The same Tyler Childers-penned tune is found on both sides of this 45, which was released in physical form last week. The solo acoustic take originates from her 2022 debut, an all-covers affair titled Interpretations that also features mesmerizing spins on Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Beyonce’s “Daddy Said,” among other treats. (Another highlight: “This Year’s Love,” written by the British singer-songwriter David Gray, who I primarily remember from the time I saw him heckled by an overzealous Maria McKee fan.) The vinyl-only “alternate version” of “Lady May” on the B side adds Billy Contreras on fiddle and Seth Taylor on mandolin. Both feature her twang-infused vocals, which would be as at home in the Appalachian hollers of long-ago as they are in the Nashville of today. It’s a stirring performance with or without the additional instruments, however.
Antone, for those unfamiliar with her, is a rising alt.country artist who first turned ears in 2021, when she posted a clip of her “Lady May” rendition on TikTok. A year-plus later, she shared the covers EP and, now, has an album of original material slated to hit the virtual racks on August 23. Rhinestoned, it’s called, and the teaser tracks hint that it’s gonna be great. (FYI, like the “Lady May” 45, it can be purchased on vinyl from her online store.)
The Old Grey Cat 
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