Twelfth Post: Lori McKenna, "The Bird & the Rifle" (2016)

I've noticed that a lot of people will say they'll listen to anything except one genre: it's usually hip-hop or country, depending on who you're talking to. I've always thought it's a bit unfair to pigeonhole an entire genre based on a preconceived notion of it, so I wanted to make a post on one of my favorite country albums this year.

Lori McKenna is something of an unknown modern songwriting legend: she's been co-writing and helping more well-known country artists for years.  This year, she even won a Grammy for her work in co-writing. Her music has always had less bombast than the people she wrote for: it features restrained, comforting, and occasionally bitingly sad portrayals of people living quiet lives. What makes her songwriting remarkable is how well she conjures a time and place. It harkens back to older country icons while incorporating modern ideas beautifully.

This is all present in her latest album, though it has a sadder streak to it. The album is highly personal but very universal, as good country music usually is. Each track portrays McKenna's wounds from the relationships of her past, her life now, and the future she envisions for herself and for her children. In "Humble & Kind", she tries to pass on lessons of humility to her audience, possibly her family. "Wreck You" and "Halfway Home" are heartbreaking songs detailing relationships past and present. A personal favorite, "All These Things", is a bit more cheerful, talking about helping one another by being the thing they need, whether they know it or not.

The record sounds beautiful as well, mainly due to the production from Dave Cobb. Cobb is easily one of the best producers of modern country music, ranging from this album to Sturgill Simpson to his own compilation (which is excellent), "Southern Family". The work on "The Bird & the Rifle" is standout: it incorporates rock elements under the beautifully laid out guitar and strings, the drum lines are understated and McKenna's voice is fluid and natural. It's a very warm-feeling album, reminiscent of the days in the sun referenced in the lyrics.

"The Bird & the Rifle" is one of the best albums this year, and even those who don't think they like country should definitely check it out. There's something here for just about everybody, and I highly recommend it. Sorry for the lack of posts, by the way. I've been moving into college and doing a whole bunch of shit besides updating this thing.

One of the best country releases of 2016. Link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYTeAEi4Re4 ("Wreck You")

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yefqMWaipck ("All These Things")

http://tinyurl.com/zwkdc75 (MEGA)