Lola Kirke lives in Nashville and has flirted with country music on her first two albums, offering some indie Americana on her debut Heart Head West and a more light 80s pop country on ‘Lady for Sale’. On her new E.P., produced by Elle King, she finally admits to being ‘Country Curious’, fully exploring the genre with her heart wide open. The results are a delight – four songs that just remind you how much fun this genre can be.
As an actress it’s no surprise she embraces the glamour and dress up elements of the genre’s history. Her music too has a sense of joy and an infectious spirit that makes you want to grab your hairspray and don a cowboy hat.
On the George Strait inspired ‘All My Exs Live in L.A.’ she takes us through all the guys she’s ghosted, before running out of the city like a bat out of hell. It’s catchy, funny, sounds gorgeous with the pedal steel and aided beautifully by some harmony vocals from First Aid Kit. Written with Aaron Raitiere, who’s not usually one of my favourite Miranda Lambert collaborators but here everything blends perfectly.
He Says Y’all has more of a 90s inspired vibe, where she acknowledges the strangeness of being from New York City but loving to wear her Wranglers and date a cowboy. She makes country music sound sexy and fun, just the way her hero Dolly does too.
On the raucous ‘My House’ she writes from the perspective of a woman who has kicked her no good boyfriend out of her house. Now she’s enjoying herself, drinking too much, partying with her friends. This one also has the same don’t give a fuck attitude as a certain Highway Queen we know, which can never be a bad thing.
The final song on the E.P. shows Lola can take things more seriously too, with a ballad about a lying cheat called ‘Karma’. Guesting on the song is none other than Rosanne Cash, showing Lola’s respect and understanding for country music history. Tonight she will make her debut Opry appearance wearing a dress once owned by June Carter Cash, further underlining her commitment to the genre.
If you love Dolly, The Judds and any fun loving country music queen then you’re going to find something to enjoy here. It doesn’t matter where you come from – country music is for everyone. Put your cowboy hat on and get a smile on your face. Country Curious is a dream.
Highway Queens 
Leave a comment