Scuttlebutt
Random Thoughts
The Return of Jamey Johnson: 2024’s stellar Midnight Gasoline was a welcomed surprise for fans of the country legend’s work in the aughts and early-2010s. It feels almost selfish to now wish for more but perhaps Johnson wouldn’t have to provide more classics to our ears on his own. What if he joined forces with other beloved artists? Maybe a new super group? I can imagine that the likes of Jamey Johnson, Summer Dean, Swamp Dogg, Cody Jinks and Kayla Ray could create music magic together. Or maybe just a duets album with another beloved troubadour? Johnson and Sunny Sweeney would sizzle.
Cover Wishlist
Acker/Grande: With the 2025 Grammy nominations, Ariana Grande, newly minted Oscar nominee, was denied the flowers she so richly deserved for her hit ‘We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love).’ A singular moment that deeply showed Grande’s songwriting prowness. It’s one of her best yet and with such a storied career thus far that’s saying something. Far across the genre pond, Chris Acker let us join him and all his folk glory at the table for 2024’s Famous Lunch. An album that showcases his detective like abilities to unearth aspects of human nature often overlooked. His voice filled with understanding and longing would add such amazing dimension to a folk cover of Grande’s pop hit.
Adeem/Carpenter: Adeem the Artist has the unfathomable ability to share their perspective in ways that are accessible, unifying and positively undeniable. From 2022’s breakthrough White Trash Revelry to 2024’s masterclass Anniversary, they build space to share their story so freely that it invites all of us in turn to choose to share our own. In a similar vein, Mary Chapin Carpenter has built a storied career dedicated to sharing unique points of view on love, loss and existence. It would be a profound moment to hear Adeem the Artist’s interpretation of Carpenter’s heartbreaker ‘I Am a Town.’
Booth/Dean: Laci Kaye Booth’s 2024 album The Loneliest Girl in The World was a creative reset on Geffen Records that offered an in-depth understanding of Booth’s evocative songwriting and richly controlled vocals. As evidenced on one of the many standout cuts like ‘I Let Him Love Me’ Booth is a fearlessly visceral storyteller. These skills would soar on a country infused cover of Olivia Dean’s gorgeously rendered 2020 single ‘The Hardest Part.’
Mescal/Porter: Peytan Porter’s distinctive 2024 EP Grown separated her from other bubbling under the radar peers by offering resoundingly mature reflections on young adulthood. The sharp title track showcased Porter’s piercing vocals matched only by her unshakeable talent as a songwriter. Porter would succeed with a pop country take of Nell Mescal’s absolutely exquisite 2023 song ‘In My Head.’ Her vocals on that irresistible chorus would break hearts worldwide.
Perez/Robinson: Gigi Perez’s ‘Sailor Song’ is a wonderful reprieve on the current Billboard Hot 100 chart. It’s an inviting call from the depths of the heart that is reminiscent of another ethereal earworm, Emily Scott Robinson’s ‘Old Gods’ from her seminal 2021 album American Siren. Robinson’s vocals dazzle here, much like everything else she touches. It would be fascinating to hear her take on Perez’s current hit or perhaps even a folk infused mashup of the two stellar tracks.
