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Neon Boots: A 90s Country Music Podcast

Neon Boots: A 90s Country Music Podcast

By Neon Boots

Spencer and Rachel long for the days of flowing mullets, line dances, and too tight jeans. Put on your boots and scoot and boogie with them every week as they invite a special guest to talk about songs from the greatest genre of music: 90s Country.
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Snug Trousers, Some Taut Slacks - with Danny Johnson

Neon Boots: A 90s Country Music PodcastJul 05, 2019

00:00
57:39
Trent McBama - with Charles Latham
Feb 10, 202042:31
Two Scoops of Coffee with Rainbow Sprinkles - with Kate Rhudy

Two Scoops of Coffee with Rainbow Sprinkles - with Kate Rhudy

After months of talking up singer/songwriter Kate Rhudy, she finally joins us for an episode that doesn’t disappoint. We discuss country music duets and how Kate romanticized the idea of having a lover to duet with. She also shares stories of her brushes with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Alison Krauss while living in Nashville. Finally, we talk approaches to songwriting and Kate’s upcoming single release. 

Kate's pick: “It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, 1997  

Check out Kate's music and tour dates at https://www.katerhudy.com/

Dec 30, 201941:53
SparkNotes For A Children's Book - with Libby Rodenbough of Mipso
Dec 20, 201933:06
Beer Pong With Boone's Farm - with Mike McKee of Delta Rae
Dec 13, 201946:02
From Beats To Boots - with Michaela Anne
Nov 05, 201935:20
Spooky Critter - with Lee Bains III
Oct 28, 201937:41
The R&B Station is Down the Hall - with Rissi Palmer
Oct 21, 201937:20
That Porter Wagoner Bullshit - with John Howie Jr.
Oct 15, 201947:21
Top Shelf Sad Bastard - with Scott Phillips
Sep 26, 201932:58
The Little Girl Hall of Shame - with James Phillips
Sep 16, 201933:52
My Sexual Awakening - with Kory Urban
Sep 02, 201933:24
Not Every Move They Made - with Saman Khoujinian
Aug 23, 201939:30
Drunk With A Baby

Drunk With A Baby

We're fixing to start a new season with even more guests! Before we do that, Rachel & Spencer recap season one, talk about some upcoming guests and a few changes to the format, and catch y'all up on what we've been up to over the summer. This is also our first episode where both of us are drinking, so we understand if you don't make it all the way through.

Our pick: Little Bitty by Alan Jackson, 1996

Aug 19, 201926:07
Chunky Yet Funky - with Britt Spruill

Chunky Yet Funky - with Britt Spruill

Comedian Britt Spruill of Eyes Up Here joins us this episode. It’s probably not a surprise that we end up talking about Jeff Foxworthy along with Kacey Musgraves and “Old Town Road” (again). But our lengthy discussions of RuPaul’s Drag Race, boy bands, and school dances are probably unexpected! So grab your cowboy hat from Gucci and get ready to lip sync for. your. life!  

Britt's pick: No One Else On Earth by Wynonna, 1992

Spencer's pick: I Can Love You Like That by John Michael Montgomery, 1995

Rachel's pick: Next To You, Next To Me by Shenandoah, 1990

Follow Eyes Up here and find out when/where you can laugh with some funny ladies: https://www.facebook.com/eyesupherecom/

Aug 02, 201901:04:51
Hamm's, Call Us! - with Dylan Earl

Hamm's, Call Us! - with Dylan Earl

Dylan Earl cut his teeth on 90s country while riding around in his mom’s van. Now he’s all grown up with a van of his own, touring non-stop and and still jamming to 90s country. On this episode, we spend arguably too much time talking about line dancing and Sting, but wash it all down with a Hamm’s tallboy. 

Spencer's pick: My Next Broken Heart by Brooks & Dunn, 1991 

Dylan's pick: Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus, 1992 

Rachel's pick: Passionate Kisses by Mary Chapin Carpenter, 1992 

Pre-order Dylan's new album and check out his tour dates at https://thedylanearl.com/

Jul 19, 201957:42
Snug Trousers, Some Taut Slacks - with Danny Johnson
Jul 05, 201957:39
Literally A Captive Audience - with Thomas Strayhorn
Jun 21, 201944:27
Androgynous, An-genre-less? - with Kym Register
Jun 07, 201901:02:11
I'll Eat A Dirt Sandwich - with Reese McHenry
May 24, 201956:15
Great Aunt Dolly Will Provide - with Chessa Rich

Great Aunt Dolly Will Provide - with Chessa Rich

Durham singer-songwriter and Hard Tuck member Chessa Rich makes her podcast debut and explains why she shouldn't be on Neon Boots. Before Rachel calls her out for not knowing Travis Tritt, we discuss the country tendencies of The Eagles and the lighthearted pop leanings of our #1 mullet man, Joe Diffie. We bask in the glow of Dolly Parton's genius and talk about Alabama's beginnings in Myrtle Beach, exploring how their songwriting relates to today's world. This episode features a cameo from Rachel's husband, who assures us that he knows at least two states.

Spencer's pick: Bigger Than The Beatles by Joe Diffie, 1995
Chessa's pick: I Will Always Love You by Dolly Parton & Vince Gill, 1995
Rachel's pick: I'm in a Hurry (And Don't Know Why) by Alabama, 1992
Keep up with Chessa at https://www.facebook.com/chessarichmusic/

May 11, 201959:17
Finding Earl Bud Lee - with Lydia Loveless & Mike Casey
Apr 26, 201901:07:50
Naw, Hell Naw, and Supernaw - with Joseph Terrell

Naw, Hell Naw, and Supernaw - with Joseph Terrell

Mipso and Hard Tuck singer/guitarist Joseph Terrell joins us with his mustache and tales of how he became a pickup man. We move from Brad Paisley and Disney's Robin Hood (trust us, they're related) to Keith Whitley and the first hints of Lil Nas X's fame (OK, those aren't very related). We leave with some reflections on Dwight Yoakam's many artistic assets and The Beach Boys' disappointing Stars and Stripes album. 

Joseph's pick: Me Neither by Brad Paisley, 1999

Spencer's pick: Charlotte's in North Carolina by Keith Whitley, 1994

Rachel's pick: Ain't That Lonely Yet by Dwight Yoakam, 1993

Check out Mipso here: http://www.mipsomusic.com

Apr 12, 201901:02:09
Southern with Bath Salts - with Blue Cactus
Mar 29, 201957:33
Bart Simpson T-Shirts - with Aaron Greenwald

Bart Simpson T-Shirts - with Aaron Greenwald

Veteran arts administrator Aaron Greenwald joins us this week and shares a behind-the-scenes look at Nashville in the late 90s and the art of making music videos. We talk about sweater vests without undershirts, Rachel’s not-so-secret love of demolition derbies, and Sammy Kershaw’s PG13 nickname. It’s sexier than Kenny’s tractor, y’all. 

Song #1: It Ain’t Easy Being Me by Chris Knight, 1998

Song #2: She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy by Kenny Chesney, 1999

Song #3: This Kiss by Faith Hill, 1998

Song #4: Maybe Not Tonight by Lorrie Morgan & Sammy Kershaw, 1999

Find out more about Songs for Listening, Aaron's latest project, here: https://www.songsforlistening.com

Mar 15, 201951:15
This Is Not My First Mullet - with Alex Bingham

This Is Not My First Mullet - with Alex Bingham

Who wants to go to Dollywood?! Durham musician and proud mullet man Alex Bingham has offered to be our tour guide for the Great Smoky Mountains’ greatest attraction. We take some wild rides with misheard Dixie Chicks lyrics, spreadsheets about drinking songs, and toxic masculinity that results in violence against jukeboxes. 

Alex’s Pick: Fancy by Reba McEntire, 1990

Rachel’s Pick: Bubba Shot the Jukebox by Mark Chesnutt, 1992

Spencer’s Pick: Hypnotize The Moon by Clay Walker, 1995

Find out more about Look Homeward here: http://www.lookhomewardmusic.com/

Mar 08, 201901:06:19
Beau, Welcome to the Podcast - with Skylar Gudasz

Beau, Welcome to the Podcast - with Skylar Gudasz

After a surprise cameo from Rachel's dog, Beau, Durham singer-songwriter Skylar Gudasz joins us to talk about sleepovers soundtracked by 90s country and make road trip plans to Dollywood. Between our ramblings about Chicken Soup for the Soul books and speculating on the future of viral yodeling star Mason Ramsey, we discuss Diamond Rio's accented vocals, Tim McGraw's romantic gestures, and LeAnn Rimes' childhood success. 

Rachel's pick - Norma Jean Riley by Diamond Rio, 1991

Skylar's pick - Something Like That by Tim McGraw, 1999

Spencer's pick - Blue by LeAnn Rimes, 1996

Check out Skylar's music and tour dates at http://www.skylargudasz.com/

Mar 01, 201950:41
I Lived In The Cheese - with Phil Cook

I Lived In The Cheese - with Phil Cook

Durham musician Phil Cook, a Wisconsin native who has embraced the warm weather and culture of the Carolinas, joins us this week to talk about cheese (both culinary and musical) and the distinct differences between black gospel groups and Presbyterian choirs. Phil also shares great stories of witnessing performances of Randy Travis songs both bring bars together and tear them apart. We're pretty sure this episode contains our highest LPM (laughs-per-minute) yet. 

Spencer's pick - I’m Gonna Have A Little Talk With Jesus by Randy Travis, 1992 

Phil's pick - It's A Great Day To Be Alive by Travis Tritt, 2000 

Rachel's pick - I Fell In Love by Carlene Carter, 1990 

Check out Phil's music and tour dates at http://www.philcookmusic.com/

Feb 22, 201954:07
The Original Bon Iver - with She & Her

The Original Bon Iver - with She & Her

Anita & Sandra (She & Her's hosts with the most and OUR friends) teach Rachel & Spencer a little about professional podcasting and Shania Twain. This entire episode is devoted to our country queen of the great white north! We discuss songs from Shania's first three albums and her place as a feminist icon (and anti-capitalist icon?) in country music. As always, we find a way to mention Dolly Parton, Joe Diffie, and Bojangles.
Spencer and Rachel's pick - God Ain't Gonna Getcha for That, 1993

Sandra's pick - Any Many of Mine, 1995

Anita's pick - Man! I Feel Like a Woman, 1997

Check out Sandra and Anita on their podcast She & Her (it's Spencer's fav!) http://www.sheandherradio.com/

Feb 15, 201901:04:05
But is it wise to wear neon boots? - with Al Riggs

But is it wise to wear neon boots? - with Al Riggs

Durham singer-songwriter Al Riggs joins us this week and takes us on unexpected tangents about Jimmy Buffett and the best worst vacation spot—Myrtle Beach. We answer the tough questions like “Who is Joe Diffie?” and “Have you ever been to Cook Out?” And somehow Metallica and KISS get a mention. We’re not sure what kind of podcast we are anymore. 

Spencer’s Pick: Some Girls Do by Sawyer Brown, 1992 

Al’s Pick: Cowboy Take Me Away by The Dixie Chicks, 1999 

Rachel’s Pick: I Try to Think About Elvis by Patty Loveless, 1994 

Listen to Al Riggs' music online (https://alriggs.bandcamp.com/) and at The Cave in Chapel Hill on February 15.

Feb 08, 201949:57
Going somewhere greener, somewhere warmer…like Brooklyn?

Going somewhere greener, somewhere warmer…like Brooklyn?

Allison Hussey, music writer and (former) music editor of our local alt-weekly newspaper Indy Week, joins Rachel and Spencer this week. After we all beg for biscuit sponsorships, blank checks, and Dolly to become our fairy godmother, we get down to business. Rachel proves how little she knows about Seminole and drag history (a crossover that could only ever happen on this podcast). Spencer wonders what the hell Chablis is. Finally, Allison bids adieu to the Carolinas for someplace greener and warmer, i.e. Brooklyn?

Rachel’s Pick: John Anderson’s Straight Tequila Night, 1992

Spencer’s Pick: Jo Dee Messina’s Heads Carolina Tails California, 1996

Allison’s Pick: Dixie Chicks’ Goodbye Earl, 1999


Read Allison's work (and give her a damn job!) here: http://www.huss.works/

Feb 01, 201952:30
WWLD: What Would Lee Ann Do? - with Erin Terry

WWLD: What Would Lee Ann Do? - with Erin Terry

"Laugh at my trauma, please." Comedian Erin Terry joins us this week! Erin is the brains and beauty behind Eyes Up Here, a stand-up comedy cartel featuring NC-based Lady Comics. She sips on margaritas (hear the ice clink in the glass around 11:02) and reminiscences about painful teen years. Spencer overshares regarding body hair and Rachel forces everyone to listen to Alvin and the Chipmunks' rendition of 90s country hits. 

Erin's pick: I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, 1999/2000

Rachel's pick: Down at the Twist and Shout by Mary Chapin Carpenter, 1990

Spencer's pick: Did I Shave My Legs for This by Deana Carter, 1996

Follow Eyes Up here and find out when/where you can laugh with some funny ladies: https://www.facebook.com/eyesupherecom/

Jan 25, 201948:48
Excuse me, Mr. Flea - with Grant Emerson

Excuse me, Mr. Flea - with Grant Emerson

Grant Emerson of Durham band Delta Rae joins Rachel and Spencer this week. Things get as spicy as a Bojangles Cajun Filet when we discuss our first concerts, meeting music celebrities, and Weekend at Bernie's. Thanks to Durham's Carolina Theatre for hosting us!

Rachel's pick: Callin' Baton Rouge by Garth Brooks, 1993

Grant's pick: Midnight in Montgomery by Alan Jackson, 1991

Spencer's pick: Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die) by Joe Diffie, 1993


Listen to Grant and Delta Rae online: https://www.deltarae.com/

Visit The Carolina Theatre: http://www.carolinatheatre.org/


Jan 18, 201951:44
He Ain't Dead, Just a Lap Ahead - with BJ Barham

He Ain't Dead, Just a Lap Ahead - with BJ Barham

This week, Spencer and Rachel welcome our first special guest, BJ Barham! BJ is a NC-native who grew up on 90s Country and is the lead singer of the band American Aquarium. We talk BJ's songwriting influences, the important and undeniable link between country music and NASCAR, and Southern gothic murder ballads. This episode is full of some real 'twangers.'

BJ's pick: Daddy Never Was the Cadillac Kind by Confederate Railroad, 1994

Spencer's pick: Sunday Money by Brooks & Dunn, 1993

Rachel's pick: The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia by Reba McEntire, 1991


Check out American Aquarium online (http://www.americanaquarium.com/) and in Raleigh at the Lincoln Theatre on January 25 and 26.

Jan 11, 201953:52
Meet these Boots

Meet these Boots

On this inaugural episode of Neon Boots recorded Veteran's Day weekend, Rachel and Spencer discuss the origin of their love for 90s Country and why they decided to spend their free time creating a podcast devoted to the topic. They also ruminate on Billy Ray Cyrus's flowing locks and tight tight jeans.

Rachel's pick: Romeo by Dolly Parton (featuring  Mary Chapin Carpenter, Pam Tillis,  Kathy Mattea, Tanya Tucker, and Billy Ray Cyrus), 1993

Spencer's pick: Some Gave All by Billy Ray Cyrus, 1992

Jan 04, 201923:42