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Harvey Russell Reviews New Turnpike Troubadours Album “A Cat In The Rain”

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On “A Cat in the Rain” Turnpike Troubadours give us a glimpse into the struggles of the past few years and reassure us they can still produce quality, red dirt country.

There were many times over the last four years when this record seemed inconceivable.  With the band on an indefinite hiatus, following frontman and songwriter Evan Felker’s breakdown, there was a chance we’d heard the last of the Turnpike Troubadours.

With Felker getting sober, and with some firm guard rails around his return to playing live, the band began touring and recording again in 2022.

A Cat in the Rain is a comeback album.  It’s release is emblematic of the unlikely, yet triumphant, story that is the Turnpike Troubadours of 2023.  A while back (early 2019 to be a little more precise) things came apart at the seams.  This was at a time when the band’s recognition and success was at an all time high.  Put simply, without a functioning lead man and songwriter the band couldn’t go on. 

Away from the distracting and escapist comfort of the road, and with the fortitude it took to face his demons, Felker turned things around.  As with the band, it appears he has come out stronger on the other side.  And with fans flocking to their shows in the past 15 months, support has only grown.  There’s a lot of love at these recent live shows as well as gratitude and understated forgiveness. For the band, and for Felker in particular, there’s redemption in all of it.

Given the circumstances of its release it might be tempting to assess the merits of this album with wide and fawning eyes.  Indeed, it’s existence is a feat in itself.  On any assessment this is a strong Turnpike Troubadours album. But it doesn’t introduce a new direction or change of style, and it would be bold to say this is their absolute best effort yet.  However, what it does do is ground the band firmly in its roots at a time when they need it most.  It signals a brave return and a message that the band is back in town and hopefully here to stay.

I read somewhere that Felker is an Ernest Hemmingway fan.  ‘Papa’s’ short stories, one of which shares the same title as this album, often employ the iceberg theory to writing (or theory of omission). This is where only limited but important facts about a story become evident, leaving much of the real structure under the surface for the reader to deduce.  This should sound familiar to Turnpike fans.  Felker often gives us clear descriptions of situations pertinent to his lyrical storytelling, yet there always a lot bubbling away under the surface.  Many of the songs on A Cat in the Rain are no exception.

The band announces its return together, in an ominous and eerie fashion at the start of the opening track and first single, “Mean Old Sun”, with curdled backing vocals chanting behind a lone banjo.  Lyrically, this is Felker defining the period he spent recently in the wilderness, putting in the work to be strong enough to return.  This one hits with a heavy beat and makes a strong statement.  It’s the anthemic “Gin, Smoke, Lies” ten years on, with the production befitting a world class country band.

“Brought Me” is next.  And it’s a hard ask not to have this hook-soaked gem on repeat. This is the kind of track Turnpike fans will have been waiting for during the six years between albums.  Combining country, red dirt and cajun influences this is an affecting love song to the Turnpike community to say thank you for waiting.  There are also reassurances: “Oh now, it still beats steady/This heart I handed you for free/Should you ever need a thing/It won’t be hard to find.

Written by emerging artist Lance Roark and bassist R.C. Edwards, “Chipping Mill” is a catchy, familiar track, jostling for air with classic upbeat Turnpike songs such as “Morgan Street” or “7&7”.  “A Cat in the Rain”, “East Side Love Song” and dark, western “Lucille” have Felker contemplating his muse with varying degrees of intensity.  Interestingly, the persistent character of Lorrie is noticeably absent on this record. 

Felker does hunting songs well and “The Rut” is no exception.  Reminiscing about family trips into the mountains, the songwriter uses this opportunity to reflect honestly about his struggles with alcohol and the resolve he is now applying to create a better life. “I don’t miss the taste of liquor or really anything about it/But the temporary shelter was a welcome compromise/Oh friend, I’m gonna ride out of the rut I’m in/A little elevation and an open-ended prayer.”  The southern country cover of Ozark Mountain Daredevils “Black Sky” is an interesting choice and a change of pace for a record that, stylistically, is otherwise not a significant departure from previous Turnpike outings. 

Producer Shooter Jennings has managed to maintain much of the familiar Turnpike sound while bringing things up a notch, certainly compared to the early albums.  The band is playing as well as they ever have.  And Jennings has allowed each member’s contribution to shine, perhaps moreso than on previous albums.  The team effort is emphasised in the final moments of the last song on the record, a cover of Jerry Jeff Walker’s “Won’t You Give Me One More Chance” with the band singing their appeal in unison, just as they came in.

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Listen To Ashleigh Dallas On The Country HQ Podcast

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Country music enthusiasts, get ready to tune in to the latest episode of Country HQ’s acclaimed series, “Spotlight On.” We’re thrilled to announce that the spotlight is now shining brightly on the immensely talented Ashleigh Dallas, and the episode is available for streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!

In this captivating installment of “Spotlight On,” listeners are treated to an intimate journey through Ashleigh Dallas’s remarkable career in the country music scene. From her early influences to her chart-topping hits, Ashleigh shares insights, anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes stories that offer a rare glimpse into her world as a singer-songwriter.

Listeners will be spellbound as Ashleigh reflects on her musical journey, recounting the moments that have shaped her artistry and propelled her to the forefront of the country music landscape. With her soulful vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and authentic storytelling, Ashleigh Dallas has captured the hearts of fans around the globe, and this episode of “Spotlight On” is a testament to her enduring talent and passion for music.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering Ashleigh’s music for the first time, this episode is not to be missed. Join us as we celebrate the artistry and brilliance of Ashleigh Dallas in the latest installment of Country HQ’s “Spotlight On” series.

To listen to the episode featuring Ashleigh Dallas, simply head over to Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and immerse yourself in the magic of her music. Don’t forget to subscribe to Country HQ for more exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and unforgettable moments with your favorite country artists.

Tune in, turn up the volume, and let the music of Ashleigh Dallas fill your soul. It’s time to experience the magic of “Spotlight On”!

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Stapleton Australian Tour Sells Out Six Shows In Hours

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Country music sensation Chris Stapleton’s upcoming debut Australian tour for 2025 has already made waves, with the announcement of six sold-out shows across the continent. The news comes as a testament to Stapleton’s immense popularity and the eager anticipation among Australian fans to experience his electrifying performances live.

The announcement of Stapleton’s Australian tour generated immense excitement among country music enthusiasts across the continent, many of whom have long awaited the opportunity to see him perform live. With tickets for all six shows selling out in record time, it’s clear that Stapleton’s appeal knows no bounds, transcending geographical boundaries to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Stapleton’s Australian tour promises to showcase the full breadth of his musical prowess, from intimate acoustic ballads to rollicking, foot-stomping anthems. With a setlist spanning his impressive catalog of hits, including chart-toppers like “Tennessee Whiskey,” “Parachute,” and “White Horse,” audiences can expect a dynamic and unforgettable live experience that will leave them craving more.

For Stapleton, the sold-out Australian tour is a testament to the enduring power of authentic, heartfelt music and the deep connection it fosters between artists and fans. As he prepares to take the stage in front of sold-out crowds across Australia, Stapleton must truly be humbled by the overwhelming response and grateful for the opportunity to share his music with audiences around the world.

As the countdown to Stapleton’s Australian tour begins, fans can rest assured knowing they’re in for a night to remember, filled with passion, energy, and the unmistakable sound of one of country music’s brightest stars. With tickets in high demand and anticipation reaching a fever pitch, Stapleton’s debut Australian tour for 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable event for music lovers across the continent.

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Essential Listening This Weekend – “Say What You Mean” – Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits

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Hana and Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits have been a staple of the rising alt-country scene in Australia live since the release of their debut album “Southlands” in 2017. They have played at various festivals such as WOMADelaide, Out On The Weekend, Brunswick Music Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival, Dashville Skyline & Queenscliff Music Festival, and Tamworth Country Music Festival, where they have tirelessly worked to perfect the band’s sound.

Eleven songs make up the album “Say What You Mean,” which was recorded at Alex O’Gorman’s Pakenham studio and features the lead singles “Arrowhead” and “Tallest Of Tales” (which have been added to high rotation on ABC Country) as well as “Paper Boats” and a variety of rock’n’roll swagger, country influences, and soul ballads. Hana and Jessie-Lee have been performing music together for nearly a decade. On this new album, they are accompanied by the Bad Habits rhythm section, which consists of two of Melbourne’s best musicians, Tommy Brooks (bass, slide, pedal steel) and Patrick Wilson (drums & percussion). Additionally, Norwood (backing vocals), Joe Cope (keys), Jordie Gilmour (drums), and Kate Alexander (backing vocals) make an appearance. With the exception of three tracks, Alex O’Gorman mixed the album at Phaedra Studios. John Lee mastered it, while Stephen Mowat (Wilsn) mixed the other tracks.

Love, awful first dates, insomnia, loss dread, longing home, and avoiding troublesome individuals are some of the lyrical topics covered. In the first track, “Misery Queen,” the band playfully points out the problems in a relationship while playing languid rock and roll in the style typical of the South. Without missing a beat, Jessie-Lee strides into one of her characteristic earworm guitar riffs on her distinctive green Gretsch, which harmonises perfectly with Hana’s brassy vocals. Title track “Say What You Mean” is a raucous rock anthem that implores people to be honest rather than silent in their relationships, while “Under The Vines” is a haunting tribute to homesickness in the vein of Bruce Springsteen.

“When we were picking songs to put on the album, it was a matter of what fit together, and what felt good playing as a band. I think I had about 25 songs and was still writing new material right up until we were going into the studio. We played a few at shows in their rawest form to see how they felt, how people reacted and that helped us make the final decision on the songs included.” – Hana

“These Shambles,” a cover of an older song with updated lyrics, is a bonus track on the CD and digital releases.

“We decided to record These Shambles again because it seemed to be a crowd favourite at shows” says Jessie-Lee Zubkevych of the re-record. “People sang along, and the song had changed shape into a bit more of an upbeat heavier version.”

In support of the new album, the band is taking to the road to play some new places and return to some old favourites all over Australia. For the first time, Tasmania, Bendigo, and Beechworth in Victoria are all on the list, as well as several features at the Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival in Sydney on the last weekend in May.

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