When Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real opened for the Who in Nashville earlier this month, the singer-guitarist delivered an especially fiery reading of the title track of his bands upcoming album, Turn Off the News (Build a Garden). All these other thoughts have me confused/I dont need to try and understand, he sang, before tweaking the payoff line with a four-letter-word ad lib: Maybe Ill get up, turn off the fucking news.
Clearly, Nelson has had enough of the obsessive 24/7 news climate. On Friday, he released the studio version of Turn Off the News (Build a Garden), featuring Sheryl Crow on background vocals. Its a lilting song full of well-meaning instruction thats reminiscent of CSN&Ys Teach Your Children Well: Turn off the news and raise your kids/Give them something to believe in/Teach them how to be good people/Give them hope that they can see.
Were trying to encourage a lifestyle where people can be active in their local communities, and do something constructive, rather than glued to a device, Nelson said in a statement. Its really about living your life with your heart leading the way.
In support of the album, Nelson has launched a video series spotlighting stories of hope, community gardening and local activism. Watch the first installment below. Nelson and Promise of the Real will release Turn Off the News (Build a Garden) on June 14th.