Country Mike Blog

Starbucks

Mike Sudhalter  |  August 14, 2007

I don't think Starbucks carries the new album for Jerry Kilgore, but they might want to consider it.

Kilgore, who released his major label debut in 2000, is back with his second effort on independent label, Nic-Nic Neer Records. The album is very traditional with a heavy Bakersfield influence.

The second song on the disc, "Down on My Luck", is a modern day take on heartaches and honky-tonks. It encompasses some developments over the past 10-15 years. Many honky-tonks have closed, and countless Starbucks have opened. Our character is getting over his heartache, by being down on his luck at Starbucks.

Another top track is "Ain't Got One Honky-Tonk", which is poking fun at new country. Kilgore sings, "I heard a song on the radio today, they called it country, I didn't hear it that way. He sounded more like George Michael than George Strait."

When the narrator ponders asking the singer to play some Lefty, he figures the singer will respond with "Lefty Who?"

While taking shots at new country, Kilgore doesn't forget to pay homage to the legends. In "Hag", he sings about how he has to start every day listening to Merle Haggard's music.

Hopefully, Nashville will take notice and put Kilgore on a major label where he can record traditional country. His first album, while quality, wasn't as traditional as this one.