Battle of the Bangers: Miranda Lambert vs. Eric Church

Battle Of The Bangers

There's a plethora of music being released every single day. As a radio station, we can't play them all. I've put together a collection of some of my favorite tunes that either haven't made it, haven't been discovered, or haven't been heard. There may be artists you know, superstars you love, or names you've never heard of. I'll provide some backstory on the artist and my personal favorite lyrics from the song. You decide which one is the banger of the bunch to move on to next week's battle. Miranda Lambert reigns as champion, taking on fellow songwriting buddy Eric Church in this week's challenge. Check out the tunes and vote for your favorite banger below. (I'd like to thank whoever you are in Alaska that reads my article weekly and votes every week. I see you and thank you.)

Miranda Lambert - Actin' Up

She needs no introduction; however, this particular song might. Miranda Lambert is one of my favorite artists of all time. I have the greatest respect for singer-songwriters. Her ability to tell a story with lyrics that resonate in more ways than one is why she's collected the hardware she has. The way I found this song is my favorite story to tell. The Palomino album came out in 2022, and I always review Miranda albums on vinyl, start to finish, with no interruptions (the only true way to consume what the artist has created). The song "Actin' Up" didn't catch my attention at first. The following year, on an anniversary trip with our friends, The Meyers, this song came on in the car. My friend Brad, who I would never think would like Miranda Lambert, tells me this is his "tempo tune". I instantly busted out laughing until he explained himself. He uses this song to perfect his golf swing by matching the song's tempo to his swing. Needless to say, the Tiger Woods line resonates for real these days. Ever since that trip, this song has been a banger for me, and I hope it gets your toes tapping too!

Lori's Favorite Lyrics:

"Even Tiger Woods couldn't swing it this good, I'm actin' up
My McQueen Mustang, hundred dollars in the tank, gassin' up. I'm out in the Mojave, call me Ricky, call me Bobby.
Call me hotter than wasabi 'cause I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm I'm actin' up."

 

Eric Church - Mixed Drinks About Feelings (Live)

Eric Church and Miranda Lambert are two of my all-time favorite songwriters. A singer-songwriter is a rare breed these days, especially at the level of these two. My favorite part of Church's writing is his ability to play on words. He had me hooked when he performed "Carolina" live at WKDQ's Rabbit Jam around 2009, but the first time I listened to the album Chief, I can honestly say it changed my perspective on music. The way he wrote the words to the music and vice versa hit me in a way country music hadn't before. That was the album that made me a Church Choir member. The song "Mixed Drinks About Feelings" comes from the 2015 album, Mr. Misunderstood. The perfect example of how well he can play on words, this song delivers a basic feeling the majority of us have had, but in a way only Church can do. I chose the live version to show off one of the assets that sets Church's live performances apart: Joanna Cotten. For those not in the fan club, Joanna is Church's beloved, touring background singer, and one heck of a solo artist as well. To say she has a set of pipes on her would be an understatement. Fans bring signs just for her. When she walks out on stage, you know the song is about to go to another level. Their harmony and her heartbreaking tone will gut you on record, but hearing them live will give you chills. Don't take my word for it; check out this live version of the song from the Live at Red Rocks album, and vote for your favorite banger below!

Lori's Favorite Lyrics:

"My head is spinning
My resolve is reeling
I can tell by the heavy in my heart
I'm going down soon
No use fighting the fight
It's no contest tonight
My figured-out's never been more confused
Having mixed drinks about feelings and you"

 

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