Spectacular Records #4
Ella Langley – Choosin’ Texas
I won’t go too deep dissecting this record because the magic honestly lies in the simplicity of the song, (written by Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert and Joybeth Taylor) it’s production (Ella Langley and Ben West), and the honesty of the artist’s voice and performance. Suffice to say it’s a perfect record.
There’s something about Texas that always brings with it the myth of long ago and far away, back to a time of ranchers, cowboys & wranglers, tumbleweed and cacti… even though these days it’s more a Los Angeles freeway in most parts.
The ten dollar video they made to promote the song needed no more than Ella sitting at a bar with drink in hand, and the silhouette of a couple’s harmonious two-step & twirl in the background, because they’re from Texas… and she’s not.
She isn’t the ugly duckling the song might suggest… but 100% believable, and she’s fun to watch. Again, there’s an honesty in her that’s been lost on most of Nashville these days.
This kind of quiet revolution happened years ago. Country Music became a little too tried & true with George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Merle Haggard and the likes. The TV show Hee Haw provided a forum to showcase the music, make fun of their own backwoods ways, and the genre became mainstream for every small town in America. We were all country!
By the late 70’s into early 80’s, however, the old sound that paved those country roads had given way to a new crop of variety acts like The Mandrell Sisters, Lacy J. Dalton, Eddie Rabbit and more. These artists were certainly devoted to the genre, but they brought about a different kind of ‘country lite’ to the fray. A poppier, campier sound. Most traditionalists hated it. I was one of those.
Then in 1981, with the fatigue of these slick records being openly criticized, Ricky Scaggs released an album called “Waiting For The Sun To Shine” and eventually, a single called “Cryin’ My Heart Out Over You”. Not only was Ricky a pedigree of the Nashville country and bluegrass scene, this song was co-written by Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. It was the Nirvana to Nashville’s Bon Jovi or Motley Crüe. It turned the town on its head. Purists were rejoicing in the streets- “Now THIS is country music!”.
A similar sentiment echoes today when I hear “Choosin’ Texas”. It comes from an unassuming female artist who doesn’t have a thing to prove by way of rebelling against the mainstream, yet she kind of knocks a support beam out of the Jenga tower, built by acts like Florida Georgia Line, Taylor Swift, Kelsea Ballerini and the likes.
It’s a song I’ve listened to over and over now, and feel more investment in this one artist from this one song, than anything I’ve heard from the above mentioned combined.
… and that dear friends, is saying something don’t you think?
A spectacular record from an equally spectacular new artist!
Jude
7 Comments
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Never heard this before now. Great song, and I LOVE the arrangement. Reminds me so much of the early 80s country.. things like Juice Newton. <3
I checked her out thanks to your recommendation, and I dig it. So much so, that I will be ordering her new record come April. Thanks for the recommendation Jude!
I love Eddie Rabbitt, Barbara Mandrell’s cover of “If Loving You is Wrong (I Don’t Want to Be Right)” and I like Jude Cole…Any chance you could do a show in the SF Bay Area? I was 10 when your music hit the radio and now I am old enough to buy a concert ticket. Also, it would be rad if you hopped on the Bourbon & Beyond Festival lineup in Louisville, KY end of September. Thanks for your time, for posting, and creating a forum. “Tell the Truth” is my fave.
Totally agree. I love this song along with her “Weren’t for the Wind”. She is very talented and should have a long career in country. Didn’t know you were such a country music fan but good music is good music no matter what genre someone puts it in. I guess those old roots are what sparked your “Gotta love country” song. Can’t wait to see what musical gem you surprise us with next. You should really work that line about “music that paved those country roads” into a song. Let me know if you need any help. LOL
Honest music ia honest music. No matter the genre, when uts genuine and isnt chasing…SOMETHING…it appeals. Mr. Cole might know a thing or two about music that is honest and intimate.
My son Michael is huge into country music , he actually saw her live ans when he got back , he told me , Im not really a huge fan of country girl singers , but Ella was great he kept gp8ng on .
She does a great song with Riley Green , YOU look like you love me .
No doubt talented
Hey my friend. Tom Petty said it the best. The “new” country traded in a fiddle 🎻 for an electric guitar. You and Cathy could talk hours a out old school country. Thanks for your recommendation on Ella. Remember the days when true artists like you & Ella had to truly sing without any engineering or computer tricks.
Keep it coming Jude…