William Elliott Whitmore - "My Mind Can Be Cruel to Me"

Photo by Chris Casella

William Elliott Whitmore specializes in old time country that has a modern flair. His latest single, "My Mind Can Be Cruel to Me" showcases his talents. Tonally it feels like a song that could have been written fifty years ago while it still sounds like something recorded in this century. It's a twangy country song with just the slightest hints of punk pushing in at the edges.

William Elliott Whitmore says of the new song:

"The song 'My Mind is Cruel to Me' is about perception. Our memories and thoughts can be torturous at times. Mark Twain called it the "devil's race track", when a line of thought and worry goes around and around in a circle inside our brains. Is the mind a separate entity from the body? At what point does it feel as though our brains are actually betraying us?

Human beings are a complicated animal, and with that comes complicated emotions, fears, and habits. This video is meant to show that. Are the other band members real or not? It's hard to remember, but I swear they were breathing and talking when we filmed it. The bass player, my friend Wolfina, kept messing up takes. I'm pretty sure I'm recalling that correctly. The guitar player, Patsy Decline, was trying to mimic the pedal steel part on her semi-hollow body electric. She did a great job I thought, really captured the spirit. I'll never forget the time we had, it's good to be around friends."

You can watch the video for "My Mind Can Be Cruel to Me" below. I'm With You, the upcoming album from William Elliott Whitmore, will be out October 16 on Bloodshot Records. You can pre-order a copy here. For more on William Elliott Whitmore, check out his website.