The House That Used To Be A Home: A Folksy Dive into Jack & Misty’s Country Gem
Alright, buckle up, because we’re about to take a little trip down memory lane with The House That Used To Be A Home by Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan. Released in 1975 under Epic Records, this album feels like that cozy old sweater you forgot about at the back of your closet—warm, familiar, and kinda quirky when you think too hard about it.
Now, let me start by saying I’m not some fancy-pants music critic who uses words like “ethereal” or “sonic tapestry.” Nope. I’m just here to tell you why this country-folk gem might deserve more than a dusty spot on your parents’ record shelf.
The Tracks That Stuck
First off, let’s talk about “Cows.” Yes, cows. Not exactly what you’d expect from an album title that sounds like a Lifetime movie, but hey, here we are. This track is pure whimsy wrapped in twangy guitar goodness. It’s basically two minutes of Jack and Misty waxing poetic about... well, cows. But somehow, they make it work. You can almost picture them sitting on a porch somewhere in rural America, sipping sweet tea while brainstorming lyrics like, “They eat grass, they moo all day / What else is there left to say?” Oddly enough, it’s catchy as heck. Like, don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming about bovine creatures during your morning commute.
Then there’s “The House (That Used To Be A Home).” Ah yes, the titular track. If "Cows" was playful fun, this one’s the emotional gut punch. It’s slow, it’s melodic, and man, does it hit different. The lyrics paint this vivid picture of nostalgia and loss—like walking through an empty house where every creaky floorboard holds a memory. Misty’s vocals have this haunting quality that makes you wanna grab a blanket and cry softly into your cat’s fur. Or maybe that’s just me.
Why It Works (Mostly)
What sets this album apart isn’t its groundbreaking production—it’s pretty straightforward—but rather its charm. Produced by the duo themselves (shoutout to “A Jack And Misty Production”), it has this raw, unpolished vibe that feels refreshingly real. There’s no auto-tune, no overproduced nonsense—just honest storytelling set against classic country instrumentation. Plus, Jack Blanchard wrote most of the tracks, so props to him for keeping things personal.
Final Thoughts
So, would I recommend The House That Used To Be A Home? Absolutely—if you’re into country music that doesn’t take itself too seriously and occasionally veers into cow-themed territory. Honestly, listening to this album feels like flipping through an old photo album: nostalgic, slightly awkward, but ultimately heartwarming.
And now for my parting shot: If Jack and Misty ever decide to release a follow-up called The Barn That Used To Be A Garage, sign me up immediately. Cow puns included.
