what emotional appeal? Not sure what you’re referring to with the “truth” or not.
I have gay family members, they are literally just born that way. They can’t change it.
Is there a biological/psychological way to change this in your opinion?
Open to hear your thoughts though from a religious perspective, but don’t understand what you’re arguing.
July 31, 2023 @ 11:10 am
Motts,
Can you please answer these questions?
1. What do you mean by “literally just born that way” ?
2. If you mean “born with an inclination”, then do you also believe that all human inclination should be acted upon?
3. If you don’t believe all human inclination should be acted upon, then why not?
4. How do you decide, without using your emotions, which human inclinations should be acted upon?
July 28, 2023 @ 8:20 am
When asked by Ann Powers of NPR about the risk/reward of making political statements through the “In Your Love” video, Tyler Childers responded…”
Let’s pause right there and take a look at the risk/reward aspect of this, because nearly everyone commenting here seems to be under the delusion that Tyler Childers is risking something – anything – by making videos like this. He’s not. Each political statement he makes is lapped up by the media who are more than happy to use Tyler Childers as some sort of woke spokesperson for Appalachia and rural America, more generally speaking. Not to mention, there is a very strong hipster element in country music who share Tyler Childers exact political and universalist religious beliefs. Releasing a video like this is a complete net positive, just as it is a positive when Isbell trashes Republicans and Sturgill demonizes Trump voters. It is virtue signaling of the sort we’ve come to expect from liberal entertainers and unlikely to cost anything.
July 28, 2023 @ 11:39 am
You are correct in asserting that most of the media that covers country music is at a complete disconnect with actual country fans, and instead often bring elite perspectives and political agendas to their coverage that are often diametrically opposed to the opinions of many country fans. I thought Ann Powers conducted a great interview, though it was clearly from her perspective, and conducted to appeal to her readership of NPR, which is understandable.
But that is not going to insulate Tyler Childers from blowback from country fans. The media can attempt to run interference or advocate for Childers or other artists they want to prop up. But how many country fans who are opposed to this video also listen/read NPR? Probably not very many. The media is often talking into echo chambers, similar to the people watching Fox News and being convinced Jason Aldean’s new song is a masterpiece. The real value and the way to move public sentiment is to make the most convincing and reasonable arguments to the people that are not captured by ideology.
July 28, 2023 @ 12:57 pm
“…and instead often bring elite perspectives and political agendas to their coverage.”
There is nothing “elite” about most media and journalistic perspectives.
Agenda driven perspectives are anything but elite.
Politically driven, heavily biased outlets such as NPR, have but one goal. Drive the narrative. Albeit, done with esoteric voices.
July 28, 2023 @ 9:02 am
I’ve lived a long time on this earth and I still have never encountered any instance of homophobia.
July 28, 2023 @ 9:18 am
RD is correct. Unless, like I mentioned above, you massively broaden the definition of “phobia”, which actually renders the word meaningless anyway, which is precisely the point of broadening the definition.
July 28, 2023 @ 9:11 am
All these comments about Tyler “Bud Lighting” himself or the fact that he’s alienating or pissing off his fanbase…. I’ve seen Tyler in concert 8 times since 2017. Every venue bigger, every crowd larger. Last year at Healing Appalachia there were so many people jammed in the WV Fairgrounds, we lost cell phone service during Childers’ performance (estimates were at 20k +). Last spring, Tyler played the last day of DelFest (Cumberland, MD, but WV is just across the river) and it was the largest crowd of the festivals existence (23k).
If (that’s a BIG IF) the people who claim they are never listening to Tyler again don’t, he’s replacing them in droves.
I’ve said this for a couple years now, Childers could run for governor of Kentucky or West Virginia and win in a landslide. Tyler’s views may not represent 90% of us Appalachian folks like Bibs claimed, but I wouldn’t put it below 70%. And although the 30% may not agree on his social views, they love what he’s done for education, clean water, and industry in this region.
July 28, 2023 @ 11:59 am
I don’t disagree that he is extremely well liked. He has a big heart and does a lot of good. I do think you’d be surprised at the percentage of people that have no idea who he is. He damned sure couldn’t do any worse than the governors we’ve had over the las God knows how long. I disagree with his social views, but I’d vote for him on the premise that I think his character is far better than the typical politician.
July 28, 2023 @ 11:39 am
Depicting a love story between two men from a specific time, place, class, culture isn’t inherently political or necessarily a form of commentary. That’s not to say it can’t be but it can also simply be a storytelling device rarely explored. Especially as it pertains to that time and place and the loss of a rural, working class loved one to an illness related to the prevalent occupation of the region for able bodied men of a certain age at that time. All these elements combined create a whole dynamic rarely explored individually let alone all together, which creates a unique tale….But the song is a love song. The story is a love story. We are the one’s responsible for whatever else we decide to pile on top of it.
July 28, 2023 @ 12:05 pm
I didn’t read all the comments so I don’t know if this has already been said, but: Do y’all think maybe Tyler is getting a little too big for his britches hanging out with the likes of Silas House (Who I don’t have a problem with but I think Scott McClanahan is a better representation of an Appalachian literary figure). Or do you think his sobriety has caused him to become more singular focused a la Jason Isbell when it comes to certain issues. I’ve seen this in a lot of people that have become sober.
July 28, 2023 @ 12:51 pm
The amount of hate in this country is staggering. How about live and let live? And using religion to fuel one’s hate is just plain asinine. I hope this move sheds some of his bro type fans so they finally stop attending his shows.
July 28, 2023 @ 4:26 pm
This is a stunningly untrue statement. Nothing could be further from the truth . Americans are more opened minded than most other nations, some nations in Western Europe would be the exception. On the continents of Africa and Asia, many countries will crush you for being gay. Every Islamic nation, along with Russia and China won’t allow it openly. China will not allow feminine men to even appear on TV. It’s just insane to think we are a bigoted and racist nation. Every nation had slaves and most have not provided minority groups, women and those with a non straight sexual orientation the rights and freedoms that we do. I have been on the continents of Africa and Asia in the military. By far, they, they don’t do woke and they don’t have nearly the tolerance we do.
July 28, 2023 @ 4:57 pm
“It’s just insane to think we are a bigoted and racist nation”? You must live in a cave. I see it almost every day in one way or another. Did you even read the comments on this story on FB? Just because other nations are worse does not take away from the fact that many in this country are just plain hateful.
July 28, 2023 @ 12:55 pm
It’s not perfect statistical science obviously, but you’ve gotta be living under a rock or in total lala land to think the gay marriage issue is “settled.” And singing about something “settled” is a key way that society eventually normalizes and destigmatizes once-thorny topics.
https://www.themarshallproject.org/2023/03/25/asian-hate-crime-fbi-black-lgbtq
July 28, 2023 @ 1:54 pm
Can y’all stop pretending your christianity is the reason you got a problem with gays. Y’all love country music with themes of drug and alcohol abuse, lusting, cheating, and all around outlaw living. But when things get gay well then it’s time to cite the good book and put your foot down. Nobody with a head on their shoulders is fooled by your veiled bigotry. Country music is at its best when it’s about people living their lives. All people.
July 28, 2023 @ 1:59 pm
Yeah but this song sucks so they’re piling on. I’ve got a bettin dollar that trig’s review won’t be kind.
July 28, 2023 @ 2:16 pm
I don’t love the instrumentation but I like the song, and Tyler sounds great.
July 28, 2023 @ 2:14 pm
So you say. It’s amazing how certain you are of what people’s thoughts and intentions are. People like you cause others to have to defend their belief systems more intensely. This site seems pretty left wing, but reasonable people don’t suggest to be all knowing and believe they have some magical insight to others thoughts. Religion is a perfectly good reason to oppose these things. You can’t really claim to be a follower of the Bible and believe it’s OK. The Bible is definitive on the issue. I’m against these lifestyles because I think it hurts humanity/society as a whole. But I’m not arrogant enough to suggest that I know others reasons for what they believe.
July 28, 2023 @ 2:40 pm
I live in a “small town” and virtually no one cares if you’re gay. Just leave the kids alone. (I understand that distinction is hard for some)
July 28, 2023 @ 3:34 pm
Im not a big Childers fan but I thought the song was ok. I don’t care really one way or another for the video, well really not true. I don’t care who people generally sleep with but I don’t watch videos of guys kissing other guys or girls kissing other girls so I didn’t watch it all, didn’t need to. I think would be better if it was allowed to be up to interpretation of the listener which is still possible. I agree it is about love. I just don’t need certain things thrown in my face. Now I don’t want to hear about heterosexual love being in videos cause the reality is this. Most of us wouldn’t be here if it wasnt for a man loving a woman in some certain way.
July 28, 2023 @ 8:16 pm
Shadrach Boggs, Tyler & the food stamps played a surprise show tonight in Newport
July 28, 2023 @ 8:22 pm
Part of Newport Folk?
July 29, 2023 @ 1:20 pm
Yea
July 29, 2023 @ 4:17 pm
There’s a clip of Tyler Childers and Turnpike Troubadours playing John Prine’s “Paradise” from the Newport Folk Festival making the rounds on social media.
July 29, 2023 @ 3:50 am
We will all have our own personal views on homosexuality. Live and let live and treat each other with respect whatever they are (sexuality/ethnicity), whatever one’s views, has to be what should happen. The song will mean different things to each listener as it is quite a good song. I am not sure the video helps but no doubt the controversy it will provoke will aid sales. Tyler’s last album was a disappointment and I will wait to see what this one offers before buying. I hope he is not losing his way. Some of his earlier albums contained some good material but he is an artist yet to convince me.
July 30, 2023 @ 2:28 pm
losing his way? He’s more popular than ever. I loved his last album and glad he tries different things. Nothing worse than an artist who just keeps putting out the same album over and over.
July 31, 2023 @ 7:19 pm
I’m from not far from where Tyler is from. Do I like the song? Not really. Just nothing too profound our moving in it IMO. But people claiming some sort of religious disapproval to him crack me up. We were fine when he was singing about drugs and being “too fucked up to get back home” after leaving the imprints of his belt buckle in a girls thigh, but God apparently only frowns on two fictional gay guys in a music video.
August 17, 2023 @ 5:46 am
Framing any depiction of a gay relationship as “political” is reductive. There are millions of LGBT people in the U.S. It’s conceivable that some artists will want to depict their stories not because they serve a political purpose, but simply because they exist. The argument here essentially boils down to: “Well, y’all got marriage equality, so you can pack up your gay movies and pride parades and get out of sight again.” Even if we lived in a world of complete acceptance (which, based on the comments here alone, we clearly don’t), there would still be room for art representing LGBT themes.