2021 Holiday music roundup

What would the season be without new holiday music? A myriad of new releases, as well as highly-anticipated and expanded reissues are available this year.

Artist: Blackmore's Night

Title: Winter Carols (earMUSIC)

You might like if you enjoy: Blackmore's Night, Renaissance music

Tell me more: Originally released in 2006, the newly-remastered and expanded edition of the Blackmore's Night classic Winter Carols is available as a 2CD and digital album. Previous favorites such as the luxurious "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," spectacular "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"/"O Come All Ye Faithful" medley, Baroque-flavored "I Saw Three Ships" and instrumental classical guitar gem "Winter Base Dance)" are here. "Coventry Carol," an English carol dating back to the 16th century, is reworked here with additional lyrics by amazing lead vocalist Candice Night and new arrangement by guitar master Ritchie Blackmore. There are also several other tracks new to the collection, including the shimmering "Here We Come A-Caroling," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" and "Silent Night." The 2CD version includes a wonderful 20-page booklet with photographs, lyrics for all the selections and album credits. Information: blackmoresnight.com.

Artist: Eagles of Death Metal

Title: Eagles of Death Metal Presents A Boots Electric Christmas (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Eagles of Death Metal, holiday music

Tell me more: Leave it to the Palm Desert-spawned Eagles of Death Metal to release one of the most delightful and old-fashioned Christmas music collections of 2021. The six songs on Eagles of Death Metal Presents A Boots Electric Christmas (available on Nov. 19) recall the cheer of the best holiday music-minded sets of the 1960s. There is a warmth, intimacy and authenticity to the group's affecting versions of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen," "Put A Little Love In Your Heart," "O Holy Night," "Little Drummer Boy" and "Little Town Of Bethlehem." The disc's closer is a shining a cappella rendition of "O Holy Night" featuring the tandem vocals of Jesse Hughes and Joshua Homme. Information: EaglesOfDeathMetal.com.

Artist: Goo Goo Dolls

Title: It's Christmas All Over (Warner Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Goo Goo Dolls, Fastball

Tell me more: Celebrated rockers Goo Goo Dolls have released a deluxe edition of It's Christmas All Over, which follows on the heels of the group's latest compilation album titled Rarities. The 12-song "It's Christmas All Over" reintroduces the first-ever holiday music release from John Rzenik and Robby Takac. The collection includes a brand new sentimental original "One Last Song About Christmas" and previously-unreleased cover of "I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm," the latter a classic made famous by Dean Martin. My other faves on the album include the group's version of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" and "This Is Christmas." Information: GooGooDolls.com.

Artist: Billy Idol

Title: Happy Holidays (Dark Horse Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, Steve Stevens

Tell me more: Billy Idol's 2006 Christmas studio album Happy Holidays is out now for the first time on vinyl and streaming platforms via Dark Horse Records. This gem features a mix of cool originals ("Happy Holidays," "Christmas Love") and reworked covers ("Frosty the Snowman," "Silver Bells," "Let It Snow," "Blue Christmas"). A new original bonus track also appears on the album; the mid tempo rocker "On Christmas Day" features long-time Idol collaborator Steve Stevens on electric guitar. My favorite on the collection is Idol's rocking cover of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run." Fans can purchase the LP on black vinyl, audio CD and on limited edition white vinyl. Information: BillyIdol.net.

Artist: Paul Kelly

Title: Paul Kelly's Christmas Train (Gawd Aggie/Cooking Vinyl Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Paul Kelly, Bob Dylan

Tell me more: There is a parade of diverse material on Paul Kelly's first-ever Christmas album (Paul Kelly's Christmas Train). Among the terrific selections on the expansive 22-track double album set is the lovely Americana-styled version of "Silent Night" draped with Hawaiian guitars and ukuleles, a cappella traditional joy "Coventry Carol," rollicking power pop-styled take on the Chris and Wes Harrington cut "Christmas," bewitching "Little Drummer Boy," shining reading of the early 1960s classic "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)" and absolutely stunning version of "O Holy Night" ("Papu Te Pō") sung in English and Māori featuring singer Marlon Williams and the Dhungala Children's Choir. In keeping with the spirit of the season, Kelly even includes a Hanukkah song ("Shalom Aleichem") while Islam is honored when Waleed Aly recites the vivid poetry of Surah Maryam on the collection. Information: CookingVinyl.com.

Photo credit: Gina Binkley 

Artist: Pistol Annies

Title: Hell of a Holiday (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley

Tell me more: Celebrated country music trio Pistol Annies has ushered in Christmas with the aptly-titled Hell of a Holiday, a spirited collection of mostly-original tracks that are are as ambitious as they are wonderful. There are some lovely originals to be sure — the '50s-mining "Make You Blue" and poignant "The Only Thing I Wanted" immediately come to mind — there is a plucky attitude across much of the disc. The lively title track features some artful and sublime vocal harmonies. The playful "Snow Globe" is literate and melodic, totally capturing the spirit of the holiday season. "Harlan County Coal" is a bit more irreverent than your average Christmas track, as evidenced by the catchy chorus: "Making decorations out of shotgun shells, making it up as we go / Making something out of nothing so you better straighten up, Or all you're gonna get's a chunk of Harlan County coal." Other standouts on the wonderful album include the jazzy "Come On Christmas Time," gospel jewel "Leanin' on Jesus," soaring "Believing" and acoustic Americana jewel "Joy." In addition to the 10 original tracks on "Hell of a Holiday," Ashley Monroe, Miranda Lambert and Angaleena Presley make "Sleigh Ride," "Auld Lang Syne" and Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December" their own. Information: PistolAnnies.com. 

Artist: Jeremiah Lockwood

Title: A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Record (Reboot)

You might like if you enjoy: Hanukkah music, "The New Possibility: John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album," instrumental guitar music, Richard LaForge's "Coloring Trees" album

Tell me more: With the first night of Hanukkah having arrived on Sunday, Nov. 28, there is no time like the present to listen to Jeremiah Lockwood's A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Record. Released on Nov. 22, A Great Miracle: Jeremiah Lockwood’s Guitar Soli Chanukah Record is a beautiful solo guitar celebration of the Festival of Lights. Inspired in part by the groundbreaking 1968 album The New Possibility: John Fahey's Guitar Soli Christmas Album, Lockwood's new 8-track album delivers a stunning selection for each night of the Chanukah holiday. Spanning from the lovely "Ritual" and more forceful "Al Hanisim" to several pieces centered on the magic of the Dreydl (the bluesy take on Samuel Goldfarb's "Little Dreydel" and original arrangement of Moishe Oysher's "Drey Dreydl") and touching closer "Chanukah Oy Chanukah," this is a wonderful album that will brighten any music lover's holiday season. Information: JeremiahLockwood.com. 

Artist: Ronnie Milsap

Title: Christmas with Ronnie Milsap (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Ronnie Milsap

Tell me more: Ronnie Milsap's 1986 album Christmas with Ronnie Milsap has returned via a terrific new reissue. Listening to the legendary country music artist's only holiday title it's crazy that it was ever out of print. The performances are terrific and the symphonic approach works as Milsap delivers touching versions of favorites such as the uptempo "Only One Night of the Year," sweeping "I'll Be Home for Christmas" and soaring "O Holy Night." Information: CraftRecordings.com. 

Artist: Carrie Underwood

Title: My Gift: Special Edition (Capitol Nashville)

You might like if you enjoy: Carrie Underwood

Tell me more: Originally released in 2020, Carrie Underwood's My Gift has been released as a Special Edition set that includes all 11 tracks from the original version along with three new tracks ("Favorite Time Of Year," "All Is Well," "Let There Be Peace/Something In The Water") performed on her recent HBO Max television special. Information: CarrieUnderwood.com. 

HOLIDAY SOUNDTRACK CLASSIC

Title: Elf: The Deluxe Edition (Varèse Sarabande Records)

Composer: John Debney's scores for "Iron Man 2" and "The Jungle Book"

You might like if you enjoy: Christmas music

Tell me more: When the holiday movie "Elf" was released in 2003, the film starring Will Farrell became an instant classic. Although the soundtrack was initially released in connection around the time of the movie's arrival in theaters, its enduring popularity made releasing an expanded edition a wonderful idea. Elf: The Deluxe Edition features an expanded score (44 tracks in all!), as well as the alternate and edited tracks from the 2003 audio CD. Liner notes by Tim Grieving feature new interview content with director Jon Favreau, composer John Debney and one of the film's stars, Mary Steenburgen. Information: VareseSarabande.com.

Robert Kinsler

Pistol Annies releasing their first ever holiday album, "Hell of a Holiday," Oct. 22, 2021

Another major holiday music release announcement, and this one sure looking promising! Check out Pistol Annies' track "Snow Globe," an advance track from "Hell of a Holiday" coming in just three weeks...Robert Kinsler

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 1, 2021

IT’S A VERY ANNIE CHRISTMAS! 

PISTOL ANNIES RELEASING THEIR FIRST EVER HOLIDAY ALBUM, HELL OF A HOLIDAY, OCT. 22

FIRST RELEASE “SNOW GLOBE” AVAILABLE NOW

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Country music trio Pistol Annies will deck the halls with new original holiday tunes as their first Christmas album, Hell of a Holiday, arrives Oct. 22. Listen to the first release, “Snow Globe,” here.

“We couldn’t be happier we got to make a Christmas Album. Once we finally surrendered and let the Christmas songwriting spirit take over, we were so inspired and felt that magic on every single one of these songs,” said the trio’s Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley. “We hope to be a part of so many people’s Christmas memories for years to come.”

Full of new yuletide treats, Hell of a Holiday includes 10 festive original tracks written by the Annies with their signature winking humor, while also honoring the spirit of the season. The title track conjures images of the hectic holiday whirlwind that arrives every Nov. 1, while “Snow Globe” dreams of a romantic winter wonderland. Elsewhere, a family of country-fried characters come to life, and there’s even a new ode to Santa himself.

The project also features their take on standards including “Sleigh Ride,” and Merle Haggard’s “If We Make it Through December,” plus a reimagined “Auld Lang Syne.” Photographer and artist Gina Binkley created the striking cover artwork. 

This marks the fourth studio album for the trio, following their Grammy-nominated 2018 project Interstate Gospel. They recently celebrated the 10^th anniversary of their Platinum-certified debut release “Hell on Heels,” the title track of their acclaimed first album. 

HELL OF A HOLIDAY 

1. Hell of a Holiday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
2. Snow Globe (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
3. Harlan County Coal (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
4. Come On Christmas Time (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
5. If We Make it Through December (Merle Haggard)
6. Make You Blue (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
7. Leanin' on Jesus (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
8. The Only Thing I Wanted (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
9. Believing (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
10. Happy Birthday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
11. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson/Mitchell Parish)
12. Joy (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
13. Auld Lang Syne (Public Domain/Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley) 

ABOUT PISTOL ANNIES: A musical “force of nature” (Entertainment Weekly), Pistol Annies combines the talents of acclaimed country standouts Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie), delivering a high-spirited take on life the way real people live it. Each prolific songwriters and vocalists, the Annie collective allows the women the freedom to explore the genre beyond their individual careers celebrating friendship, the rough patches and girl power. Having recorded with both the Chieftains and Jewel, their music has also been featured on The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. They have released three albums: 2011’s Gold-certified Hell on Heels, which produced the Platinum single “Hell On Heels”; 2013’s Annie Up; and 2018’s Grammy-nominated masterpiece Interstate Gospel. Their new Christmas album Hell of a Holiday arrives Oct. 22. 

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New Music: Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe

A trio of eagerly-awaited releases are reviewed this week.

Artist: Elvis Costello

Title: Spanish Model (UMe)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello, Juanes, Nina Diaz

Tell me more: Elvis Costello and the Attractions' 1978 masterwork This Year's Model has been revisited via the newly-released Spanish Model, an ambitious project where 19 artists representing 10 different nations and territories were recruited to add their lead vocals to the original instrumental tracks recorded by Costello, keyboardist Steve Nieve, bassist Bruce Thomas and drummer Pete Thomas. Costello worked with longtime collaborator producer Sebastian Krys to assemble the cast of Latin rock and pop artists who complete the new album. Things kick off with the hard-charging power pop-styled "No Action" featuring singer Nina Diaz; the version includes an extended ending where Thomas is really working his drum kit. The reggae-flavored "(Yo No Quiero Ir A) Chelsea ((I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea)" featuring Raquel Sofia & Fuego, the soulful piano-anchored "Detonantes (Little Triggers)" and animated "Tu Eres Para Mi (You Belong To Me)" featuring Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi are other early standouts on the collection. American-born Chilean singer Francisca Valenzuela and Enjambre lead singer Luis Humberto Navejas joining forces for a duet on the tuneful "Hand In Hand," the playful "Viviendo en el Paraiso (Living In Paradise)" featuring Mexican pop duo Jesse & Joy and driving "Lipstick Vogue" with Columbian band Morat are welcome standouts on the last part of Spanish Model. My favorite cut on the disc is "Pump It Up," featuring celebrated Colombian hero Juanes; the remastering on the original instrumental tracks is incredible with the power of the song palpable with every measure of its hard-stomping groove. Information: ElvisCostello.com.

Artist: Kacey Musgraves

Title: Star-Crossed (MCA Nashville/Interscope)

You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Ashley Monroe, Alison Krauss

Tell me more: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Kacey Musgraves is back with Star-Crossed, her first studio album since 2018's "Golden Hour." The highly-anticipated 15-track return displays continued growth for the Texas songstress, who explores the world around her with literate precision and musical depth. The confessional "Good Wife," shimmering electronica-tinged uptempo forays "Cherry Blossom," "Star-Crossed" and "What Doesn't Kill Me," probing "Hookup Scene" and infectious "Justified" are among the poignant original tracks on the disc. Even when visiting oft-covered themes — the breezy "Simple Times" and inviting "Keep Lookin' Up" come to mind — Musgraves infuses enough authenticity, spirit and originality to make Star-Crossed a strong listen across its entire run. Although Musgraves' country roots are often hard to hear on Star-Crossed, her well-aimed musical instincts and messages of empowerment will likely appeal to listeners who have enjoyed all of her acclaimed past efforts. Information: KaceyMusgraves.com.

Artist: Ashley Monroe

Title: The Covers (Ashley Monroe)

You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Miranda Lambert

Tell me more: Earlier this summer country music songstress Ashley Monroe revealed she had been diagnosed with a rare cancer (Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia); the 34-year-old artist started chemotherapy on July 14. Now the celebrated singer-songwriter has released The Covers, a five-song EP where nuanced takes on five classic songs that are obvious favorites of the singer. The performances are uniformly tender and moving. Sparse readings of Extreme's "More Than Words" and The Police's "Every Breath I Take" are especially stirring, focusing on the lyrics of the songs. Even Bryan Adams' "[Everything I Do] I Do it For You" that was overwrought on the original 1991 version is deeply affecting via Monroe's reworking on The Covers. The beautiful take on Boudleaux Bryant's "Love Hurts" masterfully melds the vocals of Monroe with those of Ruston Kelly; it is a performance that echoes the romantic pathos of the 1973 recording featuring Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris (included on Parsons' 1974 posthumously-released classic Grievous Angel). Information: AshleyMonroe.com. 

Robert Kinsler

Eclectic Range of Releases Close Out 2018

Although 2018 is in the history books, there are several late-year releases worthy of attention. The latest releases from country music supergroup Pistol Annies and Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry, as well as important deluxe reissues from English rockers the Kinks and bluesman Henry Townsend are available now.

Artist: Pistol Annies
Title: Interstate Gospel (Sony Music Nashville)
You might like if you enjoy: Kacey Musgraves, Pistol Annies, Ashley Monroe
Tell me more: Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley have each carved out successful solo careers in country music so when they join forces as Pistol Annies expectations are high. On the celebrated trio's third full-length studio set Interstate Gospel there is an honesty and depth across the 14-track album that fully delivers on the talents of the three singer-songwriters. While never abandoning the greater sonic template associated with contemporary country music, Pistol Annies offer up original songs of empowerment and independence from a welcome feminine perspective. The freewheeling "Stop Drop and Roll One," lovely "Best Years of My Life," buoyant "Got My Name Changed Back," and introspective "When I Was His Wife" and "Cheyenne" leave their mark via undeniable song craft and telling lyrics. In addition to confessional tales of lust, regret and love gone mostly wrong, there are uptempo proclamations of faith ("Interstate Prelude," "Interstate Gospel") and a particularly affecting look at the challenges of life on the farm ("5 Acres of Turnips"). It doesn't hurt that Lambert, Monroe and Presley have voices that shine and soar with every stellar turn. Information: PistolAnnies.com.

Artist: The Kinks
Title: The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society (Sanctuary Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, Blur, the Zombies' "Odessey and Oracle"
Tell me more: The 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition of the Kinks' 1968 masterwork The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society is amazing. It features both stereo and mono mixes from the HD masters, bonus tracks and a previously-unreleased new single titled "Time Song." The two-disc audio CD version reviewed here also comes with a 20-page booklet and extensive liner notes. Lead singer-songwriter Ray Davies penned a slew of outstanding nostalgia-drenched songs exploring life and death, growing up and growing old, and wove those works together via a mix of musical styles that work perfectly. Indeed, pop-rock ("Starstruck"), psychedelia ("Wicket Annabella"), blues ("Last Of The Steam-Powered Trains"), chamber pop ("Big Sky," "Village Green"), and an intoxicating dose of British Music hall ("Sitting By The Riverside," "All Of My Friends Were There") are among the styles used by the Kinks on the wide-ranging title. Casual rock fans who only know the Kinks via the band's radio hits should consider delving into this wondrous title that was sadly overlooked at the time of its release in November 1968. Information: abkco.com.

Artist: Henry Townsend
Title: Mule (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: Big Joe Williams, Pinetop Sparks, Sonny Boy Williamson
Tell me more: Armed with a potent baritone voice and keyboard and guitar skills to match, Henry Townsend's talents shine across the expanded reissue of his 1980 album Mule. The late bluesman was born in 1909 and his spirit and sound emerge as fresh and enthralling today as when the disc was recorded nearly 40 years ago. Townsend's recording career dated back to the early 1930s and Mule marked an effort to put Townsend front and center on a full-length recording. The album is worth discovering, with the artist artfully pounding away on keyboards and plucking on guitar across the disc. As detailed in the album liner notes, Townsend would improvise while recording; the result is the performance of tracks that are vibrant and fully unique. The Delta-flavored "Tears Come Rollin' Down," rollicking piano-anchored "It's A Hard Road To Travel," spot on "Talkin' Guitar Blues" and the joyful romp "The Other Night" (a bonus track) ring out with an immediacy and power that are as much a tribute to Townsend as American blues music itself. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Bryan Ferry and his Orchestra
Title: Bitter-Sweet (BMG)
You might like if you enjoy: Roxy Music, The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society, DeVotchKa
Tell me more: Bryan Ferry and his Orchestra are casting new light on the music of Roxy Music and some of Ferry's solo works via the aptly-titled Bitter-Sweet. Fans of the early 20th century British Music hall genre will be find that aplenty on "Bitter-Sweet." Ferry's work on the LP was inspired by his role with the Sky Atlantic/Netflix television series "Babylon Berlin" (a show set in the 1920s and based on the books authored by Volker Kutscher). The pensive "New Town," yearning "Bitter Sweet," gorgeous "Zamba" and ambitious instrumental "Limbo" are among this writer's favorites on the sweeping collection. Information: BryanFerry.com.


Robert Kinsler

Pistol Annies' new album 'Interstate Gospel' hailed as one of the best of 2018

With the end of 2018 clearly in sight, some clear favorites are appearing on many "Best Of" lists, including the latest album from the trio comprised of Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie)...

Pistol Annies' latest album, 'Interstate Gospel, is being hailed as one of the best of 2018

Featured on Year-End lists by Rolling Stone, NPR Music, Esquire, Stereogum, EW, Billboard and many more

 

NASHVILLE, TN - Country supertrio PISTOL ANNIES released their third album INTERSTATE GOSPEL last month via RCA Records Nashville. Since its first announcement early this fall, the album has garnered continuous critical acclaim and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart. Listen now on all streaming platforms and purchase the album HERE.

 

Penned by the Pistol Annies, the 14-track album showcases the group’s stunning harmonies, such as the "classic country tearjerker" (Stereogum) "Masterpiece"; "sly take on gender roles" (Variety) "Sugar Daddy"; "saucy, high-spirited" (Rolling Stone) "Stop Drop and Roll One“; "more irreverent than earnest” (NPR) “Interstate Gospel”; and “confession of dead-end desperation" (New York Times) “Best Years of My Life.” Moving from celebratory anthems, classic country storytelling and vibey swagger, the Grammy-nominated trio are back and sounding Annie-er than ever.

 

The Pistol Annies' very first single to go to Country Radio is "Got My Name Changed Back." Fans should listen for it on their local radio stations. The fun-spirited music video for the single is out now. Watch it HERE.

Year-End Praise for Interstate Gospel:

Rolling Stone - 40 Best Country & Americana Albums of 2018
"This supergroup is a true group, part of why the songs on their third set cut so deep."

NPR Music - The 50 Best Albums of 2018
"After their long hiatus, they deserved to be received like a trio of heroines this year."

Esquire - 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
"...the best country record to release in 2018 and one of the finest collections of the decade. It's a celebration of the female experience, scars and all, and a phenomenal ode to the ties that bind us."

Entertainment Weekly - The 20 Best Albums of 2018
“Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley— singular talents alone, fiercely formidable together—are the girlfriends we all need right now. Brimming with rich harmonies, sass, and sorrow, this album feels like the Gospel truth.”

Billboard - Best Albums of 2018
“Lambert, Monroe and Presley have, in a two-year span, each released damn good albums on their own, but the camaraderie on their third full-length together makes a strong case for keeping the band together, till death do them part.”

Stereogum - The 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
“The Pistol Annies are a respite from the memoiristic songwriting Nashville so often demands of its female artists: the supergroup as a creative outlet for three storytellers who understand that there’s strength in numbers.”

Uproxx - The 20 Best Folk And Country Records of 2018
“On their third collection of songs together as a trio, Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe prove that country’s insistence on keeping women down is not based on any logical realities regarding talent or listeners.”

New York Magazine/Vulture - The 15 Best Albums of 2018
"Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley are all country powerhouses in their own right, and when they unite as the Pistol Annies, it’s like iron sharpening iron."

American Songwriter - Top 25 Albums of 2018
"Sweet, sister-like harmony, from badass galpals Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angeleena Presley, who share the Dixie Chicks’ lyrical honesty and playfulness."

The Ringer - The Best Albums of 2018
"Interstate Gospel is raucous and joyful even at its most scathing, with triumphant anthems about divorce (“Got My Name Changed Back”) and crushing ballads about the wonders of parenting. (“I picked a good day for a recreational Percocet,” begins an exhausted, unfathomably raw ode to motherhood called “Best Years of My Life.”)"

AV Club - Best Country Albums of 2018
“Talk about a welcome comeback: Pistol Annies’ refreshingly honest third album, Interstate Gospel, chronicles smart life changes and bad decisions alike, via a deft combination of winking wit and hard-fought wisdom.”

Taste of Country - 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
“It's the album fans wanted and the album Pistol Annies needed. A one-word review? Generous.”

About the PISTOL ANNIES: Combining the talents of acclaimed country forces of Miranda Lambert (Lone Star Annie), Ashley Monroe (Hippie Annie) and Angaleena Presley (Holler Annie), Pistol Annies deliver a high-spirited take on life the way real people live it. Songwriters/vocalists, the Annie collective allows the women the freedom to explore the genre (roots music) beyond their individual careers celebrating friendship, the rough patches and girl power. Having recorded with both the Chieftains and Jewel, their music has also been featured on The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond. They have released two albums, 2011’s Gold-certified Hell on Heels, which produced the Platinum single “Hell On Heels” and 2013’s Annie Up.
 

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