GOSHEN, Ind. – Each week, a Globe-pal (AKA a DJ at 91.1 the Globe) takes a song of their choosing, and dishes out a healthy review to be sent out and posted on globeradio.org/music.
The Globe Track of the Week is an excellent way to keep up with the new tunes presented weekly on 91.1 the Globe, the best college radio station in Indiana.
Molly Tuttle’s “El Dorado” is currently sitting at number five on the Americana singles chart, and for good reason. The opening guitar riff is reminiscent of classic country, straight out of Willy Nelson’s repertoire. It sets the tone as an almost grungy country song that instantly pivots and finds a home in the bluegrass realm. Throughout the song the guitar keeps a bass line theme going that is at times doubled by the violin, giving it a natural “mountain string band” type of vibe. Combined with a percussive mandolin, some banjo, and you have a recipe for a classic Americana hit. It doesn’t do anything innovative, but does it have to? It’s a well written, well produced song with few major flaws, and the numbers reflect that. Steadily climbing the charts, it was in the number eight slot last week before it jumped another 3.
As someone who has a soft spot for bluegrass and folk music I enjoy this song. As a guitar player I enjoy the guitar parts. The lyrics are descriptive and poetic, reminiscent of a Decemberists song. The speaker is introducing herself, “Gold rush Kate from the Golden State.” After two verses of introduction, the speaker transitions into talking about the rest of the area, introducing other characters and giving advice. We meet people like “Redwood Bill” who can “drink his fill” (“…so can John the Rover”). “Bad Luck Dave” who “is in his grave.” The lyrics and instruments work together perfectly to create an atmosphere reminiscent of the wild west.
Molly Tuttle continues her tour throughout the fall. Her show this upcoming Friday is the last of a stretch supporting the Dave Matthews Band. Her solo tour continues throughout the coming weeks. A deeper dive into her own discography reveals a large number of big names she has collaborated with. Names include Dave Matthews, Gillian Welch, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Sierra Hull. If you’re looking for an up and comer in the folk scene, look no further.
– Tyson Miller
