If there is a pedigree for a modern country music star, then Angaleena Presley fits all of the criteria: a coal miners daughter; native of Beauty, Kentucky; a direct descendent of the original feuding McCoys; a one time single mother; a graduate of both the school of hard knocks and college; a former cashier at both WalMart and WinnDixie. Perhaps best of all the member of Platinum selling Pistol Annies (with Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe) says she does not know how to not tell the truth.
That truth shines through on her much anticipated debut album, American Middle Class. Yet this is not only the kind of truth that country music has always been known for, American Middle Class takes it a step further by not only being a revealing memoir of Presleys colorful experiences but also a powerful look at contemporary rural American life.
I have lived every minute on this record. My mama aint none too happy about me spreading my business around but I have to do it, Presley says.