If you’re going to do an entire album of covers, you’re going to need to put your own stamp on them.

By Graeme Smith

Feature photo by David Shofer

Fortunately, that’s exactly what Cowboy Mouth have done with their new album, Cover Yo’ Azz, turning classics into honky-tonk stomping rock.

Sinatra’s timeless My Way is the first to get the Cowboy Mouth treatment, giving us Sid Vicious’s famous bite a bit of country melody. Stripped-back and bombastic verses give us some nice contrast.

From there The Who, The Replacements, Fats Domino, Emmylou Harris, R.E.M. and Ian Hunter all get reimagined. The spirit of each original is honoured, while we get Cowboy Mouth’s trademark swagger, wit and anarchy.

A funky and spirited take on Cher’s Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves is a highlight. As is Fat Bottomed Girls, Queen’s tribute to women of a larger stature. Cowboy Mouth instil it with the right level of cheekiness while injecting some upbeat Americana into it.

Hootie & The Blowfish’s City By The River closes the album with a poignant sense of longing.

The production is top notch, and the guys handle their instruments like pros. There’s plenty of charisma and soul in the vocal delivery too. The elements combine to show us why the band have become so well-regarded on the American rock scene.

Cowboy Mouth will be touring extensively across the US for the rest of the year. You can find details of all their live performances on their website.

Cover Yo’ Azz is set for release 15 August 2025.