Sturgill Simpson is not related to Jessica Simpson or Homer Simpson or OJ Simpson but you should check out his new album anyway

Sturgill Simpson released his third album, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," last month and you should check it out if you haven't already done so. Simpson is typically considered a country artist, but some of the songs on this album don't fit into that category. If not for the twang and timbre of his voice they'd be flat-out indie R&B. For example, "Call to Arms" is on some straight Blues Brothers shit.



Check out the switch at 2:20 in "Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)":



And "Brace for Impact (Live a Little)" has a little Al Green in it:



Simpson's developing a habit of including startlingly unexpected and good covers in his albums. This time around he did "In Bloom."



I've seen a lullaby version of "In Bloom" before, but this is a lot better.

Simpson will be in Brooklyn, Boston, and DC on October 8, 9, and 11, respectively. Who's up for a show?