Rhinestone Ploughboy: A Hilarious Slice of 1988 Americana That Still Hits Home
If you’re looking for an album that feels like sitting on a creaky porch with your weird but lovable uncle, Rhinestone Ploughboy by Cousin Bubba is it. Released in 1988 under MCA Records, this comedy gem isn’t just music—it’s storytelling with a side of belly laughs. And honestly? It’s the kind of thing I didn’t know I needed until now.
Let me start by saying, if you’ve ever been to a small-town church potluck or had a nosy aunt ask when you’re settling down, this record will hit way too close to home. The mix of country twang and sharp wit makes it feel like Cousin Bubba knows exactly what skeletons are hiding in your family closet. He’s got jokes, sure, but they come wrapped in relatable truths about life, love, and all those quirky characters we meet along the way.
Two tracks stuck out to me so hard I almost forgot I was reviewing this thing. First up, “Granny Thigpen’s Rules To Live By.” Oh man, this one’s gold. It’s basically a spoken-word roast of old-school advice from some no-nonsense grandma who probably keeps peppermints in her purse and thinks flip-flops are “skank shoes.” Lines like these don’t just make you laugh—they remind you of every elder relative who ever told you not to sit too close to the TV because “it’ll ruin your eyesight.” You can practically hear Granny wagging her finger through the speakers. This track sticks with you because, well, haven’t we all heard (or ignored) rules like these?
Then there’s “Settlin’ Down In Memphis,” which might as well be my new anthem. Something about the lazy charm of this tune hits different. Maybe it’s how Cousin Bubba paints this picture of Southern living—sweet tea, humid nights, and dreams bigger than a catfish fry. It’s funny, yeah, but also kinda sweet. Like he gets how messy life can be but still finds joy in the little things. Plus, who wouldn’t want to settle down somewhere where everyone knows your name—and maybe gossips about it behind your back?
What really brings this album together is its credits list, which reads like a who’s who of talent. From Alan Reitano engineering the sound to Glenn Meadows mastering and editing, the crew behind the scenes clearly cared about making this project shine. Even the photography by Jim DeVault adds that perfect touch of down-home authenticity. Hats off to producers Bruce Hinton, Richard Bowden, and Sandy Pinkard for keeping things tight without losing the humor.
But here’s the kicker—why does an album like this even exist? In a world full of serious pop stars and flashy rock bands, Rhinestone Ploughboy reminds us that sometimes art doesn’t need to be deep or polished; it just needs to tell stories that make people smile. Or laugh till their sides hurt.
So yeah, give this one a spin if you’re tired of playlists that take themselves too seriously. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself quoting Granny Thigpen at parties—or booking a ticket to Memphis.
