Subverting the rules of your genre is how music evolves, and Sturgill Simpson deserves credit for that here. Still, whatever short-term gasps and guffaws Simpson gets by following his muse from Jesus to “reptile aliens made of light,” Metamodern Sounds in Country Music will endure as one of this young century’s best traditionalist country records first and foremost because these songs could stand up to a kick from steel-toed boots. He’s a master craftsman; his surreal flights of fancy are merely a bonus. –Chris [LISTEN]