I started the week with a live Miranda Lambert performance, so I’ll finish it the same way.
This viral video hit the web a week or so back. In it, Lambert is singing ‘Over You’ — a song about the death of husband Blake Shelton’s brother — when she approaches a young fan. The girl, 7-year-old Brooke Hester, is suffering from stage four cancer.
Hester handed Lambert a flower and Miranda was pretty much done for.
I’ve been listening to Miranda Lambert’s new album, the terrific Platinum, a lot the past couple of months.
Then the other day I decided to fire up her previous album, Four the Record, which is equally terrific. A couple of years back, it was the brand-new collection that dominated my car stereo. But now it’s been pushed aside, like a first wife whose husband left her for a 25 year-old.
I can’t call it a surprise when Miranda Lambert puts out an excellent album. This year’s Platinum is her seventh in a row, counting her work with Pistol Annies, and they just keep getting better.
What I love about Lambert is the confidence she has exuded right from the beginning.
It first manifested itself in tough-girl anthems written in defense of the battered women who shared her home when she was growing up. Now it shows up in the laid-back soulful groove of a song like ‘Smokin’ and Drinkin’,’ the sort of thing you’d never expect to hear on country radio.
About a year ago I started running three miles a day, four or five days a week. Maintaining that pace requires the right listening material — I’m not able to run in silence.
But as much as I love music (see: this blog), it doesn’t help me run. I don’t get lost in the songs, but rather find myself waiting for each one to end. Music actually drags out the process rather than quickening it.
The 2014 album release schedule is still a bit murky (as it always is at this time of year) but so far there aren’t a ton of upcoming records I’m excited about.
Interestingly, the releases I’m most looking forward to are all by female artists. Shakira’s new album is out this week, Lily Allen’s long-awaited third record is due soon, Taylor Swift will aim for another smash hit sometime this year and Aimee Mann is releasing a duet with indie performer Ted Leo in April.
Meet Me In Montauk 