Celebrating two decades of authentic, heart-driven bluegrass, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers are set to release their 12th career album, Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep, on June 27 via Billy Blue Records. The 10-track collection showcases the band’s harmonic mastery with three lead vocalists on a fresh batch of songs from revered writers.
The album’s title is drawn from the opening track and the previously released first single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky),” a fitting summation of the band’s journey and the timeless themes woven throughout the record. “I hope the title of our latest album is intriguing," says bandleader Joe Mullins. "I think it’s entertaining! Each of the subjects has been sung about for decades, and believe it or not, new songs are always coming our way about some of these familiar topics. We didn’t plan the rest of the album’s material because of that line, but when we analyzed the content, it was perfect.”
The band has always enjoyed songs with a message and “The Good Old Days” fits well within that theme. Written by Flatt Lonesome's Kelsi Harrigill and her father Dolton Robertson, Adam McIntosh poured his heart into the lyrics, and the harmony vocals are made even sweeter with the addition of Harrigill. The toe-tapping tribute to the working man, “Black and Decker Blues,” penned by Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing, is a masterclass in well-written, timeless bluegrass. Band member Chris Davis, who previously worked with Cordle, delivers a standout lead vocal.
Fiddler Jason Barie brings a defining sound to the band, especially on Conrad Fisher's “The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me,” an intimate arrangement paired only with mandolin by Davis. Another standout is the reflective “Something To Look Forward To,” written by Ronnie Bowman and Billy Strings, exploring the life of a traveling musician—territory the Radio Ramblers know well.
Mullins also contributes original material including the instrumental “Cancellation Blues,” inspired by pandemic-era tour cancellations, and the tongue-in-cheek "Circling The Drain," a light-hearted look at a man being kicked to the curb co-written with Jerry Salley.
Ahead of the full album, the band is showing a completely different side to their multi-faceted vocals with a spirited rendition of “End Of The Line." Originally recorded by supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, the Radio Ramblers’ take is a celebration of vocal harmony and rhythmic energy. “'End of the Line' was so much fun to arrange and record,” says Mullins. “Each Rambler can sing most any harmony part so, much like the originators of the song, four of us take turns delivering the verses, and Adam, Chris, and I all take turns singing three different harmony parts. The contagious beat of the song, supported by Ben Isaacs (bass) and Mike Rogers (bluegrass drums), keeps us all focused and energized. The lyrics are positive and inspiring—heavy on the lovin’ and not dwelling so much on fightin’ or losin’ sleep.”
"End Of The Line" is now available on popular digital streaming platforms with the full album, Lovin', Fightin', Losin', Sleep releasing June 27th. Fans can listen to the new single and presave the album here. For more information and to preorder Lovin', Fightin', Losin' Sleep, visit RadioRamblers.com.
