Song Premiere: The Kernal, “Green, Green Sky”

We’re thinking about taking Johnny Cash’s advice and going down to Jackson. But we’re not headed that way to mess around. We just wanna check out a local show by The Kernal, a country-singing hometown hero from Jackson, Tennessee.

The kid knows his history. Raised by a country drummer who kept time for Sleepy LaBeef, the Kendalls and Del Reeves, the Kernal fills his own music with mid-century twang and nostalgic country-rock, evoking Porter Wagoner one minute and Gram Parsons the next. He even rasps his way through the rapid-fire verses of “Green Green Sky” like Bob Dylan… which is appropriate, since one of Dylan’s former producers, Jeff Powell, produced the tune.

On the surface, it’s a song about tornadoes. At his shows, though, the Kernal usually introduces it as a song about capitalism. You make the call. While you’re at it, check out the Kernal’s newest release, farewellhello.