THE TIPSY RIDERS: Rolling Stoned

The Tipsy Riders’ debut EP, Rolling Stoned, feels like the soundtrack to a road trip that never quite goes where you expect—but you’re glad you went anyway. The six-song collaboration between local singer, songwriter, and author Anthony Pellizzeri—known for his work with Whiskey Train and for his books Into the Great Nowhere, Songs from the Edge of Reality, and Curse of the New Messiah—and producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Barel Margolin (of Barel & Lana) strikes a balance between wit and wistfulness.

From the opening notes, it’s clear that Rolling Stoned isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel—it’s too busy enjoying the ride. The collection blends the dusty charm of vintage country, Appalachian folk, and classic ’70s folk rock into something that feels both familiar and refreshingly unpretentious. It’s a record that knows exactly what it is and never apologizes for it.

The EP kicks off with “I’m a Big Deal,” a tongue-in-cheek barroom tune that skewers self-importance with a grin. Pellizzeri’s lyrics drop name-checks like “the guy who cuts Donald Trump’s hair” and “someone who cuts George Clooney’s lawn,” poking fun at celebrity culture while winking at his own reflection. The humor lands because it’s self-deprecating rather than smug—delivered with that sly, half-smiling twang that makes you want to raise a glass and sing along.

Things take a moody turn with “Georgia Pines,” where tremolo-laden electric guitar floats around the edges of a folky acoustic core. The song conjures the same haunted nostalgia found in Dylan’s Basement Tapes sessions, evoking the quiet ache of memory and distance.

“Hairiest Cowgirl” swings the mood back toward the light, offering a tongue-in-cheek ode to an unconventional beauty. It’s playful, irreverent, and just the right amount of ridiculous—a winking reminder not to take any of this too seriously.

“Rain Stick Song” paints a more cinematic mood, with shimmering 12-string guitar and balanced vocal harmonies drifting over open chords reminiscent of Neil Young or Don Henley. It’s earnest and spacious, a breath of fresh air in the center of the record.

With “Testifyin’,” Pellizzeri leans fully into vivid storytelling. His vocals crack and strain in places, but that rawness feels intentional—honesty taking precedence over perfection.

The EP closes with “Now You’re Gone,” a somber and vulnerable reflection on loss. It’s the quietest moment on the record, grounding the humor and swagger that came before with something deeply human.

Taken as a whole, Rolling Stoned is a journey through light and shadow, humor, and heartbreak. It’s not a record out to impress—it’s one that invites you in. Perfect for long drives out of the city, it’s a little getaway for the heart: a reminder that sincerity, even when a bit rough around the edges, never goes out of style.