Goldie Lookin' Chain Go Country
In their third decade, Newport's satirical rap group expand their horizons.
The debate is over. AI is a good thing. Thank you, Goldie Lookin’ Chain - we can all now move on.
The latest surprise release from Newport’s immortal hip hop outfit is a fully-computer generated deluxe bumper set of their greatest moments reimagined as country n western classics. Country Lookin Chain is, almost inevitably, better than Beyonce’s recent side-shuffle into the genre, Cowboy Carter, and has someone finally fill the void left in Nashville by Taylor Swift’s move into mainstream pop. Country Music, for a while now wrestling with an identity problem, can relax. The boys have your back.
I will offer some warnings, however; some regular BRG readers might not be quite ready for an Andrews Sisters style take on “Newport State of Mind”, let alone a sort of Soggy Bottom Boys version of “Soapbar”. In a new context some of the lyrics feel even further away from what we used to call “politically correct”, so be careful when guffawing in the cheese aisle of your local supermarket later today, when some kindly old lady enquires as to what is making you laugh so heartily, not to tell her you’re listening to the Mississippi Sheiks doing “Corned Beef Kelly Osborne”. Think of something else. Like you have a playlist of old episodes of “I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue”, or something.
Sometimes mainstream resurgence can come from the most unexpected places. And maybe… just maybe… the GLC will be getting a call any day now from Team Beyoncé asking to fulfil a support slot on tour. Or, y’know, with that business nose of hers turned to the wind, maybe Taylor Swift will book them for the Cardiff leg of her up-coming tour? How would they perform this album live? I think the company behind ABBA Voyage might have some ideas. A holographic Chain in waistcoats and stetsons? That would definitely help Taylor shift a few tickets.
Gary Raymond is a novelist, author, playwright, critic, and broadcaster. In 2012, he co-founded Wales Arts Review, was its editor for ten years. His latest book, Abandon All Hope: A Personal Journey Through the History of Welsh Literature is available for pre-order and is out in May 2024 with Calon Books.