Elvie Shane's 'Damascus' Is The Frontrunner For Best Album of 2024
A not-so-subtle recommendation and more.
Hello!
Two weeks ago, I lost my job. I’ll shut up about it soon, but this is important.
On the way to that crucial meeting, my wife Laura squeezed my hand and encouraged me to pursue making country music full-time. She'd seen how shifting from rock and alternative music to country had stabilized our finances. Despite her unwavering belief in me, I struggled to share her confidence. Why couldn't I trust in my abilities?
Two weeks later, with over 6 million views and a little money earned, I still grapple with uncertainty daily. Laura, however, remains steadfast in her support. With no solid reason to doubt myself beyond typical challenges, I've decided to trust her judgment.
I may lack all the answers or a foolproof plan, but I'm diving into this venture with everything I’ve got. We're creating something special, thanks to you. Whether you follow me on social media or subscribe to this newsletter, you're helping turn a lifelong dream into reality. Your support not only fulfills my dreams but also helps provide for our five-month-old. That's pretty amazing.
Earlier today I sent an email about a potential collaboration that would change everything. I wanted to throw up when I hit send. Here’s to the future.
What lies ahead:
Some thoughts on Elvie Shane’s new album
The reason there isn’t any headlines this week
A playlist
Final thoughts
Let’s get into it.
Elvie Shane Deserves Only Good Things
Elvie Shane firmly plants his roots at the intersection of country and rock ‘n’ roll with his second album, Damascus. Born into a blue-collar Kentucky family, Shane's upbringing in a town too small for maps taught him the value of hard work and the transformative power of music. These themes resonate deeply across Damascus, where Shane embarks on a musical quest for enlightenment, reminiscent of the biblical Saul’s transformative journey. With each track, he weaves his personal struggles—from faith to addiction—into a broader exploration of life’s complexities, delivered with a confident mastery that asserts his place in music.
In Damascus, Elvie Shane deepens his exploration into the intricate weave of personal and societal struggles. As each track unfolds, Shane reflects on the lives of those on society's fringes, whose daily battles often deny them the luxury of contemplating life's larger questions. This album not only maps Shane’s personal journey but also voices the silent struggles of many, offering a poignant commentary on resilience and the search for redemption. Through his music, Shane lays bare both the challenges and triumphs that come with seeking understanding and acceptance in a world that often overlooks the marginalized.
Elvie Shane's music is crafted with the precision and strength of a Damascus blade, each layer representing a different musical influence. The outlaw spirit of Waylon Jennings meets Bob Seger’s soulful touch, and John Prine’s clever wordplay blends with the traditional sounds of Jerry Reed. Together, these elements form a musical alchemy that echoes Shane’s diverse life experiences—from his faith to his battles with addiction. This unique sound not only resonates with the themes of struggle and enlightenment found throughout Damascus but also appeals to a wide audience, showcasing his ability to transcend genre boundaries while maintaining a deep connection to his roots.
"The essence of Damascus lies in its embrace of every facet that shapes Elvie Shane’s identity, painting a vivid, unflinching self-portrait through its songs. Tracks like “Outside Dog” capture Shane’s restless spirit, while “Appalachian Alchemy” and “Pill” delve into the highs and lows of drug culture in the South. The album unfolds with a candidness that reveals Shane in multiple dimensions—as a rebel in “Chicken Shit,” a thinker in “What Do I Know,” and a lover in “Baptized.” Shane's openness and disregard for others’ perceptions allow him to reveal deeper, more personal layers to his audience, showcasing his multifaceted nature through his music.
There's a song recommendation for fans of all sounds on the album, but for me, “Does Heaven Have A Creek” is where the album shines brightest. It stands out as the only track without a cowriter, and it ties with Tyler Childers’ Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven as a standout in the niche genre of Kentuckians questioning the afterlife’s comparison to the Bluegrass state. The song grapples with life's grandest questions: Does heaven exist, and if so, is it all we’ve been promised? Will my grandma be waiting for me? Can I drink and sway with the angel band?
As the track evolves from a simple piano ballad into something far more grand and elaborate, Shane’s roaring voice perfectly captures a mix of hope and concern. This song, like much of the album, reflects his internal conflict between striving to be his best self and preserving the peace he’s found in life as it is. Shane has fought hard to find happiness in his current state and is wary of risking that on unfulfilled promises.
Listening to “Does Heaven Have A Creek” has taken on new depths as my life has undergone significant changes. Since first hearing this track, I've transitioned from a full-time office role to staying at home, embracing the chance to be with my five-month old son and share my love of music with the world. This song resonates with my own leaps of faith in pursuit of happiness here on Earth. I’ve realized, after years confined to cubicles and endless Zoom calls, that these environments often strip away what matters most. As cliché as it may sound, this song reaffirms that it's the simple moments with my wife and son that imbue my days with meaning. Whether there’s a heaven beyond this or not, finding fulfillment in the present—just being with my family—is enough for me. If can’t offer me something as good as this, I don’t want it.
Damascus is more than just an album; it’s a vivid encapsulation of Elvie Shane’s journey to this point. As his sophomore project, it cements his position in the music world and heralds him as a vital new voice. Shane transcends traditional genre boundaries, crafting a sound that resonates with those who value raw emotion and authenticity. He’s bigger than country, more complex than the current definition of rock, and he doesn’t just fit within these genres—he belongs in the hearts of those who still believe in the power of six-string steel and the profound truth it can convey. That’s precisely where Shane feels most at home, and through his music, many of us find a reflection of our own journeys and struggles.
Where are the headlines?
Blame Taylor Swift. In the week preceding and following her April 19 album release there has been little to no news outside a handful of tours and festivals. Everyone knew the queen of sales and streaming was going to dominate the conversation, and that’s exactly what came to pass.
But if you need a roundup: Luke Bryan and Morgan Wallen fell or nearly fell on stage (both clips went hyper-viral thanks to the slow news week), Danny Winner took over the Born And Raised festival in Oklahoma (and delivered a good lineup), and Kenny Chesney set a new attendance record during the Tampa kickoff of his When The Sun Goes Down tour. All of these things are interesting, but not exactly front page stories. Check back next week for more.
P.S. I listened to The Tortured Poets Department. Not for me. Give me Reputation TV.
A Playlist
Final thoughts
I’ve been thinking a lot about Ram Dass as of late. He doesn’t have much to do with country music, but he has a lot of thoughts that help keep me sane. Here’s one I want to share with you:
“Our whole spiritual transformation brings us to the point where we realize that in our own being, we are enough.”
Stay safe, y’all.