31st December 2012
2012 and Beyond!
When I started this website in late 2010 it was just a hobby perpetuated by the dream of eventually getting perhaps a 1000 hits a month. The intention was to let a few friends and acquaintances know about some of the music I love and artists that were playing gigs in and around the Brighton and Hove area. I was still being sent pre release albums thanks to my time writing live and c.d reviews for various magazines, in particular Maverick. We soon went past the 1000 mark and by the end of 2011 were up to nearly 5000 a month. Last month we went past 15000 with the final figure for this current calendar year standing at a little over 125,000, that in spite of my only being able to keep the website ‘ticking over’.
For several months this year I had huge help from Paul Hinkley Smith, the writer of a number of tremendous reviews, but as many know Paul sadly passed away at the end of September and though it is a cliché, is sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He had excellent musical taste, which when
combined with his ability to pretty much hit the nail on the head when assessing music made my life much easier!
It is also known by many that this past nine months or so have been incredibly difficult for me and my family thanks to the scourge that is cancer. The family member that has been suffering with it has finished chemotherapy, had an operation and radio therapy and is, thanks to her incredible strength of character and determination getting a ‘normal’ life back. You are never told that you are ‘cured’ but all things being equal and thanks to the incredible treatment she has had we are all optimistic.
Now that I too can get some normality back I’m hoping to further develop the website and maybe expand it. To do this, more help would be useful so anyone that feels they would like to get published on a growing website and is capable of at least matching and hopefully exceeding (should be easy for
anyone that is capable of rational thought!) the standards that currently apply on the site please feel free to contact me at [email protected] The salary is non negotiable because there isn’t one, although it is incredibly rewarding to know that people are actually taking notice of what you write! I should add that albums will be sent for review by digital means.
I’m hoping at some stage in the near future to start some basic advertising on the site and to add some more music, videos and photos and a few more changes that will hopefully help. There is still some great music being made, much of which is either dropping through my letterbox or into my email inbox and whilst in the early days of the website the promise was that even if I couldn’t review everything it would at least get listened to, this is no longer possible without help as the incoming albums this year have averaged around 50 per week and whilst I love music, listening to that amount is not possible for someone who has a life outside music, albeit a limited one!
I’m also hoping in the near future to start another regular radio programme this time for a radio station that goes out on the internet (as well as Seasidehr!) so that should help even more with album and website promotion, talking of which, my thanks to those that have provided valuable feedback, all of which has been positive and helpful.
Finally, thank you to everyone who uses the website and to those many organizations that submit albums and information for review or radio airplay etc and to end, I’d just like to wish a
Happy and Healthy New Year to all readers, their families and friends!
29th December 2012 - It's appropriate that the final album review of 2012 is also one of my albums of the year! It is the absolutely brilliant Some Dark Holler with 'Hollow Chest' their full album debut, and what an incredible debut it is with music that is as raw and evocative as 'real' country music can be! Great album!
27th December 2012 - I've uploaded what will probably be second to last review of the year and what a terrific album it is! It's the always wonderful Rosie Flores recent recording 'Working Girl's Guitar.' She must have one of the most consistently excellent back catalogues of anyone in country music and this new album is no exception to that rule!
Also hoping to upload the americanrootsuk top albums of 2012 before the end of the year. Still trying to edit them down to a manageable list but ultimately i'm not going to sacrifice any good albums for the sake of getting an even number on that list!
22nd December 2012 - I've just uploaded the final review before taking a short Christmas break and what a cracker of an album it is! It's 'that difficult second album' by Otto Mobile and the Moaners and rather than being of lesser quality than their very good debut, is actually a massive improvement! The album's title is 'Restless Sun' and evokes an updated version of 'country rock' that is reminiscent of Gram and Emmylou as well as Delaney and Bonnie but with their own highly individual take on the genre. It's not too late to treat yourself/loved ones to a copy for Christmas/New Year!
20th December 2012 - A review of the tremendous new album by Caroline Herring has been added to the December c.d reviews page. It is one of the most gorgeous albums i've heard for a long time and is called 'Camilla.' I'm currently trying to sort out my best of the year list (just under 50 at the moment and still whittling!) and this will definitely figure in the top ten!
16th December 2012 - I've just uploaded a review of an album that can accurately be described as 'true roots music.' It's the new recording by the hugely talented American band called The Mystix. The album is called 'Mighty tone' and is a tremendous blend of blues, country and several other offshoots of roots music!
13th December 2012 - It's nice (and rare!) when things work out. Last night Melissa Ruth & the Likely Stories were album of the week on my Seasidehr 'American Roots' radio programme with their tremendous new recording 'Ain't No Whiskey' and today the very same album is reviewed on the website on the December reviews page! You would think I could manage this with more frequency (this is the first time!) but precedents are dangerous things in the wrong hands. (i.e. someone as inefficent as me!)
10th December 2012 - A review of Ash Gray & the Girls new album, 'Born in the Summer' has been added to the December c.d reviews page
7th December 2012 - A rather lengthy review of a truly great album has been added to the December 2012 reviews page. It is called 'Old Excuses' by The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit and is a genre defining collection of 15 great 'real country' songs! Will it be in my year end favourites list? You bet!!
3rd December 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by J. Tex & the Volunteers. It's called 'House on the Hill' and contains half Tex's own originals and the other half covers, but they are covers that this talented trio bring their own inimitable style to! If Tom Waits had chosen a 'country' path four decades ago he would in all probability have become J. Tex!
1st December 2012 - First review of the final month of 2012 is of the terrific recent album by Cahalen Morrison & Eli West. It's called 'Our Lady Of The Tall Trees' and on first listen is nice and mellow but it gradually reveals depths that few others can match. The tremendous folksy music this duo produce is pretty much unique!
29th November 2012 - A review of the tremndous new album by The WellDiggers entitled 'Hope & Fear' has been added to the November 2012 c.d reviews page. They are an excellent alt. country band with some brilliantly poetic songs that mix darkness with a little light!
26th November 2012 - I've added a review of the excellent new album by the Debonzo Brothers. It's called 'One Damn Heart' and is full of beautifully written songs, excellent playing and some of the best lead and harmony vocals in the alt. country genre!
24th November 2012 - A review of the tremendous self titled debut album by 'Midday Farm Report' has just been added. It's full of powerful, rural alt. country tales that should provoke some thoughts, or you can just accept it as being a highly listenable album of great songs, singing and playing!
22nd November 2012 - I've just added a review of the tremendous new album by Al Scorch & the Country Soul Review. It's called 'Tired Ghostly Town' and contains some great story songs, excellent singing and playing, all in and around the alternative country format
19th November 2012 - A review of the new seven track album by Josh Harty has been added to the November c.d reviews page. It is a real little gem with dark tales and some excellent playing, singing and writing and with a beautifully sparse instrumentation.
17th November 2012 - I've added a review of the extraordinary new c.d by the Blind Corn Liquor Picker. It's called 'Myths & Routines' and consists of, believe it or not, some tremendously soulful 'hillbilly,' country rock, folksy bluesiness and needless to say some experimentation that stretches the boundaries further than most!
15th November 2012 - A review of 'Tilt-a-whirl,' the excellent new album by Drew Nelson has just been added to the November 2012 c.d. reviews page.
13th November 2012 - Just uploaded a review of a very good new album by Trevor Alguire. It is called 'Till Sorrow Begins To Call,' and contains some excellent playing, singing and songwriting that sits just to the left of mainstream country.
10th November 2012 - A review of the tremendous new album by 'The Lost Brothers' has been uploaded. It's called 'The Passing Of The Night' and thematically is quite dark but with some beautiful singing and playing!
8th November 2012 - I've added a review of what will definitely be 'Blues album of 2012' to the November c.d reviews page. It is called 'Wiley Ways' and is by the incredibly talented duo of Hat Fitz & Cara. It also happens to be a challenger for blues album of the 21st Century so far! It really is that good!
4th November 2012 - Just uploaded a review of 'Heart Thief,' the gorgeous new album by Stephanie Fagan. Well written, well played and beautifully sung songs built around various aspects of love.
1st November 2012 - First review of the month is another tremendous contender for album of the year. It's the new recording by Stevie Tombsone entitled 'Greenwood.' A brilliant album by a talented man who seems to sail just under the radar but always produces memorable albums. Buy it, you won't be sorry!
27th October 2012 - A review of the Lewis Brothers pretty good new album 'Folk & Camp Fire Songs' has been added to the October c.d. reviews page.
25th october 2012 - I've added a review of the tremendous new album by Jack Klatt & the Cat Swingers. It's called 'Mississippi Roll' and is a tribute to the varied music that can be found along the course of that great river. An added bonus is guest appearances from Charlie Parr and Spider John Koerner.
23rd October 2012 - Just uploaded a review of a slightly disapointing new seven track album by Susan Cattaneo. It is called 'Little Big Sky' and contains a mix of country and blues music.
20th October 2012 - Another new review has been added to the October 2012 c.d reviews page. This one is the terrific new album 'Porchlight Smoker 2.' Their first album was excellent and always going to be difficult to live up to but they've certainly managed it with this sequel that is a tremendous blend of 'Americana' and British folk music. Half covers and half their own originals with some great playing and singing makes this fine live band just as good on record!
18th October 2012 - I've just uploaded a review of 'Town & Country,' the terrific debut album by British roots band The Vagaband which blends a number of influences including country.
14th October 2012 - I don't actually recall ever having reviewed a live album before so a good place to start is with what will certainly be the best of this year and maybe even the century so far! It's Blame Sally's 'Live At KVIE Studios,' a beautifully recorded album of great songs and excellent playing by four tremendous vocalists who's harmonies have to be heard to be believed.
11th October 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by Ol' Savannah. It's called 'Underneath the old red barn' and is full of evocative story telling and beautifully played 'hillbilly music, capped by some of the most atmospheric 'gravelly' vocals you will ever hear!
8th October 2012 - An album of beautifully mellow sounding music has been added to the 2012 c.d reviews page. It's quite an unusual recording and is by Anna Coogan & Daniele Fiaschi, called 'The Nowhere, Rome Sessions.' Sounds mellow and haunting but contains some powerful songs.
6th October 2012 - Just uploaded a review of what is likely to be one of the blues albums of the year. It's by the Heritage Blues Orchestra and is called 'And Still I Rise,' a 21st century update of some classic blues songs!
4th October 2012 - A review of the new Kelly Joe Phelps album 'Brother Sinner & the Whale' has been added to the October c.d reviews page.
1st October 2012 - First album review of the month is an excellent album by the Random Canyon Growlers entitled 'Dickey Ain't Got All Day.' It's an album that blends old timey with modern American folk plus some excellent vocals and acoustic instrumentation
29th September 2012 - Just uploaded the final c.d review of September and what a terrific album to end the month on as well. It's Will Scott's 'Keystone Crossing,' a dark blend of blues and alt. country into a quite rivetting listening experience!
27th September 2012 - A review of the excellent new album by The Harmed Brothers, 'Come Morning,' has just been uploaded. Acoustic folksy alt. country with some good playing on some very good story songs and tremendous lead and harmony vocals.
24th September 2012 - I've just uploaded a review of Nathan Bell's excellent new album ' Only the most important thing (Songs from a Sporting Life)' It contains some terrific songs all based on US or Canadian sports people. Despite the absence of any Brits sports people the stories are so good they are easy to understand and can stand alone as individual little dramas. Nathan refers to it as something of a stop gap before the sequel to 'Black Crow Blue' his tremendous previous release. It's made up of bits and pieces recorded at various locations but if this is a 'stop gap' ......... !
22nd September 2012 - A review of the gorgeous new album by Awna Teixeira has
just been added to the c.d reviews page. Awna took a break from Po' Girl to
record 'Where The Darkness Goes' and is currently on tour in Britain. She is
playing at the Royal Oak, Lewes on Saturday 22nd September on a Union Music
Store presentation with support from the hugely talented Danni Nicholls.
20th September 2012 - I've just added another
rave review to the September 2012 c.d reviews page. This one is of 'Tongues of
Fire,' the superb new recording from former .357 String Band stalwart, Joseph
Huber. His first solo album, whilst superb, was incredibly dark, whereas this
follow up is hardly 'easy listening' but has a variety of deep shades with some
tremendous songs, singing and playing.
17th
September 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the brilliant new album by Tom
Vandenavond. It's called 'Wreck Of A Fine Man' and is the best yet in a
catalogue that just gets better with every release. The cliche that covers this
is 'country music as it should be played.' Can't argue with that, but there are
very few capable of this quality! Thankfully, Tom is one of those few.
15th September 2012 - One of the albums of the
year, if not THE album of the year, has just been added. It is the incredible
new recording from the Sumner Brothers, entitled 'I'll be there tomorrow.' I
wouldn't be at all surprised if this 5***** album eventually lands in my top 20
ever!
13th September 2012 - I've just uploaded
another terrific Paul Hinkley Smith written review. This one is of the excellent
'Cabin Fever,' the new album by Corb Lund. Read the review then buy the album,
you won't regreat it!
10th September 2012 - I
had hoped to get this review on the site before it's release a week ago, but
life sometimes gets in the way, but here it is finally, another sure fire
contender for the album of the year! This time it's the career defining new
recording by Malcolm Holcombe entitled 'Down The River.' It gets 5***** simply
because that is the maximum I can give. It is a truly great album by one of the
greats of roots music.
8th September 2012 -
I've just uploaded a review of what will certainly be one of my albums of 2012!
It's the stunning new recording by Jan Bell, entitled 'Dream of the Miner's
Child.' It is just about the most gorgeous blend of English folk and American
'old timey' music that you are ever likely to hear .
6th September 2012 - It's finally happened!
Paul Hinkley Smith has given a 5***** rating to a new album. It's called 'Look
Out Mama' and is by New Orleans based band 'Hurray For The Riff Raff.' They are
currently on tour in Britain and will be playing at the Green Store Door in
Brighton on Tuesday 11th September so you can go to see them live and maybe buy
the album and check if you agree with Paul! I'm sure you
will.
1st September 2012 - The first review of
the month is another belter by Paul Hinkley Smith. This one is of an excellent
album by Sharon King and the Reckless Angels entitled 'Nothing = Everything,'
that is a lovely blend of Celtic and American folk!
31st August 2012- The last c.d review of the
month has just been added to the August 2012 reviews page and what a tremendous
album it is! It's the 'Road to Berryville' by Furnace Mountain. Just about as
authentic sounding 'old timey' music as you can get in the 21st
century!
27th August 2012 - I've added a review
of the new album by the tremendous 'Cletus Got Shot.' It's called 'Drinking
songs for the working man' and contains a lot of protest songs at the way
society is heading!
25th August 2012 - A new
c.d review of the Hot Seats recently released 'Feel' has just been added. It is
made up of some brilliantly played and sung 'string band' music that defiantly
resists misery!
23rd August 2012 - I've
uploaded the debut album by the tremendous British band Turnstile Junkpile. It's
only seven tracks but they are loaded with quality country rock and full of
excellent singing songwriting and playing! The album is titled 'Everything is
cheaper than it looks.'
21st August 2012 -
Another terrific Paul Hinkley Smith penned review
has just been added to the August reviews page. This one is an insightful look
at the new self titled album by 'Picture the Ocean,' a different format for
Jesse Dee and Jacquie B!
19th August 2012 - A
beautifully descriptive new c.d review, written by Paul
Hinkley Smith, has been added to the August reviews page. This is of 'The
Graceless Age' the new album by John Murry, full of deep, dark troubled tales.
17th August 2012 - Just uploaded a review of
the tremendous debut album by Marc O' Reilly. It's called 'My friend Marx' and
is full of excellent rootsy songs, supported by sparse instrumentaion and Marc's
extraordinary guitar playing and terrific
vocals!
15th August 2012 - Another excellent
review, written by Paul Hinkley Smith has just been
added to the August 2012 reviews page. This one is a delve into the new 6 track
e.p. by Jimbo Mathus entitled 'Blue Light.' Jimbo has a fascinating musical
history which Paul describes in the review.
11th August 2012 - I've uploaded a review of
the tremendous new album by Gordie Tentrees. It's called 'North Country Heart,'
and really evokes his Yukon homeland. It's released in early September in the UK
and Europe and Gordie is touring here later in the
year.
9th August 2012 - A review of 'Distiller'
the brilliant 2011 release by Carolina Still has been added to the August c.d
reviews. I missed it last year but won't miss any of their future recordings.
Tremendous album!
5th August 2012 - I've
uploaded a new review of a pretty good album by Texan singer songwriter Victor
Camozzi. It's called 'Roadside Paradise' and shows him to be a very good
expressive singer and an excellent songwriter.
3rd August 2012 - A new review has been added
to the August 2012 c.d reviews page. This one is of 'Scrap Book Ballads Vol. 1'
the debut album by singer songwriter Robert James Selby. It is full of
references to poetry and literature so it's ideal that it is another insightful
review written by Paul Hinkley Smith
2nd August 2012 - Have uploaded a
review of the excellent new album by Jackson Taylor and the Sinners. It's called
'Bad Juju' and contains plenty of 'punked up' country but also exhibits an
occasional warmer side!
29th July 2012 - To add
diversity to the website it gives me great pleasure to announce that we are
fortunate to have been joined at americanrootsuk.com by the talents of Paul Hinkley Smith who is going to double the man
power of our reviews team! (That’s two now, for the benefit of the
mathematically challenged!) Paul has taken a break from music writing in recent
times but is now raring to get back into the swing and his first review for us
is an insightful assessment of the new Old Crow Medicine
Show album ‘Carry Me Back.’
A warm
welcome and thanks to Paul and hope the readers enjoy the extra
variety.
28th July 2012 - Just uploaded a review of the
incredibly diverse double album by Marvin Etzioni (formerly of Lone Justice)
called 'Marvin Country, to the July c.d.
reviews.
27th July 2012 - A review of the debut
album by pacific north west natives 'The Basinbillies' has been added to the
July c.d reviews. It is a tremendous album called 'Whiskey on a work night,' and
blends old timey, folk, bluegrass and country with a nice modern punk attitude!
21st July 2012 - Just uploaded a review of the
'Two at a time,' the new album by The Two Man Gentlemen Band. If you like your
roots music to be quirky, large chunks of humour, well played and pretty much
unique this could be for you!
19th July 2012 -
I've added a review of the recent tremendous album by Nels Andrews to the July
c.d reviews page. It's called 'Scrimshaw' and the term 'slow, moody and
incredibly atmospheric' probably sums it
up!
16th July 2012 - I've uploaded a review of
the debut album by Dara Amjadi. It is simply called 'Dara' and contains some
incredibly dark powerful songs and very sparse instrumentation with excellent
guitar playing. An unusual but very rewarding listen!
14th July 2012 - Just added a review of the
new high quality album by Tommy Womack. It's called 'Now What!' and contains
some great music in a diversity of styles.
12th July 2012 - Today I've uploaded 10 more
songs to the 'A history of the blues' chapter 3 music page plus last nights
Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' playlist. I've also just added what I'm
pretty sure is only my 3rd 5***** album this year! It is The Curst Sons
tremendous new album 'The Snake & the Money Jar.' Brilliant album by a
brilliant band!
7th July 2012 - I've uploaded
a review of a classy new album of 'real' country music by Katy Boyd. It's called
'Paper Hearts' and contains one cover and nine of her own 'no punches pulled'
songs about real life!
5th July 2012 - A review
of one of last nights SeasideHR 'American Roots' programme has been added to the
July c.d reviews. It's 'Freight Ships,' the tremendous new album by Small Town
Jones which is to be released on the 16th July and also launches 'At The Helm
Records.'
For more info. on At The Helm click here http://www.brighthelmstonepromotions.blogspot.co.uk/
1st
July 2012 - I've uploaded a second c.d review of the weekend and it's also
another contender for album of the year! This one is by McDougall, a genuine
troubadour, and it's his new album entitled 'A Few Towns More.' It really is a
tremendous album by yet another consistenly great artist who seems to fly under
the radar!
29th June 2012 - A review of the
brilliant debut album by The Illegitimate Sons has just been added to the June
reviews page. It is called 'American Music' and is full of tremendous songs,
evocative vocals and beautiful instrumentation! A contender for album of the
year? I think so!
25th June 2012 - I've
uploaded a review of the excellent new album by Wrinkle Neck Mules. It's called
'Apprentice to Ghosts' and is full of great music from Southern Rock to Country
Rock all played with plenty of fire and
conviction!
23rd June 2012 - I don't usually
review e.ps but the tremendous 'The NYC e.p' by Mike & Ruthy (formerly of
The Mammals) is just so good I had to make an exception, so I've added it to the
June reviews drop down menu!
22nd June 2012 -
I've added another page to the drop down menu of this newspage. This one is to
enable you to help Cahalen Morrison & Eli West with the post production of
their new album 'Our Lady of the Tall Trees'. Basically, if you click on the
link you will be taken to another website where all will be explained! If you
need any convincing of their talent click on the following link to see a review
of their previous album http://www.americanrootsuk.com/cahalen-morrison--eli-west---the-holy-coming-of-the-storm.html
21st
June 2012 - Last nights Seside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' playlist can now
be seen at http://www.americanrootsuk.com/current-week.html
I've
uploaded a review of a brilliant album by British singer songwriter Richie
Syrett. It's called 'Good Morning Midnight,' and is as good as most that I've
heard this year. Richie is a hugely talented musician from a similar mould to
some of the alt. country greats. This is his second album and if his first is
half as good, I can't wait to get a copy of it!
http://www.americanrootsuk.com/richie-syrett---good-morning-midnight.html
18th
June 2012 - I've added another drop down page to the news page entitled TOURS.
This will contain press releases of tours that interest me, particularly if they
are playing in Brighton! It will only be fairly intermittent and will be fairly
low on my list of priorities for the website, but when it does get updated it
will be made a news item on this page and facebook. We start with the welcome
return to the U.K of Cahalen Morrison & Eli West who put on a brilliant
performance at the Prince Albert, Brighton last time they were over and are
playing there again on July 11th. Read a review of their album here: http://www.americanrootsuk.com/cahalen-morrison--eli-west---the-holy-coming-of-the-storm.html
16thy June 2012 - A full review of 'Whiskey,'
the excellent new album by tremendous British country band 'The Toy Hearts' has
been added today.
14th June 2012 - Just
uploaded a review of 'Thump & Howl,' the brilliant new album by Canadian
band VIPER CENTRAL. The album is due for release on July 2nd and they are
starting a British tour on June 22nd. Should be an unmissable experience to see
them live!
9th June 2012 -
I've added a review of Poor Man's Poison's second album 'Friends With The
Enemy.' It was released at the end of 2011 but is well worth a mention and a few
pounds/dollars etc. of your money! The second album might be notoriously
'difficult,' but this is actually at least as good, if not better, than their
debut.
7th June 2012 - Just uploaded last
nights SeasideHR 'American Roots' playlist to the Radio Playlists 'current week
page. Have also uploaded a review of the excellent new album by Girlyman. It's
called 'Supernova' and includes some tremendous vocals and really nice folksy
music that is difficult to pigeon hole!
6th
June 2012 - The website host has made a lot of 'improvements' to the templates
and various other bits and pieces! Often changes seem to be made for the sake of
change but in this case I think they are actually going to be genuine
improvements. The downside is that in doing so a lot of the website settings
seem to have been upset so I'm faced with a lot of work, that I could well do
without at the moment, to redo the site. The two alternatives were to close the
site down until it was sorted or to carry on and do the work as time allows.
Because the number of hits are going up each month I've decided on the latter
rather than start again from scratch. I've spent the last few hours trying to
make everything legible but if you spot anything that's not please let me know
because although it will hopefully be done methodically I could miss things! As
usual any feedback will be appreciated,even if it's just comments on whether the
site looks better or worse!
5th June 2012 -
Weebly have been altering some of the templates so the 'American Roots Music'
banner only shows on the homepage and that in much smaller form. Hoping to get
it sorted out soon!
2nd June 2012 - First
review of June is the excellent debut by Scotty Alan. The album is called 'Wreck
and the Mess' and the quality should ensure this excellent rootsy singer
songwriter has a really bright future!
31st May
2012 - Final review of this month is appropriately a five star rated album. It
is an extraordinary album of roots music and is self titiled 'Petunia and the
Vipers.' It's certainly caught my imagination with 'Petunia's' versatility and
diveristy within the genre known as 'Music!!' In his case (Yes! His!) labels are
pretty much superfluous!
26th May 2012 - I've
added a review of the beautiful debut album by Hatful Of Rain to the May 2012
reviews page. There is a real diversity of styles within the realms of 'country
music' including a couple of instrumentals, ballads and even a little rock 'n'
roll!
24th May 2010 - Just uploaded a review of the
gorgeous new country music album by Karen Collins and the Backroads Band. It's
called 'No Yodelling on the Radio and consists of some tremendous new country
songs.
20th May 2012 - A review of the
excellent new album 'The Fate and the Fruit' by Screen Door Porch has been added
to the May 2012 c.d reviews page. There are also a couple of tracks from the
album on the 'Music Player' page, which should help to explain the diversity of
this duo.
17th May 2012 - I've uploaded a
review of the gorgeous 'Deep Water,' the new album by the hugely talented 'The
Lonesome Sisters.' A definite contender for album of the year!
I've also added a couple of beautiful songs from the album to
the 'Music Player' page, so listen, enjoy and purchase!
13th
May 2012 - A review of 'Harder than hammered hell' the tremendous new album by
Otis Gibbs has been uploaded to the May
2012 c.d reviews page.
I've also added two tracks from the album to the Music Player page, so listen to
them, enjoy and then purchase the album!
11th
May 2012 - Just uploaded a review of 'Away from the bright lights' the excellent
new album by Garron Frith. Have also uploaded a couple of tracks to the 'Music
player' page from this and the recently reviewed 'The Cactus Blossoms' album
6th may 2012 - A review of the tremendous
debut by 'The Cactus Blossoms' has been added to the May 2012 c.d reviews page.
Classic 'Country & Western' with no extraneous gloss!
4th May 2012 - Just added a review of the
excellent new c.d by Six Mile Grove. If you like mellow, thought provoking
country rock you will love this!
1st May 2012 -
I've uploaded a review of 'The Innocent' the tremendous new album by Jim Byrne.
It contains ten deceptively mellow, quietly reflective songs that leave quite an
impression!
26th April 2012 - A review of the excellent
'Carrying Lightning' the recent album by Amanda Shires has been added to the
April c.d reviews page
24th April 2012 - I've
uploaded a review of 'Me Then You' the recent album by Brock Zeman.
23rd April 2012 - A new review of 'Black Crow Blue' by
Nathan Bell has been uploaded to the April reviews page
today.
19th April 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the quite
brilliant new album by Cary Hudson (Blue Mountain). It's called 'Mississippi
Moon' and consists of blues and alt. country songs that all work incredibly well
together and includes several tremendous covers, but mainly Cary
originals.
I've also taken from this album and added to the
Music Player page Cary's version, which is the best i've heard since the
original, of the classic Dock Boggs song 'Country Blues,'
14th April 2012 - I've added a review of the
gorgeous new album by 'Rachel harrington and the Knock Outs' to the April c.d
reviews page. Quite a departure from her previous album but still very very
good!
Also:- A really good sized crowd were treated to two
steaming (in more ways than one!) sets last night at the Prince Albert,
Brighton, from the brilliant four piece 'roots' band Woody Pines. There was a
mix of blues, old time country, New Orleans 'jazziness' and ragtime all mixed
together to form a delicious gumbo! Woody himself was in fine voice and and the
foursome formed a tremendous rapport with the crowd. They've only just got this
tour underway so if you get the chance, go and see them. You won't regret it!
Thanks to Ian (Wildwood Promotions) for putting on such a great
gig!
The following link will take you straight to their list of gigs on
this tour
http://woodypines.com/index.php?option=com_gigcal&Itemid=58
12th
April 2012 - I've uploaded a review of 'The Boomswagglers' brilliant debut album
'The Bootleg Beginnings (from the shack out back)'
It consists
of some of the best 'punked up hillbilly' music you are likely to hear for many
a long day!
7th April 2012 - I've added a new
review of the pretty good Johnny Cash tribute by his old guitarist Bob Wooton
and Six Mile Grove. Its called 'Guaranteed Cash' and includes some real classic
songs!
5th April 2012 - Just uploaded a review
of a brilliant album by Maria Doyle Kennedy and Kieran Kennedy. It's called 'The
Storms are on the ocean' and contains some of the best versions of 'old timey'
classics that you are ever likely to hear. It came out last year and if I'd
heard it then, it would certainly have been in my top ten of
2011.
1st April 2012 - The first review of April is the
tremendous new recording by The Steel Wheels. It's called 'Lay Down, Lay Low'
and is probably their best album so far of music that has its roots not just in
the Appalachians but also in the British Isles!
30th March
2012 - A review of the debut album by Lincoln Durham called 'The Shovel vs The
Howling Bones' has been added today. It's an album of real top notch blues by an
artist who promises much for the future!
Also updated the gigs page
with several Wildwood Promotions additions, including the return to Brighton of
Frank fairfield later in the summer!
As the drop down menu on
the reviews page is beginning to get a little unwieldy, from April there
will be a seperate drop down menu each month.
28th March
2012 - Just uploaded a review of the new album by the tremendous Two Dollar
Bash. It's called 'New Adventures' and consists of some excellent country rock
songs, all well played and sung. The bonus is that the band consists of three
Scots and a Frenchman!
24th March 2012 - A review of the new
Woody Pines e.p has been added to the c.d reviews page today. It is called 'You
gotta roll' and is a taster of what can be expected on their British tour that
begins on the 12th April.
22nd march 2012 - I've uploaded a
rather lengthy review of the brilliant new album by Hillfolk Noir. It's called
'Radio Hour' and includes between song links of 'commercials' invented by the
band to give the album an old time radio programme feel. In its way a concept
album but fortunately, one that works incrediby well!
17th
March 2012 - A review of the new album by the James Low Western Front has been
added. It's called 'Whiskey Farmer' and consists of some really excellent
melodic country rock.
15th March 2012 - I've uploaded a new
album review of 'Inspiration,' the excellent new recording by Shurman. Could
even be their best yet!
11th March 2012 - Just
uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by John Lilly. It's called 'Cold
Comfort' and consists of some excellent songs of 'real country
music'
Note: Due to a family member being hospitalised there is
unlikely to be much more material added to the site for a week or so. Hopefully
normal service will be resumed very soon!
9th March
2012 - Have added a review of the excellent debut album by Kent native Rosco
Levee. It's called 'Final Approach To Home' and consists of some terrific
country rock with a little bluesiness at times. It's well worth investing some
of your hard earned on!
4th March 2012 - I've uploaded a new
review of June Star's brilliant new recording 'Slow Dance.' A little more rock
than usual but still a tremendous album!
28th February 2012
- The final updates of February have been added to the current playlist and I've
uploaded a review of the tremendous 2010 release by Hillfolk Noir called 'Skinny
Mammy's Revenge.' Terrific old timey and blues all blended into a highly
evocative stew! They also have a new album out on March 6th called 'Radio
Hour'
24th February 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the
excellent debut c.d by The Coloradas, a 'hillbilly' band that was the brain
child of roots musician Roy Davis and includes talents such as Bernie Nye and
Joe Walsh (NOT the one from the Eagles!)
18th February 2012
- Have uploaded a review of an album by Ziggy Moonshine and the Bootleggers.
It's called 'Songs in the key of Z' and is a pretty good listen!
10th February 2012 - I've started the 'Current
Playlist 2012' for February with a dozen or so albums. Although they are not
reviews there are at least a few comments that should serve as an indicator for
what I think of the albums. Some will get the full review treatment in the near
future! All are worthy of your listening time and hard earned
money!!
Also: Later in the day! Added a review
of the excellent 'Year of the Horse' album by The Kentucky Struts.
9th February 2012 - Just
managed to upload last nights SeasideHR 'American Roots' radio playlist to the
'Current week' page! There were two brilliant albums of the week plus I changed
the format slightly by playing two tracks each from several other albums
including the brilliant 2010 'hillbilly' album by 'Hillfolk Noir' plus, amongst
others, a couple from a tremendous album by Brit 'American roots' band 'The
Proposition'
3rd February 2012 - I've uploaded
a review of the gorgeous new album by singer songwriter Laura Repo. It contains
some beautifully perceptive stories and is called 'Get Yourself Home.'
I'm hoping to start the current months playlist and add a few
more tracks to the 'History' music pages over the next couple of days as
well.
27th January 2012 - Just uploaded a
review of the excellent debut c.d by 'Sons of Fathers.'
22nd January 2012 - I've updated the 'Current
playlist' page with a few more albums and have started adding artists web site
addresses as well. I'm also going to start adding a few comments to a few of the
albums that don't get the full review treatment! Some will be just a brief
comment, others will be two or three sentences
Also updated the
'Lost Highway' page with a poster of their next gig at the Brunswick Pub in Hove
on 2nd March. The headliner is Stefan Cush (The Men They Couldn't Hang) and the
Feral Family. Poster doesn't show up very clearly but basic info. can be seen
20th January 2012 - Just uploaded a new review
of the tremendous debut album by the 'Old Tire Swingers' who are playing in
Lewes next Wednesday as part of their British tour. Chech their website for
other dates. (Link is with the review)
19th
January 2012 - Another new c.d review has just been added, along with last
night's SeasideHR 'American Roots' playlist. The album is the gorgeous new
recording by Rebecca Pronsky, titled 'Viewfinder.' She is currently in Britain
on tour and will be playing in Brighton next Tuesday.
14th January 2012 - Uploaded another new c.d
review! This time it's 'Old Mad Joy,' the newest offering by The
Gourds.
13th January 2012 - A review of the new
album, 'Back When' by the Carper Family has been added to the 2012 c.d reviews
page. It's a tremendous album of edgy country, with some great playing and
gorgeous vocals!
8th January 2012 - I've
uploaded a combined review of the brilliant new album and novel by Jason T.
Lewis. This tremendous duo is titled 'The Fourteenth Colony' and consists of an
unputdownable novel and an album containing eight tracks of some of the best
country rock you will hear in the 21st century, comparable to Jason's 'Star
City' days!
5th January 2012 - Uploaded a
review of the incredible new album by Charlie Parr. It's called 'Keep your hands
on the plow' and is the first 5***** album of
2012.
2nd January 2012 - First review of the
new year on www.americanrootsuk.com
is the new album by Lonesome Wyatt and the Holly Spooks. It's a pretty good
effort and is called 'Heartsick.'
There are now three archive pages at the
bottom of the menu list. All are pretty self explanatory and contain all of the
reviews, playlists and news that have appeared on the site since it's inception.
Further changes are in the pipeline in the near(ish) future! When they are made
I will add notifications on this page and on facebook.
2012 and Beyond!
When I started this website in late 2010 it was just a hobby perpetuated by the dream of eventually getting perhaps a 1000 hits a month. The intention was to let a few friends and acquaintances know about some of the music I love and artists that were playing gigs in and around the Brighton and Hove area. I was still being sent pre release albums thanks to my time writing live and c.d reviews for various magazines, in particular Maverick. We soon went past the 1000 mark and by the end of 2011 were up to nearly 5000 a month. Last month we went past 15000 with the final figure for this current calendar year standing at a little over 125,000, that in spite of my only being able to keep the website ‘ticking over’.
For several months this year I had huge help from Paul Hinkley Smith, the writer of a number of tremendous reviews, but as many know Paul sadly passed away at the end of September and though it is a cliché, is sorely missed by everyone who knew him. He had excellent musical taste, which when
combined with his ability to pretty much hit the nail on the head when assessing music made my life much easier!
It is also known by many that this past nine months or so have been incredibly difficult for me and my family thanks to the scourge that is cancer. The family member that has been suffering with it has finished chemotherapy, had an operation and radio therapy and is, thanks to her incredible strength of character and determination getting a ‘normal’ life back. You are never told that you are ‘cured’ but all things being equal and thanks to the incredible treatment she has had we are all optimistic.
Now that I too can get some normality back I’m hoping to further develop the website and maybe expand it. To do this, more help would be useful so anyone that feels they would like to get published on a growing website and is capable of at least matching and hopefully exceeding (should be easy for
anyone that is capable of rational thought!) the standards that currently apply on the site please feel free to contact me at [email protected] The salary is non negotiable because there isn’t one, although it is incredibly rewarding to know that people are actually taking notice of what you write! I should add that albums will be sent for review by digital means.
I’m hoping at some stage in the near future to start some basic advertising on the site and to add some more music, videos and photos and a few more changes that will hopefully help. There is still some great music being made, much of which is either dropping through my letterbox or into my email inbox and whilst in the early days of the website the promise was that even if I couldn’t review everything it would at least get listened to, this is no longer possible without help as the incoming albums this year have averaged around 50 per week and whilst I love music, listening to that amount is not possible for someone who has a life outside music, albeit a limited one!
I’m also hoping in the near future to start another regular radio programme this time for a radio station that goes out on the internet (as well as Seasidehr!) so that should help even more with album and website promotion, talking of which, my thanks to those that have provided valuable feedback, all of which has been positive and helpful.
Finally, thank you to everyone who uses the website and to those many organizations that submit albums and information for review or radio airplay etc and to end, I’d just like to wish a
Happy and Healthy New Year to all readers, their families and friends!
29th December 2012 - It's appropriate that the final album review of 2012 is also one of my albums of the year! It is the absolutely brilliant Some Dark Holler with 'Hollow Chest' their full album debut, and what an incredible debut it is with music that is as raw and evocative as 'real' country music can be! Great album!
27th December 2012 - I've uploaded what will probably be second to last review of the year and what a terrific album it is! It's the always wonderful Rosie Flores recent recording 'Working Girl's Guitar.' She must have one of the most consistently excellent back catalogues of anyone in country music and this new album is no exception to that rule!
Also hoping to upload the americanrootsuk top albums of 2012 before the end of the year. Still trying to edit them down to a manageable list but ultimately i'm not going to sacrifice any good albums for the sake of getting an even number on that list!
22nd December 2012 - I've just uploaded the final review before taking a short Christmas break and what a cracker of an album it is! It's 'that difficult second album' by Otto Mobile and the Moaners and rather than being of lesser quality than their very good debut, is actually a massive improvement! The album's title is 'Restless Sun' and evokes an updated version of 'country rock' that is reminiscent of Gram and Emmylou as well as Delaney and Bonnie but with their own highly individual take on the genre. It's not too late to treat yourself/loved ones to a copy for Christmas/New Year!
20th December 2012 - A review of the tremendous new album by Caroline Herring has been added to the December c.d reviews page. It is one of the most gorgeous albums i've heard for a long time and is called 'Camilla.' I'm currently trying to sort out my best of the year list (just under 50 at the moment and still whittling!) and this will definitely figure in the top ten!
16th December 2012 - I've just uploaded a review of an album that can accurately be described as 'true roots music.' It's the new recording by the hugely talented American band called The Mystix. The album is called 'Mighty tone' and is a tremendous blend of blues, country and several other offshoots of roots music!
13th December 2012 - It's nice (and rare!) when things work out. Last night Melissa Ruth & the Likely Stories were album of the week on my Seasidehr 'American Roots' radio programme with their tremendous new recording 'Ain't No Whiskey' and today the very same album is reviewed on the website on the December reviews page! You would think I could manage this with more frequency (this is the first time!) but precedents are dangerous things in the wrong hands. (i.e. someone as inefficent as me!)
10th December 2012 - A review of Ash Gray & the Girls new album, 'Born in the Summer' has been added to the December c.d reviews page
7th December 2012 - A rather lengthy review of a truly great album has been added to the December 2012 reviews page. It is called 'Old Excuses' by The Good Luck Thrift Store Outfit and is a genre defining collection of 15 great 'real country' songs! Will it be in my year end favourites list? You bet!!
3rd December 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by J. Tex & the Volunteers. It's called 'House on the Hill' and contains half Tex's own originals and the other half covers, but they are covers that this talented trio bring their own inimitable style to! If Tom Waits had chosen a 'country' path four decades ago he would in all probability have become J. Tex!
1st December 2012 - First review of the final month of 2012 is of the terrific recent album by Cahalen Morrison & Eli West. It's called 'Our Lady Of The Tall Trees' and on first listen is nice and mellow but it gradually reveals depths that few others can match. The tremendous folksy music this duo produce is pretty much unique!
29th November 2012 - A review of the tremndous new album by The WellDiggers entitled 'Hope & Fear' has been added to the November 2012 c.d reviews page. They are an excellent alt. country band with some brilliantly poetic songs that mix darkness with a little light!
26th November 2012 - I've added a review of the excellent new album by the Debonzo Brothers. It's called 'One Damn Heart' and is full of beautifully written songs, excellent playing and some of the best lead and harmony vocals in the alt. country genre!
24th November 2012 - A review of the tremendous self titled debut album by 'Midday Farm Report' has just been added. It's full of powerful, rural alt. country tales that should provoke some thoughts, or you can just accept it as being a highly listenable album of great songs, singing and playing!
22nd November 2012 - I've just added a review of the tremendous new album by Al Scorch & the Country Soul Review. It's called 'Tired Ghostly Town' and contains some great story songs, excellent singing and playing, all in and around the alternative country format
19th November 2012 - A review of the new seven track album by Josh Harty has been added to the November c.d reviews page. It is a real little gem with dark tales and some excellent playing, singing and writing and with a beautifully sparse instrumentation.
17th November 2012 - I've added a review of the extraordinary new c.d by the Blind Corn Liquor Picker. It's called 'Myths & Routines' and consists of, believe it or not, some tremendously soulful 'hillbilly,' country rock, folksy bluesiness and needless to say some experimentation that stretches the boundaries further than most!
15th November 2012 - A review of 'Tilt-a-whirl,' the excellent new album by Drew Nelson has just been added to the November 2012 c.d. reviews page.
13th November 2012 - Just uploaded a review of a very good new album by Trevor Alguire. It is called 'Till Sorrow Begins To Call,' and contains some excellent playing, singing and songwriting that sits just to the left of mainstream country.
10th November 2012 - A review of the tremendous new album by 'The Lost Brothers' has been uploaded. It's called 'The Passing Of The Night' and thematically is quite dark but with some beautiful singing and playing!
8th November 2012 - I've added a review of what will definitely be 'Blues album of 2012' to the November c.d reviews page. It is called 'Wiley Ways' and is by the incredibly talented duo of Hat Fitz & Cara. It also happens to be a challenger for blues album of the 21st Century so far! It really is that good!
4th November 2012 - Just uploaded a review of 'Heart Thief,' the gorgeous new album by Stephanie Fagan. Well written, well played and beautifully sung songs built around various aspects of love.
1st November 2012 - First review of the month is another tremendous contender for album of the year. It's the new recording by Stevie Tombsone entitled 'Greenwood.' A brilliant album by a talented man who seems to sail just under the radar but always produces memorable albums. Buy it, you won't be sorry!
27th October 2012 - A review of the Lewis Brothers pretty good new album 'Folk & Camp Fire Songs' has been added to the October c.d. reviews page.
25th october 2012 - I've added a review of the tremendous new album by Jack Klatt & the Cat Swingers. It's called 'Mississippi Roll' and is a tribute to the varied music that can be found along the course of that great river. An added bonus is guest appearances from Charlie Parr and Spider John Koerner.
23rd October 2012 - Just uploaded a review of a slightly disapointing new seven track album by Susan Cattaneo. It is called 'Little Big Sky' and contains a mix of country and blues music.
20th October 2012 - Another new review has been added to the October 2012 c.d reviews page. This one is the terrific new album 'Porchlight Smoker 2.' Their first album was excellent and always going to be difficult to live up to but they've certainly managed it with this sequel that is a tremendous blend of 'Americana' and British folk music. Half covers and half their own originals with some great playing and singing makes this fine live band just as good on record!
18th October 2012 - I've just uploaded a review of 'Town & Country,' the terrific debut album by British roots band The Vagaband which blends a number of influences including country.
14th October 2012 - I don't actually recall ever having reviewed a live album before so a good place to start is with what will certainly be the best of this year and maybe even the century so far! It's Blame Sally's 'Live At KVIE Studios,' a beautifully recorded album of great songs and excellent playing by four tremendous vocalists who's harmonies have to be heard to be believed.
11th October 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by Ol' Savannah. It's called 'Underneath the old red barn' and is full of evocative story telling and beautifully played 'hillbilly music, capped by some of the most atmospheric 'gravelly' vocals you will ever hear!
8th October 2012 - An album of beautifully mellow sounding music has been added to the 2012 c.d reviews page. It's quite an unusual recording and is by Anna Coogan & Daniele Fiaschi, called 'The Nowhere, Rome Sessions.' Sounds mellow and haunting but contains some powerful songs.
6th October 2012 - Just uploaded a review of what is likely to be one of the blues albums of the year. It's by the Heritage Blues Orchestra and is called 'And Still I Rise,' a 21st century update of some classic blues songs!
4th October 2012 - A review of the new Kelly Joe Phelps album 'Brother Sinner & the Whale' has been added to the October c.d reviews page.
1st October 2012 - First album review of the month is an excellent album by the Random Canyon Growlers entitled 'Dickey Ain't Got All Day.' It's an album that blends old timey with modern American folk plus some excellent vocals and acoustic instrumentation
29th September 2012 - Just uploaded the final c.d review of September and what a terrific album to end the month on as well. It's Will Scott's 'Keystone Crossing,' a dark blend of blues and alt. country into a quite rivetting listening experience!
27th September 2012 - A review of the excellent new album by The Harmed Brothers, 'Come Morning,' has just been uploaded. Acoustic folksy alt. country with some good playing on some very good story songs and tremendous lead and harmony vocals.
24th September 2012 - I've just uploaded a review of Nathan Bell's excellent new album ' Only the most important thing (Songs from a Sporting Life)' It contains some terrific songs all based on US or Canadian sports people. Despite the absence of any Brits sports people the stories are so good they are easy to understand and can stand alone as individual little dramas. Nathan refers to it as something of a stop gap before the sequel to 'Black Crow Blue' his tremendous previous release. It's made up of bits and pieces recorded at various locations but if this is a 'stop gap' ......... !
22nd September 2012 - A review of the gorgeous new album by Awna Teixeira has
just been added to the c.d reviews page. Awna took a break from Po' Girl to
record 'Where The Darkness Goes' and is currently on tour in Britain. She is
playing at the Royal Oak, Lewes on Saturday 22nd September on a Union Music
Store presentation with support from the hugely talented Danni Nicholls.
20th September 2012 - I've just added another
rave review to the September 2012 c.d reviews page. This one is of 'Tongues of
Fire,' the superb new recording from former .357 String Band stalwart, Joseph
Huber. His first solo album, whilst superb, was incredibly dark, whereas this
follow up is hardly 'easy listening' but has a variety of deep shades with some
tremendous songs, singing and playing.
17th
September 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the brilliant new album by Tom
Vandenavond. It's called 'Wreck Of A Fine Man' and is the best yet in a
catalogue that just gets better with every release. The cliche that covers this
is 'country music as it should be played.' Can't argue with that, but there are
very few capable of this quality! Thankfully, Tom is one of those few.
15th September 2012 - One of the albums of the
year, if not THE album of the year, has just been added. It is the incredible
new recording from the Sumner Brothers, entitled 'I'll be there tomorrow.' I
wouldn't be at all surprised if this 5***** album eventually lands in my top 20
ever!
13th September 2012 - I've just uploaded
another terrific Paul Hinkley Smith written review. This one is of the excellent
'Cabin Fever,' the new album by Corb Lund. Read the review then buy the album,
you won't regreat it!
10th September 2012 - I
had hoped to get this review on the site before it's release a week ago, but
life sometimes gets in the way, but here it is finally, another sure fire
contender for the album of the year! This time it's the career defining new
recording by Malcolm Holcombe entitled 'Down The River.' It gets 5***** simply
because that is the maximum I can give. It is a truly great album by one of the
greats of roots music.
8th September 2012 -
I've just uploaded a review of what will certainly be one of my albums of 2012!
It's the stunning new recording by Jan Bell, entitled 'Dream of the Miner's
Child.' It is just about the most gorgeous blend of English folk and American
'old timey' music that you are ever likely to hear .
6th September 2012 - It's finally happened!
Paul Hinkley Smith has given a 5***** rating to a new album. It's called 'Look
Out Mama' and is by New Orleans based band 'Hurray For The Riff Raff.' They are
currently on tour in Britain and will be playing at the Green Store Door in
Brighton on Tuesday 11th September so you can go to see them live and maybe buy
the album and check if you agree with Paul! I'm sure you
will.
1st September 2012 - The first review of
the month is another belter by Paul Hinkley Smith. This one is of an excellent
album by Sharon King and the Reckless Angels entitled 'Nothing = Everything,'
that is a lovely blend of Celtic and American folk!
31st August 2012- The last c.d review of the
month has just been added to the August 2012 reviews page and what a tremendous
album it is! It's the 'Road to Berryville' by Furnace Mountain. Just about as
authentic sounding 'old timey' music as you can get in the 21st
century!
27th August 2012 - I've added a review
of the new album by the tremendous 'Cletus Got Shot.' It's called 'Drinking
songs for the working man' and contains a lot of protest songs at the way
society is heading!
25th August 2012 - A new
c.d review of the Hot Seats recently released 'Feel' has just been added. It is
made up of some brilliantly played and sung 'string band' music that defiantly
resists misery!
23rd August 2012 - I've
uploaded the debut album by the tremendous British band Turnstile Junkpile. It's
only seven tracks but they are loaded with quality country rock and full of
excellent singing songwriting and playing! The album is titled 'Everything is
cheaper than it looks.'
21st August 2012 -
Another terrific Paul Hinkley Smith penned review
has just been added to the August reviews page. This one is an insightful look
at the new self titled album by 'Picture the Ocean,' a different format for
Jesse Dee and Jacquie B!
19th August 2012 - A
beautifully descriptive new c.d review, written by Paul
Hinkley Smith, has been added to the August reviews page. This is of 'The
Graceless Age' the new album by John Murry, full of deep, dark troubled tales.
17th August 2012 - Just uploaded a review of
the tremendous debut album by Marc O' Reilly. It's called 'My friend Marx' and
is full of excellent rootsy songs, supported by sparse instrumentaion and Marc's
extraordinary guitar playing and terrific
vocals!
15th August 2012 - Another excellent
review, written by Paul Hinkley Smith has just been
added to the August 2012 reviews page. This one is a delve into the new 6 track
e.p. by Jimbo Mathus entitled 'Blue Light.' Jimbo has a fascinating musical
history which Paul describes in the review.
11th August 2012 - I've uploaded a review of
the tremendous new album by Gordie Tentrees. It's called 'North Country Heart,'
and really evokes his Yukon homeland. It's released in early September in the UK
and Europe and Gordie is touring here later in the
year.
9th August 2012 - A review of 'Distiller'
the brilliant 2011 release by Carolina Still has been added to the August c.d
reviews. I missed it last year but won't miss any of their future recordings.
Tremendous album!
5th August 2012 - I've
uploaded a new review of a pretty good album by Texan singer songwriter Victor
Camozzi. It's called 'Roadside Paradise' and shows him to be a very good
expressive singer and an excellent songwriter.
3rd August 2012 - A new review has been added
to the August 2012 c.d reviews page. This one is of 'Scrap Book Ballads Vol. 1'
the debut album by singer songwriter Robert James Selby. It is full of
references to poetry and literature so it's ideal that it is another insightful
review written by Paul Hinkley Smith
2nd August 2012 - Have uploaded a
review of the excellent new album by Jackson Taylor and the Sinners. It's called
'Bad Juju' and contains plenty of 'punked up' country but also exhibits an
occasional warmer side!
29th July 2012 - To add
diversity to the website it gives me great pleasure to announce that we are
fortunate to have been joined at americanrootsuk.com by the talents of Paul Hinkley Smith who is going to double the man
power of our reviews team! (That’s two now, for the benefit of the
mathematically challenged!) Paul has taken a break from music writing in recent
times but is now raring to get back into the swing and his first review for us
is an insightful assessment of the new Old Crow Medicine
Show album ‘Carry Me Back.’
A warm
welcome and thanks to Paul and hope the readers enjoy the extra
variety.
28th July 2012 - Just uploaded a review of the
incredibly diverse double album by Marvin Etzioni (formerly of Lone Justice)
called 'Marvin Country, to the July c.d.
reviews.
27th July 2012 - A review of the debut
album by pacific north west natives 'The Basinbillies' has been added to the
July c.d reviews. It is a tremendous album called 'Whiskey on a work night,' and
blends old timey, folk, bluegrass and country with a nice modern punk attitude!
21st July 2012 - Just uploaded a review of the
'Two at a time,' the new album by The Two Man Gentlemen Band. If you like your
roots music to be quirky, large chunks of humour, well played and pretty much
unique this could be for you!
19th July 2012 -
I've added a review of the recent tremendous album by Nels Andrews to the July
c.d reviews page. It's called 'Scrimshaw' and the term 'slow, moody and
incredibly atmospheric' probably sums it
up!
16th July 2012 - I've uploaded a review of
the debut album by Dara Amjadi. It is simply called 'Dara' and contains some
incredibly dark powerful songs and very sparse instrumentation with excellent
guitar playing. An unusual but very rewarding listen!
14th July 2012 - Just added a review of the
new high quality album by Tommy Womack. It's called 'Now What!' and contains
some great music in a diversity of styles.
12th July 2012 - Today I've uploaded 10 more
songs to the 'A history of the blues' chapter 3 music page plus last nights
Seaside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' playlist. I've also just added what I'm
pretty sure is only my 3rd 5***** album this year! It is The Curst Sons
tremendous new album 'The Snake & the Money Jar.' Brilliant album by a
brilliant band!
7th July 2012 - I've uploaded
a review of a classy new album of 'real' country music by Katy Boyd. It's called
'Paper Hearts' and contains one cover and nine of her own 'no punches pulled'
songs about real life!
5th July 2012 - A review
of one of last nights SeasideHR 'American Roots' programme has been added to the
July c.d reviews. It's 'Freight Ships,' the tremendous new album by Small Town
Jones which is to be released on the 16th July and also launches 'At The Helm
Records.'
For more info. on At The Helm click here http://www.brighthelmstonepromotions.blogspot.co.uk/
1st
July 2012 - I've uploaded a second c.d review of the weekend and it's also
another contender for album of the year! This one is by McDougall, a genuine
troubadour, and it's his new album entitled 'A Few Towns More.' It really is a
tremendous album by yet another consistenly great artist who seems to fly under
the radar!
29th June 2012 - A review of the
brilliant debut album by The Illegitimate Sons has just been added to the June
reviews page. It is called 'American Music' and is full of tremendous songs,
evocative vocals and beautiful instrumentation! A contender for album of the
year? I think so!
25th June 2012 - I've
uploaded a review of the excellent new album by Wrinkle Neck Mules. It's called
'Apprentice to Ghosts' and is full of great music from Southern Rock to Country
Rock all played with plenty of fire and
conviction!
23rd June 2012 - I don't usually
review e.ps but the tremendous 'The NYC e.p' by Mike & Ruthy (formerly of
The Mammals) is just so good I had to make an exception, so I've added it to the
June reviews drop down menu!
22nd June 2012 -
I've added another page to the drop down menu of this newspage. This one is to
enable you to help Cahalen Morrison & Eli West with the post production of
their new album 'Our Lady of the Tall Trees'. Basically, if you click on the
link you will be taken to another website where all will be explained! If you
need any convincing of their talent click on the following link to see a review
of their previous album http://www.americanrootsuk.com/cahalen-morrison--eli-west---the-holy-coming-of-the-storm.html
21st
June 2012 - Last nights Seside Hospital Radio 'American Roots' playlist can now
be seen at http://www.americanrootsuk.com/current-week.html
I've
uploaded a review of a brilliant album by British singer songwriter Richie
Syrett. It's called 'Good Morning Midnight,' and is as good as most that I've
heard this year. Richie is a hugely talented musician from a similar mould to
some of the alt. country greats. This is his second album and if his first is
half as good, I can't wait to get a copy of it!
http://www.americanrootsuk.com/richie-syrett---good-morning-midnight.html
18th
June 2012 - I've added another drop down page to the news page entitled TOURS.
This will contain press releases of tours that interest me, particularly if they
are playing in Brighton! It will only be fairly intermittent and will be fairly
low on my list of priorities for the website, but when it does get updated it
will be made a news item on this page and facebook. We start with the welcome
return to the U.K of Cahalen Morrison & Eli West who put on a brilliant
performance at the Prince Albert, Brighton last time they were over and are
playing there again on July 11th. Read a review of their album here: http://www.americanrootsuk.com/cahalen-morrison--eli-west---the-holy-coming-of-the-storm.html
16thy June 2012 - A full review of 'Whiskey,'
the excellent new album by tremendous British country band 'The Toy Hearts' has
been added today.
14th June 2012 - Just
uploaded a review of 'Thump & Howl,' the brilliant new album by Canadian
band VIPER CENTRAL. The album is due for release on July 2nd and they are
starting a British tour on June 22nd. Should be an unmissable experience to see
them live!
9th June 2012 -
I've added a review of Poor Man's Poison's second album 'Friends With The
Enemy.' It was released at the end of 2011 but is well worth a mention and a few
pounds/dollars etc. of your money! The second album might be notoriously
'difficult,' but this is actually at least as good, if not better, than their
debut.
7th June 2012 - Just uploaded last
nights SeasideHR 'American Roots' playlist to the Radio Playlists 'current week
page. Have also uploaded a review of the excellent new album by Girlyman. It's
called 'Supernova' and includes some tremendous vocals and really nice folksy
music that is difficult to pigeon hole!
6th
June 2012 - The website host has made a lot of 'improvements' to the templates
and various other bits and pieces! Often changes seem to be made for the sake of
change but in this case I think they are actually going to be genuine
improvements. The downside is that in doing so a lot of the website settings
seem to have been upset so I'm faced with a lot of work, that I could well do
without at the moment, to redo the site. The two alternatives were to close the
site down until it was sorted or to carry on and do the work as time allows.
Because the number of hits are going up each month I've decided on the latter
rather than start again from scratch. I've spent the last few hours trying to
make everything legible but if you spot anything that's not please let me know
because although it will hopefully be done methodically I could miss things! As
usual any feedback will be appreciated,even if it's just comments on whether the
site looks better or worse!
5th June 2012 -
Weebly have been altering some of the templates so the 'American Roots Music'
banner only shows on the homepage and that in much smaller form. Hoping to get
it sorted out soon!
2nd June 2012 - First
review of June is the excellent debut by Scotty Alan. The album is called 'Wreck
and the Mess' and the quality should ensure this excellent rootsy singer
songwriter has a really bright future!
31st May
2012 - Final review of this month is appropriately a five star rated album. It
is an extraordinary album of roots music and is self titiled 'Petunia and the
Vipers.' It's certainly caught my imagination with 'Petunia's' versatility and
diveristy within the genre known as 'Music!!' In his case (Yes! His!) labels are
pretty much superfluous!
26th May 2012 - I've
added a review of the beautiful debut album by Hatful Of Rain to the May 2012
reviews page. There is a real diversity of styles within the realms of 'country
music' including a couple of instrumentals, ballads and even a little rock 'n'
roll!
24th May 2010 - Just uploaded a review of the
gorgeous new country music album by Karen Collins and the Backroads Band. It's
called 'No Yodelling on the Radio and consists of some tremendous new country
songs.
20th May 2012 - A review of the
excellent new album 'The Fate and the Fruit' by Screen Door Porch has been added
to the May 2012 c.d reviews page. There are also a couple of tracks from the
album on the 'Music Player' page, which should help to explain the diversity of
this duo.
17th May 2012 - I've uploaded a
review of the gorgeous 'Deep Water,' the new album by the hugely talented 'The
Lonesome Sisters.' A definite contender for album of the year!
I've also added a couple of beautiful songs from the album to
the 'Music Player' page, so listen, enjoy and purchase!
13th
May 2012 - A review of 'Harder than hammered hell' the tremendous new album by
Otis Gibbs has been uploaded to the May
2012 c.d reviews page.
I've also added two tracks from the album to the Music Player page, so listen to
them, enjoy and then purchase the album!
11th
May 2012 - Just uploaded a review of 'Away from the bright lights' the excellent
new album by Garron Frith. Have also uploaded a couple of tracks to the 'Music
player' page from this and the recently reviewed 'The Cactus Blossoms' album
6th may 2012 - A review of the tremendous
debut by 'The Cactus Blossoms' has been added to the May 2012 c.d reviews page.
Classic 'Country & Western' with no extraneous gloss!
4th May 2012 - Just added a review of the
excellent new c.d by Six Mile Grove. If you like mellow, thought provoking
country rock you will love this!
1st May 2012 -
I've uploaded a review of 'The Innocent' the tremendous new album by Jim Byrne.
It contains ten deceptively mellow, quietly reflective songs that leave quite an
impression!
26th April 2012 - A review of the excellent
'Carrying Lightning' the recent album by Amanda Shires has been added to the
April c.d reviews page
24th April 2012 - I've
uploaded a review of 'Me Then You' the recent album by Brock Zeman.
23rd April 2012 - A new review of 'Black Crow Blue' by
Nathan Bell has been uploaded to the April reviews page
today.
19th April 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the quite
brilliant new album by Cary Hudson (Blue Mountain). It's called 'Mississippi
Moon' and consists of blues and alt. country songs that all work incredibly well
together and includes several tremendous covers, but mainly Cary
originals.
I've also taken from this album and added to the
Music Player page Cary's version, which is the best i've heard since the
original, of the classic Dock Boggs song 'Country Blues,'
14th April 2012 - I've added a review of the
gorgeous new album by 'Rachel harrington and the Knock Outs' to the April c.d
reviews page. Quite a departure from her previous album but still very very
good!
Also:- A really good sized crowd were treated to two
steaming (in more ways than one!) sets last night at the Prince Albert,
Brighton, from the brilliant four piece 'roots' band Woody Pines. There was a
mix of blues, old time country, New Orleans 'jazziness' and ragtime all mixed
together to form a delicious gumbo! Woody himself was in fine voice and and the
foursome formed a tremendous rapport with the crowd. They've only just got this
tour underway so if you get the chance, go and see them. You won't regret it!
Thanks to Ian (Wildwood Promotions) for putting on such a great
gig!
The following link will take you straight to their list of gigs on
this tour
http://woodypines.com/index.php?option=com_gigcal&Itemid=58
12th
April 2012 - I've uploaded a review of 'The Boomswagglers' brilliant debut album
'The Bootleg Beginnings (from the shack out back)'
It consists
of some of the best 'punked up hillbilly' music you are likely to hear for many
a long day!
7th April 2012 - I've added a new
review of the pretty good Johnny Cash tribute by his old guitarist Bob Wooton
and Six Mile Grove. Its called 'Guaranteed Cash' and includes some real classic
songs!
5th April 2012 - Just uploaded a review
of a brilliant album by Maria Doyle Kennedy and Kieran Kennedy. It's called 'The
Storms are on the ocean' and contains some of the best versions of 'old timey'
classics that you are ever likely to hear. It came out last year and if I'd
heard it then, it would certainly have been in my top ten of
2011.
1st April 2012 - The first review of April is the
tremendous new recording by The Steel Wheels. It's called 'Lay Down, Lay Low'
and is probably their best album so far of music that has its roots not just in
the Appalachians but also in the British Isles!
30th March
2012 - A review of the debut album by Lincoln Durham called 'The Shovel vs The
Howling Bones' has been added today. It's an album of real top notch blues by an
artist who promises much for the future!
Also updated the gigs page
with several Wildwood Promotions additions, including the return to Brighton of
Frank fairfield later in the summer!
As the drop down menu on
the reviews page is beginning to get a little unwieldy, from April there
will be a seperate drop down menu each month.
28th March
2012 - Just uploaded a review of the new album by the tremendous Two Dollar
Bash. It's called 'New Adventures' and consists of some excellent country rock
songs, all well played and sung. The bonus is that the band consists of three
Scots and a Frenchman!
24th March 2012 - A review of the new
Woody Pines e.p has been added to the c.d reviews page today. It is called 'You
gotta roll' and is a taster of what can be expected on their British tour that
begins on the 12th April.
22nd march 2012 - I've uploaded a
rather lengthy review of the brilliant new album by Hillfolk Noir. It's called
'Radio Hour' and includes between song links of 'commercials' invented by the
band to give the album an old time radio programme feel. In its way a concept
album but fortunately, one that works incrediby well!
17th
March 2012 - A review of the new album by the James Low Western Front has been
added. It's called 'Whiskey Farmer' and consists of some really excellent
melodic country rock.
15th March 2012 - I've uploaded a new
album review of 'Inspiration,' the excellent new recording by Shurman. Could
even be their best yet!
11th March 2012 - Just
uploaded a review of the tremendous new album by John Lilly. It's called 'Cold
Comfort' and consists of some excellent songs of 'real country
music'
Note: Due to a family member being hospitalised there is
unlikely to be much more material added to the site for a week or so. Hopefully
normal service will be resumed very soon!
9th March
2012 - Have added a review of the excellent debut album by Kent native Rosco
Levee. It's called 'Final Approach To Home' and consists of some terrific
country rock with a little bluesiness at times. It's well worth investing some
of your hard earned on!
4th March 2012 - I've uploaded a new
review of June Star's brilliant new recording 'Slow Dance.' A little more rock
than usual but still a tremendous album!
28th February 2012
- The final updates of February have been added to the current playlist and I've
uploaded a review of the tremendous 2010 release by Hillfolk Noir called 'Skinny
Mammy's Revenge.' Terrific old timey and blues all blended into a highly
evocative stew! They also have a new album out on March 6th called 'Radio
Hour'
24th February 2012 - I've uploaded a review of the
excellent debut c.d by The Coloradas, a 'hillbilly' band that was the brain
child of roots musician Roy Davis and includes talents such as Bernie Nye and
Joe Walsh (NOT the one from the Eagles!)
18th February 2012
- Have uploaded a review of an album by Ziggy Moonshine and the Bootleggers.
It's called 'Songs in the key of Z' and is a pretty good listen!
10th February 2012 - I've started the 'Current
Playlist 2012' for February with a dozen or so albums. Although they are not
reviews there are at least a few comments that should serve as an indicator for
what I think of the albums. Some will get the full review treatment in the near
future! All are worthy of your listening time and hard earned
money!!
Also: Later in the day! Added a review
of the excellent 'Year of the Horse' album by The Kentucky Struts.
9th February 2012 - Just
managed to upload last nights SeasideHR 'American Roots' radio playlist to the
'Current week' page! There were two brilliant albums of the week plus I changed
the format slightly by playing two tracks each from several other albums
including the brilliant 2010 'hillbilly' album by 'Hillfolk Noir' plus, amongst
others, a couple from a tremendous album by Brit 'American roots' band 'The
Proposition'
3rd February 2012 - I've uploaded
a review of the gorgeous new album by singer songwriter Laura Repo. It contains
some beautifully perceptive stories and is called 'Get Yourself Home.'
I'm hoping to start the current months playlist and add a few
more tracks to the 'History' music pages over the next couple of days as
well.
27th January 2012 - Just uploaded a
review of the excellent debut c.d by 'Sons of Fathers.'
22nd January 2012 - I've updated the 'Current
playlist' page with a few more albums and have started adding artists web site
addresses as well. I'm also going to start adding a few comments to a few of the
albums that don't get the full review treatment! Some will be just a brief
comment, others will be two or three sentences
Also updated the
'Lost Highway' page with a poster of their next gig at the Brunswick Pub in Hove
on 2nd March. The headliner is Stefan Cush (The Men They Couldn't Hang) and the
Feral Family. Poster doesn't show up very clearly but basic info. can be seen
20th January 2012 - Just uploaded a new review
of the tremendous debut album by the 'Old Tire Swingers' who are playing in
Lewes next Wednesday as part of their British tour. Chech their website for
other dates. (Link is with the review)
19th
January 2012 - Another new c.d review has just been added, along with last
night's SeasideHR 'American Roots' playlist. The album is the gorgeous new
recording by Rebecca Pronsky, titled 'Viewfinder.' She is currently in Britain
on tour and will be playing in Brighton next Tuesday.
14th January 2012 - Uploaded another new c.d
review! This time it's 'Old Mad Joy,' the newest offering by The
Gourds.
13th January 2012 - A review of the new
album, 'Back When' by the Carper Family has been added to the 2012 c.d reviews
page. It's a tremendous album of edgy country, with some great playing and
gorgeous vocals!
8th January 2012 - I've
uploaded a combined review of the brilliant new album and novel by Jason T.
Lewis. This tremendous duo is titled 'The Fourteenth Colony' and consists of an
unputdownable novel and an album containing eight tracks of some of the best
country rock you will hear in the 21st century, comparable to Jason's 'Star
City' days!
5th January 2012 - Uploaded a
review of the incredible new album by Charlie Parr. It's called 'Keep your hands
on the plow' and is the first 5***** album of
2012.
2nd January 2012 - First review of the
new year on www.americanrootsuk.com
is the new album by Lonesome Wyatt and the Holly Spooks. It's a pretty good
effort and is called 'Heartsick.'
There are now three archive pages at the
bottom of the menu list. All are pretty self explanatory and contain all of the
reviews, playlists and news that have appeared on the site since it's inception.
Further changes are in the pipeline in the near(ish) future! When they are made
I will add notifications on this page and on facebook.