Elijah Ocean’s been aging backwards. I remember catching him at the Mercury Lounge a few years ago, charging through a sweaty psychedelia-infused set with a crackerjack band. Now, with Ocean’s new single “Bring Back That Bakersfield Sound,” we see Ocean on a much more sedate path. As you can see in the lyrics, Ocean expresses a longing for some simpler times and pleasures:
back when they used to show C&W on TV
those nudie suits and cowboy boots would sparkle brilliantly
but all the rhinestone glamour wouldn’t mean a thing to me
without that single coil hum and lonesome harmony
so bring back that Bakersfield sound
things just ain’t the same without those Buckaroos around
I’ve been to Music City and it’s a hell of a town
but bring back that Bakersfield sound
the Outlaws did a number on the Nashville status quo
when they rode into town, took the stage and stole the show
these days I’m afraid to just flip on the radio
and we’re overdue to shake ‘em up again on music row
so bring back that Bakersfield sound
things just ain’t the same without those Buckaroos around
I’ve been to Music City and it’s a hell of a town
but bring back that Bakersfield sound
yes bring back that Bakersfield sound