ROUTES & BRANCHES
featuring the very best of americana, alt.country and roots music
November 4, 2026
Scott Foley, purveyor of dust
Since his 2013 emergence as a solo artist through this year's second Johnny Blue Skies project, Sturgill Simpson has both defined and overflowed genre. With just about every release embracing distinct stylistic elements, the Kentucky performer has followed his music from country and bluegrass to rock, soul, and whatever Sound & Fury is. As he has noted during his recent JBS tour, he draws his primary motivation from a love of being onstage with his band, playing music he loves.
This means Simpson has tried his hand at several unexpected covers, including stuff originally by Procol Harum, Nirvana, or Buford Abner (just to name three). After declaring that 2021's Ballad Of Dood & Juanita really would be his final Sturgill Simpson LP, he whole-heartedly assumed the mantle of Johnny Blue Skies. Simpson is an artist of seemingly admirable integrity and sinere intention.
We would argue that both Metamodern Sounds and Sailor's Guide belong on a short list of the essential records of the Twenty-First Century. Especially in light of his admitted struggles with substance abuse and emotional wellness, in addition to his flirtation with acting, Sturgill Simpson's artistic future is wide open. We can equally imagine him taking a long break from the stage as releasing a new album tomorrow. We would also be happy with a reissue of his Sunday Valley work ...
STURGiLL SiMPSON: thirty favorites
- "Life Ain't Fair and the World Is Mean" High Top Mountain (2013)
- "You Can Have the Crown"
- "Some Days"
- "Turtles All the Way Down" Metamodern Sounds In Country Music (2014)
- "Life Of Sin"
- "The Promise"
- "Long White Line"
- "Just Let Go"
- "Welcome To Earth (Pollywog)" A Sailor's Guide To Earth (2016)
- "Breakers Roar"
- "Keep It Between the Lines"
- "In Bloom"
- "Brace For Impact (Live a Little)"
- "The Dead Don't Die" single (2019)
- "Remember To Breathe" Sound & Fury (2019)
- "Sing Along"
- "All Around You" Cuttin' Grass Vol 1 (2020)
- "I Don't Mind"
- "Oh Sarah" Cuttin' Grass Vol 2 (2020)
- "Jesus Boogie"
- "One In the Saddle One On the Ground" Ballad Of Dood & Juanita (2021)
- "Sam"
- "Juanita"
- "All the Gold In California (Brother Marshall and the Choir Of Fire)" single (2023)
- "If the Sun Never Rises Again" Passage du Desir (2024)
- "Jupiter's Faerie"
- "Mint Tea"
- "Don't Let Go" Mutiny After Midnight (2026)
- "Situation"
- "Everyone Is Welcome"
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