MAY 2013 Current playlist
Sean Burns – Cold beans & broken eggs (2013)
Tremendous album of country, country rock, a little honky tonk by one
of the best vocalists in roots music and with the ability to write some great
story songs, all backed by an excellent band. Pretty much
faultless!
http://www.seanburns.ca/
(Full review to follow)
Desolation Angels – Hell or highwater (2012)
Something for everyone on this excellent album, from hard driving southern roots rock to mid tempo country rock, to tender country ballads, all skillfully carried out by this talented Detroit based band.
http://www.reverbnation.com/desolationangelsdetroit
(Full review to follow)
Morning River Band – To Suzie (2013)
Some great music on this nine track album of country rock that clocks in at less than twenty minutes. Not everyone will love the vocals but you can’t quibble with albums quality.
http://www.morningriverband.com/
Valerie June – Pushin’ against a stone (2013)
One of the most unusual ‘roots’ albums around, that contains soul, blues, Appalachian, folk, and probably more with an instrumentation that ranges between banjo and organ. She is the possessor of a vocal style that if it can be compared to anyone is probably nearest to Holly Golightly!
http://www.valeriejune.com/
Added 19-05-13
Whiskey Folk Ramblers – The lonesome underground (2013)
A tremendous album by a band often described as playing Alternative Country, Gypsy, Acoustic, Folk, Americana, none of which can be argued with! It contains plenty of twang and mariachi horns, with
excellent deep male vocals on some very good songs.
http://www.whiskeyfolkramblers.com/
Neil McSweeney – The Seventeen (e.p) (2013)
Mellow of sound but very strong songs and excellent vocals on this 4 track e.p that includes an excellent cover of Townes ‘To live is to fly.’
Rattleshack (2013)
A terrific album of highly entertaining, even at times thought provoking, ramshackle hillbilliness with a dash of British folk!
http://www.rattleshack.com/
(Full review to follow)
Cara Luft – Darlingford (2012)
Another great album by a former member of the Wailin’ Jennys. Gorgeous vocals and great playing on some beautifully written Cara originals and a few covers, make this one of the folk albums of the year so far.
http://caraluft.com/
(Full review to follow)
Leeroy Stagger – Truth be sold (2013)
Excellent album of roots rock that owes as much to country as to rock. Seems to have found the nice happy balance that many struggle for without ever attaining. Very good songs, well sung and played on an album of contrasts.
http://leeroystagger.com/
(Full review to follow)
The Kennedys – Closer than you know (2012)
Mellow of sound, but stops well short of bland, thanks to the tremendous songwriting and arrangements, added to which Maura’s lead vocals are beautiful, the harmonies just as good and Pete’s guitars provide a classy balance.
http://www.kennedysmusic.com/
Added 28-05-13
Dennis Ellsworth – Dusk Dreams (2013)
Mellow pure country music, great songs and vocals with plenty of steel guitar.
http://dennisellsworth.com/
(Full review may follow)
Jeffrey Foucault & Cold Satellite - Cavalcade (2013)
Tremendous album that blends country, blues and alt. country into a pretty much unique and varied sound, with great songs, excellent vocals and instrumentation, on a recording that could turn out to be career defining.
http://www.jeffreyfoucault.com/
(Full review may follow)
Jeff Finlin – My Moby Dick (2013)
Excellent album of rootsy songs that always keeps the listener guessing. Unusual use of the instrumentation on an album that has a hugely refreshing feel and gets even better with each listening session. The generally slow moody atmosphere is quite addictive.
http://www.jefffinlin.com/
(Full review to follow)
Susan James – Driving toward the sun (2013)
Gorgeous album from the edgier side of country music with beautiful vocals allied to excellent songs and playing
http://susanjamesmusic.com/
(Full review to follow)
Sturgill Simpson – High top mountain (2013)
Absolutely tremendous album of ‘hard country’ but always with an alt. country edge! The vocals are excellent as are the songs. Too good for mainstream but this is the sort of album that really should sell millions of copies!
http://sturgillsimpson.com/
(Full review to follow)
The Abramson Singers – Late Riser (2013)
An album that is close to indie pop rock but has a strong foundation in folk music. What actually makes this album so different to most is the stunning beauty of Leah Abramson’s vocals and the exquisite harmonies as well as some good songs and unusual arrangements.
http://leahabramson.com/
Added 30-05-13
Hillfolk Noir – What’s That hat For (2013)
A band who’s first album was brilliant have got beter and better since! Tremendous old time hillbilly music for the 21st century.
http://www.hillfolknoir.com/
Chastity Brown – Back Road Highways (2012)
This lady’s talent is mid boggling. This is one of the best albums I’ve heard so far this year. One of the most atmospheric voices around and also a talented banjoist who blends deep rural blues with soul to make something pretty unique.
http://chastitybrownmusic.com/
I See Hawks In L.A – Mystery Drug (2013)
An entertaining laid back Californian country album that rocks gently. Everything is well sung and played and there is enough subtle humour and edginess to lift the album to a level that takes them above average.
http://www.iseehawks.com/