Summary: When Gretchen Peters decided to write about her private upheaval of the last few years, she chose to record these songs herself. Calling on a small circle of close friends, including her new husband--but longtime bandmate--Barry Walsh, Peters crafted a dark but cathartic album. For listeners familiar with her previous albums, Peters' voice explores the lower end of her register, hinting at the difference in this theme and what is to come in Hello Cruel World. Most Americana fans know Rodney Crowell for his songwriting and performing, but to Peters and Walsh, he was also their marriage officiant, with a certificate straight off the Internet. Despite their familiarity with each other, Peters was a bit intimidated to work with Crowell on this record, and especially on the song that turned into their duet. Even noted songwriters like Peters can have professional idols and a little bit of fangirl-dom, too! Country Fried Rock probably would not have been tapped into Peters' album if she had not stopped by Couch By CouchWest 2012, a virtual music festival held each March. In this event, songwriters send exclusive videos of themselves performing from a couch--or elevator, sofabed, recliner--and music fans all over Twitter join in. This year, #CXCW went crazy when noted writers Ray Wylie Hubbard and Gretchen Peters, respectively, sent in videos. Thanks to a fun time on the Internet, we rediscovered a writer we may have overlooked. Liner Notes: Gretchen Peters has extensive liner notes for Hello Cruel World on her website. Gretchen Peters Hello Cruel World [Explicit] Kim Richey Wreck Your Wheels Daddy (Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack) For A Second Time Mickey Newbury An American Trilogy Bob Dylan and The Band The Basement Tapes Video Support This Program You oughta get yourself a Kindle. Download the Podcast
