We need a collaboration album from Red Clay ASAP.
There’s no doubt that the alternative country scene is not only the most popular that it’s ever been, but also arguably the most talented as well. While it seems as if the likes of Zach Bryan, Tyler Childers and Sturgill Simpson have risen to the top in popularity, countless other acts have proven time and time again that they deserve to be put into these conversations as well. Of course, you can look to the likes of Turnpike Troubadours, Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry, Colter Wall, Shane Smith & the Saints and more.
Despite there being so much talent, when it comes to who many rank as the best band and duo, chances are a strong majority of independent country fans will point to the likes of The Red Clay Strays and Muscadine Bloodline, respectively.
With the Strays, they’ve been nothing short of dominant during the recent award show cycles. At the 59th annual CMA Awards last November, they’d dethrone Old Dominion as Vocal Group of the Year en route to their first-ever CMA win. They’d follow that up last week and dethrone Old Dominion once again, this time taking home their first-ever ACM Award for Group of the Year. Couple that with yet another stellar album this year with Grateful and a sold-out set of headlining shows on their tour of the same name, they’ve quickly cemented themselves as country music’s new “it” band.
As for Muscadine, the duo comprised of Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton has been on an absolute tear as of late. In addition to releasing a staggering seven projects over the decade so far, they’ve finally been catching some mainstream buzz as of late. Notably, they’ve scored Duo of the Year nominations two years in a row at the ACM Awards. Couple that with opening up for the likes of superstars like Post Malone and Lainey Wilson, the Alabama natives have been on an absolute tear.
Over the weekend, the two alternative stars were out on the road together, with Muscadine serving as direct support for Red Clay when the aforementioned Grateful Tour rolled through both Arkansas and Louisiana.
During their stop in Jonesboro, Arkansas, at First National Bank Arena on Sunday, the fellow Alabamians teamed up for a stellar performance of the Eagles’ “Take It to the Limit.”
Of course, “Take It to the Limit” has remained one of the biggest songs in the Eagles’ legendary discography. Appearing on their wildly successful 1975 album, One Of These Nights, the track became one of the three Top 10 singles from the record, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song would also make an impact on the country music world when Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings covered it on their 1983 duet album, Take It to the Limit, which netted the two Highwaymen a Top 10 hit on the country charts.
As for Red Clay and Muscadine’s cover in Jonesboro, it proves once again that Red Clay has yet to meet a cover that they cannot do justice. There’s no doubt that Eagles songs are never an easy task to perform, especially considering the legendary band’s iconic harmonies. With that being said, however, Muncaster and Stanton of Muscadine were up to the task, effortlessly harmonizing with Red Clay frontman Brandon Coleman. In turn, the trio of vocalists absolutely crushed the cover.
Watch here:
Grateful Tour Dates
November 8 – Jonesboro, AR – First National Bank Arena with Muscadine Bloodline & Brent Cobb
November 13 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena with Travis Tritt & Brent Cobb
