January 15, 2017
Sturgill Simpson: A Sailorās Guide to Earth
Sturgill Simpsonās A Sailorās Guide to Earth is nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammyās. I know that I am not the only one when I say that I hadnāt heard of Sturgill Simpson until this nomination was announced, even though he is very deserving of the nod. I think itās fair to say that this critically acclaimed album really put Sturgill Simpson on the music radar.
This album is beautifully composed. The first song on the album, titledĀ āWelcome to Earth (Pollywog)ā seems to be dedicated to his newly born son. It captivates you instantaneously as he talks about the struggles of being a working father when all he wants to do is watch his kid grow up. Although a heavy subject, the music is quite light and celebratory as he welcomes his son to Earth.
It shocked me to find out that Sturgill Simpson is considered a Country singer. I do get country vibes in his songs, but I think it is hard to categorize him because I also get indie, folk, and rock vibes. The only song that seems completely Country to me isĀ āSea Storiesā. He has the Southern twang in his voice and uses a lot of string instruments in that song. However, immediately after that song he goes back to being an ambiguous sound as he covers Nirvanaās songĀ āIn Bloomā. What was so interesting about the cover was that he ever so slightly altered the lyrics toĀ ādonāt know what it means to love someoneā which was so poignant given that no one is ever really instructed on how to love someone. The album is dedicated to his son, so this is just a gentle reminder to his son that itās okay to experiment with love and take risks because thatās the only way he will truly find the most meaningful love.
Sturgill Simpson invites us into his life as a new father and sheds light on a subject that is often overlooked -- fatherhood. He really challenged us to step into his shoes and, as a woman, it was entertaining listening to a different perspective on being a parent and raising a kid.
