First about the cowboy himself and then the album
The true rhinestone cowboy Orville Peck is a sight to be seen. Always dressed to impress, the flamboyant outfits are sure something I envy. I've always been a lover of country music as I'm sure you'll come to find out. Although, I've never found someone I could relate to in the country scene. And then comes along a gay, fashion-loving, horseback rising, country singer, what more could a boy want. Not much comes close to Peck, well apart from Dolly
I can't quite remember when I first came across Orville Peck but every day since at least one of these songs has been played on my commute to work. The album Pony is a classic country album with a lyrical twist. It has the typical country love story ballads. However, the focus of many songs is Orville's interest in another man, something country music hasn't seen from a male singer. Pony is a fairly downbeat album with a couple of exceptions
The album opens with love song Dead of Night, an ode to lover past. It tells the tale of two cowboys somewhere in Nevada racing around the desert in the dead of night. It's clear Peck is in love with the other cowboy but as to whether that is reciprocated, we can't be sure. As any gay man knows it's easy to fall for a straight guy, everyday "we see the boys as they walk on by". Come verse three we find the companion has left Peck and is now all but stained on his mind
As Peck says himself this song is "a good ole’ country stomping barn-raiser!". Turn to Hate is a track filled with classic country trills, you can't help but join in when Peck exclaims Yeehaw. A song about being on the outside and unable to find your place. It's a difficult place to be as I'm sure many of us have experienced. Not letting that emotion turn to hate is a tough thing to do while in that position
Queen of the Rodeo has to be my favourite song off the album. I think because I first heard it as Charli XCX's Agent Provocateur campaign came out, to me she was the queen of the rodeo. The song itself is actually written for a Vancouver drag queen, Thanks Jem (who features in the music video). Everyone is the queen of the rodeo in their fantasy despite the fact this world is a bummer
Finally to round off this showstopper album. Nothing Fades Like the Light, I'm not going to say much about this song as it speaks for itself. Pecks voice really comes through with this ballad, this is classic country
Overall Pony is a success of a debut album. What's not to love classic country sounds, a big gay agenda, drag queen filled music videos and some amazing heartfelt lyrics. Even for non-country listeners pony is sure to have something and who knows it may introduce you to a whole world of music you never knew you needed
