Of course, Haggard hated all things Nashville, so the award they immediately constructed following his death did feel a little off. Earlier this year Simpson ranted about what he felt was mainstream country music’s appropriation of Haggard’s legacy, among a few other things. Sturgill and his band looks sharp in a crisp, all-black suit that further points to his traditionalist roots, though it’s important to note that he’s traditionalist in the way that Merle Haggard was - by rebelling against the establishment and going against the grain in Nashville. The band absolutely howls through the performance, and Simpson ends it the only way a song this spirited could conclude - by smashing his guitar. It’s advice to his son, but also a scathing critique of the way American propaganda surrounding military action abroad currently works. Given the album is a tribute to his son, and an instruction manual of sorts, this statement is both political and personal. Earlier he kicked things off with a fiery and rambunctious performance of “ Keep It Between The Lines,” and now he’s closed out his debut appearance with a rendition of “Call To Arms,” the final song off his new record, and a pointed critique of US military action and mindsets. His 2016 album A Sailor’s Guide To Earth came out back in April of last year, but when the Grammys nominated it for their most coveted award, heads began to turn. Tonight Sturgill Simpson made his ‘SNL’ debut, due in large part to a surprise Grammy nomination for Album Of The Year.
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