September Mixtape: What's New at Summer's End
Heading into fall uplifted by new music from Jason Isbell, Shelby Lynne, Warren Haynes, the Cactus Blossoms, The Great Dying, Caleb Caudle, Miranda Lambert, and Tony Joe White.
Labor Day weekend traditionally closes the door on summer. The days are getting shorter and pumpkins are sprouting up everywhere and in everything - even where they don’t belong. Let’s break out our fall clothes and dig into what’s new on the Mixtape.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit - “You’re Gonna Get It!”
Fresh from his much-talked-about (and deservedly so) appearance at the DNC, Isbell offers up this throwback attack of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers’ title track from their second LP. Of course, Isbell and the 400 Unit nail the song, but what’s most fascinating is how they so accurately inhabit that elusive Heartbreakers sound, right down to Stan Lynch’s snare and Denny Cordell’s ‘70s production. Actually, I’d argue this cover sounds as if “You’re Gonna Get It” ended up on the Iovine-helmed Hard Promises or Long After Dark. Either way, it further solidifies Isbell’s place in the rock pantheon; the torch has long been passed, and the 400 Unit is just now hitting its stride.
Shelby Lynne - “Dear God”
Run, don’t walk, to wherever you get your music these days and grab a copy of Shelby Lynne’s (
) Consequences of the Crown. It’s going on my year-end list, and I say that confidently even with four months left in 2024. “Dear God” is just one example of its majesty. (More on this album later…)Warren Haynes - “This Life As We Know It”
A teaser for Haynes’ next solo outing, Million Voices Whisper (due in November), “This Life As We Know It” features a sly New Orleans/Little Feat backbeat and, as always, soulful slide and powerful vocals from Haynes. Lyrically, it injects some much-needed, if cautious, optimism into the season.
The Cactus Blossoms - “Statues”
The Cactus Blossoms are one of those groups that landed on my radar a couple of years ago but somehow got lost up in this maze of cobwebs since. Their latest, Every Time I Think About You, guarantees I won’t forget them again. They remind me of the O’Kanes, another duo that traded on tradition while bringing new textures and topics to roots music. “Statues” is a prime example of using Everly Brothers’ harmonies and a haunting melody to subtly and dryly ponder the song’s subject. Stellar.
The Great Dying - “Ride”
Taken from The Great Dying’s new album, A Constant Goodbye, “Ride” glides along like it’s always been here. It’s easily one of the catchiest songs of the year and should be roaring from every rock radio transmitter left in the country. Lyrically, it’s as if Springsteen and Mary are years older and looking to recapture the hesitant hope of that night she climbed in. “It’s about time we got down on the hood of your car on a gravel road / I’m not satisfied until your bottom lip trembles and blows.” Mercy!
Caleb Caudle - “The Devil’s Voice”
A devotee of Guy Clark, Caleb Caudle also conjures the spirit of Kevin Welch in this dark tale of a woman whose mother “only sees the rust and the dust, not what makes her shine.” Part of Caudle’s magnificent John Paul White-co-produced new album, Sweet Critters, “The Devil’s Voice” unfolds confidently in its ability to captivate, stringing you along with every line. Caudle’s a true storyteller.
Miranda Lambert - “Wranglers”
All these years later, Miranda’s still settin’ shit on fire. And thank God for that.
From her upcoming album, Postcards from Texas, due September 13th.
Tony Joe White & Flying Mojito Bros - “‘Bout to Dance (In My Pants)”
The Flying Mojito Brothers are what happens when DJ culture, rock’n’roll, and Americana jump into bed together. Check out their treatment of one of ZZ Top’s grooviest platters, El Loco’s “Ten Foot Pole” - as badass as it is inevitable. It was only a matter of time before they came for Swamp Fox Tony Joe White’s disco era. Chomp, chomp, y’all.
Definitely want to read your take on Shelby Lynne's newest, which is her best (IMO) since "I Am Shelby Lynne." (Although I do have a soft spot for her Dusty Springfield album...) I think it has a spiritual cousin that came out on the same day — Morgan Wade's "Obsessed" — after listening to both back to back.
You're 100% right on Isbell; I've seen and photographed his shows numerous times in numerous venues since he got sober, and he's definitely at the top of his game. Will see him next week at Wolf Trap with Alejandro Escovedo opening. Can't wait for that.