American Roots playlist for June 2013
The Tillers – Hand on the plow (2013)
Simply the best album by any band that I’ve heard this year. Great playing, vocals and songs on an album that is hugely evocative of old timey but at the same time is very 21st century. A genuinely great album!
For those that have yet to hear them Col. J.D. Wilkes is a fan! Nuff
said?
http://the-tillers.com/
(Full review to follow)
Larry And His Flask – By the lamplight (2013)
Extraordinary mélange of high energy, at times punked up, folk, gypsy jazz, hillbilly and just about any other roots off shoot you can imagine including mellow ballads!
http://www.larryandhisflask.com/
The Quiet American – Wild Bill Jones (2013)
Terrific album by this talented husband and wife duo who perform some classic ‘old timey’ songs.
http://quietamericanmusic.com/blog/
The Dirt Drifters – This is my blood (2011)
A really good album of country rock that is somewhere between Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen with lead vocals not dissimilar to Dwight Yoakam. Good songs, well sung and played by a band that no longer seems to exist.
http://www.thedirtdrifters.com/
John Moreland – In the throes (2013)
A sure fire contender for album of the year. Great vocals and tremendous songs on an album that out-Springsteens ‘The boss!’ Great album.
http://www.johnmoreland.net/
(Full review to follow)
Eric Michael Hawks - Eric Michael Hawks (2013)
A really good album that is a natural progression from the ‘Outlaw country’ of people such as Waylon Jennings. Some excellent songs, with atmospheric deep raw vocals.
http://ericmichaelhawks.com/home.cfm
Underhill Rose – Something real (2013)
Beautiful album of edgy country music by a talented trio of excellent singer songwriters
http://www.underhillrose.com/
(Full review may follow)
Dennis Ellsworth – Dusk dreams (2012)
A slow moodily reflective album that repays repeated listening sessions with interest! Good songs, terrific vocals and lovely clear instrumentation and production.
http://dennisellsworth.com/
(Full review to follow)
Added 22-07-13
The Dinosaur Truckers - The Dinosaur Truckers (2013)
From Bavaria, this tremendous four piece string band produce American roots music that has the authenticity and originality of most American bands and more than many!
http://dinosaurtruckers.de/
Mississippi Gabe Carter – Until they drag me down (2011)
From Bentonia (home of Skip James) a great modern rural blues album by a unique individual who can count Charlie Parr amongst his fans!
http://www.reverbnation.com/mississippigc
Sam Baker – Say Grace (2013)
More great story songs in Sam’s typical talk vocal style, with a nice complimentary little instrumentation colouring.
http://sambakermusic.com/
(Full review may follow)
Patrick Sweany – Close to the floor (2013)
Excellent album of incredibly soulful blues that is not really like anyone else currently working!
http://patricksweany.com/
(Full review may follow)
Sheesham, Lotus & Son – 1929 (2013)
A trio that takes revivalist to the extreme and then some! Many will say they are just too derivative but in doing so will miss the point and a great blend of old timey and early blues and any number of early styles from a time when generic separation was barely under way.
http://sheeshamandlotus.com/
(Full review to follow)
Eric Taylor – Studio 10 (2013)
Another fine example of a great Texan songwriter at work. Raw but pleasant vocals and never afraid to write about anything that catches his imagination. Slow, moody and at times dark, but essential listening!
http://www.bluerubymusic.com/home/News.html
(Full review may follow)
Scud Mountain Boys – Do you love the sun (2013)
First album for sixteen years by a talented band that stretches their excellent songs from modern day alt. country back to what is basically an updated old timey feel. There is some tremendous playing and vocals on this terrific album that struggles to reach mid tempo, much to the benefit of the songs.
http://www.scudmountainboys.com/home.html