Jethro Pickett – Jolene (not a cover) (2025)
Establishing himself as a maverick storyteller and songwriter in the Australian music scene, Jethro Picket has been described as intriguing, unique, and enthralling. From his 2012 EP, By The Time I Get To Wilmot, to the 2023 single, ‘Run’ – all based on a quick Spotify perusal – Pickett showcases an enduring eccentricity woven into an eclectic sonic tapestry with each release. Today, the Australia-based musician releases his latest single, ‘Jolene (not a cover)’; join us as we dive headfirst into the song.
Alluding to the underlying simplicity of folk-rock, but brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds in its harmonic symphony, Pickett highlights innovation, obscurity, and a knowledge of how to make everything just fall into place. In ‘Jolene (not a cover)’, the plethora of artists – Pickett (vocals, guitars and keys), Beau Thomas (drums), Georgia Mooney (Appalachian dulcimer), and Julia Johnson (autoharp) – find the beauty of acoustic soundscapes showing you don’t need bells and whistles to make something outstanding.
While the tune is a rollercoaster of heartfelt emotions laid bare in a soothing folk melody, it is, for me at least, the vocals that up the ante. Warm, rich and charming, Pickett’s voice has a strong leaning toward vintage folk music and lyrics, tinged with folk-rock undertones. Add the accompanying choir, featuring Alyx Dennison, Cathy Diver, Louis Gill, Julia Johnson, Georgia Mooney, and Kate Whorl, and you lose yourself in a twilight twirl of music.
One aspect I find interesting is the inspiration for the song. Inspired and influenced by the magical storytelling of Dolly Parton, ‘Jolene (not a cover)’ harnesses personal narratives flecked with soulful sweetness. Pickett explains:
“The song ‘Jolene’ (Dolly’s version) is about a woman who actually is an amalgamation of two women that DP had observed. How can a story that leaves me gutted with fear, desire and heartbreak be not strictly a personal tale?… in ‘Jolene (not a cover)’…it ends up being a… tale from the depths of self-despair interspersed with bits of self-policing, where I assure our protagonist is the perfect guy who doesn’t want to own anyone…”
In addition to the single, Jethro Pickett released an official music video for ‘Jolene (not a cover)’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel.
Find out more about Jethro Pickett on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more folk-rock music on The Other Side Reviews Folk Rock playlist:
