Orville Peck fulfills all the promise of his early work in this alt-country collaboration with one glorious surprise after another. ‘Stampede’ is a brilliant record.
Imagine that Roy Orbison and Nick Cave decided to make a record together, and hired Sturgill Simpson to write the material and gather a host of country music and Americana stalwarts to record a dozen or more original tunes. They might come up with something as fine as Orville Peck’s latest release, Stampede. It’s a brilliant record that compels repeated listenings.
Constituting fifteen songs, each of which is a vocal duet featuring Peck’s unforgettable vocals teamed with a seemingly unlikely choice. Defying any easy label as to genre, or even any intent beyond musical joy, Stampede begins with the satirical “Cowboys Are Secretly Fond Of Each Other”; it’s a rousing duet with Willie Nelson. The album closes with “Rhinestone Cowboy” played dead straight along with backup by TJ Osborne.
Country and Americana superstars abound on this record, from Kyle Minogue to Alison Russell to Beck to Molly Tuttle. Lesser known but superb talents such as country band Midland and newcomer Debbie Dawson are worthy contributors. Most unlikely appearance honours go to Sir Elton John, in a wonderful take on “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting”.
There are too many standout tracks to mention, but three especially deserve attention: the deeply moving performance of Peck teamed with Teddy Swims (judged by many to be the 2023 breakout Artist of the Year ) on a song destined to become a modern classic: “Ever You’re Gone.” This number is followed by a duet with the inimitable Margo Price in a tune you won’t soon forget, entitled”You’re an Asshole, I Can’t Stand You (and I Want a Divorce)” Alt-country indeed… As for standard country, the duet with Noah Cyrus “How Far Can We Take It”, is a genuine heart-breaker, demonstrating convincingly that there is truly no limit to Orville’s vocal talent.
Executive producer Christopher Stracey contributes far more than production on the album: his wide-ranging facility on several instruments, from baritone guitar to nylon-string guitar to violin to mellotron (is there anything this fellow can’t do?) are integral factors in the appeal of this recording.
Impeccable production values on every cut make this one of the contenders for Album of the Year. Highly recommended and kudos to all involved.
