Instagram/@ericchurchmusic
The controversial message from Eric Church, a blast from the past and with kind of a ‘crisi-de-si-guerre’ touch to it, created quite the stir among his fans. The country superstar posted a snippet of his hit ‘Record Year’ with the caption: ‘I’m either gonna get over you, or I’m gonna blow out my ears.’ No further elaborations; which is particularly very much what Church would do: leave the people wanting more.
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The post is basically a recording of perhaps a live performance, albeit a little distorted and grainy-sounding. Unpolished and real, is the way Church meant that it should be! As he sings the line ‘I’m having a record here, cuttin’ loads and hags half time,’ one is instantly transported back to that very moment when they were listening to the track for the first time ever. For those not in the know, ‘Record Year’ was a hit track off his 2015 album ‘Mr. Misunderstood’ – a song about drowning his sorrows in vinyl records and whiskey.
The good-old fans certainly responded well! One comment went: “What a ‘Record Year’ night at Red Rocks! Best ever,” referencing one of Church’s legendary live performances. Another one went, “These 3 concerts were EPIC!!!” Well, legendary performances make any one marker. Then came some heartfelt responses from people who connected with the song: “Five years ago I lost big, everything went away, and when the music came back 6 months later, it was this song.” My friend, that’s talking about power; Church, this is more than just some sound—it’s a lifeline for some.
Some fans couldn’t resist screaming the lyrics from the song loud and proud: “Some of the best lyrics EVER WRITTEN!!!!!!” Then another said “…Just a great tune. That is all.” Short, sweet, and very fitting. At least one newbie would go on to write: “This was my introduction to Church!! Late to the game at 52 yr old!!” Better late than never, right?
However, more than just the song was worthy of discussion. Some attendees took the opportunity to petition for stops in their cities: “It’s time for you to come back to Charlotte, NC,” pleaded one, while another cheered, “See you in Columbus in September!” These might as well be the signs that Church’s fan base is still here and they are clinging on every word from Church or should I say every Instagram post!
What adds some spice to the whole spin is that while vaguer than usual, it is this exact vagueness that made Church’s post stir up such a huge commotion. No announcements, no new music promos; just a throwback to a song that really means something to people now. And that’s the magic of Eric Church. He doesn’t have to do any razzle-dazzle or go all out with marketing buzz. His music talks, and the people? They are always ready to answer.
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Is this post hinting toward something bigger, or is it just another stroll down memory lane? One thing is sure, Eric Church can hold his audience captive for as long as he wishes. History has, however, proven so that the next time is no different: Whatever step they take next, ready standing his audience will just sing alongside him as they did with “Record Year.”