Happy holidays everyone…
When people think of music to listen to in an elevated state of mind, country typically isn’t the first genre they think of.
Of course there’s Willie Nelson, that’s a given, but there’s plenty of other artists making country music that’s best enjoyed a little under the influence.
Here’s some of the best.
Sturgill Simson
Sturgill is a pioneer of psychedelic country.
His album Metamodern Sounds in Country Music is a great starting point. “Turtle’s All The Way Down” is the first song and I’ll make sure you’re in the right mindset for the rest of the album…
When finished with that, I highly (Pun intended) recommend the Sound and Fury video project on Netflix. The music is insanely complex and the combination of live action, anime and animation throughout the short movie will really put your head in a blender.
Koe Wetzel
When isn’t it a good time for Koe? For today, my recommendation is his 2019 album Harold Saul High.Â
The cut scenes will have you rolling with laughter, but music itself is perfect for those introspective, overthinking moments that are bound to happen. “Too High To Cry” will have you, well, almost crying, “Make Believe” and “Ragweed” will have you jamming out and “Sancho” will have you rolling on the floor laughing.
This is my favorite album of his to date for good reason.
Chris Stapleton
We’ve noted before that Chris is a modern-day master of toking tunes, so today is a day to crank his music up loud. Pretty much everything he’s put out is good to go, but of course the referential songs are going to be the biggest hits.
“Might As Well Get Stoned,” “Them Stems,” and “Worry B Gone” are great starting points, but “Parachute,” “Fire Away” and “Sometimes I Cry” will really push you to new heights (Sorry, had too).
Eric Church
Come on now, you know he wears those shades inside for a reason… Pretty much all of the Chief’s music would work for today, but especially “I’m Getting Stoned,” “Knives of New Orleans,” “The Joint,” “Smoke A Little Smoke,” “Leave My Willie Alone,” “Carolina,” “Springsteen,” “Over When It’s Over,” “Keep On,” “Creepin,'” “Give Me Back My Hometown,” and “Hippie Radio”…
Okay just listen to it all. There’s just too much greatness…
Kacey Musgraves
Never afraid to be outspoken about who she is and what she does, Kacey’s got a bunch of songs perfect today.
“Merry Go ‘Round,” “High Time,” “Follow Your Arrow,” “Blowin’ Smoke,” and my personal favorite by her, the unreleased “Burn One With John Prine.”
Brothers Osborne
Another band that’s good for any situation, Brothers Osborne’s vocal combination gets the people going. Their song “Greener Pastures” is an obvious go-to, but make sure “I’m Not For Everyone,” “Weed, Whiskey and Willie,” and “It Ain’t My Fault” are in the mix.
