The self-titled debut of Lavender Country was the first gay country album ever released, but stylistically it feels closer to the folk punk albums of today and the protest compilations of yesterday. It’s a sometimes bitter and angry, but ultimately joyous tour of queer culture circa 1973 through the sharp eyes of frontman Patrick Haggerty. The furious “Waltzing Will Trilogy” and “Crying These Cocksucking Tears” bump up against sweet balladry like “I Can’t Shake The Stranger Out of You” until at the end we’re all rejoicing in “Lavender Country.”