Tyler Childers – Rustin’ in the Rain
When speaking of his new album Rustin’ in the Rain Tyler Childers in typical self-deprecating humility and humor states, “This is a collection of songs I playfully pieced together as if I was pitching a group of songs to Elvis. Some covers, one co-write, and some I even wrote in my best (terrible) Elvis impersonation, as I worked around the farm and kicked around the house. I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed creating it. Thank you. Thank you very much.”
That is an intriguing thought to keep in mind as you listen to the record because also in characteristic Childers fashion, the seven songs on the record are an exhilarating mix of country, bluegrass, folk and gospel much like the material on his other records and much like a lot of the songs the King so loved to sing.
Hearing Presley working his magic on these songs, especially the Childers’ originals, would be an auditory treat for the ages. ( Presley actually did record Kris Kristofferson’s ” “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” one of the covers on the album, in the early 1970s which was finally released in 2021 on the album Elvis: Back in Nashville ).
While all seven songs on the record shine, the titular tune (“Rustin’ in the Rain”), “Percheron Mules,” and “In Your Love” (co-written by Childers with Geno Seale) are instant 21st-century classics. In my estimation, “In Your Love” will take it a step further and also be remembered as one of the all-time greatest country love songs from any era.
While Childers is clearly in the long line of great musical talents from Kentucky as he spins his tales of Appalachian life and its joys and sorrows through his music, he is just as clearly a country artist in the musical lineage of all of the all-time greats. One can hear the influence of Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams Sr., Merle Haggard, and other country music titans in Childers’ boldness, impassioned vocals, and superbly written songs. He is and will continue to be one of the most talented and important musical forces in American music and his new album is further evidence of this fact.
Rustin’ in the Rain was produced by Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps and is now available everywhere including on his website: https://tylerchildersmusic.com/collections/rustin-in-the-rain
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Show Review: Tyler Childers Brings in the New Year at Appalachian Wireless Arena in Pikeville, KY
Credits: Tyler Childers – vocals, C. J. Cain – acoustic guitar, Craig Burletic – double bass (all tracks), background vocals (track 3), fretless bass (5)Rod Elkins – drums (all tracks), tambourine (1, 2, 5, 6), shaker (2–4, 7), background vocals (3), James Barker – electric guitar (1, 5), pedal steel guitar (2–4, 6, 7), Jesse Wells – electric guitar (all tracks); banjo, mandolin (6). Chase Lewis – piano (all tracks), background vocals (3, 5), synthesizer (6, 7), S.G. Goodman – background vocals (3), Erin Rae – background vocals (3), Margo Price – background vocals (3), Ronnie McCoury – vocals, background vocals, mandolin (5), Jason Carter – vocals, background vocals (5), Alan Bartram – vocals, background vocals (5)