Now that Ryan Bingham has an Oscar for Best Original Song, I feel like I can highlight his album “Mescalito” for all of you and perhaps you’ll take me seriously.  Contemporary country music has a bad reputation for willingly embracing parody of its own values (and not without reason; see Blake Shelton’s current No. 1 single Hillbilly Bone).  But, again, if you dig a little deeper than top 40 radio you’ll find some truly genuine and inspired music.

Bingham grew up in West Texas, dropped out of school at 17, and started touring the States as a bull rider.  In other words, he’s earned the right to write country music without scorn;  dude’s legit.  Released in 2007, “Mescalito” was his first major label album.  It (and his June 2009 album “Roadhouse Sun” that I haven’t heard) were both produced by former Black Crows guitarist Marc Ford.  I throw that tidbit in there because I know a few of you get hard-ons over the Black Crows and if their guitarist can dig it than so should you.

Bingham has a voice that sounds like he’s done a few more years of hard living than are possible given his youth.  Then again, he was damned bull rider.  Besides the pure country flavor of tracks like Long Way From Georgia and Ever Wonder Why, there’s enough rock influence on the record to make it accessible for listeners who aren’t accustomed to fiddle and slide.  Highlights of the album include The Other Side, Bread and Water, Hard Times, Don’t Wait For Me and the aforementioned Ever Wonder Why.  Download the album and lemme know what ya think.

Just for fun, here’s Jeff Bridges performing Bingham’s Oscar winner The Weary Kind from “Crazy Heart”.  Also, remember the spunky lead guitarist for Bad’s first backing band in the bowling alley?  That’s Bingham.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8monRJzzvU[/youtube]

Well, If the Academy Recognizes it… is a post from: Rural Minority