The opening notes of Jeremy Pinnell’s new tune “Wanna Do Something” are a touch less swung and twangy—and a pinch more Laurel Canyon upbeat—than anything he’s put out before. With the bass thumping on root notes and a pleasantly round-sounding slide guitar playing the intro’s hook, “Wanna Do Something” gives way to a verse that quickly reminds listeners this is still Pinnell’s wheelhouse; his perfectly-worn voice singing honestly crafted songs. Yesterday, Raised Rowdy premiered “Wanna Do Something,” the first single from Pinnell’s upcoming album Goodbye L.A., out October 1st on SofaBurn Records. Raised Rowdy noted that the song feels like the balance between soaking up the sights on tour and keeping the idea of home close in the background, saying, “‘Wanna Do Something,’ finds [Pinnell] in a familiar place – somewhere in the endless in-between, set against a backdrop of sweeping classic country influences and a hard-worn, gritty edge.” Fans can hear “Wanna Do Something” now right here and pre-order or pre-save Goodbye L.A. ahead of its release at this link.
The collective sound of Goodbye L.A. isn’t so much polished-up as it is intentionally steered to fit Pinnell’s goal of making a fun record. “[Production-wise] I wanted like 80s Waylon, ZZ Top. My idea was that I wanted to write a record that made people happy,” he says. “I want people to dance and have fun and love each other.” A big part of getting the desired result was bringing in Jonathan Tyler to produce Goodbye L.A., the result hitting the desired mark dead-center. Rooted in his steady acoustic guitar, Pinnell’s songs are shot through with honest and classic elements. The rhythm section, all snap and shuffle, find purpose in well-worn paths. The pedal steel and Telecaster stingers arrive perfectly on cue, winking at Pinnell’s world-wise couplets. A slippery Hammond organ insinuates gospel into the conversation. Listeners can feel the room breathe and get a sense of these musicians eyeballing each other as their performances are committed to tape.
“Nighttime Eagle” hits all of the Bakersfield country vibes while Pinnell’s words narrate the balance of keeping the proverbial tour-train on its tracks. “We spent a lot of time on the road and this song was written to let my wife know everything was on the up and up,” he says. Album-opener “Big Ol’ Good” uses a totally different kind of groove and bottleneck slide to channel that Billy F. Gibbons thing in a song about, in Pinnell’s words, “the pains we put ourselves through trying to gain or preserve relationships with other human beings.” “Red Roses” is a perfect example of rough-around-the-edges balladry. Flying above a bed of organ swirls and double-stop guitar flourishes, Pinnell sings about “having the realization that love isn’t about feelings.” And through it all comes this oaken identity; the devastating centerpiece of his work. Honest and careworn, Pinnell’s voice can touch on wry, jubilant, and debauched—all in a single line. At his best, Jeremy Pinnell chronicles the joy and sorrow of being human, which is the best that anyone could do.
Goodbye L.A. Tracklist:
Big Ol’ Good
Wanna Do Something
Red Roses
Nighttime Eagle
Never Thought Of No One
Doing My Best
Rosalie
Cryin’
Goodbye L.A.
Fightin’ Man
