American Roots playlist for June 2013
The Wynntown Marshalls – The long haul (2013)
Brilliant album of classic country rock updated for the 21st album! All their own songs with vocals and harmonies that have rarely been bettered in this genre, excellent choice of instrumentation and playing, in fact one of the best albums so far this year!
http://www.thewynntownmarshals.com/
(Full review to follow)
The Carper Family – Old-Fashioned Gal (2013)
Sublime vocals and incredible playing in their own ‘vintage’ country musicstyle by this hugely talented all female Austin trio. There are some of their own originals as well as covers of others work all played and sung in their own inimitable style, even including a little bluegrass and western swing!
http://www.carperfamilyband.com/
(Full review to follow)
The Good Lovelies – Live at Revolution (2012)
Some of the best harmony (and lead) vocals you are likely to hear anywhere in roots music (or any other genre for that matter) from this Canadian trio of women. Some beautiful accapella singing and some gorgeous sparsely instrumented songs that include banjo plus some genuinely humourous moments!
http://www.goodlovelies.com/
(Full review may follow)
Foghorn Leghorn – Not before time (2013)
Really good ‘ramshackle’ album that blends bluegrass with folk, old timey and a little alt. country to produce an entertaining album of all their own original songs!
http://www.reverbnation.com/foghornleghorn
(Full review may follow)
El Monte Slim – If I could just break even (2013)
Quite a sparse instrumentation that due to the lead instrument being steel guitar has a country feel but other than that is a very good country rock album. Good songs, playing and expressive vocals.
http://www.myspace.com/elmonteslimmusic#!
(Full review may follow)
Hillfolk Noir – What’s that hat for (2013)
Brilliant album of modern ‘old timey’ for the 21st century by a hugely talented trio at the very top of their generic field. Great songs, great instrumentation and playing, with authentically evocative vocals.
http://www.hillfolknoir.com/
(Full review to follow)
Added 21-06-13
Heavy Horses – Murder ballads and other love songs. (2012)
Terrific album of very dark murder and mayhem ballads, all with a musically mellow sound but don’t think it will be a relaxing listen! Heavy Horses aka Justin Mahoney wrote and produced the album himself and it’s so good that had I discovered it earlier it would have got the full review treatment!
http://www.theheavyhorses.com/
The Tillers – Wild hog in the woods (feat. Uncle Mike Carr) (2011)
Brilliant album of old timey music that is a very real throwback to the early ‘hillbilly’ days! Impossible to imagine anything being more authentic than this incredibly well played and sung recording, and they’ve got a new album out soon!
http://the-tillers.com/home/
Jack Marks – Blues like these (2013)
A really good, stylistically diverse album that at times is a little reminiscent of John Prine, at others Dr. John and even occasionally Tom Waits! Some really good songs with raw but evocative vocals and excellent band and instrumentation that often includes accordion.
http://jackmarksmusic.com/
The Bills – Yes please (2013)
Unusual but beautifully sung and played album by a Canadian band that blends folk, European gypsy jazz, even at times a little classical feeling into a fairly unique recording.
http://thebills.ca/
(Full review to follow)
The Dust Busters (2009)
Incredibly authentic ‘old time hillbilly’ album by a young Brooklyn trio. Brilliant album that I’ve only just discovered!
http://thedustbusters.blogspot.co.uk/
Added 28-06-13
Michael and the Lonesome Playboys – Bottle cap sky (2013)
Tremendous album of country music with a blend of rock ‘n’ roll, (but not country rock!) by the “Rock ‘n’ roll poet”
http://www.rocknrollpoet.com/
(Full review to follow)
Scott Cook – One more time around (2013)
Superb album that whilst it has a mellow sound and sparse instrumentation always has something different going on with beautifully poetic lyrics and Scott’s excellent warm expressive vocals.
http://www.scottcook.net/
(Full review to follow)
Hezekiah Goode – Two billion acres of salt (2013)
Tremendous album of classic hard country but with some originality and a bluesy blend that lifts the album far above the mainstream.
http://hezekiahgoode.com/
(Full review to follow)
Red Tail Ring – The heart’s swift foot (2013)
If ever there was an ‘old timey’ album for the 21st century this is it! Musically mellow but beautifully played, sung and powerful songs. Great album!
http://www.redtailring.com/
(Full review to follow)