Album Review: Sturgill Simpson, Cuttin’ Grass - Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions)

Let it not be said that Sturgill Simpson is one to let the proverbial grass grow, which was no doubt the wink-nudge idea behind Cuttin' Grass - Vol. 2, the ace musician’s second “surprise” bluegrass album in as many months following Cuttin' Grass - Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions) which dropped in October. 

Comparatively brief at just 12 songs (compared to Vol. 1’s 20) and more personal in tone than its predecessor, Vol. 2 also revisits and reinterprets Simpson’s back catalogue while his smoking-hot cohorts, now answering to The Hillbilly Avengers, boost the instrumental shenanigans with boisterous, technicolour strokes.

And honestly, it’s all so musically bright and accomplished and messily seamless that detailed description seems pointless. But here goes: the intensely giddy, fiddle-driven “Sea Stories” adopts the POV of a sailor, possibly circa 1941, who has seen, screwed, and swallowed more than strictly necessary, even for a salty dawg. Another surprising viewpoint is explored in “Jesus Boogie” which boldly surveys Mr. Christ’s mindset amid a lather of ringing banjo and guitar. 

“Oh Sarah” is an unblinking chronicle of lovers in dangerous times, while the pointedly titled, snarky, and unabashedly villainous “You Can Have the Crown” delves into every nook and cranny of the experience colloquially known as “being down on one’s luck” in language that throws off sparks.

Tender album closer “Hobo Cartoon” is the album’s only co-write and with the late, great Merle Haggard, no less, which Simpson has apparently been sitting on for years. The showstopping ballad to freight trains and the vagrants who ride ‘em will have softies sniffling in their beers, casting this crazy old world in sepia tones while fondly tipping the lid to “father of country music” Jimmie Rodgers. Let’s hope Simpson takes a breather before (fingers are soooo crossed) taking these scorchers on the road.

Cuttin’ Grass - Vol. 2 (Cowboy Arms Sessions) was released December 11, 2020.
Listen to it here.