AUSTIN HEALING (Cautionary Tales From 20 Years of SXSW) by Oliver Gray.

 If you have ambitions of attending SXSW in Austin, Texas, and are the type that micromanages your schedule of 'who, when and where' of the acts you intend to see, there may be a better book for you. If, however, you are the patient, easy-going music lover, as is the case with author Oliver Gray, read on. Retired school teacher, music promoter, music writer, grandfather and with a colossal appetite for live music, Oliver's latest novel recalls twenty years of attendance at SXSW.  It's written with honesty, enthusiasm and no end of wit as he delves into his diaries from those twenty years to recall some memorable and less-than-memorable events in Austin.

The book begins with the author's introduction to the world of a 'music head', his early days as an aspiring music writer, and his first eventful trip to Austin in 2001 with his wife, Birgit.  

Gray's first visit to the festival in 2003 was a surprise in many ways. As the UK correspondent for the US publication Amplifier, he was unexpectedly granted press accreditation and even managed to bring a 'plus one', his close friend and now official photographer, Paul Dominy. This partnership would become a regular feature at the festival in the years to come.

Hindsight can sometimes be cruel, so we hear of the artists that the author deemed to become 'the future of rock and roll' yet disappeared without a trace (Sons and Daughters, Stellastart*), the 'nearly made it' ones (The Polyphonic Spree, Andrew Combs) and the apparently over-hyped and unlikely to display any degree of longevity (Arctic Monkeys, Drive By Truckers). History will be more applauding to Gray for recognising the potential of Fontaines DC, and especially, as far back as 2012, Ed Sheeran. Despite early documentation of Sheeran’s‘world domination' likelihood, Gray's street credibility was potentially under fire until a photo appeared of Sheeran completing his set standing on a table where Gray was seated and apparently asleep (which he wasn't!).

Incredibly bad sound, disgusting toilet facilities, blistered feet, hour-long queues only to be turned away from venues, cheap and not so cheap and occasionally free beer, and lunchtime margaritas are recurring entries each year. Though a seasoned writer and interviewer, Gray, honestly and somewhat surprisingly, regularly refers to being 'star struck' and unable to bring himself to approach many of the artists. On one occasion, in an act of bravado, he invited P.J. Harvey's band out to dinner and trembled as the bill was presented to him. A spotlight on various venues is also included each year, from the relative luxury of the Convention Center to the Tex-Mex restaurant Jovita's and Stubb's Bar-B-Q.

UK acts that get regular mention include Frank Turner ('He announced that he was going to pay his hits. I wasn't aware he had any'). Greater appreciation is afforded to fellow Brits Peter Bruntnell, Billy Bragg, and The Zombies. Acts that were enjoyed on many of the trips to Austin included Alejandro Escovedo, Chuck Prophet, Billy Bragg, Jesse Malin, and Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires.

The novel's foreword asks, 'What is it REALLY like?' After enjoying this page-turner (which I devoured in one sitting), you'll have a 'warts and all' representation of precisely what the SXSW has to offer whether you are a potential visitor to the festival, a rock and roll music lover or simply enjoy a delightful music travelogue.

Review by Declan Culliton 

Best Of 2023 - Artist Choices

AMANDA FIELDS

OLD TUNES & SAD SONGS - SARAH KATE MORGAN

Sarah Kate Morgan is one of the up-and-coming artists I’m most excited about. She’s got a traditional foundation and is known around Appalachia for her dulcimer playing. She has such a beautiful and sweet perspective that shines through and nothing about her is put on. This album is like a gentle “welcome home” for me.

RUSTIN’ IN THE RAIN - TYLER CHILDERS

I love this album and its little quirks and playfulness. Tyler’s voice really resonates with me and this record is fresh while being super country!

COSMICO - CRUZ CONTRERAS

This is such a dreamy and interesting record. Cruz’s piano playing is one of my favourite things and it’s wrapped up in this dreamy soundscape on Cosmico.

WORKIN’ ON A WORLD - IRIS DEMENT

Iris has to be one of the best songwriters of our time. The songs on this record have so much depth and lyrically so many layers, that it hit me hard the first time I heard it, which beckoned another listen to look more deeply into the wisdom she transmits. It’s a spiritual experience.

BRENNEN LEIGH

THE BIGGEST LIFE - SUMMER DEAN

It has been a staple for me since it came out. It’s so honest and real.

CHRISTMAS IN PRISON - HAYES CARLL AND MELISSA CARPER

Hayes Carll and Melissa Carper’s cover of Christmas in Prison

It has given me my daily good cry.

THAT OLD FAMILIAR DRUNKEN FEELING - CORB LUND

Loving Corb Lund’s new one That Old Familiar Drunken Feeling

It never stops being funny, no matter how many times I hear it.

CHERIE - THEO LAWRENCE

I’m a new fan, great record.

SHAWN WILLIAMS

HACKNEY DIAMONDS - THE ROLLING STONES

LIVE AT DEE’S - SHANNON MCNALLY

GOD GAMES - THE KILLS

ZACH BRYAN - ZACH BRYAN

GET BEHIND THE WHEEL - EILEN JEWELL

MULTITUDES - FEIST

SONIC CHAMELEONIC - THEM VIBES

ESTHER ROSE

NOTHING FOR ME, PLEASE - DEAN JOHNSON

Required listening for anyone going through a breakup with another person, with themselves, or with reality.

ROMANTIC PIANO - GIA MARGARET

This album is ketamine approved.

TOMORROW’S FIRE - SQUIRREL FLOWER

Perfect vocals, perfect shredding.

SHADOW PEOPLE - DUFF THOMPSON

Duff Thompson produced my first album and his finesse in the studio always feels like home.”

MELISSA MCCLELLAND (WHITEHORSE)

Here are some of the records and artists that made an impact on me in the last year. Some of these tracks found their way to me through friends’ recommendations or being in the right place at the right time, like a 2am kitchen dance party on a frigid night in Winnipeg. Some of these voices are new to me and some are warm and familiar-we go way back. So much music enters my realm without making an impact, so when it does it tends to never leave my personal playlists. I take these songs along with me for life.

CYCLAMAN - NURIA GRAHAM

REVEALER - MADISON CUNNINGHAM

SESSA - ESTRELA ACESA

BRAZIL: SONGS OF PROTEST - ZELIA BARBOSA

GOD SAVE THE ANIMALS - ALEX G

ARE WE GOOD - HAYDEN

AGS CONNOLLY

Usually when I’m asked to name my albums of the year, I make two mistakes: I miss out some great ones (probably done that again here) and I try to be way too smart about it. Well, this year there’s nothing to be smart about - these albums just cook. So here goes, in no particular order:

THE BIGGEST LIFE - SUMMER DEAN

I’ve been a Summer Dean fan for a very long time, and this is a fabulous singer-songwriter country album which showcases her diversity as a writer without ever being impersonal. Opening for Summer on her first UK tour this year was an incredible goal to unlock for me, but it also taught me a lot. Summer is a force of nature as well as a model of dedication, and The Biggest Life is a manifestation of that.

I’VE SEEN A LOT OF HIGHWAY - BILLY DON BURNS

One of those quasi-mythical figures who everyone in the country music trenches has a story about. Billy Don Burns has lived many lives and continues to bring them to us via his underrated albums.

I DON’T KNOW A THING ABOUT LOVE - WILLIE NELSON

Willie isn’t slowing down in his quest to make every possible album he’s ever dreamed of making. Harlan Howard is a big hero of mine so naturally this record of his songs is a treat for me.

BLUEGRASS VACATION - ROBBIE FULKS

The sheer higher-plain quality of Robbie’s last few albums had me worried that this one couldn’t match up. I was proved majorly wrong. The song Angels Carry Me may be one of his very best ever.

AIN’T THROUGH HONKY TONKIN’ YET - BRENNEN LEIGH

Guess who foolishly released an album on the same day as this rip-snorter from Brennen? Yup, you guessed it. Another triumph from one of the most talented and versatile artists working today.

Old album newly discovered:

PENGUIN EGGS - NIC JONES

Saw someone raving about this album from 1980, so I gave it a go. This is hands down the best traditional English folk (maybe any folk) album I’ve ever heard and it would probably convert many non-folk listeners. I get the impression it was a big influence on Bob Dylan’s Good As I Been To You record too.

KASSI VALAZZA

SWEETKORN - MICHAEL HURLEY

SPENCER CULLUM’S COIN COLLECTION - SPENCER CULLUM

ANARCHIST GOSPEL - SUNNY WAR

GOOD KID - CHRIS ACKER

NOTHING FOR ME PLEASE - DEAN JOHNSON

MISS TESS

STRANGER TO THE FEELING - TAYLOR ASHTON

I have been pretty bad about checking out new music this year, but I did enjoy my friend Taylor Ashton’s Stranger to the Feeling.

JAIMEE HARRIS

WORKIN’ ON A WORLD - IRIS DEMENT

This is one of the best folk records to hit my ears in YEARS. I would expect no less from the great Iris DeMent. If I was in charge of the business, this record would be nominated for and win ALL OF THE AWARDS. DeMent was able to artfully

articulate the experience of what it’s like to be a person on this Earth, during this time right now while also creating a body of work that I believe will prove itself to be timeless. A masterpiece. I keep going back to the title track over and over again because it genuinely fills my heart with hope.

LIFE’S A CIGARETTE - ZÖE PETE FORD

California-raised, NYC-based singer-songwriter Zöe Pete Ford is definitely an artist to watch. This self-engineered, self-produced debut album is a stunner. It’s simultaneously raw and catchy. Pairs well with The Nerves and frustrating subway rides.

FALLOWEEN - DON HENRY

You may have to do some digging to find a digital version of this incredible record from Don Henry. However, the vinyl packaging is a stunner. The liner notes include a little backstory for every song, the artwork by Mike Moran is incredible, and instead of labelling the vinyl “Side A” and “Side B,” you’ll flip this pumpkin orange wax from “Trick” to “Treat.” The production on this record is perfection and the songs are rock solid. After one spin, you’ll be singing “it’s fall y’all” for weeks!

IN THE THROES - BUDDY & JULIE MILLER

Any time Buddy and Julie Miller put a record out into the world, it’s certain to be my favourite of the year. I can’t even type the title The Last Bridge You Will Cross without crying. What a powerful song. I feel extraordinarily fortunate to be on this planet at the same time as Julie Miller. Her writing never stops blowing my mind and expanding my heart.

PIECES OF TREASURE - RICKIE LEE JONES

The Dutchess of Coolsville indeed. Rickie Lee Jones continues to be one of the most creative, captivating, and passionate artists making music on this planet today. Whatever she does, I’m in. Because she’s one of the greatest songwriters of our time and one of the greatest singers of our time, she’s one of the strongest interpreters of songs. Hell yes, I love hearing her sing selections from the Great American Songbook. I also extremely appreciate Mike Dillon’s vibes kicking off the record. How can that not put a smile on your face?

SEAN BURNS

THE MORE THE MERRIER - JOEL PATERSON

Another beautifully crafted (Christmas) record by one of the finest guitar pickers out there, today. Thoughtful arrangements, wonderfully executed.

VALLEY OF THE HEART’S DELIGHT - MARGO CILKER

This highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s Pohorylle does not disappoint.

AIN’T THROUGH HONKY TONKIN’ YET - BRENNEN LEIGH.

Brennen follows themes for her records and this one hits hard. Produced by Chris Scruggs, he and Leigh are a combo destined to make beautiful country music together. Proof’s in the pudding.

CHERIE - THEO LAWRENCE

Billy Horton makes high quality records and Theo shines here with beautiful vocals, pleasing sonics and great musicians playing killer country songs.

BACK TO THE BLUE SIDE - THE COUNTRYSIDE OF HARMONIA SAM

I still marvel at the fact that the fellas who comprise what is arguably the top hardcore Honky-Tonk band on earth today hail from Sweden. A handful of cuts written by the aforementioned Theo Lawrence packed in with other expertly performer Honky-Tonk make for another winner by the boys from Malmo.

BOTH SIDES OF LONELY - MICHELLE BILLINGSLEY

I’m a fan of the Billingsley’s songs and unique voice. Backed by some dynamite pickers, this record is a step up and leap forward for this Chicago based performer.

LONELY STREET - MALPASS BROTHERS

These dudes just seem to quietly go about their business. Good thing for us, their business is making beautiful country music.

SASKATCHEWAN COUNTRY GUITAR - BRYCE LEWIS

With cameos from Grant Siemens, Redd Volkaert and, Jeff Bradshaw to name a few, you know you’re in for a treat. Nice instrumental selection of instrumentals from one of the nicest fellas and hottest guitar pickers you’ll meet.

BOUND FOR HEARTACHE - JOEY FRENDO

Based in Oklahoma, Frendo has crafted a high-quality album of country rockers and well written songs.

SIEMPRE - AGS CONNOLLY

Big fan of Ags. Consistetly churning out good records and songs, here’s a true country singer/songwriter in the mould of the greats and the outlaws he looks up to. Over the years, Ags has crafted a sound for himself backed by his rock-solid acoustic rhythm guitar playing that drives the material.

MICHAEL WESTON KING (MY DARLING CLEMENTINE)

ALL THE EYES CAN SEE - JOE HENRY

A new Joe Henry album is always something to get excited about, and I have been buying them ever since his debut in 1989. This album though is arguably his best, certainly of his later years, when he espoused Alt country for more jazz influenced releases. Intimate, sparse arrangements but by no means under produced. Lyrically as poetic and meaningful as anything he has written before, and that is saying something. There is not a weak song on here and it gets better with each listen. Too many highlights but Kitchen Door, Song That I Know and the title track are especially wonderful.

THE VIVIAN LINE - RON SEXSMITH

Like with Joe, someone I have followed from the start, and had the pleasure to tour with. As much I have enjoyed Ron’s last few albums, this is a real return to form, with magnificent and very fitting production from Brad Jones allayed to a clutch of some of Rons best sings in years, it’s a great album and it was played to death when we albums were touring Europe in spring, which include a night off seeing Ron live in Paris. Maybe the pandemic gave everyone an enforced break from touring that allowed us to focus more on the writing and the releases that followed are all the stronger for it?

SEVEN PSALMS - PAUL SIMON

Like Dylan and Leonard Cohen on their later work, PS ruminates on his mortality and the onset of old age, but, unlike some of his other contemporaries, without letting the standards drop. This is a beautiful piece of work, one long 30-minute movement with reoccurring musical themes. Not an album to listen to by track, it is its own entity. My son described at You Want It Darker with better finger picking. Pretty good summarisation.

WORKIN’ ON A WORLD - IRIS DEMENT

It was great to see Iris so active in 2023, a new album and a lot of touring. Sadly, I missed her when she was in the UK and

Ireland but have feasted on WOAW. Her albums are always made up of fine songs, and this is no exception, and she continues to fight the good fight. In an era where protest albums, and plain-speaking protest songs are in very short supply she doesn’t mince her words, so all power to here. Rave on Iris.

VALLEY OF HEART’S DELIGHT - MARGO CILKER

Lou and I both loved her debut album, 2021’s Pohorylle. VOHD has its moments and again it eased us down the road on many trips but it feels like it maybe came a little too soon after the first one, maybe these were songs/tracks that didn’t make the cut first time round?  I am sure Margo is here to stay and has many great songs yet to write, a little more time between releases and I am sure some of those would have made this a stronger album. Still, it is worth your ears, my personal faves being In The Middle and Beggar For Your Love.

EVENSONGS - ANDREW RUMSEY My Album of The Year

One that  I ‘reviewed’ on my social media pages, such was my enjoyment of it. SO here it is again, if space permits -

A constant and soothing presence in recent months has been the starkly beautiful new album from Andrew Rumsey. A very English folk album in spirit, full of rich open tunings and pastoral songs often about the beauty of the English countryside, and his native Wiltshire in particular but also with plenty of heart wrenching personal reminisces to satisfy the miserabilists in us all. Andrew’s voice has more than a hint of Martín Carthy but he is of a vintage who was raised on pop, rock and punk. Shades of Robyn Hitchcock and Syd Barrett permeate this record too.

Most of my favourite releases this year have been by men of a certain age brandishing acoustic guitars (Joe Henry, Ron Sexsmith, Paul Simon), and I now add Evensongs to that list. And in It’ll Come To Me Andrew has written, imho, a perfect modern folk song, a standard that should sit alongside the likes of May You Never by John Martyn or Withered And Died by Richard Thompson. One of those rare moments when everything just fits. Melody, lyrics, arrangements. All in their perfect place.

LILLIE MAE RISCHE

Favourites & songs most listened to :

WATCHING THE RIVER ROLL BY - MARK THORNTON

Mark is an extraordinary musician and person who played guitar with Jerry Reed and plenty of others.  This new song of his, features great songwriting, lovely singing and superb musicianship, and has Billy Contreras on strings. I could listen all day every day to it.

THE REAL WORLD - FREYA JOSEPHINE HOLLICK

I’ve loved listening to this. She is one of the all-time greats. 

LONG HARD YEAR - THE HOWLIN’ BROTHERS

One of my favourites this year and every year.

KISSIN CALIFORNIA - SHED SEVEN

LOVE IS THE CALL - CAST

My Husband Craig, from Scotland, turned me onto Cast years ago and I got to play with Liam Tyson of Cast, funny how the world works. But their new song is awesome!

HONEY, I MISS YOU - TAMMY WYNETTE

The production is so good and I listen to it on repeat.

WONDERLAND - MARTHA SPENCER

She’s my dear friend and a talented writer and musician. Her next record, coming out soon, is killer as well.

FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH - MILLY RACCOON

Milly is my friend and sister in love. I am played a little part here or there but Milly’s song writing is fresh, smart, and witty. I love all her songs!

DRIVIN’ and ELEPHANT - ROBERT ELLIS songs

I listen to them on repeat.

ERIN ENDERLIN

I’m terrible at keeping up with which albums come out which year - but if I had a winner this year it would be Brennen Leigh.

AIN’T THROUGH HONKY TONKIN’ YET - BRENNEN LEIGH

MINOR GOLD  - (TRACY & DAN)

SWINGING STARS - MAPACHE

COMMON NOTION OF SORROW - RACHEL BAIMAN

CAN’T STAY HERE - SMITH & TEGIO

STORIES FROM A ROLL ‘N’ ROLL HEART - LUCINDA WILLIAMS

THE WINDING WAY - THE TESKEY BROTHERS

PAT REEDY

What I’ve been enjoying the most is the music of Dustin Bothwell, but I’m not sure when his album is coming out.  I’ve been spending a bit of time playing with him.  It’s recorded by Chris Weissbaker who used to play drums for me.  He’s now built a studio in his home and has been recording a lot of young people, kind of the next generation of Nashville country acts.  Someone to watch. I like Dustin because he’s real.  Not just working class, but this fella has been in serious trouble in the past.  He came up in the same shit that I did and came out of it with really good and honest songs, so that means a lot to me. I like Chris Acker, he’s down in New Orleans, and Zach Bryson who is now up in Nashville. Kristina Murray released two singles in 2022.

SAM OUTLAW

PEOPLE TALK - LAUREN MARROW

Lauren lives on my street in East Nashville and every time I drive by her house I think “A country music superstar lives right there - if anyone in Nashville would take the time to notice”. The collection of songs on this album are… perfect. The song Hustle is a bonafide country hit with better lyrics than 99% of Music Row’s best attempts. And if you’re lucky enough to catch Lauren live, the songs shine even brighter.

SACRAMENTED - MOLLY PARDEN

Molly has made another subtle masterpiece with introspective songs about, well, everything. And the minimal production beautifully captures Molly’s hushed yet powerful voice. “Looking for love in the wrong spots / Thinking about the wrong thoughts”

TIN ROOF - ALEX BARNES single

Alex has a voice that is weary beyond her years and when I heard this single it made me want to write some more sad country waltzes. The lyrics in this song about a lovers’ quarrel on a rainy night cut right through the bullshit. She’s got the magic.

HOLD - WILD NOTHING

Jack Tatum makes really cool songs. Great hooks and interesting instrumentation that never goes fully “electronic”. The new single Headlights On”pairs ‘90s-style “Jock Jams” beats with self-deprecating lyrics that I think everyone can relate to. Or at least I can relate to them. “I fucked it up, I fucked it up again. Was there even a chance I could change? Or am I resolute to stay the same?”

GRACIE HORSE

Here’s some stuff I liked this year:

HAZY ROAD - BONG WISH

Cool psych rock- great live show- one of my best buddies- great album.

YEAR AWAY - KACEY JOANSING

Kacey has such a pretty voice, she’s a great musician and her live show rocks- she plays piano really well too- her partner Tim Ramsey is a great pedal steel player and musician in general too and plays on the album.

SO FAR SO GOOD - MEERNAA

Friend of mine- beautiful voice-sounds like 1000 years old several karmic life times very wise great guitar player.

MAC CORNISH – MAC CORNISH

I don’t know her but I heard her song at a coffee shop so I checked it out-  out of Portland Oregon- cool songs cool voice!

WILD ONION - SHAWN HESS

He has a couple singles released that I like- looking forward to hearing the album coming out in January! A friend of mine, Cooper, who is a great pedal steel player is on it so

OUT OF CONTROL - SAM BUCK

Got to know him - his EP out of control is awesome and he is so great live.

THE RAINBOW WHEEL OF DEATH - DOUGIE POOLE

My Wharfcat brother Dougie Poole did a good cd too- check it out - I listened to track 4 so many times it doesn’t work anymore!

SEAN THOMPSON’S WEIRD EARS – SEAN THOMPSON’S WEIRD EARS

Haha, I love this album cove. I played a couple shows with Sean- he rocks- he is so good at guitar. Album is cool.

RHINESTONE SUNSET - SUNNY AND THE SUNSETS

Played a show with this crew too! This album is a cool take on some country styles. It’s not new but it is new to me!

HANNAH ALDRIDGE

THE RECORD - BOYGENIUS

I appreciated the lyrical rawness of this record. I discovered Phoebe Bridgers this year and this was an extension of my appreciation for her approach to writing.

I ONLY SEE THE MOON - THE MILK CARTON KIDS

I love all the Milk Carton Records but I really loved the production on this one. The strings and arrangements are beautiful.

THE LAND IS INHOSPITABLE AND SO ARE WE - MITSKI

This is another beautifully produced record. The strings production and vocal treatment is just perfect. I listened to this record on many long-haul flights.

AT THE ROADHOUSE - THE PAPER KITES

I really love the pop sensibility of The Paper Kites records and this one reaches into the rock world a little more which I really enjoyed.

Lonesome Highway - Best of The Year List

Well, It’s true that 2023 has been a year full of challenge and of difficult realities to accept in the world. War rages across our delicate planet and politics divides many nations as people find themselves cast upon the seas of change. It’s as if we have learned nothing from the Covid virus and that global threat to humans and our future. That need to look out for each other has seemingly disappeared. While most Covid-19 restrictions were lifted in Ireland since early 2022, it has taken quite some time for people to return to previous activities, such as attending live concerts. There was a palpable nervousness to be in crowded situations after spending the previous two years in fear of the consequences of mixing with strangers.

Happily, as 2023 progressed, there was a return to something approaching pre-Covid times with increasing numbers taking the time to book live shows again. This situation continues to unfold and the increase in artists and bands visiting Ireland has been welcomed by communities around the country. There has always been that sense of endurance and fortitude to keep looking for things that unite us rather than what pulls us apart. Music has always been a shining light in the daily lives of so many and the sense of community fostered around the spirit that music invokes has proven a welcome refuge for us to seek comfort in.

The months have passed quickly and we find again that the time has arrived for the Lonesome Highway team to reflect on the year that is about to end. As always, the team has reviewed a large amount of music and at a conservative estimate, 350 albums have been posted on our website over the 12 months. Our ethos continues to be one of support to the music community in highlighting and promoting the work of artists who don’t receive a mass-market media appeal. We listen to a lot of suitable submissions and try to get through as much new music as possible.

At Lonesome Highway, we pay due respect to the number of like-minded artists, PR companies and labels who understand what we have set out to do and send us such great music. Here are the thoughts of our writers for the year in terms of our own personal favourites :

PAUL McGEE

CHOICES AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Here are the albums and gigs that have made the deepest impression on me during the year. Reviewing so much music is a great privilege and one that brings many rewards, despite the many commitments

involved in the process. Leaving some choices to the side is always the hard part and there are many great records not on my final list. I have limited my choices to albums and gigs that I have personally reviewed.

TOP 12 FAVOURITE ALBUMS

1    EDIE CAREY - THE VEIL

2    ELIZA GILKYSON - HOME

3   JEFFREY MARTIN - GLAD WE LEFT THE GARDEN

4    EQUATORIAL GROUP - SEA

5    HISS GOLDEN MESSENGER - JUMP FOR JOY

6    NORMA MACDONALD - IN WAVES

7    ROD PICOTT - STARLIGHT TOUR

8    LYNN MILES - TUMBLEWEEDYWORLD

9    BRUCE COCKBURN - O SUN O MOON

10  GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV - APPOLOOSA BONES

11  LORI MCKENNA - 1988

12  MALCOLM HOLCOMBE - BITS N’ PIECES

BEST IRISH ALBUMS

1  REMEDY CLUB - BACK TO YOU

2  HISBEN - THE STERN COST OF LIVING

3  IMELDA KEHOE - WHERE TO NOW

LIVE GIGS

1    BONNIE RAITT VICAR STREET, DUBLIN

2    NATALIE MERCHANT THE OLYMPIA THEATRE, DUBLIN

3    CALEXICO THE HELIX, DUBLIN

4    HIBSEN SMOCK ALLEY THEATRE, DUBLIN

5    THE JOHN MARTYN PROJECT WHELAN’S, DUBLIN

6    EMILY SCOTT ROBINSON / VIOLET BELL / ALISA AMADOR THE GRAND SOCIAL, DUBLIN

7    JOE HENRY WHELAN’S, DUBLIN

8    GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV THE NATIONAL STADIUM, DUBLIN

9    LUKAS NELSON THE ACADEMY, DUBLIN

10  THE INDIGO GIRLS NCH, DUBLIN

11   EDDI READER THE VENUE, RATHOATH

12 THE REMEDY CLUB THE WORKMAN’S CLUB, DUBLIN

DECLAN CULLITON

TRADITIONAL COUNTRY

1    AMANDA FIELDS - WHAT, WHEN &WITHOUT

2    MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES - ALTITUDE

3    BRENNEN LEIGH - AIN’T THROUGH HONKY TONKIN’ YET

4    VICTORIA BAILEY - A COWGIRL RIDES ON

6    BRIT TAYLOR - KENTUCKY BLUE

7    COLTER WALL - LITTLE SONGS

8    MALPASS BROTHERS - LONELY STREET

9    THE COUNTRY SIDE OF HARMONICA SAM -THE BLUE SIDE OF ME

10  AGS CONNOLLY - SIEMPRE

11  TYLER CHILDERS - RUSTIN’ IN THE RAIN

12  TANYA TUCKER - SWEET WESTERN SOUND

13  WHITEHORSE - I’M NOT CRYING, YOU’RE CRYING

14  ERIN ENDERLIN - BARROOM MIRRORS

15  VANESSA BOURNE - GIVE ME A BREAK

16  ERIN VIANCOURT - WON’T DIE THIS WAY

17  SCOTT SOUTHWORTH - COMIN’ ROUND TO HONKY TONKIN’ AGAIN

18  SEAN BURNS - LOST COUNTRY

19  ANDY HEDGES - ROLL ON, COWBOYS

20  CHRIS GUENTHER - AMERICAN OUTLAW VOL.2

AMERICANA AND NON-COUNTRY

1    IAN M BAILEY - WE LIVE IN STRANGE TIMES

2    DYLAN LE BLANC - COYOTE

3    CHRIS STAMEY - THE GREAT ESCAPE

4    BEN DE LA COUR - SWEET ANHEDONIA

5    SON VOLT - DAY OF THE DOUG

6    LILLIE MAE - FESTIVAL EYES

7   JAIME WYATT - FEEL GOOD

8   MARGO CILKER - VALLEY OF HEART’S DELIGHT

9   JOBI RICCIO - WHIPLASH

10 THE PINK STONES - YOU KNOW WHO

11  NORA JANE STRUTHERS - BACK TO CAST IRON

12  KASSI VALAZZA - KASSI VALAZZA KNOWS NOTHING

13  ESTHER ROSE - SAFE TO RUN

14  ROSE CITY BAND - GARDEN PARTY

15  HANNAH ALDRIDGE - DREAM OF AMERICA

16  JAIMEE HARRIS - BOOMERANG TOWN

17  H.C. MCENTIRE - EVERY ACRE

18  ANGELA PERLEY - TURN ME LOOSE

19  DEAN OWENS - EL TIRADITO

20  MILLY RACCOON - FRANKINCENSE AND MYRRH

IRISH ALBUM

CIAN NUGENT - SHE BRINGS ME BACK TO THE LAND OF THE LIVING

LIVE ALBUM

GRAM PARSONS & THE FALLEN ANGELS - THE LAST ROUND UP - LIVE FROM THE BIJOU CAFÉ PHILADELPHIA 3/16/73

COVERS ALBUM

STUFFY SHMITT - STEALIN’ STUFF

RE-ISSUE

LAURA CANTRELL - JUST LIKE A ROSE: THE ANNIVERSARY SESSIONS

TRIBUTE ALBUM

VARIOUS ARTISTS - MORE THAN A WHISPER: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF NANCI GRIFFITH

ALBUM COVER & PACKAGING

MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES - ALTITUDE

GIGS OF THE YEAR

1    ZEPHANIAH OHORA SOUND SHARP, NASHVILLE

2    JIM WHITE CLEERE’S, KILKENNY

3    CALEXICO THE HELIX, DUBLIN

4    CHARLEY CROCKETT THE BUTTON FACTORY, DUBLIN

5    BRENNEN LEIGH DEES COCKTAIL LOUNGE, NASHVILLE

6    KRISTINA MURRAY SOUND SHARP, NASHVILLE

7    SUMMER DEAN DEES COCKTAIL LOUNGE, NASHVILLE

8    MY DARLING CLEMENTINE THE WORKMAN’S CLUB, DUBLIN

9    VICTORIA BAILEY ACME & SEED, NASHVILLE

10  LILLIE MAE EAST NASH BOWL, NASHVILLE

STEPHEN RAPID

BEST TRADITIONAL COUNTRY THEMED ALBUMS

MALPASS BROTHERS - LONELY STREET

THE COUNTRY SIDE OF HARMONICA SAM - BACK TO THE BLUE SIDE

GREY DELISLE - SHE’S AN ANGEL

SEAN BURNS - LOST COUNTRY

TEDDY THOMPSON - MY LOVE OF COUNTRY

BRENNEN LEIGH - AIN’T THROUGH HONKY TONKIN’ YET

MARTY STUART AND THE FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES - ALTITUDE

BILLY DON BURNS - I’VE SEEN A LOT OF HIGHWAY

SUNNY SWEENEY - MARRIED ALONE

CASEY PRESTWOOD - WHERE I’M GOING IS WHERE I’VE ALWAYS BEEN

SAM MUNSICK - JOHNNY FARAWAY

THE SHOOTOUTS - STAMPEDE

SCOTT SOUTHWORTH - COMIN’ ROUND TO THE HONKY TONK AGAIN

SUMMER DEAN - THE BIGGEST LIFE

AGS CONNOLLY - SIEMPRE

WYLIE & THE WILD WEST - BUNCHGRASS

JENNI MULDAR & TEDDY THOMPSON - ONCE MORE

JON BYRD - ALL YOUR MISTAKES

CAMERON WRINKLE - IN MY HEAVEN

MATT CASTILLO - HOW THE RIVER FLOWS

CODY GRINDER AND THE PLAYBOY SCOUTS - SNACKS

BEST AMERICANA/SINGER-SONGWRITER ALBUMS

BEN DE LA COUR - SWEET ANHEDONIA

THE HANDSOME FAMILY - HOLLOW

HELENE CRONIN - LANDMARKS

ED SNODDERLY - CHIMNEY SMOKE

DIRTY COUNTRY - BROKEN RADIO

DYLAN LE BLANC - COYOTE

BEN BOSTICK - THE RASCAL IS BACK

TEAGUE BROTHERS BAND - LOVE & WAR

CS NIELSEN - BETTER TIMES

SLAID CLEEVES - TOGETHER THROUGH THE DARK

ROD PICOTT - STARLIGHT TOUR

WHITE ROSE MOTOR OIL - THE GIFT OF POISON

TREMOLOCO - CURANDERA (VOLUME 1)

PHILLIP BOWEN - OLD KANAWHA

TOMMY STINSON COWBOYS IN THE CAMPFIRE - WRONGER

FAVOURITE GIGS

CALEXICO THE HELIX, DUBLIN

CHARLEY CROCKETT THE BUTTON FACTORY, DUBLIN

AGS CONNOLLY THE BUTTON FACTORY, DUBLIN

CHUCK PROPHET - KILKENNY ROOTS

ALBUM COVER & PACKAGING

MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES - ALTITUDE

(noting that we mainly recieve downloads to review and are not always aware of the full graphic design)

EILÍS BOLAND

FAVOURITE ALBUMS 

NIALL MCCABE - RITUALS

MARTY STUART AND HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES - ALTITUDE

JON BYRD - ALL YOUR MISTAKES

WILLIAM PRINCE - STAND IN THE JOY

THE KODY NORRIS SHOW - RHINESTONE REVIVAL

SPECIAL CONSENSUS - GREAT BLUE NORTH

TAPESTRI - TELL ME WORLD

JASON CARTER - LOWDOWN HOEDOWN

HENHOUSE PROWLERS - LEAD AND IRON

LARRY SPARKS - IT’S JUST ME

THE PLEASURES - THE BEGINNING OF THE END

FAVOURITE GIGS

THE SADIES AMA-UK FESTIVAL, LONDON

SIMEON HAMMOND DALLAS AMA-UK FESTIVAL, LONDON

WILLIAM PRINCE AMA-UK FESTIVAL, LONDON

SPECIAL CONSENSUS THE RED ROOM, CO. TYRONE

CHUCK PROPHET KILKENNY ROOTS  

GRETCHEN PETERS THE MAC, BELFAST

ARBORIST THE BRAID REAL MUSIC CLUB, BALLYMENA

JERRY LEGER THE COURTHOUSE, BANGOR, CO DOWN

THE KODY NORRIS SHOW WESTPORT FOLK & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL, CO MAYO

VALERIE JUNE THE BLACK BOX, BELFAST

THE PLEASURES THE FIVE SPOT, NASHVILLE

LILLIE MAE EAST SIDE BOWL, NASHVILLE AMERICANAFEST

JESSI COULTER (& MARGO PRICE) THIRD & LINDSLEY, NASHVILLE AMERICANAFEST

DALLAS BURROW THE STATION INN, NASHVILLE  AMERICANAFEST

AJ LEE & BLUE SUMMIT THE MARRIOTT, RALEIGH NC IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS

JASON CARTER BANDSTREET STAGES, RALEIGH  IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS

JAKE BLOUNT STREET STAGES, RALEIGH  IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS

DEL MCCOURY BAND RED HAT AMPHITHEATRE, RALEIGH  IBMA WORLD OF BLUEGRASS

WILLIE CARLISLE VOODOO, BELFAST

FAVOURITE MOVIES

ASTEROID CITY

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON

BALLYWALTER

ARE YOU THERE, GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET

OPPENHEIMER 

BARBIE

Lonesome Highway - The Best of 2022

It’s time for everyone at Lonesome Highway to put their writing implements down, turn off the computers and reflect on the year that is about to end.

The months have passed by like a speeding train and we find ourselves at the end of the line, looking back at all the wonderful music that has come our way.

It never gets taken for granted, all the long hours put into creating a new release, all the inspiration and perspiration that it takes to finally realise that goal. However it should be noted that not every release we receive will make the review process. It is simply because we like to spend time with music that moves us in a way that provides us with the inspiration to write about it. This is no reflection on the submissions but rather down to personal and subjective taste, as well as time commitments.

At Lonesome Highway we like to pay due respect to the process and we listen to as much new music as our daily activities will allow. We continue to be inspired by the depth of talent and the range of musical visions out there. We have been privileged to be in contact with a number of like-minded artists, PR companies and labels who understand what we have set out to do at Lonesome Highway. We also receive a large number of communications that fall outside the increasingly wide-ranging definition that is Americana. Often, we are included on the basis of music activity only with no real discernment for our core ethos and focus.

Here are the thoughts of our chief scribes when push comes to shove and we are asked to pick our own personal favourites over the year.

DECLAN CULLITON

Traditional Country

1.   Kelsey Waldon - No Regular Dog

2.   Emily Nenni - On The Ranch

3.   Charley Crockett - Lil’ G.L. Presents: Jukebox Charley

4.   Pug Johnson & The Hounds - Throwed Off and Glad

5.   Jim Lauderdale - Game Changer

6.   Sunny Sweeney - Married Alone

7.   Joshua Hedley - Neon Blue

8.   Jake Penrod - Million Dollar Cowboy

9.   Kaitlin Butts - What Else Can She Do

10. Melissa Carper - Ramblin’ Soul

11. Ashley McBryde - Presents Lindeville

12. Cody Jinks - Mercy

13. 49 Winchester - Fortune Favors The Bold

14. Sad Daddy - Way Up In The Hills

15. The Broken Spokes - Where I Went Wrong

16. Brennen Leigh - Obsessed With The west

17. Sterling Drake - Roll The Dice

18. Courtney Patton - Electrostatic

19. Alex Williams - Waging Peace

20. Hailey Whitters - Raised

Americana and Non-Country

1.   Florence Dore - Highways & Rocketships

2.   Shawn Williams - Wallowing’ In The Night

3.   S.G. Goodman - Teeth Marks

4.   Rich Hopkins & Luminarios - Exiled On Mabel Street

5.   Angel Olsen - Big Time

6.  The Hanging Stars - Hollow Heart

7.   Mariel Buckley - Everywhere I Used To Be

8.   Native Harrow - Old Kind Of Magic

9.   The Sadies  - Colder Streams

10. Dean Owens - Sinner’s Shrine

11. Michelle Rivers - Chasing Somewhere

12. The Prescriptions - Times Apart

13. Ian Noe - River Fools And Mountain Saints

14. Ian M Bailey - You Paint The Pictures

15. Amy Ray  - If It All Goes South

16. Carson McHone - Still Life

17. Bonny Light Horseman - Rolling Golden Holy

18. The Delines - The Sea Drift

19. Joan Shelley - The Spur

20. Mary Gauthier - Dark Enough To See The Stars

Tribute Album

Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson

Covers Album

Cowboy Junkies – Songs of The Recollection 

Compilation Album

Various Artists : American Railroad:

Gigs of the Year

1.   Sierra Ferrell @ The Button Factory, Dublin

2.   Florence Dore @ Dee’s Cocktail Lounge, Nashville

3.   Charley Crockett @ The Workman’s Club, Dublin

4.   Jesse Daniel @ 6th and Peabody, Nashville

5.   Kristina Murray @ American Legion Post 82, Nashville

6.   S.G. Goodman @ Riverside Revival, Nashville

7.   The Felice Brothers @ Whelan’s Dublin

8.   Kelsey Waldon @ Riverside Revival, Nashville

9.   The Hanging Stars @ Billy Byrne’s Kilkenny

10. Jim Lauderdale @ Exit Inn, Nashville

11. Jesse Dayton @ Kytelers Inn, Kilkenny

12. Shannon McNally @ Dee’s Cocktail Lounge, Nashville

13. Whitehorse @ The Wash, Eastside Bowl, Nashville

14. Hurrah For The Riff Raff @ Whelan’s, Dublin

15. Sunny Sweeney @ The Wash, Eastside Bowl, Nashville

16. Margo Cilker @ Cleere’s, Kilkenny

17. Lyle Lovett @ The Wash, Eastside Bowl, Nashville

18. Shawn Williams @ The Vinyl Tap, Nashville

19. Anais Mitchell @ The Pepper Canister, Dublin

20. Annie Keating @ The Whale Theatre, Greystones

STEPHEN RAPID

Traditional Country

Jim Lauderdale - Game Changer

Sunny Sweeney - Married Alone

Jake Pernod - Million-Dollar Cowboy

Wesley Hanna - Brand New Love Potion

Joshua Hedley - Neon Blue

The Broken Spokes - Where I went Wrong

Matt Castillo - How The River Flows

The Western Express - Lunatics, Lover & Poets

Laura Benitez and The Heartache - California Centuries

Skinny Dyck - Palace Waiting

David Gideon - Lonesome Desert Strum

Alex Key - Neon Signs And Stained Glass

Brennan Leigh - Obsessed With The West

Geoffrey Miller -Leavin’ 101

Steve Hammond - Honky Tonk Record Club Number 1

Matt Hillyer - Glorieta

Emily Nenni - On The Ranch

Sam Platts & The Plainsmen - West Side

Tobias Berblinger - The Luckiest Hippie Alive

Carter Felker - Even The Happy Ones Are Sad

A Welcome Return

Danni Leigh - Walkin’ On A Wire

Close Harmony

The Williams Brothers - Memories To Burn

The Cactus Blossoms - One Day

The Brother Brothers - Cover To Cover

Americana and Non-Country

Shawn Williams - Wallowin’ In The Night

Michael McDermott - St. Paul Boulevard

Michael Weston King - The Struggle

Ashley McBryde - Presents Lindeville

49 Winchester - Fortune Favours The Bold

Teague Brothers Band - Love & War

This Lonesome Paradise - Nightshades

Rod Picott - Paper Hearts and Broken Arrows

Grey DeLisle - Borrowed

Triggers & Slips - What Do You Feed Your Darkness

Luther Black and the Cold Hard Facts - Moment Of Truth

Jason Boland and the Stragglers - The Light Saw Me

Nikki Lane - Denim & Diamonds

Daniel Meade - Down You Go

Ragland - Guardian

Anders Thomsen - Seven Songs

Merle Jagger - Trash Talking Guitars

Hermanos Gutierrez - El Bueno Y El Malo

Martha Spencer - Wonderland

Robin Lane - Dirt Road To Heaven

Ian M Bailey -You Paint The Pictures

Compilations

Various Artists - JR: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

Various Artists - Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver

Various Artists - Something Borrowed, Something New: A Tribute to John Anderson

Gigs Of The Year

The Brother Brothers @ The Cellar, Dublin

Jesse Dayton @ Kilkenny Roots Festival

PAUL McGEE

The choices that I have made for my year-end lists come from music that I have personally reviewed. There are so many other albums that have impressed and moved me but I have decided to focus on actual review albums for my top picks.

Top 12 Favourite albums

Katie Spencer - Edge Of the Land

My Politic - Missouri Folklore: Songs and Stories from Home

Jay  Byrd - At Home Again

Sylvie - Sylvie

Rod Picott - Paper Hearts and Broken Arrows

Audrey Spillman - Neon Dream

Steve Dawson - Gone, Long Gone

The Mystix - Tru Vine

Luke LeBlanc - Fugue State

Clever Hopes - Artefact

Eric Brace and Last Train Home - Everything Will Be

Fellow Pynins - Lady Mondegreen

Best Irish Album

Pete Kavanagh - Join Up the Dots

Best Irish reissue

Andy Irvine/Paul Brady

Best UK Folk Album

Concrete Prairie - Concrete Prairie

Best Compilation

Paul Kelly - Time

Best Retrospective

Bobby Allison and Gerry Spehar - Delta Man

Live Gigs

C2C Tour Weekend @ 3Arena, Dublin

Kilkenny Roots Festival

Oh Boy Records Tour @ The Cellar, Dublin

Courtney Marie Andrews @ Liberty Hall, Dublin

Felice Brothers @ Whelan’s, Dublin

Fellow Pynins @ The Cobblestone, Dublin

Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen @ Whelan’s, Dublin

Tenille Townes @ The Workman’s Club, Dublin

The Cowboy Junkies @ NCH, Dublin

Honourable mention also for the Dublin theatre tour of Girl From the North County which ran at the 3Olympia Theatre, in June/July last. It reimagined the legendary songs of Bob Dylan, like you’ve never heard them before and writer and director Conor McPherson received fulsome praise from Dylan himself when the Broadway production opened. Dylan stated that “To be associated with Conor is one of the highlights of my professional life. It goes without saying the man is a genius for putting this thing together and I’m thrilled to be a part of the experience. My songs couldn’t be in better hands.”

EILÍS BOLAND

Albums of the Year

Peter Rowan - Calling You From My Mountain

The Local Honeys

The Slocan Ramblers - Up The Hill and Through the Fog

I Draw Slow

Sunny Sweeney - Married Alone

The Hanging Stars - Hollow Heart

Rayna Gellert & Kieran Kane - The Flowers That Bloom in Spring

Shawn Williams - Wallowin’ in the Night

Dean Owens - Sinner’s Shrine

Something Borrowed, Something New: A tribute to John Anderson

Gigs of the Year

Peggy Seeger -  The Home Place, Bellaghy

The Slocan Ramblers - Omagh Bluegrass

The Hanging Stars - Kilkenny Roots

Margo Cilker - Kilkenny Roots

Jesse Dayton - Kilkenny Roots

The Hen House Prowlers - Westport Folk & Bluegrass

The StillHouse Junkies - Westport Folk & Bluegrass

Marty Stuart & his Fabulous Superlatives - London O2

Jason Isbell - The Olympia, Dublin

Billy Strings - O2 Forum, London

Films of the Year

An Cailin Ciuin

Liquorice Pizza

Emily

The Menu

She Said

Elvis

Top Gun

Bones And All

ARTIST’S CHOICES

KRISTINA MURRAY

Right On – Banditos

The best effort yet from one of the most underrated rock bands in the country; this album is sublimely reflective of Banditos diverse sound blending true blue rock-n-roll with blues, country, boogie-woogie, soul, and top-notch songwriting. Plus, it’s just pure fun, from top to bottom. Mary Richardson’s voice is just unreal; be sure to see them live when you can. Favorite Tracks: title track; Waves; Said and Done.

Scoundrel - Sam Burchfield

Had never heard of Sam Burchfield until this record and I am so glad I found him. Reminds me a little of Danny O’Keefe. Interesting songwriting and sonic arrangement; excited to be a new fan of his. Feels like this record has been criminally overlooked by the Americana world and I hope that changes for Sam in 2023. Favorite Tracks: title track; Cold Steel; Sugar Cane.

No Regular Dog - Kelsey Waldon

Another killer record by a long-time friend. Shooter Jennings and Kelsey were a great pair to create this record together; she has honed her sound and writing, and delivers these songs with conviction and, as always, you can hear her great love and reverence for country music. Dig it! Favorite Tracks: Tall and Mighty; Season’s Ending; title track.

Palomino - Miranda Lambert

I’ve been a fan of Miranda since her debut record and I think she just keeps getting better at making albums. Not only does she know how to write, she knows how to curate co-writers and songs that put together classic albums. Some really clever and beautiful lines on this record. Miranda is a hero. Favorite Tracks: That’s What Makes The Jukebox Play; In His Arms.

BOBBY DOVE

In 2022 I scored a Charley Pride record called Charley Pride Gold and the soundtrack to Honeysuckle Rose on vinyl! My friend Charlie Treat based in Nashville put out a great record recently in November 2022 called “Into the Wild Mystic Mountain” - The Sadies released “Colder Streams” album which has the last works of the formative member and one of my inspirations, the late great Dallas Good, and my friend and fellow queer Canadian country artist Mariel Buckley put out “Everywhere I Used to Be”

MICHAEL WESTON KING (My Darling Clementine)

New Albums:

The Delines - The Sea Drift

Margot Cilker - Pohorylle

John Fulbright - The Liar

Kevin Morby - This Is A Photograph

Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler - For All Our Days That Tear the Heart

Michael Head & the Red Elastic Band - Dear Scott

Bill Callahan - Reality

Arctic Monkeys - The Car

Eliza Carthy - Queen Of The Whirl

Honourable mentions for friend’s album:

Danny George Wilson - Another Place

Kathryn Williams - Night Drives

Dean Owens - Sinners Shrine

Re-issues:

William Bell - Never Like This Before - The Complete ‘Blue’ Stax Singles 1961-1968’ on Ace

Various - The Golden Age Of Peter Bogdanovic on Cherry Red

Various - David Hepworth Deep 70s - Underrated Cuts From a Misunderstood Decade

Rodger Wilhoit - The Social World Of Rodger Wilhoit

Various - You Showed Me - The Songs Of Gene Clark on Ace

Creedence Clearwater Revival -  At the Royal Albert Hall, April 14, 1970

Films:

Kurt Vonnegut - Unstuck In Time

Elvis

The Banshees of Inisherin

The Worst Person In The World

EMILY NENNI

Teddy and the Rough Riders - self titled. It’s a great record start to finish. It’s country, it’s rock, and it’s current but there’s something warm and familiar ability it. Produced by Margo Price, she was pretty pregnant at the time and invited me into the vocal booth with her to sing harmonies together. That was pretty special. I’m such a fan of Jack Quiggins and Ryan Jennings songwriting, and it’s engineered by my favorite guy to do it, Jake Davis.

Kelsey Waldon - No Regular Dog. I can’t express how much I admire Kelsey for making music with such integrity, and like her past releases, this record is so true to her. That being said, it’s so relatable. She pays homage to her upbringing and writes with vulnerability and strength. Sweet Little Girl always gives me chills.

Joshua Hedley - Neon Blue. I consider myself to be a honky tonk woman, and this record is another prime example of what makes Josh a honky tonk man. He’s truly keeping traditional country music alive and I love how this record is just as country and western as his debut, Mr. Jukebox, but it’s a twostep through a different decade. And any record with a Roger Miller song on it gets two thumbs up from me.

Erin Rae - Lighten Up. She writes with such compassion and empathy, and her songs are a reflection of how beautiful a person Erin is. Modern Woman and True Love’s Face are just two off the record that hit me hard the first time I listened to them. The world could use a whole lot more people who think about people and understand them like she does.

Orville Peck - Bronco. It’s a beautiful record and these songs brought the house down at the Ryman. I just love the following Orville has; it’s people from all walks of life and a lot of folks you’re not going to see at some country shows. I appreciate what Orville does and how he may turn on non-country loving folks to country music, and shows the honky tonk crowd that fans of the music don’t all look the same. It’s very special.

MARIEL BUCKLEY

Kelsey Waldon - No Regular Dog

I was stoked that Kelsey Waldon and I were releasing music on the same day this year, and this record was a constant staple since its drop in the summer time. A warm, inviting companion with great songs throughout, it plays year-round like an old friend.

Megan Thee Stallion - Traumazine

I’m aware that this probably comes out of left field for some, but this is such a no nonsense, powerful record with undertones of feminism and that underdog spirit I just can’t resist. It fully slaps.

Caitlin Rose - Cazimi

I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been eagerly awaiting her return to music, but this album is awesome. This album proves her commitment to quirky, thoughtful songwriting and unexpected arrangements, but still full of ear worms and memorable moments.

Teddy & The Roughriders - Self-Titled

This one was a tour-van staple, right up my alley for a roadie with pals or driving to the next cold beer. Female-produced, fun, well-executed, tight and a great listen back-to-back to back. Can’t wait to see this band live!

Skinny Dyck - Palace Waiting

Had to throw props to a fellow Canadian and one of my fav dudes making tunes, this EP may have snuck under a few radars but these 6 songs are near perfect and carry Skinny’s signature laissez-faire panache. He’s one to watch in a big way.

ALMA RUS

River Fool’s & Mountain Saints by Ian Noe

I love the skinny’s pictures he paints. You can see and feel Appalachia so clearly, through haunting and cinematic lenses.

World Without Tears by Lucinda Williams.

This album has always and will always mean a lot to me, so it’s not really unique to this year. Lucinda Williams has been my top artist on Spotify for 2 or 3 years in a row. Her songs feel like old friends to me, raw and real, sexy and serene, and while it’s hard to choose one favorite, this may be my favorite album of hers.

Deprecated by John R. Miller

This album feels so good. I hope and pray that one day I’ll get to see people the way that John R. Miller illustrates them in his songs.

Long Time Coming by Sierra Ferrell

How can one not be on the Sierra Ferrell train? I believe she is probably the best singer in country and Americana music right now.

Red Headed Stranger by Willie Nelson

I’ve always loved Willie of course, but this past year I got into the habit of listening to this album through. Feels like you’re walking with Willie through the desert.

Pieces of the Sky by Emmylou Harris

Emmylou sings of sadness and longing so beautifully, and this album is my favorite example of that.

The Deslondes by The Deslondes

The Deslondes make me feel like I’m chilling by the Mississippi River on a sweet summer day. Their music is fun and honest.

Strange Country by Kacy & Clayton

This album is dramatic and beautiful. I love her voice.

Viva Terlingua by Jerry Jeff Walker

London Homesick Blues is definitely my favorite track on that one, too.

DEAN OWENS

To be honest I haven’t listened to a lot of new music this past year, but done a lot of revisiting records that I’d either forgotten about or missed first time around. My friends Calexico released a great new record El Mirador. It’s always a good day when a new Calexico record is released into the world. Their records have been the soundtrack to many, many road trips over the years. There are some killer tracks on the new record. The new Gaby Moreno record - Alegoría is beautiful. I’m not picking these records just because both artists feature on my new record Sinner’s Shrine. They’re fab records. Gaby has a stunning voice and there’s a great feel to this new record.

I’ve really enjoyed The Killers new album - Pressure Machine. They’re not a band I’ve listened to much, but a good friend recommended I check it out and I wasn’t disappointed. It’s got an interesting theme running throughout the whole album and there are some killer tunes on there. My friends Neilson Hubbard and Joshua Britt made the video for the track Quiet Town. The War On Drugs record - I Don’t Live Here Anymore is a lovely thing. I always find their music kinda comforting. Their sound has something of the 80’s about it. In a good way. I hear Dylan, The Waterboys and 80’s Springsteen vibes. I enjoyed the new Wilco album - Cruel Country and my buddy Grant Lee Phillips released a cool new record All That You Can Dream.

An album I really fell in love with this year is Talk Talk’s Laughing Stock. I love Mark Hollis and Talk Talk, but never gave this album much of a chance first time around. I have it on vinyl now and it’s a stunning piece of work, as is Mark’s solo album, which I’ve also listened to a lot this past year. I’ve really been enjoying rediscovering David Sylvian’s - Secrets Of The Beehive. A lovely, warm and rich sounding record. I need to get that on vinyl. Another old album that’s been played a lot this year is the beautiful Changing Places by the Tord Gustavsen Trio. This album has accompanied me on many a train journey from my new home in the Scottish Borders up to my beloved Edinburgh, to visit family and friends.

SHAWN WILLIAMS

I’m still digging albums from 2021, so many good releases, but here are my favourites from 2022

The Kills - No Wow (The Tchad Blake Mix)

Ryan Adams - Chris

Ryan Adams - Romeo & Juliet

Wet Leg - Wet Leg

Father John Misty - Chloe

Carson McHone - Still Life

Morgan Wade - Acoustic Sessions

Caroline Spence - True North

RICHARD OLSON (The Hanging Stars)

I’ve never been hip and I never will be. I’m always late to the party and I always leave last as you can clearly see below. So, in no particular order here is some music, old and new, that I’ve enjoyed over this blessed year of 2022.

Night Beats - That’s All You Got (Single 2020)

I’ve always been a latent fan of the Nightbeats ever since my old band supported them at a grotty London venue a good few years back. But this neo garage soul banger has proved to be a reliable and comforting friend during what’s been a challenging year for me.

Farmer Dave Scher - Ocean Eyes (EP 2020)

The Beachwood Sparks multi-instrumentalist dives deep into the Pacific Ocean on this starry eyed, wave crashing beauty of a song that draws from everything west coast to Enya. Perhaps the defining song of the New Spacore Movement. Thanks Curation Records.

Anne Briggs - Blackwater Side (Album 1971)

Anne is a constant companion of mine and should be as celebrated as any Joni or Karen Dalton. As a matter of fact, I’ve always seen her as the UK version of Karen Dalton. But that’s probably a silly thing to say. Her voice makes me feel safe in the knowledge that it’ll all come tumbling down upon us at some point or another. And you know what? That’s cool.

Sylvie - Falls on Me (EP 2021)

Kindred spirits of The Hanging Stars for sure. These guys got the production, songwriting, voices and performance all nailed down in the same barge we also loiter. The fact that they named themselves after an Iain Matthews song only makes me love them more

Spacemen 3 - Playing With Fire (Album 1989)

The first few days being away on our two-week European tour in November I felt out of place and ill at ease. However, medicine was about to be administered in the shape of a lonesome walk through a grey drizzling Hamburg dock with this album in my headphones. Sadness turned to bliss in 46 minutes and 45 seconds.

Barbara Keith - Detroit or Buffalo (Album 1970)

My guiding star at the moment when it comes to discoveries of songs and deep cuts old or new is our friend and main Choogler Bobby Lee who turned me on to this. Everything you ever wanted from a country rock album released in 1970. You do the maths.

AGS CONNOLLY

Discoveries

Derrick McLendon - a superb singer and songwriter from Texas/Louisiana. I find his earthy songs bring Chris Knight and Guy Clark to mind

Richard Inman - Richard is known in the serious Canadian songwriting circles but his lack of online presence meant it took a while for me to encounter his stuff. I’m very glad I did

Greg Brown - I’m sure many will (rightly) scoff at me taking so long to properly hear Greg. Not sure how these songs escaped me before now but his lyrics are great and demand repeated listens. 

Rediscoveries

Christopher Cross - yes, that one. ‘Yacht rock’ it may be but I feel dim for not focusing on him before. Songs, voice, chops - it’s all there.

Brooks & Dunn - stuff like this was talked about as being desperate and outdated when I started learning about country music, but in reality these guys had some great songs that were undeniably true country.

Book Review

THE BIRTH OF ROCK ‘N’ ROLL: THE ILLUSTRATED STORY OF SUN RECORDS & THE 70 RECORDINGS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

by Peter Guralnick and Colin Escott.

Sun Records have marked its 70th Anniversary with the publication of this significant book that details the history of the iconic record label, both in written and pictorial format. The label’s anniversary is also recognised by listing seventy recordings by both well-known and prominent artists, alongside some lesser-hailed men and women, who recorded their music at the Memphis studio.

Fittingly, the book was written by two celebrated journalists. Peter Guralnick is the author of SAM PHILLIPS: THE MAN WHO INVENTED ROCK ’n’ ROLL and also the comprehensive two-volume biography of Elvis Presley, LAST TRAIN TO MEMPHIS and CARELESS LOVE. Colin Escott wrote CATALYST: THE SUN RECORDS STORY in 1974 and has written about the label extensively over the years. Forwarded by the late Jerry Lee Lewis and featuring numerous rare images, the book is not only an in-depth history of Sun Records but also a chronicle of the birth and emergence of rock and roll.

Born on a farm in Alabama in 1923, Sam Phillips relocated to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1945, where he became a radio engineer and presenter on the radio station WREC. Enthralled by the vibrant music scene in that city, Phillips, ignoring the advice of his employers at WREC and following the demise of Royal Record Studio, developed the Memphis Recording Studio in 1950 at 706 Union Avenue, Memphis.

The emergence of Sun Studios, and the many musical and commercial gambles taken by Phillips, resulted in the studio becoming the spearhead and forefront of rock and roll, pop, blues, gospel and rock music both in the U.S.A and worldwide for decades.  Despite the traumatic early days of Sun, their cash flow difficulties and its effect on Philips’ mental health, the label limped on. The jewel in the crown came to light on Monday, July 5th 1954, when a young Elvis Presley entered the studio to record a country love ballad. Passing the time during the recording break, Presley blasted out a blues song, That’s All Right. Liking what he heard, Phillips recorded the song and within a short period of time, Presley was to be head hunted by RCA who paid Phillips the princely sum of $35,000, which allowed Sun to remain in business. The label’s history has been documented in many other publications and Guralnick and Escott’s account of that history amounts to less than a fifth of the book. The remaining pages are dedicated to seventy recordings on the label, with each one allocated an individual chapter. Rather than featuring the seventy best sellers for the label, though many are included, the authors drill down on Phillips’ faith and conviction of artists and music styles that other labels would not touch. His tinkering with B.B. King’s sound transported from him what Phillips considered as ‘polite blues’ to one of the most influential blues guitarists of his time. Despite the commercial limitations of blues music and in particular female blues artists, Sun continued to support the genre and recorded female artists like Big Memphis Ma Rainey. Household names such as Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins all feature alongside often forgotten artists like Frank Frost and The Night Hawks and Warren Smith. Also included is a complete discography of all singles recorded on the Sun label from Jackie Boy and Little Walker’s Blues in My Condition from 1952 to Johnny Cash’s So Doggone Lonesome in 1960 and LPs from Johnny Cash’s With His Hot and Blue Guitar from 1957 to the final LP released on the label, Original Sun Sound of Johnny Cash in 1964.

Meticulously researched and featuring many rare images, this is a ‘must-have’ for both the music historian and any music lover that wants to trace the rise in popular music. 

Review by Declan Culliton

Book Review

Live Forever - The Songwriting Legacy of Billy Joe Shaver by Courtney S. Lennon

-Texas A&M University Press.

As the title suggests, this is not a biography of the life and times of Billy Joe Shaver, rather it is a collection of interviews of the great and good of the songwriting fraternity from Texas, the outlaw movement and beyond. Some are reflections on meeting the man and others who recognise his natural talent and the power of his music,  words and stage presence.

The foreword by Bobby Bare, who signed Shaver to a publishing deal, simply states that he was in every way “the real deal.” Lennon offers a preface that explains her interest in writing the book and the effect his music had on her. From then, it’s on to the interviews, which each include a small biography of the person interviewed. They are, in some ways, as revealing of the interviewees themselves as they are of Shaver. But the over sixty five interviews give you a pretty vivid picture of a man often described as a part of the holy trinity of Texas songwriters - Townes van Zandt, Guy Clark and Billy Joe Shaver. There are, of course other writers who are compared to Shaver but all agree on the poetic power of his words - though, it seems, he always considered himself a songwriter rather than a poet.

The recollections (conducted between 2018 and 2019) come from such names respected in their own right as Rodney Crowell, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Earle, Jessi Colter, Ray Benson, Kinky Friedman, John Carter Cash (who produced the album Everybody’s Brother with Shaver), Marty Stuart, James McMurtry, Jesse Dayton, Rosie Flores, Radney Foster, Dale Watson, Rod Picott, Elizabeth Cook and Jim Lauderdale. There are also pieces from a number of perhaps lesser know artists that I am familiar with, as well as some unknown to me. All of this gives you a rounded picture of his legacy and respect.

Some talk here also about his relationship with his son Eddy and how, at times, he could be a difficult person to be around , but equally many reflect on his kindness and consideration. For anyone interested in Billy Joe Shaver, his work, his lifestyle and commitment as well as the outlaw movement (through the years) this represents and entertaining and sometimes enlightening read and will help his legend ‘Live Forever’.

Stephen Rapid

Black Deer Festival Preview

In a little over two weeks Black Deer Festival will finally return to the lush grounds of Eridge Park just outside of Tunbridge Wells. The third edition of this award-winning festival was postponed in 2020 and came so close to happening in 2021 but, well we won't dwell on that. It's been a harrowing couple of years for the live music community and frankly it's a miracle independent festivals like this one still exist. Black Deer 2022 is all set to celebrate! The line-up this year sees a selection of the previously scheduled headliners (Wilco as a UK-exclusive, The Waterboys, Van Morrison) together with an astounding array of international and domestic talent expanding the realm of Americana. With so much music on offer the prospect of wrangling with the festival schedule feels almost overwhelming after so long out of the saddle but fear not, dear reader; here follows a brief overview of the moments you absolutely won't want to miss at Black Deer Festival in 2022.

1. Clash Magazine Takeover - Friday - The Roadhouse Stage: An eclectic mix of artists showcasing the breadth of Americana; from the impeccable blood-harmonies of folk trio Wildwood Kin to the rambunctious guitar-driven rock'n'roll of His Lordship, via the punk-trad fusion of Black Water County, the gritty blues of William Crighton and the ambling soul-infused sounds of Seafoam Green. It's a cliché to say "there's something for everyone here" but...well, there is.

2. The Great Americana Songbook - Saturday - Haley's Bar Stage: The Band's 'The Last Waltz' gets the Black Deer Festival treatment. Hosted by Americana Music Association UK's 2021 Artist of the Year, Robert Vincent, and boasting an embarrassment of incredible guests with a smokin'-hot house band, this promises to be an unforgettable set.

3. Gospel Brunch - Sunday - Live Fire Stage: If you're feeling a little fragile on your final festival morning there is no better medicine than music, specifically gospel music with a side of (free) wings or waffles. It's a favourite among past attendees, the word is out, so get in early and prepare to have your mind, body and soul uplifted.

4. Songwriter Sessions - Daily - The Ridge Stage: Another fan favourite from previous festivals, the traditional 'guitar pull' format is getting a big-top glow up, owing to the overwhelming demand for these intimate acoustic performances. The sacred alchemy of songwriting is revealed through exchange and storytelling by some master artists in this field, including Caroline Spence, John Smith, Emily Barker, William Prince and Lady Nade (just to name a few).

5. Supajam - Daily - The Supajam Stage: Supajam is a unique music and media college that empowers vulnerable young people to re-engage with formal education and find career pathways that they'd otherwise been denied in traditional education because of social, behavioural and emotional challenges. More than just a class project, The Supajam Stage is where students have the opportunity to really put their technical skills on display, in all aspects of stage management, production and - this year, for the first time - performance. There's an inspiring aura around the young talent running this show and it's worth your visit any time of day.

If you're still not sure how to approach the music schedule we suggest starting at the bottom of the artist list and working your way up. If you don't find at least 20 acts you want to see before reaching the headliners, look again!

In addition to the music (as if more were needed) Black Deer also boasts a wealth of entertainment for families of all ages and interests. In the Live Fire Arena you'll find every conceivable form of BBQ available; smoked, roasted and grilled delights for meat-eaters and veggies alike, as well as competitions and demonstrations. If you even have time to eat, guaranteed you won't go hungry at this festival! At The Roadhouse you'll find classic hot rods and custom bikes with no shortage of motorheads eager to talk shop. This isn't the only 'culture' you'll find on site either, as down at The Outpost there's axe-throwing and ironmongery while other traditional skills and crafts can be found on display throughout the deer park. For those especially energetic attendees not content to sit and listen to music all day - children, you know who you are - there's the aptly titled Young Folk portion of the grounds dedicated to entertaining and (hopefully) tiring out little legs and minds with a range of challenging and fun activities including slacklining, tree-climbing, fort-building, guitar, ukulele and harmonica workshops, print-making, clay moulding, skateboarding workshops, arts and crafts and a silent disco. Young Folk is a festival within a festival!

It may seem rather indulgent to be thinking about music festivals again, in the face of global political, economic and humanitarian struggles, but there's also an argument to be made for sharing in this celebration of community. Community and joy, in spite of adversity.  No, festivals and live music events aren't rewards we earn for enduring hardships but rather they are the pay-off for unity, for the compassion, attention and openness we show up with these days; a necessity for harmony. Harmony for the greater good. And it's a well known fact; we're stronger when we sing together.

Kendall Wilson

Book Review

William The Conqueror A Novel by Ruarri Joseph

Ruarri Joseph is the frontman of three-piece rock band William The Conqueror, alongside bassist Naomi Holmes and drummer Harry Harding.  Formed in 2017, they have recorded three albums to date including the Ethan Johns produced Bleeding On The Soundtrack (2018), followed by Maverick Thinker (2021), which was self-produced and recorded in Sound City Studio in Los Angeles. 

In a previous interview, the singer songwriter, and now novelist, makes reference to an essay by Hermann Hesse which relates to the three stages of human development; innocence, disillusionment and acceptance.  On the basis of Joseph’s impressive musical output with Cornwall based William The Conqueror and his debut novel of the same name, it would appear that he has successfully navigated through all three stages. 

Whether his first novel is entirely autobiographical or not, it is a most detailed memoir of psychological suffering, centred around episodes of innocence and disillusionment.  It tells the tale of an introverted only child whose naïve pipe dreams of success and stardom as a singer songwriter are his only medium of escape.  

The novel’s protagonist William was born into a dysfunctional family (‘I was an accident. Born the only son of an academic and an artist on the dot of 1981’). His father was a Bob Dylan obsessed alcoholic, his mother an introverted new age hippy. With parents who barely acknowledged each other’s existence and growing up in a small rural village in Cornwall, William’s companions were his headphones, his father’s (mainly) Dylan albums and his sketch pads, which soon became filled with poems, stories and comic drawings. While all family members, despite living under the same roof, avoided any contact with each other, an eight-year-old William befriended his nearest neighbour’s daughter of a similar age. Part of a family at the opposite end of the spectrum to his own, Jess became his first and only childhood love and as we subsequently learn in the novel, she also became every bit as ‘unlucky in love’ in later life as her boyhood admirer. 

Discovering an old guitar in his father’s garage created another distraction. Some formal lessons led to previously scribbled lyrics becoming fully-fledged songs and teaming up with an older schoolboy Simon, to form a grunge two-piece band. However, the wheels fall off when Simon’s interest turns to Jess, rather than his younger bandmate.

Leaving Cornwall and her fruitless marriage, mum heads to her sister in the North Island of New Zealand to start a new life, with fifteen-year-old William in tow. Taken under the wing of his fearless and reckless first cousin Hamish, the following months introduce William to pipe bombs, homemade crossbows and eventually enrolment in a local school. Forming a punk band and performing in the local and nearby schools proved to be a confidence booster for the sixteen-year-old, only to be shattered on discovering that his English teacher and mentor’s interest were directed more in the direction of William’s mother than his pupil.

With a returning sense of isolation, bags are packed and William set his sights on a return to London to pursue his musical career. That journey, with stopovers at Bali and Amsterdam, both of which prove to be anything but enlightening, finally delivers him to his final destination. On his arrival in London, rather than his intended career galvanising placement in an indie record store, he is reduced to low paid employment in a supermarket and senior citizens home, both of which end in dismissal. Low grade accommodation is provided by a shabby acquaintance, whose modus operandi includes shifting stolen goods, petty drug dealing, while promising his tenant stardom, despite spectacularly mis-managing any career potential the budding musician may have had. Flirtations with drugs, illness, failed relationships and despair follow, leaving the now eighteen-year-old William, on the eve of the millennium, alone and impoverished in a high-rise complex in an unsavoury part of London, pondering his next move.

Joseph’s style of writing is by way of two-way dialogue. His written memories are challenged throughout the novel by an alter ego, at times questioning the validity of his writing and other times reminding him of unsavoury incidents deliberately ignored and omitted.  Though very much a page turner, it’s not an easy read. There are numerous moments of hilarity amongst the tragedy, isolation and despair. It also leaves the reader pondering where reality checks out and fiction kicks in. 

A stylish and engrossing debut, Joseph’s capacity to turn a tale of struggle into essential reading is admirable.

Review by Declan Culliton

PAUL McGEE

It’s been another challenging year for many. The Covid virus, and its variants, continued to dictate the manner in which our lives have changed. Even with the easing of restrictions, there were still a lot of constraining factors; not least the challenges faced by the music industry.

With live gigs shut down for most of the year, certainly in Ireland where I’m living, the opportunity to earn much needed income was hugely curtailed for most performing artists. It was a time to retreat to homes and local studios in order to create new music that reflected the mindset of musicians and songwriters. Many dusted off old songs that had been unfinished and others took the time to reimagine previous work in new formats. Creativity brings its own rewards of course and I recall a quotation; “Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations.” 

Well, in Lonesome Highway we’ve been given many gifts throughout the year, in the form of new music from all corners of this troubled globe. Despite the anxiety and unease, the creative output of artists and musicians has been a continued source of inspiration and motivation to me.

The choices that I have made for my year-end list are comprised of music that I have reviewed. There are so many other albums that have impressed and moved me, but I have decided to focus on actual review albums in my top picks. The other categories are also choices where I have personal experience of the selections – whether books that I have read or films that I have seen. 

Top 20 Favourite albums:

Steve Dawson - At The Bottom Of A Canyon In The Branches Of A Tree 

Dar Williams - ’ll Meet You Here

Jackson Browne - Downhill From Everywhere

Hiss Golden Messenger - Gently Blowing It

James McMurtry - The Horses and the Hounds

Sean McConnell - A Horrible Beautiful Dream

Craig Cardiff - All This Time Running

Garrison Starr - Girl I Used To Be

Annie Keating - Bristol County Tides

3HatTrio - Lost Sessions

Jesse Terry - When We Wander

Doug Hoekstra - The Day Deserved

The Golden Roses - Devil’s In The Details

Brigitte DeMeyer - Seeker

Georgia English - Pain and Power

Clint Morgan - Troublemaker

Suzie Ungerleider - My Name Is…

Joe Stamm Band - Midwest Town

Brandon Isaak - Modern Primitive

Evans McRae - Only Skin

Best Irish Albums:

Jane Willow - Burn So Bright

Sammy Horner - Far Away Places

Rev Sam & the Outcasts - Stet

Best UK Folk Albums:

Henry Parker - Lammas Fair

Jim Ghedi - In the Furrows Of Common Place

John Smith - The Fray

Best Live Albums:

Danny and the Champions Of the World - Los Campeones En Vivo

Laura Nyro - Trees of the Ages: Live in Japan

Neil Young and Crazy Horse - Way Down In the Rust Bucket

Best Compilations:

Highway Butterfly - The Songs Of Neal Casal

Bruce Cockburn - Greatest Hits (1970 - 2020)

Joni Mitchell - The Reprise Albums (1968–1971)

Books:

Richard Thompson - Beeswing

Cowboy Junkies - Music Is the Drug

Mary Gauthier - Saved By A Song

Christa Couture - How To Lose Everything

Kelefa Sanneh - A History of Popular Music in Seven Genres

Best Films:

Songs For While I’m Away - The Phil Lynott Story

The Sparks Brothers - Sparks documentary

Respect - Aretha Franklin biopic

Live Gigs: 

Kila - Opium October 2021

Paddy Casey - Whelan’s October 2021

Richard Thompson - Vicar Street November 2021

The Remedy Club - The Grand Social December 2021

Live music returned in early October, on a restricted basis, as Covid constraints began to unwind. This proved to be a source of happy release for everyone. The joy of musicians playing to an audience was almost overwhelming after eighteen months of silence in the venues of Dublin. Sadly, at the time of writing, new restrictions have been introduced for the Christmas season, which has led to many gigs being cancelled or deferred. So much for a return to the timeless pleasures of live music. We watch this space…

Honourable mention also for three worthy albums that were released in 2020 but were reviewed in 2021 for reasons beyond my control:

Martin Simpson Home Recordings

Dave Clancy The Path

Scott Cook Tangle Of Souls

DECLAN CULLITON

Country:

1 Sierra Ferrell – Long Time Coming

2  Bobby Dove – Hopeless Romantic

3 Mose Wilson – Self Titled

4 Mike & The Moonpies – One To Grow On

5 Charley Crockett – Music City USA

6 Jesse Daniel – Beyond These Walls

7  Connie Smith – The Cry Of My Heart

8  West Of Texas – Heartaches, Hangovers & Honky Tonks

9 Charlie Marie – Ramble On

10  Charley Crockett – Ten For Slim

11 Melissa Carper – Daddy’s Country Gold

12 Summer Dean – Bad Romantic

13 Wild Earp & The Free For All – Dyin’ For Easy Livin’

14 Hannah Juanita – Hardliner

15 Katie Joe – Pawn Shop Queen

Americana:

1 Margo Cilker – Pohorylle

2 The Felice Brothers – From Dreams To Dust

3 Starry Eyed & Laughing – Bells of Lightning

4 Esther Rose – How Many Times

5 Mac Leaphart – Music City Joke

6 Dori Freeman – Ten Thousand Roses

7 The Pink Stones – Introducing The Pink Stones

8 Hope Dunbar – Sweetheartland

9 Shannon McNally – The Waylon Sesions

10 Son Volt – Electo Melodier

11 Ana Egge – Between Us

12 John R Miller – Depreciated

13 Rose City Band – Earth Trip

14 Riddy Arman – Self Titled

15 Holly Macve – Not The Gir

Favourites outside the Country / Americana genres:

1 Stuffy Shmitt – More Stuff Happens

2 John Murry – The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes

3 Peter Bruntnell – Journey To The Sun

4 Side Pony – Lucky Break

Compilation:

Choctaw Ridge – New Fables of The American South 1968 – 1973

Covers Album:

Shaye Zadravec – Now And Then

Live Album:

Glen Campbell – Live From The Troubadour

EILÍS BOLAND

Top 10 albums (in no particular order):

Justin Moses - Fall Like Rain

John Blek - on ether & air

Darin & Brooke Aldridge - This Life we’re Livin’

Billy Strings - Renewal

James McMurtry - The Horses and the Hounds

Nora Brown - Sidetrack My Engine

Bela Fleck - My Bluegrass Heart

Israel Nash - Topaz 

Sierra Ferrell - Long Time Coming

Amythyst Kiah - Wary & Strange

Top gigs:

Mary Coughlan - The Black Box, Belfast  Dec

Peter Bruntnell - The Half Moon, London  Oct

John Murry - The Ulster Social Club, Belfast  Sep

Malojian - The American Bar, Belfast  Oct

James McMurtry - Facebook live 

Top movie: Wildfire

STEPHEN RAPID

Firstly I would like to thank, on behalf of the Lonesome Highway team, all the PR persons, Labels and Artists who continue to make music against the odds. Not everything we receive gets reviewed or works for us on certain levels. That would be an impossible task physically and since the lockdown we receive many more considerations than previously but we do thank those who continue to send both digital and physical product. However, it is also quite apparent that a great many people who send music to us have no idea who or what we are and many of the releases are totally off target. We are first and foremost fans and from those that we appreciate, we make our selections.

Sticking to the roots of country (in no ranked order):

1 Legendary Shack * Shakers - Cockadoodledeux

2 Moot Davies - Seven Cities Of Gold

3 Stephen Flatt - Cumberland Bones

4 West Of Texas  - Heartaches, Hangovers and Honkytonks

5 Jesse Daniel - Beyond These Walls

6 Ward Hayden & The Outliers - Free Country

7 Elijah Ocean - Born Blue

8 Sierra Ferrrell - Long Time Coming

9 Jason Ringenberg - Rhinestoned

10 Dallas Moore - Rain

11 The Shootouts - Bullseye

12 Wild Earp - Dyin’ For Easy Livin’

13 Jason Boland & The Stragglers  - The Light Saw Me

14 Bard Edrington V - Two Days In Terlingua

15 Sturgill Simpson -The Ballad Of Dood & Juanita

16 JP Harris - Don’t Marry No Railroadman

17 The Flatlanders - Treasure Of Love

18 Zachary Lucky - Songs For Hard Times

19 Mose Wilson - Self Titled

20 Mike & The Moonpies – One To Grow On

Americana The umbrella for the rest (in no ranked order):

1 Charles Wesley Goodwin - How The Mighty Fall

2 Heath Cullen - Springtime In My heart

3 Chris J Norwood - I Am Nor Cool

4 Kiely Connell - Caslumet Queen

5 Ross Adams - Escaping Southern Heat

6 Ian Fisher - American Standards

7 Nathan Bell - Red, White And American Blues

8 Daniel Meade - Ever Wonder Why You Get Outta Bed?

9 Starry Eyed And Laughing - Bells Of Lightning

10 Rod Picott - Wood, Steel, Dust And Dreams

11 Steve Almaas - Everywhere You’ve Been

12 KC Jones - Queen Of The Inbetween

13 Mary Duff - Razor Blade Smile

14 Tim Grimm - Gone

15 Malcolm MacWatt - Settler

ARTIST CHOICES

JASON RINGENBERG

Shovels and Rope The Human Race

Bob Dylan Springtime in NY 

Jason Isbell Georgia Blue

Tommy Womack I Thought I Was Fine

Charlie Crockett Music City USA

MARY DUFF

1 Julian Lage - Squint  

Unadulterated genius on the pointy end of the jazz stick.

2 John Murry - The Stars are Gods Bullet Holes

Brilliant lyrical webs are spun by earnest vocals and captured without production pretense.

3 Melissa Carper - Daddy’s Gold 

Pure enjoyment from start to finish with a hint of nostalgia and not a shred of flimflammery.

4 Carolyn Wonderland - Tempting Fate

Carolyn playing guitars, singing and Produced by Dave Alvin …WINNER! 

5 Jade Bird -Different Kinds of Light

Great Writer, Great Singer, Reliable Observer. I like to jog on the river to this record.

6 Heartless Bastards - A Beautiful Life

Revolution.” Enuff said.

7 Samantha Fish - Faster

She’s licking a Gibson Firebird on the cover and she plays her ass off, as usual!  The songs are great, production is just about flawless and she swings from the best of Blues, Pop, Rock & Cry your eyes out Ballad. All Ice No Whiskey should sell as many records as Britney’s Toxic.

8 Side Pony - Lucky Break

So honest and raw yet polished, packaged and Perfect! These women as solo artists are divine, but together they create A Duosonic Delight! 

9 Jose Gonzales -Local Valley

HIS VOICE!!!!! The sound of a nylon guitar is special. Willie always made that obvious but Jose takes it somewhere else and his hypnotic style and compositions always impress me.

10 Mathew James Adkins -Stoned on my Own

For a debut record, I was pretty blown away by this one but it’s no surprise when you consider it’s on Whistle Pig records and Produced by Detroit’s own Bunky Hunt. Sincere and packed with Mighty Feels, Matt’s debut deserves EARS! 

JERRY DALE McFADDEN (The Mavericks)

Flyte - This Is Really Going to Hurt

Thad Cockrell - In Case You Feel the Same

Aimee Mann - Queens of the Summer Hotel

The Mavericks - En Español (Edición Deluxe)

WILD EARP

Sturgill Simpson - The Ballad of Dood and Juanita

I love concept albums, and this one is so well produced. I liked Sturgill’s bluegrass stuff just fine, but this one with a prologue, epilogue, and sound effects is my bread and butter.

Melissa Carper - Daddy’s Country Gold

This album is pure fair weather back porch Sunday afternoon.  She’s got the vibe dialed in just right, and the songs are all winners.  I find myself singing “Would You Like to Get Some Goats?” fairly often.

Jesse Daniel - Beyond These Walls 

When it comes down to it, I probably like Jesse’s 2020 Rollin’ On a little better as a whole, but this one has some great tunes and some ambitious moments.  I had only heard Clayton Was a Cowboy once during a livestream of his, but I realized when I heard it on the album I already remembered so much of the song. He’s making some great country music, and I’m really rooting for the guy.

Charley Crockett - 10 for Slim 

I thought Charley did a really great job with these songs, and the genuine admiration for James Hand comes through clearly. Of course any album that starts with a spoken word intro is definitely starting off on the right foot in my book.

Sierra Ferrell - Long Time Coming 

Sierra seems to be everywhere online, and has for the past couple of years (I’ve also randomly run into her a couple times in Nashville, which adds to a sense of her ubiquity).  I was surprised that this was her first full-length, and the name speaks to that, but it’s a super solid record all around.  She really runs the gamut across her varied musical styles, and I’m all for it.  I especially dig her darker, minor key offerings.  I saw her recently on tour, and she and her band just crushed it.  

MARGO CILKER

Ten Thousand Roses - Dori Freeman

I find everything about Dori’s art charming- her songs’ hooks, her vibrato, her living in small-town Virginia…  Every time I bring up this album with someone else on the Freeman Train, there’s a moment where we burst into “Today I felt just like a movie staaaar, driving down the highway cryin’ in my caaaaar”. Her songs feel anthemic. Dori owns the space she holds in the world. They resonate straight to the core of the listener (at least this one). One more thing I’ll add is that I like how the production doesn’t distract, but digging into the guitar parts and drum parts after the first few listens is truly a delight in itself. 

Home Sweet Nowhere - Lowstar Rodeo

Kevin Carducci, half of the California country band The Easy Leaves, released my favourite “quarantine album” in January 2021. He’s singing what the freshly unemployed songwriters were thinking in the months of bewilderment… Will things reopen? Is it worth writing songs? Should I write a song about “These walls”? Does my friend have a good enough home recording set-up to overdub pedal steel for me? It’s weepy, and that’s what makes certain lines on the record so triumphant: “Today must be my lucky day… this guitar in my hand sounds like a five-piece country band”. We’ve been there. The peaks and valleys of the last few years were strangely familiar territory to the artist community, as devastating as they were. Carducci comes across here comfortable looking for the silver lining.

Warm Buildings - Junior

There’s a nostalgia for me in this Missoula band’s latest effort Warm Buildings … maybe the same kind of partner ripped our hearts out; maybe we’ve driven the same Montana back-road crying, or smoked behind the same bars. It’s chock-full of great imagery- see “Midnight Summer”.  That song will paint you right into that night with a cold drink in your hand. On another song, Blue Bathroom we see an excellent use of repetition I’ve come to love about their music. Both the chorus “I worry about you in your blue bathroom” and the kind-of haunting anti-chorus “Wasn’t gonna work out” ring in your head after listening. For all the luxurious clouds of I-IV changes to sink into, the record also has some outside-the-box chord progressions that add to the experience- especially while bolstering the lyric “Cause I’m the raccoon at your cat door”. Woman of the Woods, indeed. I’ll also add I love a recording effort that features multiple songwriters, and Junior executes this well.  Eric Heywood pedal steel, stacked harmonies, heart-wrenching takes on friendship and love, perfectly droned out strings, and guitar fuzz al gusto… I’m sold.

Favourite Singles of the year:

The Whiskey Wouldn’t Let me Pray- Queen Esther

New Bikini- Cassandra Jenkins

TONY POOLE (Starry Eyed And Laughing)

Introduction: I’ve liked so many releases during this weird time, including quite a few ‘mainstream’ best sellers, but I’ve listed some here that are possibly more obscure, in the hope that they at least get checked out by your readers ...

Nelson Bragg - Gratitude Blues

Nelson was a long-time member of Brian Wilson’s touring band, and this, his 3rd album, is a beautiful peak Beach Boys\West Coast\Byrds sounding collection - great songs and incredible harmonies. Hopefully not his last (as he modestly claims). The CD package is a work of art too ...

The Green Pajamas - Sunlight Might Weigh Even More

A group who’ve been under the radar for almost as long as Starry Eyed & Laughing ...  33 albums since 1984, and this new one continues and develops their psychedelic excellence - this is Electric Banana (The Pretty Things) for the 21st century.

Susanna Hoffs - Bright Lights

The Bangles deserve so much more respect than their great hit singles indicate - they kept alive the music and spirit of the 60s when it was completely out of fashion. And this beautiful album by Susanna continues that, with perfect choices and versions of important songs by some of my favourite artists.

The Coral - Coral Island

I’ve been a fan of The Coral for 2 decades now - they seemed to carry a brilliant torch in a line from all my favourite 60s ‘groups’ through later decades favourites The Las and Cast, and this album continues that excellence.

Aimee Mann - Queens of the Summer Hotel

Been a fan of Aimee Mann since I heard her incredible Fifty Years After The Fair with Roger McGuinn’s Rickenbacker and harmony vocals (is that a surprise ?!) on her first album Whatever. But this new record is completely the opposite of that jangle sound, with aching Bacharach-like arrangements and Judee Sill-like melodies - though her amazing wordcraft and beautiful voice remain a constant.

MICHELLE BILLINGSLEY

Even if the pandemic is putting a damper on live music as we know it (or at least as we can remember what it used to be), so much good music came out this year. There’s been a lot of thought into each of the artists who chose to release music this year, and I’m sure a ton have played it safe and held onto their releases, so I’m glad some brave souls thought now is the time. Here’s some of my favourites:

Melissa Carper - Daddy’s Country Gold 

My favourite album of 2021. Sweet, dreamy, perfect. It’ll make a western swing fan out of everyone.  I listen to it at least once a month. 

Bill and the Belles - Happy Again

Fun and inventive, with amazing harmonies. Queue this one up after Daddy’s Country Gold on long car rides.

Wild Earp & The Free for Alls - Dyin’ for Easy Livin’

Earp knows how to make an album that makes you feel like you’re in the front row of a rowdy show. But then you listen again, for the lyrics this time, and you realize how dang GOOD he is at ALL of it.

Mikaela Finne - Time Stands Still

Sometimes you need some badass gal energy to pep you up when you lose yours. She’s got you.

Noel McKay - Blue, Blue, Blue

As soon as it ended, I listened to it all the way through again. It’s a cloudy day on the couch album, it’s a hanging out on a summer porch album, it’s a tinkering on your car album. There’s a song for every mood. 

My most favourite Song of 2021: 

Charlie Marie - El Paso

Such a fantastic melody and lyrics, and her voice! I listen to it once and it’s on repeat in my head for three days. 

MAC LEAPHART

The Pink Stones - Introducing the Pink Stones

I’ve really been digging this album-very cosmic/hippie country vibes. Great guitar & steel work, and I really like Hunter’s vocals-he puts this extra emphasis/half shout thing on some lines that I think is really cool.

Gotten to play some shows on the road with them, as well. Fun to hang out with, and they do a great version of the George Jones song, Her Name is. Fantastic stuff.

Melissa Carper - Daddy’s Country Gold

First time I heard a track off this album, I genuinely thought it was an artist from the 60s that had flown under my radar. The songs and the production are fantastic. I heard the album made the initial list in the Grammy Roots category. I don’t think it made the final cut, but it certainly should have. It’s a great record.

Bobby Dove - Hopeless Romantic

I met Bobby at a Gram Parsons Tribute in Nashville and Bobby was definitely one of the artists I remember from that night.  We released our albums right about the same time, and I just thought it was a great record Top To Bottom.  Solid stuff-fantastic album.

John R Miller - Depreciated

This album has great songs and also quite a bit of groove, which is something I don’t hear enough of in the Americana world. Great Sunday morning coffee album.

Mike & The Moonpies - One To Grow On

These guys seem to put out a great new record every year-very consistent quality. I still haven’t seen them live, which is on my list, because the recordings scream: “Great live band!” 

Anglea Autumn - Frontiers Woman

This album wasn’t on my radar, but we ended up on the same bill and she put on a stellar set, and ended up singing with me on my song, Window From the Sky as well as the old Townes tune, Snowin On Raton, I went home and listened to her album and it was just fantastic.  Great stuff. Excited to hear more from her.

Hunter Hicks - Self Titled

Hunter was a recommended artist from Angela Backstrom’s Spotify page-and I checked it out, and it was some really vibey cool stuff.  Can’t wait to hear more from him, either.

ANA EGGE

Dua Lipa - Future Nostalgia Moonlight Edition

It was necessarily a good year for dancing at home and I probably danced the most to “don’t start now” and “levitating” from this album. I really love the production on “don’t start now” it starts out with that loud bass line and vocals and then the bass completely disappears for the first chorus. Less is more and more! Also, fun fact-some of that video was filmed at a small venue I’ve played many times called Pete’s Candy Store in Brooklyn.

Allison Russell - Outside Child

What a phenomenal album. So beautiful, haunting, brave. Highly recommended! It’s really incredible. We toured together for a while in a band called Salt and I helped co-produce an EP for them years back that ended up getting repurposed as individual tracks for another album. I hope she wins a Grammy or two or three!

Judee Sill - Down Where The Valleys Are Low: Another Otherworld (tribute album produced by Lorenzo Wolff)

Wow, I love this record! When I first heard it, I got pulled in more and more with each track. Every song features a different singer. (Check out The Pearl, feat. Bartees Strange!) Upon first listen, by the third track I’d pretty much decided I wanted to work with whoever produced this magic on my next album. And I did. Lorenzo produced Between Us. 

Joy Oladokun - In Defense Of My Own Happiness

I saw her tiny desk performance immediately loved her writing, her voice, her presence. I already got tickets to her next show here next spring.

Mick Flannery and Susan O’Neill - In The Game

I’m a lover of Micks past albums and he and I co-wrote a bunch of the songs on my new album Between Us. This is another great collaboration. 

GRACE MORRISON

Music for me this year has been a big ol’ mix of the old and the new.  Taylor Swift’s Evermore and Folklore were the soundtrack to my drives to the studio to put the finishing touches on my album.  They’re so elegantly written and produced, and have created a musical soundscape all their own. And selfishly, knowing they were written about figures and homes from Newport, Rhode Island (a half hour drive from me) makes them feel particularly close to me.

A voice in country music that I love is Kacey Musgraves. Star Crossed is pretty different from her first couple of records, and it took me a couple of listens to get into it. But I’m glad I gave her the time.  Such quirky turns of phrase, and accessible vocals. Her singing doesn’t show off any vocal acrobatics that I can think of…and she doesn’t need to. The songwriting is just so good.

Prior to writing with her for my record, I hadn’t listened to much of Lori McKenna’s solo stuff. I can’t tell you why, but what a loss for me. I’ve really dug in over the past year, and The Bird and the Rifle is hands down one of my favourite records of all time. The song Old Men Young Women, I don’t even know what to say. It’s perfect. And when that chorus hits, it gets me every time.

These last two aren’t albums, but songs that I’ve fallen in love with. I was fortunate enough to be a finalist in a songwriting competition judged by Kim Richey and Walt Wilkins. It was a lovely weekend long event at the most gorgeous ranch in Texas, and the whole thing ended with a concert by the judges.  I was particularly blown away by Kim’s song Chase Wild Horses and Walt’s Trains I Missed. If you haven’t heard ‘em, you gotta hear ‘em!!

BECKY WARREN

In no particular order, my favourites have been:

It’s a Beautiful Day and I Love You - Jillette Johnson

Daddy’s Country Gold - Melissa Carper

American Siren - Emily Scott Robinson

Blue, Blue, Blue - Noel McKay

Stand for Myself - Yola

Catspaw - Matthew Sweet

AYCOCK TERRY

Dori Freeman - The Storm 

Highway Butterfly - The Songs of Neal Casal

Starlight Cleaning co. – Self Titled

Daniel Romano’s Outfit - Cobra Poems 

Karen Paris - A Song is Way Above the Lawn

Kieth Hudson - Flesh of my Skin Blood of my Blood 

Popol Vuh - Acoustic and Ambient Spheres (vinyl box set) 

Bob Dylan - Springtime in New York 

Micheal Hurley - The Time of the Foxgloves

Scott Hirsch - Windless Day 

BOBBY DOVE

I thank you for asking me to participate, my favourite albums of the year - I’m honestly not sure... I heard snippets of songs and albums mostly and was often lost in my own Dove shaped rabbit hole. 

But let me think about it:

I tend to listen to the same old The Best Of Joe Ely 20th Century Masters The Millennium Collection when in doubt! 

More recently, there is Nick Campbell (my 17yr old prodigious honky tonk/western swing/rockabilly pal in Peterborough, Ontario) who released his debut record Livin and Other Western Ideas shortly after mine.

I would also like to mention my badass friend (and paramour), Bebe Buckskin who is indigenous from Alberta. She put out a great blues-rock album this year called Captain Medicine - recorded at Fame studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. 

John Prine’s single I Remember Everything (or was that 2020?) Either way feels like this has all been one stupid year and that song tore me apart, and should be mentioned as often as possible.

MOSE WILSON

Melissa Carper - Daddy’s Country Gold

Melissa Carper’s Daddy’s Country Gold is not only my favourite album of the year, it’s my favourite of the last 10, and one of my favourites of all time. It is country song writing at its finest with some of the best players Nashville has to offer (which, in my opinion, means they are the best in the world.) Her voice is high and lonesome and feels like it came from an era before FM radio and coloured TV. Sad never sounded so good.

Sarah Jarosz - Blue Heron 

When asked to list my favourite records of the year, I realized how little I listen to modern music. I get stuck in the old stuff, and I am grateful for the opportunity to write this article because it forced me to explore new waters and find records like Sarah Jarosz latest release, Blue Heron. It is a uniquely beautiful blend of folk, pop, bluegrass, and classical themes. Just roll a J, set the needle down on the record, sit back, and enjoy the ride. 

John R. Miller - Depreciated

Mr. Miller proves he is an original with Depreciated. It’s as funky as it is twangy, and his smooth delivery of clever and captivating lyrics make for a great piece of art. I was humming his tunes long after listening.

Garrett T. Capps - I Love San Antone

I met this Texas Honky Tonk hero last November when I played his club in San Antonio. I had not heard his music before meeting him, but had heard his name. So, on the long drive back to Nashville I gave his latest record, I Love San Antone, a listen. What I found was a proud San Antonian that knows his Texas country music. From western swing to Tejano and everything in between, Garrett T.  Capps delivers on his new release; I love San Antone.

Hannah Juanita - Hardliner

I nearly didn’t put this record in my list because I had so much involvement with it and felt I was being biased.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I couldn’t leave it out because what I love most about this album is what made me want to produce and play guitar on it in the first place––the songs. Hannah Juanita‘s writing is catchy, clever, at times heartbreaking but always fun. And she sings them with the same integrity as greats like Dolly, Tammy, and Loretta. If you are a true country fan, then you need to give this record a spin. 

SHAYE ZADRAVEC

I’ve come up with a list of albums that caught my ear and heart this year. I’m listing them randomly and completely without a rating system. I love them all equally. 

James McMurtry - The Horses and The Hounds 

Beatrice Deer - Shifting

The Flatlanders - Treasure of Love

Samoa Wilson with the Jim Kweskin Band - I Just Want to be Horizontal

John Wort Hannam - Long Haul

Shaela Miller - Big Hair, Small City

Del Barber - Stray Dogs (Collected B-sides /Volume 1.)

Sierra Ferrell - Long Time Coming

Side Pony - Lucky Break

Aaron Lee Tasjan - Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan!

JERRY ZINN WEST OF TEXAS

Mike & the Moonpies – One to Grow On

Summer Dean – Bad Romantic

Hannah Juantia – Hardliner

Mose Wilson – Mose Wilson

Jeremy Pinnell – Goodbye L.A.

Kevin Carducci – Home Sweet Nowhere

Jesse Daniel – Beyond These Walls

David Miner – Silver Valley

Charlie Marie – Ramble On

Sturgill Simpson – The Ballad of Dood & Juanita

The Year in Albums (and more) from the Lonesome Highway Team

It was no easy task preparing final lists of our best loved albums of 2020. Despite the horrible times most artists and bands lived through this year, both the quality and quantity of recordings has been exceptional.

The reality of life these days has impacted upon so much of what we took for granted and central to this is the ability to make an income. For musicians, this basic need has been taken away. Limited to online concerts and virtual tip jars, artists have had to look for other means to create an income stream and this continues to be the major challenge facing all those involved in the music industry into next year.

Our considerations included well in excess of 400 albums reviewed on our website, together with numerous personal purchases during this year.
Many thanks to all the PR people, record labels and in particular the artists, for sharing the music with us. It would be impossible for us to review every physical album and download we receive, but we do endeavour to listen to each and every one that fits our model and review as many as possible. A huge thumbs up to all of you who visit our website, Facebook and Instagram pages and listen to our weekly radio show on 103.2 Dublin City FM.

We also want to pass our thanks and best wishes to all at Dublin City FM (especially Sam) and to Gareth. Both have been essential to our remote recording broadcasting.

Here’s wishing you all a Happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward with optimism to a return to live music in 2021.

The Lonesome Highway Team

Steve, Paul, Declan and Eilis

Photograph by Kaethe Burt O’Dea

PAUL McGEE

Top Albums (Known Artists) 

1 The Jayhawks XOXO

2 The Lone Bellow Half Moon Light

3 Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

4 Eliza Gilkyson 2020

5 Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

6 Drive By Truckers The Unraveling

7 Mary Chapin Carpenter The Dirt and the Stars

8 Nadia Reid Out Of My Provence

9 Lynn Miles We’ll Look For Stars

10 Will Johnson El Capitán

11 Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit Reunions

12 Jonathan Wilson Dixie Blur

Albums by emerging artists

1 Ben de la Cour Shadow Land

2 Beki Hemingway Earth & Asphalt

3 Justin Farren Pretty Free

4 My Politic Short Sighted People In Power - A Home Recording

5 I’m Kingfisher Captain, I’m Going Blind

6 Market Junction Burning Bridges

7 Hayward Williams Every Colour Blue

8 Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman

9 A.K.& the Brotherhood Oh Sedona!

10 Rodney Rice Same Shirt, Different Day

11 Taylor Kopp Found

12 The Remedy Club True Hand True Heart

  Live Albums 

1 Allman Brothers Warner Theatre, Erie, PA 7-19-05

2 Mike Newell Live From Eddie Owens Presents

3 Peter Mulvey Live At the Cafe Carpe (with SistaStrings)

Compilations

 1 John Prine Crooked Piece Of Time (1971-1980)

2 Joni Mitchell The Early Years (1963-1967)

3 Neil Young Archives Vol 2 (1972-1982)

Live Gigs

1 Felice Brothers Whelan’s 23rd January 2020

2 Sean McConnell (with Kelsey Waldron/Garrison Starr) Whelan’s 11th February 2020

3 Jeffrey Foucault/Ry Cavanaugh Mick Murphy’s and DC Club 27th & 31st January 2020

Online Gigs

Allison Moorer

Eliza Gilkyson

James McMurtry

Mary Gauthier with Jaimee Harris

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Books

John Martyn Small Hours Graeme Thomson 

Re-issues

Oh Susanna Sleepy Little Sailor (Deluxe Edition)     

Richard & Linda ThompsonHard Luck Stories (1972-1982)

Film

Laurel Canyon The Movie 2020

DECLAN CULLITON

Country

1 Jamie Wyatt Neon Cross

2  Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter

3  Zephaniah OHora Listening To The Music

4  Jessie Daniel Rollin’ On

5  Victoria Bailey Jesus, Red Wine & Patsy Cline

6  Caitlin Cannon The TRASHCANNON Album

7  Rachel Brooke The Loneliness in Me

8  Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams Plastic Bouquet

9  Tessy Lou Williams Tessy Lou Williams

10 Gillian Welch Boots No.2 The Lost Songs Vol.1

11 Michelle Billingsley Not The Marrying Kind

12 Norma MacDonald Old Future

13 Logan Ledger Logan Ledger

14 Western Centuries Call The Captain

15 Charley Crockett Welcome To Hard Times

16 Kelley Swindall You Can Call Me Darlin’ If You Want

17 Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzers

18 Ashley Ray Pauline

19 Alicia Nugent The Old Side Of Town

20 Joshua Ray Walker Glad You Made It

Americana

1  Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

2  Becky Warren The Sick Season

3  Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

4  Damien Jurado What’s New, Tomboy?

5  Juliet McConkey Disappearing Girl

6  Jim White Misfit’s Jubilee

7  Emily Barker A Dark Murmuration Of Words

8  Malin Pettersen Wildhorse

9  Native Harrow Closeness

10  H.C.Mc Entire Eno Axis

11  Samantha Crain A Small Death

12  Corb Lund Agricultural Tragic

13  Diana Jones Song To A Refugee

14  Zack Aaron Fill Dirt Wanted

15  Laura Veirs My Echo

16  James Steinle What I Came Here For

17  Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels

18  The Remedy Club True Hand True Heart

19  Clem Snide Forever Just Beyond

20  Shelby Lynne Shelby Lynne

Folk(ish)

1 This Is The Kit Off Off On

2 Seamus Fogarty A Bag Of Eyes

3 Aoife Nessa Frances Land Of No Junction

Cover Albums

1 My Darling Clementine Country Darkness

2 Emma Swift Blonde On The Tracks

3 Gretchen Peters The Night You Wrote That Song: The Songs of Mickey Newbury

4 Kelsey Weldon They’ll Never Keep Us Down

Live Albums

Sunny Sweeney Recorded live at The Machine Shop Radio

Re-Issue

Hurrah for The Riff Raff Hurrah for The Riff Raff/Look Out Mama

Box Sets

Gillian Welch Boots No.2 The Lost Songs

Live Gigs

Michaela Anne Oslo, Hackney

Sam Baker The Empire, Hackney

The Felice Brothers Whelans, Dublin

Peter Bruntnell Paper Dress Vintage, Hackney

Malin Pettersen Rough Trade East, London

Pete Gow & The Siren Strings Oslo, Hackney

Daddy Long Legs/Trouble Pilgrims The Sugar Club, Dublin

Live Streams

1 Courtney Marie Andrews The Parthenon, Nashville

2 Kathleen Edwards Quitters Coffee Stittsville, Ottawa

3 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival

4.Jaime Wyatt 3rd & Lindsley Nashville

EILÍS BOLAND

Albums

Seamus Fogarty A Bag Of Eyes

Steve Thomas All of These Years

Jason & Pharis Romero Bet On Love

Blackbird & Crow Ailm

Jake Blount Spider Tales

This Frontier Needs Heroes Go With The Flow

David Keenan A Beginner’s Guide to Bravery

Ben de la Cour Shadow Land

The Gossamer Strings Due to the Darkness

Waylon Payne Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, the Pusher and Me

Chatham County Line Strange Fascination

Live Gigs

David Keenan Belfast Empire Jan

Jonah Tolchin Out To Lunch Festival, Belfast  Jan

UK-Americana Fest Hackney - Everything

Richard Dawson Belfast Empire  Feb

Live Streams

James McMurtry

Mary Gauthier & Jaimee Harris 

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass

Seamus Fogarty 

Gretchen Peters

STEPHEN RAPID

Country

Jesse Daniel Rollin’ On

Zephaniah Ohora Listening to The Music

Scott Southworth These Old Bones

Joey Allcorn State Of Heartbreak

Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzers

Corb Lund Agricultural Tragic

Alecia Nugent The Old Side Of Town

Whitney Rose We Still Go To Rodeo

Karen Jonas The Southwestern Sky And Other Dreams

George Ducas Yellow Rose Motel

David Quinn Letting Go

Charlie Crockett Welcome To The Hard Times

Andrea & Mud Bad News Darlin’

Craig Gerdes Tough As Nails

Live Albums

Sunny Sweeney Live At The Machine Shop Recording Studio

Legendary Shack Shakers Live from Sun Studio

Americana

Ben De La Cour Shadow Land

RB Morris Going Back To The Sky

Sean Harrison Halfway from Nashville

Michael McDermott What In The World

CS Nielsen Pilgrims

Paul Burch & WPA Ballclub Light Sensitive

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels

Gill Landry Skeleton At The Banquet

Terry Allen Just Like Moby Dick

My Darling Clementine (with Steve Nieve) Country Darkness

Daniel Meade & Lloyd Reid Of You Don’t Mind

Pokey LaFarge Rock Bottom Rhapsody

Ben Bedford Portraits

Old 97s Twelfth

Surrender Hill A Whole Lot Of Freedom

Teddy Thompson Heartbreaker Please

Chuck Prophet The Land That Time Forgot

Justin Wells The United State

Coyote Brothers Coyote Brothers 

Amberly Chalberg Hi-Line

Roots/Folk/Cross Cultural

Cinder Well No Summer

India Ramey Shallow Graves

Molly Maher Follow

Hoth Brothers Workin’ And Dreamin’

The Mavericks En Espano

Compilations

Bill Kirchen The Proper Years

Jeffery Halford & The Healers Beware Of Worthless Imitations (1999 - 2019)

Gigs (of which there were few)

Tyler Childers The Grand Social, Dublin

Jeffrey Foucault Dc Club, Dublin

For further information on these albums you can (for the most part) reads the reviews here on the website.

Albums of the Year - Part One: Artist Picks

TAYLOR KOPP

1 Waxahatchee Saint Cloud. 

This is the rare record that feels both timeless and modern. Crutchfield’s influences aren’t tough to spot (I can hear Lucinda, Petty, Springsteen, and Dylan to name a few), but it always feels like you’re living in her world, not theirs. An instant classic and a no-brainer top choice for me. 

Favorite track: Arkadelphia.

2 Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman 

A folk supergroup that feels like it was formed just for me, BLH breathes new energy and immense talent into these old songs. What a lovely reminder that the folk music tradition is as alive and majestic as ever. 

Favorite track: Deep in Love. 

3 Christian Lee Hutson Beginners. 

This might be the most beautiful sounding record you’ll hear this year. Hutson’s virtuosic guitar work and intimate storytelling combined with gorgeous, lush production from Phoebe Bridgers make this record a sonic treat. Favorite track: Lose This Number.

4 Luka Kuplowsky Stardust. 

This record was such a pleasant surprise in a year that called for just that. One of the most unique combinations of folk and jazz that I’ve heard in a while, Stardust is full of great writing and beautiful instrumentation, plus Kuplowsky’s voice is breathtaking. 

Favorite track: Do I Have to Be

5 Phoebe Bridgers Punisher. 

Bridgers brilliantly captures the darkness and absurdity of our modern world. She is a truly special songwriter that just keeps getting better.

Favorite Track: I Know The End

Five more albums I loved

JB Paterson Young Man For A While

Kevin Morby Sundowner

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

Woods Strange to Explain

Lomelda Hannah

Most Important Song Of The Year

John Prine I Remember Everything

GILLIAN TUITE

Perhaps you saw that Thomm Jutz’s album To Live in Two Worlds, Vol 1 is up for Best Bluegrass Album at the Grammys? He released two volumes of the album this year, a mix of solo acoustic songs and some with a killer band. He’s very interesting in that he’s really into American history and writes a lot of songs in that vein.

I also loved the album Bad For You from The Steeldrivers this year, the Gretchen Peters Mickey Newbury tribute album The Night You Wrote That Song , David Starr Beauty and Ruin ... it’s endless!

Closer to home, Ultan Conlon There’s A Waltz produced by Sean Watkins is lovely, the new Beki Hemingway album Earth & Asphalt, Ben Reel Nashville Calling and Matt McGinn Lessons of War which is a beautiful concept album based on the experience of living in Northern Ireland (he also produced an accompanying documentary involving musicians from areas of conflict around the world). I’ve just discovered Yvonne Lyon from Scotland also so I’m currently listening to her new album Growing Wild.

THOMAS JONSSON (I’m Kingfisher)

1 M. Ward Migration Stories

With some surprise, my housegod M. Ward returned to form after a weak decade. Playful heartfelt folk,giving me embracing comfort when I needed it the most. Pure magic and without doubt my album of the year.

2 Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways

With little surprise, Dylan returned with an album of original songs and it was fantastic. Love his late phase a lot, holding Modern Times (2006) and Tempest (2012) along his absolute best. The new one is there too.

3 Niamh Regan Hemet

With no suprise, Galway’s Niamh Regan is by far my favorite discovery of the year. Combining the rough folk of Karen Dalton, the flow of Damien Jurado and catchiness of Courtney Marie Andrews, and at the same time in a style and at a level of her own. From now on, one of three I count to Ireland’s finest, next to Lonesome Highways and Father Ted.

4 Fiona Apple Fetch The Bolt Cutters

Another of this year’s most hyped albums that lived up to it’s reputation. Odd and great.

5 Thåström Klockan Två På Natten, Öppet Fönster

With a style hard to describe. Joakim Thåström, Sweden’s biggest punk icon from the 70’s is bigger than ever. A boiling gospel warmth meeting pitch black darkness, Springsteen meets Nick Cave. A great live album recorded 2017-2018.

6 Nightbird Travelin’ Baby

Finnish Anna-Stina Jungerstam is a genius I’ve had the great honour to both tour and collaborate with. Her second album is a masterpiece, it’s just about to be released as I write this and I can’t wait to see where it will take her. The title track is so fantastic you want to punch someone in the face. A heart and a guitar, finnish forest blues meeting american dusty folk. 

7 Bohren & Der Club of Gore Patchouli Blue

Drone-jazz. Dark, beautiful,  mesmerizing and just a tiny bit uncomfortable.

8 Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

Katie Crutchfield might have deserved a higher spot on my list, I loved this album so much when it was released in March, but it somehow disappeared from my radar in the wave of the pandemic, also lost track of the outside world and sanity when having my own album mixed and mastered in March and April. I’ll make sure to give this an appropriate number of spins the following months.

9 Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross

Outlaw country for real, from ex-con Wyatt. Quirky, catchy and captivating.

10 Hillary Woods Birthmarks

Realizing when I’m writing this, Hillary Woods is also from Ireland! She released this awesome album in March. Eerie and folky.

JANE WILLOW

Will Johnson El Capitan 

This is my favorite album of the year. I listen to it a lot.  found his music on bandcamp as a recommended album. I was immediately taken by it. It’s so beautifully sparse and real. I don’t now what Will looks like, and I don’t know any of his other music as of yet. This album is so special to me and it means a lot to me. I hope to dive into more of his catalogue soon, but for now this album just gives me everything I need.

Nick Cave Ghosteen (end 2019)

Nick Cave lost his son in 2015. This album deals a lot with that subject. I’m especially moved by ‘Waiting For You’.

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

Courtney Marie Andrews is just an incredibly strong songwriter with a voice to match it.

Ciaran Lavery Plz Stay

I just love the song ‘31’ on the album. It’s just a stunning stunning track by Antrim singer Ciaran Lavery.

Emma Langford Sowing Acorns

I love Emma and all that she does. She is such an incredible Irish talent. I especially love the track The Winding Way Down To Kells Bay. It sounds like an old Irish balad and just transports you to another world.

All in all it’s been a great year for new music, though I find myself, most often, returning to Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Gregory Alan Isakov and Richard Hawley. Their music means the most to me and truly comforts me. Since mid 2020 I have started recording my debut album with a great team of people, and despite it being on hold now during the lockdown I am genuinely excited to have created new music during this difficult time. I don’t know when I will release this album, I hope 2021 but it depends on corona and when gigs return. I’m also happy with these live cover videos I’ve been sharing on YouTube. It’s great to have music, to find comfort in it and to express myself with music. I feel very blessed to have that.

DAVE VARGO

Katie Pruitt Expectations 

John Moreland LP5

Ashley McBryde Never Will

Jason Isbell Reunions

THE REMEDY CLUB

Our two favourite albums would have to be Beki Hemingway Earth & Asphalt - her new album and Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels. They have been on repeat in our house for a while now.

STEVIE RAY LATHAM

This year has definitely been a challenge for all of us. As musicians the outbreak of Covid-19 has decimated our usual cycle of releasing and touring music, but in some ways, this unprecedented break from routine gave us some extra time and space to consider other people and their experiences. It’s probably no coincidence then, that the albums that most grabbed me this year were albums that were able to open a window into different lives and perspectives. 

BC Camplight Shortly After Takeoff deals with the difficult subject of Brian Christinzio’s mental health struggles but does so in a way that uses humour and bold arrangements to give the album a triumphant atmosphere. The dynamic shifts on Back to Work and Shortly After Takeoff help us to feels the highest-highs and the lowest-lows within short, radio friendly pop songs.

The laid back sound of Becca Mancari The Greatest Part belies the album’s heavy themes, the catchiest songs are often the darkest; songs like Hunter and First Time which detail the homophobia that she experienced when she came out.

I had the chance to work with Malena Zavala on my EP Suburbia last year and what really stands out about her, beyond her incredible musicality, is her effortless marrying of cultures. Growing up in the UK within a close Argentinian family, her album La Yarara is a deeply personal and highly unique blend of Anglo-Latin Indie-Pop that brings together traditional elements with cutting-edge modern influences to create a world completely of her own.

On Spook the Herd, Lanterns On The Lake explore many of the contemporary anxieties that keep most of us up at night, from division and bereavement to the environmental crisis. As always, though, these musings sit nestled in folk-tinged dream-scapes that are as comforting as they are unsettling, a mirror maybe, to the complexities of the modern condition.

The last album on my list is The Neon Skyline by one of my favourite songwriters, Andy Shauf. Like his last album, The Party, this is a concept album that follows the mundane events of one night, but it does so with such attention to detail that it reveals things about the characters (and in turn, ourselves) which illuminate just how universal our most fundamental emotions and anxieties are. If I take away one thought from 2020, I hope that’s it.

SYLVIE SIMMONS

Here’s a batch of albums that made a big impression on me. The first 5 tied for first place, the next 4 for second place, and my album Blue On Blue, came third!

Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways - if anyone still needs proof that Dylan deserved the Nobel Prize for Literature, here it is. Murder Most Foul has to be the most important song of the year. A masterpiece, wise, witty and transcendent.

Nick Cave Idiot Prayer.  A live album from a show in a vast venue with no-one there - that just about sums up the lockdown for a lot of us. Exquisite. Almost painfully beautiful at times. Now that Leonard has gone, one of his greatest disciples seems to be taking over his pew.

Alison Moorer Blood. Jeez, this is powerful. Particularly the doomy Cold Cold Earth, which tells the true story of her father killing her mother and then himself. The album is the musical accompaniment to her memoir of the same name.

Bill Callahan Gold Record. I’ve loved him since Smog, but with this album and the one before, he just seems much more comfortable in his skin. Lovely record.

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels. One of her best albums yet.

Ray Wylie Hubbard Bad Trick. It’s all good, but I really love the title track and the lyrics, “You gotta have scars if you’re gonna be a poet”. Ray Wylie did me the honour of name-checking me in one of his songs, so you can accuse me of bias. Could be true, because I’ve also voted for my own album

Philip B Price Bone Almanac. Solo album by Winterpills’ frontman. If you love delicate, wintry, dreamlike folk songs, you’ll love songs like Jewel Wasp and Crow Mocks My Wings, well all of it really.

Zephaniah OHora Listening to the Music. This is just so gloriously listenable. Most of the songs evoke Waylon and Merle, which is fine by me. The musicians include my late, great friend Neal Casal on guitar.

Damien Jurado What’s New Tomboy? He’s not made a bad album yet. Favourite tracks: When You Were Few; Fool Maria; Arthur Aware.

Sylvie Simmons Blue on Blue. My - I mean ‘her’! - last album Sylvie was named “one of the most beautiful albums of the year” by The Guardian. They seem to have forgotten to review my second album, but I’m sure they meant to say the same thing again. Actually, it’s been really well-received, which is always a huge relief; releasing an album is a bit like pinning a target over your chest. As I did with my debut, I made this album with Howe too. I also persuaded him to do his first official duet - our attempt at Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood - on, the closing track 1000 Years Before I Met You. A lot of people think the opening song, Keep Dancing, sounds Leonard Cohen-esque; I don’t really hear it myself, but it’s definitely no insult. I think the songs I’m happiest with this time are Creation Day, Nothing and a song I wrote at the last minute, Sweet California. 

BRENNEN LEIGH

Whitney Rose We Still Go To Rodeos. Whitney’s latest thing showcases her voice and songs beautifully. I’ve been a fan since I saw her live at the Continental Club in Austin years ago. She’s a top-notch singer and performer in a very classic sense. Her songs are melodic and hold my attention from start to finish. 

Gillian Welch Boots #2 The Lost Songs. One note from Gillian takes me back to driving around Fargo in my hand-me-down ‘88 Honda when I was in high school, but there’s something fresh about this collection, even though it was recorded a long time ago. Top shelf as she always is. 

Malin Pettersen Wildhorse. Malin, who’s from Norway, made this album in Nashville, and her songs marry perfectly with the musicians she chose to play on it. Her music is smart, adventurous, and gorgeous. 

Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes And Other Punchy Songs. Talkin’ Prairie Boy is my favourite track. The original tunes mix well with the old songs. His voice could fill a canyon. Colter is one of a kind. 

Josh Owen My New Place. A little biased here since I was involved as a co-writer and guest singer on this one, but Josh’s new EP is good country music about modern things … the pandemic and all the troubles that come with it. I love his singing and sense of humour. 

James Steinle What I Came Here For. No one else is writing poetry and songs like this. Like every good work, this album has a sense of place … I can feel the air in Texas when I listen to it. 

Zephaniah OHora Listening To The Music. Just a really good country record with relatable songs, good singing and good playing.

SAMANTHA CRAIN

This year, I bought an AM/FM radio with antenna. I haven’t owned one of those since I was a kid and I really loved the simplicity of it. I could carry it outside with me, take it to the drive-in movies with me, or take it along to whatever room of the house I was in...so I didn’t listen to too much new music this year, mainly just whatever was on the oldies station or the classical station. But I did have time to dive into 5 specific records that I thought were really excellent, my favourite being the Bonny Light Horseman album, it’s hard to explain why, but it just fits my exact love of tempo and the instrumentation and production and recording are so good in my opinion. The Dua Lipa album, I really only found because I would hear the singles on the radio all the time and I just thought they were great disco pop songs, so fun. The Lomelda record has a rawness and personality that is undeniable, just a joy. I love everything Sam Amidon does and this new album is no exception. And then the Laura Marling album is perfect, my favourite record of hers, great for walking the dog in a field and crying and running and being a human.

Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman

Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia

Lomelda Hannah

Sam Amidon Sam Amidon

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter  

MISS TESS

1 Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels

I was really impressed with Lucinda’s newest release. It’s so raw it almost feels punk rock, with the attitude to match. Man Without a Soul really stands out to me in light of current political situations in the US of A, and the world in general being controlled by capitalist greed, and men. This song makes me really happy in a strong, yet hopeful way. I will join Lucinda for the fight of good, and not be afraid to call out the bad guys.

2 Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

Courtney is one of the best writers performing music right now. Her lyrics are clear, yet unexpected and beautifully familiar. Usually I can only get into a breakup album if I am also going through one myself, but this album has such emotional appeal it’s hard not to get sucked in. And her voice just makes me melt!

3 Charley Crockett Welcome to the Hard Times

I’ve been a fan of Charley’s ever since I passed the tip jar at his 2am set here in Nashville at The American Legion. I had been drinking and carrying on with friends as you do, but then found myself completely entranced by his voice – It has a certain cosiness, maybe akin to someone like Bobby Charles, round edges. Then I thought “wait, does he have a lisp?”, which made it even more endearing. Charlie does a great job making an old style fresh again, even with songs that have been played or recorded a million times already. This album does a great job of painting a western that you want to be in.

4 Willie Nelson First Rose of Spring

I heard the title track of this album on the radio in my car and it made me cry. I’m sure the extra stress of pandemic times added to the strength of my emotional release, but what a beautiful song. And “Don’t Let the Old Man In”? Come on with the tenderness Willie! For someone who puts out 2–4 albums per year, it’s hard to keep track, but I’m glad I caught this one. Willie is hands down the most prolific songwriters of our time, and even at 87 years old he continues to impress.

5 Molly Tuttle But I’d Rather Be With You

Molly is such a fearless badass. She’s someone here in our Nashville community I’ve been watching grow into her own skin, and I really admire her determination. Her musicality and recordings continue to astound me, and this new album of covers is no exception. It just sounds really good.

6 The Wood Brothers Kingdom In My Mind

I’m pretty The Wood Brothers was the last show I saw before the shutdown. They were doing a promotional in-store appearance at Grimey’s, a great local record store here in Nashville. The room was packed with a standing audience, and they were sitting down. So, if you were in the back like I was, you couldn’t see them at all. But you could listen. These guys are really good at music, and it’s not often you get to see a real band play – folks that have been vibing off each other for years and years. This comes through in their recordings as well, and this album sounds really good.

JERRY LEGER 

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels

Ron Sexsmith Hermitage

Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways

Andrew James Barker Andrew James Barker

Lindy Vopnfjörd State Of The Heart

EMILY ZUZIK 

1 Yola Goodbye Yellow Brick Road I didn’t want to lean on a cover song, but I have had such an intense emotional response to this cover that I could not NOT include it in the list. I’ve always been partial to this particular Elton John track, so when I first heard Susan Dilger play this on her Americana radio show out of Taos, I had to email her to find out who the artist was. I had a “stop in your tracks” moment. The only other time I can remember this ever happening to me was the first time I heard Norah Jones Don’t Know Why. The second time I heard this song I was driving and I began weeping in the car. There’s just something about this performance that is really special!

2 Pokey LaFarge Rock Bottom Rhapsody I think Pokey has such a unique sound and voice. Everytime I hear him, I know it’s him. The singer’s blessing when you can sonically cut through like that. Always catchy and swinging.

3 Lake Street Dive Making Due Not necessarily Americana, but soulful and caught me off guard. I like it when that happens to me (see #1)

4 Ted Russell Kamp Down in the Den Ted is such a talent, and he’s talented in a number of genres. This is another characteristic of artists that I’ve always admired. It has soul, swagger and twang all wrapped up in one neat package.

5 Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters I’ve been a fan of Fiona since Tidal. She’s fearless and messed up and creative and willing to always put it on the line, which makes her an anomaly in this music biz. She’s not afraid to fail or get her hands dirty and doesn’t bother with trying to please anyone to speak her truth. It’s a harder life, for sure, but a noble one and I love her for it.

Honourable Mention: Emily Zuzik Torch & Trouble I’d be crazy if I didn’t say I’ve been living in this album for the entire year--pushing the release, making 4 videos, playing live streams to promote, doing interviews and basically learning and re-learning every nuance of this 3-year project. I really love it and am very proud of it. I’ve listened to the songs so much, way more than anything on the list above, but that’s kind of the reality of putting out music.

EMILY BARKER 

Here you go ... (Not in any particular order mind)

1 Phoebe Bridgers Punisher  

Once again, a magical album by this incredible songwriter. The production is so divine too. I read somewhere she was quite influenced by ASMR and that makes total sense - it’s so intimate. 

2 Mary Chapin Carpenter The Dirt & The Stars 

Having had the pleasure of touring in the USA and UK with MCC as the opening act and backing vocalist, I’ve come to know most of her catalogue, which is extensive! I feel like she just wrote her strongest album ever, and that’s really saying something given the strength of all her records over the years. There’s so much depth to her lyrics. MCC wields the power of making us all feel connected and understood. It’s beautiful. 

3 Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter 

Laura is an exceptional guitar player, vocalist and songwriter - as we all know! And this album is a stunner. Gorgeous string arrangements, quirky harmonies, fabulous playing, great songs. Love it. 

4 Neil Young Homegrown 

I am a huge Neil Young fan and I can’t believe they sat on this one for such a long time! Awesome tunes and loose vibes going on here. 

5 Lucinda Williams Good Souls, Better Angels

Queen of grunge country - if that’s a thing? - Lucinda is on her usual incredible form. She continues to inspire me with her direct, opinionated, heart-felt lyrics and raw vocal delivery. 

PRINZ GRIZZLEY (Chris Comper)

10 John Moreland LP 5

I wasn´t a big fan of John Moreland but when I heard “A thought is just a passing train” for the first time, I was sold! Great songs and a killer production by Matt Pence! What a vibe throughout the Album funky, melancholy and heartfelt.

9 Logan Ledger Logan Ledger

T Bone Burnett really knows how to let shine the sparkling old timey voice of Mr. Ledger! A listen through or leave it album.

8 Nathaniel Rateliff And It’s Still Alright

At first, I was disappointed, no up-tempo soul rockers no bite but oh boy how this album grows on you! Beautiful, sad and deep! If I ever get to meet Mr. Rateliff, he will get a big hug from me.

7 Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

And this woman deserves an even bigger hug! If she only had to face half of the feelings, she so intensely portraits on this album then this is the best example for “the greatest art comes through pain”!

Sparse, intense and heartbreaking perfectly embedded in an awesome production by Andrew Sarlo.

6. S.G. Goodman Old time feeling

S.G. Goodman shows how it’s to be done! Write great songs, hit the studio with your band and then let your heart flow into your voice! For me this album is like the little sister of Justin Townes Earl´s “The saint of lost causes”!

5 Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

Finally, Colter is backed up by his band on nearly all the songs on the album, I was waiting for that a long time! 

But what really stands out to me are the great covers he does of Big Iron and Cowpoke! Beloved Americans currently there is only one real cowboy with a guitar and yes, he´s Canadian!

4 Sturgill Simpson Cuttin Grass Vol.1

Sturgill may be gentler and humbler than the Gallagher Brothers but he´s the same punk as the brothers were on their peak! Don´t give him rules, don´t boss him, get out of his way or he eats you alive.

I wasn´t waiting for a bluegrass album by Sturgill but I enjoyed it big time and now I want more of it please!!

3 Daniel Romano Various albums 2020

When asked me to put together my top ten of 2020 albums, I could have easily written down only one name “Daniel Romano”

I don´t know what this man drinks or smokes but I want it too! Ryan Adams once said if you call yourself a songwriter and you can´t write 15 solid songs in a year better put that guitar aside. Daniel must be more like, if you don´t write 15 songs a week do something else! Don´t ask me which one of the ten albums he released this year is my favorite, I haven´t decided yet!

2 Chris Stapleton Starting Over 

He’s A force of nature but whom I have to tell this!!

1 Ray LaMontagne Monovision 

Over ten years ago a friend of mine mentioned Ray LaMontagne, I checked him out and was like why should I listen to a not so good Ryan Adams, in hindsight a big fault!! 

And then this year this Album came out and I was lighting struck! I am totally blown away by this album, I love the production, the songs, the flow, the vocal performance, everything!! I could sit down a try to analyze what makes it so special for me but I won´t do that! Some things just touch you and I am so glad this album did!!

LUAN PARLE

Here we go, in no particular order ...

Jeff Tweedy Love Is King

One of the good things to come out of lockdown has been the streaming of live shows from the homes of some of our much-loved musicians and a favourite of mine has been @thetweedyshow on Instagram and YouTube. From their Chicago home, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, his wife Suzie and sons Spencer and Sammy began broadcasting The Tweedy Show. This latest album from Jeff Love Is King features sons Spencer & Sammy. 

John Blek The Embers

This album is simply sublime and should be in everyone’s record collection. My favourite track on the album is Empty Pockets but every song is exceptional. 

Grant-Lee Phillips Lightening, Show Us Your Stuff

I was first introduced to Grant- Lee Phillips while growing up watching one of my favourite TV shows...The Gilmore Girls. Fans of the show will recognise Grant-Lee Phillips as the town troubadour. I’ve loved him ever since. This album is a stunner.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings All The Good Times Are Past and Gone

This is an album of covers from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. It features two Bob Dylan tracks, John Prine’s Hello In There, a song by guitarist Elizabeth Cotten, and a version of Jackson.

Bruce Springsteen Letter To You 

I was super excited for this album release and it did not disappoint, another classic from the boss. My personal favourite is the title track Letter To You. This is my driving album. 

Molly Tuttle But I’d Rather Be With You

I first heard of Molly in 2018 when she played the Roots Festival Kilkenny. An incredible guitarist with a stunning voice and fabulous collection of songs. 

The Lost Brothers After The Fire, After The Rain 

The sixth album release from Oisin and Mark is just gorgeous. There have been so many great Irish album releases this year and this is without doubt up there with the best. Those harmonies ...

Jim White Misfit Jubilee 

I was lucky enough to see Jim play live at Cleere’s Theatre Kilkenny when he was touring with Clive Barnes. I play this latest album from Jim non-stop. 

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels 

Lucinda Williams reunited with Ray Kennedy for this album which he co-produced with her husband and co-writer Tom Overby. I loved this album from the first track Bad News Blues. Her voice sounds incredible. Check out Big Black Train a song about a looming, unstoppable depression. 

Samantha Crain A Small Death 

Samantha Crain is another artist I have been enjoying listening to a lot and in particular, this album. I loved her live gig stream from Coughlan’s Cork earlier this year and look forward to seeing her play in Ireland again. 

MICHAEL WESTON KING (My Darling Clementine) 

1 A Girl Called Eddy Been Around.

This is the album that I will always associate with lockdown 2020. It accompanied me on many lonely drives when I’ve needed to get out and just drive and find a change of scenery in lockdown. It’s a mix of classic soul and orchestral pop, articulate and ingenuous songwriting a la Prefab Sprout, with some Steely Dan and Todd Rundgren in there too, plus the best song The Pretenders 

never wrote. It is a gem and I have been banging on about it to anyone who’ll listen. On a major label it could and should have been huge. (How many times have we all said that!?) I have now bought it 4 times as gifts, it’s easily my favourite album of the year. Many years ago, when Erin’s first album came out, she, along with myself, Peter Bruntnel & Thea Gilmore, had to suffer the indignity of playing the Mojo Magazine Christmas Quiz. A room full of record industry types: Labels, P.R, music journos and assorted ageing pop stars (yes, Martyn Fry, I saw you) who were all clearly happy to be anywhere! 

When questions where being read out, the room fell into an awed silence- it was VERY competitive. But as soon as one of us got up to play, all hell broke loose as they argued over answers whilst our performances were ignored! The only upside was that the event was sponsored by Gibson guitars, and we were all given a new Epiphone model that they were launching. 

Another connection between A Girl Called Eddie and My Darling Clementine is our mutual choice of musicians. Richard Hawley and Colin Elliot produced her debut, and Shez Sheridan played on it, as was the case with our own Country Darkness and our earlier album The Reconciliation.

Other 2020 releases that I’ve loved (but not in any particular order) are listed below. They all struck a resounding chord with me this year:

Terry Allen Just Like Moby Dick

I have known Terry for over 20 years and played shows with him a number of times. A new album is always a treat (mainly because they are so damned infrequent) but I love the fact that he does what he wants, when he wants. I think he is just as happy sculpting or painting. This new album is quite brilliant and as lyrically evocative as ever. I particularly love the song he co-wrote with Dave Alvin Death Of The Last Stripper.

Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways.(Brilliant album but it wins the worse album cover of the year). 

I wouldn’t be bothered if there wasn’t ever another album from Neil Young or Van. Yes, I’d be happy to hear more from Leonard Cohen but that’s not going to happen. But when it comes to Bob, I’m glad that there always seems to be more and more. And he still has it. He has that something that draws us in, makes us want to listen. Rough & Rowdy Ways is an amazing album, and for him to still be writing songs that can arguably be hailed as classics (I Contain Multitudes for example) is just incredible. There is Bob, and then there is everyone else.

Dan Penn Living On Mercy

2020 has been a very bad year in many respects, but to get a new Dan Penn album (as well as Terry Allen) is cause for celebration. This new album is classic Dan, totally timeless. (it could have been cut in 1973) This album would be in my top albums of the year, just for the track I Do. But it is a whole bunch of top draw songs. Like Bob, he doesn’t let the writing standard drop.

Bill Callahan Gold Record 

I loved his Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest album from 2019, and this carries on where that left off. His world view is so unique. His way with words is unexpected, dark and so damn funny. I can’t think of anyone from these shores writing like this, with such a jaundiced world view. Richard Dawson maybe, but to me his records don’t bear such repeated listening. There is a wonderful melancholy to Bill‘s records too, and a bravery to leave things very live, not cleaned up afterwards. It makes you feel like he is in the same space as you, playing live. Not many artists (myself included) can let that happen. We need a few more. For me, he’s descended from the likes of Ivor Cutler or Jake Thakery.

Chuck Prophet The Land That Time Forgot

Chuck has kept folks entertained during lockdown with some choice covers and gentle humour on line. He and James McMurtry I always look out for on-line performances. Plus, his video for the song Get Off The Stage is quite brilliant. (And the song nails Tump perfectly). Many songs from this album will be killer live and I look forward to seeing him again when we are all back out touring

Jeb Loy Nichols Season Of Decline

Just an EP, but my good pal with the sweetest soul voice delivers once again. Special commendation for the brilliant, suitably apt, title track.

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

She is a miracle, head and shoulders above her contemporaries, and this is another really fine album. She is always worth our attention, even if this doesn’t quite match the brilliant Semper Femina for me- a stone wall classic that set the bar very high. I do prefer the production on that album. I liked the way Blake Mills made her music less “conventional singer songwriter” with his use of loops and percussion.  Still, her songs are so strong they’re hard to mess up. And on Song For Our Daughter, I particularly like the opening track Alexandra. Another song with a timeless quality. 

Roddy Frame North Star

Yes, I know, NOT a 2020 album and not even a re-issue in 2020, but for some unknown reason, I totally missed it first time around. I am a HUGE fan so I don’t know how it escaped me. Anyway, in an online exchange about the genius of Roddy, my pal Danny Champ pointed this album out as his favourite, so I immediately got it. While it does not quite dislodge High Land Hard Rain from its place in my all-time favourites list, North Star is a stunning album and should have been the one to move him into the major league. Some of these songs are anthemic (I can imagine vast crowds singing them back to him) yet they never lose that brilliant songwriting craft he has. All of the song is good, not just the catchy chorus. So, North Star was my belated discovery of 2020, accompanying me on the few journeys I was able to make. (A truly great driving album!) 

MALIN PETTERSEN

Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter

Nobody writes like Brennen Leigh. Nobody sings like her either. Sometimes songs make you feel like they have always existed, or like they speak some kind of existential truth, and to me, Brennen’s songs are like that.

Lilly Hiatt Walking Proof

Lilly Hiatt’s songs have so much personality and life in them. This album makes me want to walk right into it, get to know the people in the songs. I also love the production.

Raye Zaragoza Woman in Color

Clever songwriting and beautiful singing. I really take a lot away from this album when it comes to perspective.

Darling West We’ll Never Know Unless We Try

I discover new things about each song every time I listen to this or any Darling West album for that matter. And when you have people who’ve played and sung together for so long it makes for such amazing arrangements which I never grow tired of listening to.

Aubrie Sellers Far from Home

This kicked in the door when I listened to it the first time. It’s bold, intriguing, and blends several classic sounds into its own sound. And killer vocals!

THE NORTHERN BELLE

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher

I’m just in love with this album. Phoebe Bridgers saved me in April with her up-tempo and super catchy single Kyoto! Everything was up in the air and the world turned a dark corner. Then this beautiful album came along and summer started to show its colours. I love the lyrics, the soundscape and her voice. I feel like I know her through her songwriting and it’s a privilege to be invited into her world. 

Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

This album blooms of hard-won wisdom, painful and heartfelt songs and a poetic pen that glides over the pages with such a natural ease. Katie Crutchfield’s songs are pure and don’t need anything else than a steady and groovy band. It sounds like friends playing together. I will go as far as to compare this album to one of my favourite albums by Lucinda Williams: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. I love to listen to this album while walking. 

Taylor Swift Folklore

This is an album full of reflection, storytelling and it’s so beautifully wrapped in by Taylor’s pop-sensibility. This is both the Taylor Swift we got to know when she started out and the pop wizard that we have met the last couple of years. Queen!

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

Laura Marling has been a huge inspiration for a long time and I thank the higher power for her music and her presence throughout this year. Her guitar lessons on Instagram have been a highlight! I still think her previous album was one of her best, but her new album has captured a special place in my heart. It’s raw, full of emotions, sparks, power and it was just what I needed this year. I also love the title! 

Molly Tuttle But I Rather Be With You

I get teary-eyed just thinking about this album. Sometimes I need something familiar and safe. That safety can be a phone call from my Grandmother, a hug from a loved one or just listening to music that I never get tired of. This album is a mixture of songs I always loved along with new adventures. It’s a cover album if you haven’t figured that out yet, but it feels fresh and Molly Tuttle has made every song sound like it’s hers. Songs like A Little Lost (Arthur Russell) and Something On Your Mind (Karen Dalton) give me goosebumps and whenever I need a good cry I put them on. She’s A Rainbow (Rolling Stones) makes me smile from ear to ear. Enjoy! 

TERRI KLEIN 

It’s been such an odd year in so many ways and music is no exception. I have tremendous respect for anyone who had the gall to release a new record this year, lacking the opportunities to tour in support of it or play the songs live in a radio studio. But five particular records stood out for me this year, in no order.

Ben de la Cour Shadow Land

I’d been hearing Ben play these perfect songs at shows over the past few years. And then one day he shot me a text and told me he’d made a record in Canada with Scott Nolan, whose song Bad Liver & A Broken Heart is one of my favourites. Ben sent me a Soundcloud link and I knew that whatever year he ended up releasing it, it’d be one of the very best records that year. This is a transporting, courageous, great-sounding record. I’m glad it exists.

Tami Neilson Chickaboom!

This fantastic record kept me company on a run up to Lubbock and back. Ten Tonne Truck, Queenie & You Were Mine is the best three songs in a row on any record released this year. Capturing the intensity of a brilliant live performer in the studio is a huge challenge, but this record does it.

Run The Jewels RTJ4

In the midst of the George Floyd protests, when it felt as if the whole world was coming apart, Run The Jewels dropped this record. I listened to it once and it took my breath away. I listened to it again and it took my breath away again. “walking in the snow” is my favourite here, I think. But I love the whole thing.

Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter

Brennen Leigh is too good at writing songs. Part of me wishes that she would just stop for a little while so the rest of us might try and catch up. That goes for her partner in crime, Noel McKay, too. This record is timeless and could be good enough to become part of the singer-songwriter canon. We’ll see.

Jackson Emmer Alpine Coda

Mary Bragg, whose most recent album was on this list last year, produced this fine record. Jackson is a tremendous songwriter, so it’s very flattering that he decided to include a song here that we wrote together (I Don’t Want This). The closing track, We Kill What We Love, alone is worth the price of admission. 

VICTORIA BAILEY

1 The Highwomen The Highwomen 

The women that make up this group are legends and have made such an impact on me separately over the years, and now have joined together and formed such a powerhouse. Their song “Redesigning Women” is the ultimate girl power anthem!  

2 Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

I’ve been riding horses a lot this year, and I have played this one many times on trail rides to keep me company. Colter Wall’s voice and songwriting are so timeless and he can cover a good cowboy classic like no other. 

3. Dolly Parton The Grass Is Blue 

Because Dolly is ALWAYS in rotation.

4 John Prine John Prine 

Rest in peace to this beautiful soul. I know this record holds a special place in many hearts, and I’m so thankful for John’s gift and songs he has given the world. Paradise is my forever favourite. 

5 Mapache From Liberty Street 

This album came out in the beginning of quarantine; I remember it being such a bright light, and I played it over and over. I love seeing them play live, and I’m lucky to call these guys friends. From Liberty Street is filled with so much beautiful Spanish, folky sweetness. 

KRISTINA MURRAY

Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross

This is my favorite top-to-bottom, most complete record this year. Sonically diverse and dynamic, lyrically unique and honest, it’s just plain real country through and through. I love Jaime’s voice: I don’t think she sounds like anybody else out there right now and I dig that. 

Favourite Tracks: Goodbye Queen, Demon, L I V I N,Neon Cross.

Logan Ledger Logan Ledger

As Logan is a friend and fellow co-writer, I’ve been a witness to not only the development of this beautiful record, but heard the first few incarnations of some of the songs on this album in their rawest form. Logan has meshed his influences here so seamlessly, and for a debut, there’s really not much more one could ask: carefully and artfully written, the absolute most top-notch studio players to execute the ideas flawlessly, and probably the most beautiful voice in Nashville right now—it’s all there in this very complete collection of songs. 

Favourite Tracks: Electric Fantasy, I Don’t Dream Anymore, Imagining Raindrops.

Mike and the Moonpies Touch Of You: The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart

Mike and the boys done done it again. Gary Stewart is, hands down, one of my top five favorite country writers and singers, so to hear a tribute record DONE VERY RIGHT and with Gary songs that are either difficult or impossible to find, it was like double payday for me when this record came out. As usual, Mike’s vocal delivery is country gold and the Moonpies have brought these songs to life in a way that I’m sure Gary would approve of. 

Favourite Tracks: Smooth Shot of Whiskey, That’s Life,Touch Of You.

Zephaniah OHora Listening to the Music

Similar to Logan’s record, I’d been privy to the bulk of these tunes when I toured with Zeph a few years ago; to hear them fully realized has really been a treat and Zeph and the boys have executed a true country record here that, in due time, will be hailed as a modern country classic. The guitar work by John Shannon and steel by Jon Graboff is a highlight for me, matched by Zeph’s songwriting. Lotta folks might have thought he couldn’t outdo 2017’s ‘This Highway’, but personally, I think he’s done that with ‘Listening To The Music.’ It’s exciting to me when artists only get better with their art and output. 

Favourite Tracks: Black & Blue, Time Won’t Take It’s Time, Heaven’s On The Way, Living Too Long

Blue Jean Queen Wild Wild Woman (single)

If you’ve talked to me about music at all in the last two years, you’ll hear my staunch opinion that the best country (and rock n roll) is coming out of, not Nashville, but Texas. Rockyanne Bullwinkel aka Blue Jean Queen (lead singer formally of Austin’s criminally underrated powersoul band The Reputations) steps out here with a single that is my favourite song this year period. It’s got an infectious groove, perfectly crafted dynamic and achingly honest lyrics delivered by a distinct and singular vocalist. Pumped that this is only the beginning for her and can’t wait to hear a complete album from BJQ. 

Other favourite records this year:

Brent Cobb Keep ‘Em On They Toes 

Brit Taylor Real Me

Waylon Payne Blue Eyes

Jesse Daniel Rollin’ On

Rachel Brooke The Loneliness In Me

Adam Wright I Win 

STEPHANIE LAMBRING

1 Ken Yates Quiet Talkers

2 Ethan Gruska En Garde

3 Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

4 Ruston Kelly Shape and Destroy

5 Christian Lee Hutson Beginners

6 Lori McKenna The Balladeer

7 Phoebe Bridgers Punisher

8 Donovan Woods Without People

9 Jason Isbell Reunions

10 Tyson Motsenbocker Someday I’ll Make It All Up To You

CAITLIN CANNON

First, it was Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross. God bless that Sweet Mess. She’s the Goodbye Queen of the minor fall and makes want to cancel all of my plans for the day. I’ll fumble this but, lyrically I hear a kind of masculinity in her brand of self-deprecation, that earns her a place next to Jessie Colter on the Mount Rushmore of “Outlaw” Icons in my mind. So, I was giddy to hear that collaboration on Just a Woman. And tickled by Demon Tied to A Chair in My Brain. I don’t love this trend I’m hearing in Americana lately, where a one-line chorus gets repeated over and over, but that song doesn’t hardly need any other lyrics IMHO. And I’d give my left toe to see what kind of album baby I’d make with Shooter Jennings. 

Then Lori McKenna Balladeer and I was like— Holy shit, where are my keys so I can go for a 9-hour drive. Her well is so deep, but it sounds like it’s healed down in there now where it used to be flooded with pain, and that gives me hope! They all have masterful McKenna songwriting moments, and combined with Dave Cobb’s heavyweight champion touch it’s like, “Watch and learn, children.” The songs sound so properly loved, like they got each everything they needed from two healthy, devoted parents who love and respect each other. And that makes me jealous! 

Track Highlights: All of them.

And then after Elizabeth Cook Aftermath, I was officially ousted out of my own top three. She never just transmits information, she wraps her words up in shiny paper and offers them to you with a bow on top. I try never to miss an Instagram post. Asking Butch Walker to produce was a genius move, resulting in the funniest, freshest, genre-bendy sound, that gives me all the drum machine/distortion envy I need to get up in the morning and grab my own guitar. In fact, I can’t even continue my list because I haven’t wanted to spend time with anything else. Currently in a monogamous relationship with this record; we’re very happy. 

Track Highlights: All of them. 

I don’t know if this is a new trend really, but I think I’m hearing a braver perspective from female artists this year. Just more of what it’s like to be a daughter, sister, mother, addicted, sober, spiritual, broken, delivered well-rounded woman in this genre. I really felt that. And on that note, add these to your Father Hunger Playlist right now: By Your Side (Jaime Wyatt), Marie & The Dream (Lori McKenna), Daddy, I Got Love For Ya (Elizabeth Cook), Daddy-O Mine (Caitlin Cannon- that’s me). 

NORMA MAC DONALD

It’s obviously an understatement to say it’s been a strange year to release new music. That being said, I feel some of the music that came out in 2020 wove itself deeper into our hearts and minds because we had a chance to slow down and listen a little closer. Here’s a few of my favourites from 2020 (in no particular order):

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher 

I’ve been looking forward to this record since her debut ‘Stranger in the Alps’ killed me and left me for dead in 2017. It did not disappoint. Phoebe’s lyrics can make you laugh then throw you into an existential crisis in a single phrase (that’s good in my books, in case you were wondering). She’s one of the most gifted songwriters to come along in years.

Recommended Tracks: Kyoto, Graceland Too, I Know the End

Christian Lee Hutson Beginners

Sticking with the Phoebe love, she produced this debut record for fellow L.A. singer-songwriter Christian Lee Hutson. His writing and delivery feel like a mix of Simon & Garfunkel and Sufjan Stevens (folky Sufjan, not electronic Sufjan). It’s quirky and laid back and lovely.

Recommended Tracks: Atheist, Talk, Northsiders

Kestrels Dream Or Don’t Dream

Full disclosure: Kestrels front man and songwriter Chad Peck is my partner and I sang on this record. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a big, hook-y indie rock masterpiece. Chad has an amazing ability to create these enormous, layered, dreamy (but loud) soundscapes. AND J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr. guest solos on Grey And Blue. Dreams of the 90s do come true.  

Recommended Tracks: It’s a Secret, Everything is New, Grey and Blue.

Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

I’ve enjoyed Katie Crutchfield’s (the singer-songwriter behind Waxahatchee) previous albums, but Saint Cloud feels like a whole new level. These songs are gritty and timeless and gorgeous.

Recommended Tracks: Can’t Do Much, Fire, Arkadelphia.

Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

Anyone who’s been a fan of Canadian alt-country hero Kathleen Edwards knows the story about how she quit music 8 years ago and opened a coffee shop outside of Ottawa. This long-awaited return is full of gut-punch honest lyrics about the music business, friendship and loneliness.

Recommended Tracks: Glenfern, Birds on a Feeder, Simple Math.

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

I’ll admit I’m not as well-versed in the Laura Marling catalogue as I should be for a folky with a love of deep-diving lyrics and strong female voices. I need to fix that. Aside from the great production, this is probably the most overtly feminist album I’ve heard all year. I’d also like to add that her cover of Dylan’s A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (which was released in 2019, so I’m kind of cheating) is one of my favourite covers of anything ever.

Recommended Tracks: Alexandra, Strange Girl, Song For Our Daughter.

THE SOUTHERN FOLD (Emyln Holden)

1 Sam Doores Sam Doores

2 Jeff Tweedy Love is the King

3 Elvis Presley From Elvis in Nashville

4.William Elliott Whitmore I’m With You

5 Wilco Summerteeth (Deluxe Reissue Edition)

6 Blackbird & Crow Ailm

7 Blitzen Trapper Holy Smokes Future Jokes

ALLAN JONES (Uncut Magazine)

1 Bob Dylan Rough And Rowdy Ways

2 Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Reunions

3 Drive-By Truckers The New OK

4 Fleet Foxes Shore

5 Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Sideways To New Italy

6 Daniel Romano How Ill Thy World Is Ordered

7 A Girl Called Eddy Been Around

8 Sault Untitled (Black Is)

9 Drive-By Truckers The Unravelling

10 Sarah Jarosz World On The Ground

ZACH AARON

My favorite albums of 2020 are, Colter Wall Western Swing and Waltzes and Corb Lund Agricultural Tragic. I love old cowboy songs and Colter nailed this album as far as cowboy songs go. I’ve been competing in rodeos, riding saddle bronc, this year so his song “high and mighty” has been my theme song since its release. The album as a whole has a broke down vintage sound to it and I love that. Corb’s album comes in a close second with me. With a more “up to date” recording sound he brings to life the woes of a modern cowboy. Agricultural Tragic is full of songs that anyone who has ever owned a horse can relate to and I love it.

DANIEL MEADE

Bruce Springsteen A Letter To You

An absolute beast from start to finish, recorded live and you can totally feel that energy ripping through your speakers, what a buzz from start to end! Ghosts might well be my most listened to song of 2020, life-affirming stuff.

Diana Jones Song To A Refugee

Beautifully written and performed by my old friend/sometime boss. It’s a very important, understated and powerful album, a soundtrack for the times we find ourselves in. I think it’s her best yet, I’ve always loved her voice but it sounds particularly perfect for these stories. There’s talk of us touring together again next year so I can’t wait to hear and play these songs live, roll on 2021.

Gerry Cinnamon The Bonny

Another amazing list of songs from Gerry, his debut Erratic Cinematic was always going to be hard to follow but he’s nailed it here, tune after tune after tune. I think he’s one of the best songwriters to come out of Scotland in years and he deserves all his success. I was lucky enough to play piano on a couple of songs at his Glasgow Hydro gigs last year and what a show he puts on, so much energy, just incredible.

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

One of my favourite artists of the last 5 years, a unique and natural talent who just gets better with every release. Her vocals and arrangements are wonderful, her lyrics blow me away, not a word ever wasted. She totally means it, as authentic as they come.

Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways

What else can you say, he’s still got it and how. He’s one of the true greats, one of the last originals standing and still showing everyone how it’s done. This is a great collection of songs, his band are cookin’, what more do you need? 

ASHLEY RAY

Ruston Kelly Shape & Destroy  

Little Big Town Nightfall  

Hailey Whitters The Dream  

Sasha Sloan Only Child 

Logan Ledger Logan Ledger 

Nathanial Ratliff And It’s Still Alright 

Stephanie Lambring Autonomy

Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

Taylor Swift FolkLore

Katie Pruitt Expectations 

PETE GOW

Bob Dylan Rough And Rowdy Ways

That the man who essentially invented my job is still - approaching 80 - making worthwhile, even vital music, is incredible… this record is simply brilliant.. his voice, the production, the arrangements .. the lyrics!!… he has entirely adapted himself to be Bob Dylan for right now. 

Frazey Ford U Kin B The Sun

I was a big fan of the ‘Be Good Tanyas’ records, and as such followed the solo output of both Frazey Ford and Jolie Holland. U Kin B The Sun is a perfect record, top to bottom… it sets a mood that sustains you through the entire listen.. it couldn’t sound less like Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds The Boatman’s Call.. but I go to both records for precisely the same thing.. to ride the feeling I get from the opening bars through to the very end. 

Michael Kiwanuka Kiwanuka

Popular music has a rich history of artists making their most important statement with the third album… this is very much the case with Kiwanuka.. he has matured way beyond the sum of his influences, he is comfortable in the studio, with who he is, where he is from and how that informs what he wants to say. 

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

As fine a break up album as there has ever been. There will always be Blood On The Tracks, there will always be Shoot Out The Lights. now there is Old Flowers … say all three in the same breath, it’s warranted. 

Christy Moore The Early Years

His phrasing blows my tiny mind, he’s like a rapper ... albeit one in his 70’s from Kildare. 

Nick Cave Idiot Prayer - Alone At The Piano

A very precise album for these times. Recorded during lockdown, while we were all still processing what being locked down actually meant. One of the artists we rely on to take our hand and walk us through that which we can’t quite articulate for ourselves stepped into a cavernous, cold Alexandra Palace and performed alone at a piano.. you can hear the room, you can hear the mistakes and if you listen carefully you can hear he has no more of an idea of what’s going on than we do… but he’s dressed immaculately.  

Bruce Springsteen Letter To You

I had to listen to this record three times before I noticed how good it was. I couldn’t get past Max Weinberg’s drumming.. it is colossal. Unlike its predecessor, ‘Western Stars’ (.. which I also loved), this is a wilful ‘we still got this’ Brooooce recording.. and they do. Springsteens voice is phenomenal and the older material not only sits alongside the new songs, it stands out… listen with headphones to him sing ‘the Confederacy is in my name now’. 

Judee Sill Heart Food 

Clearly not from this year, but a staple of my 2020 soundtrack. I’ve had her BBC recordings for a long time, but never really absorbed her until I was turned on to a BBC Radio 4 documentary that sent me to the studio recordings.. Sill is a damaged, fragile, beautiful writer.. racked by Catholic guilt and self- doubt (.. no, this isn’t still the Springsteen write up!) and Heart Food, her second album is a triumph.

KELLEY SWINDALL

Pokey Lafarge Rock Bottom Rhapsody

I just can’t get enough of Pokey Lafarge. He is totally his own artist and doing his own thing. So perfectly timeless. A throwback but fresh and modern. I could listen (and do) listen to this album all day.

Taylor Swift Folklore

She had me from “The One” (so literally the first song). I’m a Taylor Swift fan. I think she’s a brilliant songwriter and a powerhouse of a human. I can’t wait to see where she is in ten years (seeing as to what all she’s accomplished and put forth in under 15)

Jesse Malin Sunset Kids 

Ok, so this one is technically 2019, but I’m hoping y’all will let it slide. This is such a GREAT album (and I”ve been listening to it all through 2020, so in my head, its 2020). Jesse is such a poet, both with his lyrics, but also with his melodies. They kill me. Pure Poetry. There are many great ones on this. It’s another one of those albums for me that I listen straight through every time. 

Rustin Kelly Shape & Destroy 

Love me some Rustin Kelly. His songs are so poignant and deep yet frightfully catchy and accessible in their melodies (while remaining unique!). He definitely has a distinct sound, and I love it. Beautiful, soulful, poignant record. Listen straight through on this one, too.

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher 

Love this Lady. Phoebe Bridgers is so damn unique and special. I love how she named this album Punisher a not so subtle jab, imo, at Ryan Adam’s “Prisoner”. Her voice and words are vulnerable and delicate, yet irreverent and cutting and deep, and the combination is deadly. Kyoto, Chinese Satellite, and I Know The End are some of my faves (though as I’m writing this, other ones from the album are jumping up to compete)

Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways

Dylan is arguably my greatest influence, in terms of the person I tried to emulate from a lyrical perspective, when I first started writing songs, so I devour any Dylan, no matter where he’s at/what era, cuz anything that comes from that man is another little peak into the window of that brain and soul of his, that I admire so greatly. He’s so damn cool with how he’s still such an iconoclastic artist after all these years, and Murder Most Foul especially drives that home for me.  This album isn’t background music, it demands your full attention, in the best way. I love to just put it on and revel in his words, and attitude. 

Zephaniah Ohora Listening to the Music 

I only recently discovered Zepheniah, and man!  What a Talent! He is so authentic and real and refreshing in the REAL country music world. Great Songwriter, and I just love his voice and classic Bakersfield sound (yet it’s all his own, not reductive 1). It makes me feel all warm and slowly inside to know he’s a fellow New Yorker, and making this kind of music in this town. Proud he’s out of here!

Tom Petty Wildflowers & All The Rest

Tom Petty. Damnit, I miss him. I was into Petty, before I ever knew who Dylan was, and he will always be my number one /desert island artist.. , so when I heard about Wildflowers and All the Rest, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, cuz unreleased tracks from his 1994 Masterpiece Wildflowers (arguably my favourite album of all time), yes, please! And to be able to hear the home recordings, that was the greatest treat of all. What an emotional experience as well as learning experience. Damnit, I miss Tom Petty.

ANGELA PERLEY 

Lilly Hiatt Walking 

Proof  - I’m a huge fan of Lilly Hiatt and this album has so many great songs and it rocks too! 

Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross 

I feel like this is Jaime’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road moment/album for me. Timeless! 
Jenny O. New Truth

This album speaks to me - existential/intimate tunes wrapped up in some psychedelic-pop-flair. 

Gillian Welch Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1-3 

I can’t believe these songs were never released. There are so many classics in here I couldn’t even pick a volume haha. It’s so good!! 

The Steepwater Band Turn of the Wheel

One of my favorite rock albums of the year!!! It’s incredible!! 

Sumbuck Oh Sweet Cafe Racer 

A beautiful gem of an album from start to finish. These songs will get stuck in your head forever. 

El Camino Acid Stay Mine 

Another favourite rock album of the year. It’s effortless and fun and a crazy epic debut album. 

Brent Cobb Keep Em’ On They Toes

Brent Cobb is like a younger Willie Nelson for me. He is so chill and powerful at the same time and this album is an instant classic in my book. 

Dawna Dawna

This album is amazing, one of my favourites. Heavy Little Feat vibe. 

Cut Worms Nobody Lives Here Anymore

A friend turned me onto Cut Worms and I have never looked back. This album is modern times-meets-John Lennon vibes. I’ve had it on repeat all year. 

NATIVE HARROW

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter 

Always a favourite of ours and another special record made with Ethan Johns.

Ray LaMontagne Monovision 

Our favourite record of Ray’s in a long time. This album is a wonderful example of just how great he is and contains warm references to some of the music of yesteryear that we love.

The Lemon Twigs Songs For The General Public 

This album was a bright spot in 2020 and provided a much-needed dose of musical escapism. 

Haim Women in Music Pt III 

For me, Haim can do no wrong. They’re the only current pop band with real skill. 

Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) 

For Joni Mitchell lovers like us, this is a much-anticipated deep dive into just what makes her so good. Her voice and her incredible ability to tell a nuanced story through song.

CLIFF WESTFALL

This is not a “Best of,” because I have no doubt there were great records released this year that I either haven’t heard at all or only heard cursorily. Also, I only considered full-length LPs, of mostly original music, with vocal content (sorry, SUSS!), released in 2020, and that stay largely within the “Americana” framework, which is admittedly pretty loose. These are the ten albums that seemed to stay in my mind the most this year (in alphabetical order):

Rachel Brooke The Loneliness in Me 

This album sounds like what Patsy Cline might have released had she lived in 2020, and also had a considerably darker sensibility. Which is not to say that the songs are depressing – somehow, there’s also a light touch, as if Brooke is comfortable in the darkness and inviting us to explore its nuances with her. Favourite tracks include the morbidly funny title track, The Loneliness in Me and the bluesy Picture on the Wall.

Jesse Daniel Rollin’ On 

Very well-written, classic honky tonk with a mostly 60s feel, proving that the classic formula still sounds contemporary in the hands of performers (and producer Tommy Detamore) who know the world they’re inhabiting, especially if they can also play the hell out of it. Favourite tracks: up-tempo road rocker Rollin’ On, Son of the San Lorenzo, about coming to terms with his past, “for better or worse, blessing or curse.”

S.G. Goodman Old Time Feeling 

S.G. Goodman doesn’t sound anything like fellow Kentuckian Tyler Childers, but like him, her songs are deeply rooted in what it means to be from there. Her voice is beautiful and works in either “ethereal beauty” mode or riding atop psychedelic rockers. Speaking of which, the title song Old Time Feeling, in the latter category, is one of my favourite songs of the year – a blistering meditation on what it means to wrestle with tradition in a fallen world. Or something like that… And in the former category, album opener “Space and Time,” a love letter to the world from someone seemingly contemplating suicide, is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Logan Ledger Logan Ledger 

I often think about music in visual terms, and for me, this album just shimmers. With production by T. Bone Burnett and an all-star band, the songs are most often in the country noir vein, but they veer frequently into 60s rock territory, with nods to psychedelia and straight-ahead rock and roll. But with Ledger’s Bakersfield vocal style anchoring the album, those stylistic nods never feel distracting or put on. And his songwriting is both clever and heartbreaking, in the way of classic country songwriters like Don Gibson, Roger Miller, and others who I wish were more widely influential than they are.

Gabe Lee Honky Tonk Hell

Speaking of songwriting and its mainstream failures, the title song of Gabe Lee’s new album takes a well-observed shot at all the people in Nashville “writing phony ass songs.” As pointed as that sounds, he manages to be self-deprecating in the same verse, as well as in much of the rest of the album. Witty songs, classic country production with nods to soul and classic R&B, brought forth in part by Hammond B3 organ and his own voice – he’s more of a bluesy belter than classic country twangster, but no less effective. Favourite song: Piece of Your Heart, an original that sounds like it could have been a John Prine song. 

Nocona Los Dos

Their website describes them as a band that melds psychedelia and the Bakersfield sound, and specifically mentions pairings like 13th Floor Elevators-meets-Buck Owens, or Love-meets-The Flying Burrito Brothers. I read that after I had already decided they reminded of a rootsy version of the Pixies, so I guess I was in their intended ballpark. Whatever… The fact is, they rock, from the choogling boogie of Chester to the laid back Post Apocalyptic Blues. Lots of great tracks, up-tempo and down-, but I think my favourite is the brooding, ominous Unseen Hand.

Graham Norwood Out of the Sea

Full disclosure on this one: Graham is a friend and frequent collaborator who, among other things, is all over my 2018 release, Baby You Win. Graham’s debut LP (he had an EP out in 2019 too) sounds nothing like what he’s done with me. It’s a dreamy but dark record with contemplative arrangements, pedal steel and string accents, Graham’s own accomplished guitar playing, and most of all, his astonishing voice that calls to mind Harry Nilsson or at times Aaron Neville. Favourite tracks on the record are the last two, Ago and Out on the Shore.

Zephaniah Ohora Listening to the Music

Another disclosure: Zeph is also a friend from the Brooklyn country scene. His warm, laid-back delivery shines through as usual on this great record, which was produced by Neal Casal before his death in August 2019. This is a straight-up country record, and a damn good one – had it been released in 1974, I’m sure it would have been a radio staple.  Favourite tracks: Black and Blue, Living Too Long.

Waylon Payne Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me 

Truly autobiographical songwriting, and concept albums, are pretty difficult to pull off. This one is both, and I wasn’t sure from the advance press that it would be my cup of milk, but man, it succeeds massively. From what I’ve read, a lot of the stories in the songs are quite literally true, and the arc of the album drags the listener through the throes of alcohol and drug addiction and family dysfunction, but also thankfully back towards redemption, frequently in the same song (see, e.g., the killer opening track, Sins of the Father). Another track that I can’t help but sing along with every time: All the Trouble, co-written by Payne, Adam Wright and Lee Ann Womack, and originally released by her in 2017.

Brit Taylor Real Me

The album opens with a sultry Bobbie Gentry groove (Back in the Fire) before settling into the classic country territory that forms the bulk of the album, but it’s all a winning combination. For one thing, she’s got a gorgeous voice, and a collection of songs that make me wish I could hear them on a jukebox instead of at my house. Favourite tracks include the title track ballad Real Me and the aforementioned Back in the Fire, but the one that really grabs me the most is Married Again (as in “I ain’t getting married again…”), which manages to turn some true-life drama into a rousing, funny and very catchy triump

JULIET McCONKEY

As far as new records go, my favourites from the year were hands down Terry Allen’s Just Like Moby Dick and Brennen Leigh’s Prairie Love Letter. 

Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter 

This was exactly what my homesick soul needed during these last few months of the ongoing pandemic times. She may be writing about a place far from my hometown in Virginia but there were so many lyrical anecdotes that felt deeply personal to me. She’s such a stellar musician and songwriter and this record is one I can (and do) listen to over and over.

Terry Allen’s Just Like Moby Dick 

’ve been slowly digging my way into Terry Allen’s catalogue these last couple of years and I got to see him perform this new record in early January. That show was incredible and the recorded versions of the songs perfectly encapsulate the energy from that show. My boyfriend (and songwriter as you know) James and I had that on repeat for a while. 

Shannon McNally Small Town Talk

That record also introduced me to the angelic voice of Shannon McNally who I spent a lot of listening hours with this year. My favourite record of hers is Small Town Talk which is a record of Bobby Charles covers. I didn’t know who Bobby Charles was before listening to her sing his songs so that led me to fall in love with his records too.

John Prine The Missing Years

I noticed as folks posted their “Spotify Wrapped” this year that a lot of people had the late, great John Prine in their list of top artists. I’m no different this year. I listened to a lot but my “on repeat” was The Missing Years. His signature storytelling draws you in like a great book and it’s sonically beautiful as well. 

Linda Ronstadt Hand Sown ... Home Grown

My feel-good, sing-it-at-the-top-of-my-lungs record. She’s someone my Dad always loved and encouraged me to listen to more, but I didn’t really go beyond the hits until last year and since then I haven’t been able to stop. I wore Hand Sown OUT this year. I dream of convincing Band of Heathens to cover Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad with me, haha.  

My final few perpetually spinning records of this year were Neko Case Fox Confessor, Jenny Lewis Acid Tongue, Nanci Griffith Last Of The True Believers and Kate Wolf Lines on the Paper. Kate Wolf was a brand new discovery this year, she belongs right up there with Nanci, Emmylou, Guy Clark. She wrote Across the Great Divide. She died young from Leukaemia, but not before making some truly phenomenal records. I can’t believe it took me this long to come across her and I did so by way of James who found her on a Spotify discovery playlist I think, but if you haven’t heard her I can’t recommend her more! 

Speaking of James Steinle, and speaking as someone who was a big fan before she became the girlfriend haha, I loved everything he put out this year. But I’m most excited for the upcoming Cold German Mornings which is hands down the best thing he’s ever done. 

I also enjoyed a few other new releases from artists I’m lucky enough to call friends: Kathryn Legendre put out two great tunes and Chris King put out a rockin record and has more on the way next week.  

It’s fun looking back on all these records I didn’t realize at the time were leaving such an impression on me. An upside to this year was definitely having the time to really give meaningful music my full attention. I really like listening to full records rather than shuffling tunes around and I tend to have a long attention span for those records too. I’m sure I drove James and my roommate crazy during quarantine listening to the same thing over and over again, haha. But I’ve been that way since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed memorizing a collection of songs front to back. Although I do think my brain was better at learning words quickly back then, these days it’s too oversaturated with the rest of life haha. 

Anyway, if you read all that I hope at least it was enjoyable! I love gushing about my favourite music and I love when other people gush about theirs. 

MICHELLE BILLINGSLEY

Big Cedar Fever Tumbleweeds

Texas swing from the heart of Texas. They’re amazing musicians and so fun to dance to (full disclosure, you can see me and my boyfriend dancing in their video for the title song). Screaming hot fiddle, tight harmonies and Georgia! I could listen to her sing the phone book. 

John Prine I Remember Everything

Now I know it’s just a song, not an album, but I hope you’ll forgive me. I think we all had to sit down when we heard the news that he passed, and I’m glad we have a song of his to hold on to this year. I hope he’s up there in heaven smoking that cigarette that’s “nine miles long.”

David Quinn Letting Go

Just like with his last album, this one is on repeat for me in the car. He’s got a killer band and really honed in on this fresh, groovy take on your dad’s classic-country sound. The perfect album to crank and drive off into the sunset in a cloud of dust.

Andrea and Mud Bad News Darlin’

Caught them last year when they rolled into town and Andrea whipped out a freaking saw and the room stopped breathing while she played. Andrea’s the voice of that bad angel on my shoulder. Save this for when your inner bad girl comes out late at night and you want to put on red lipstick and burn all those pictures you don’t know why you kept of your high-school boyfriend. 

Joshua Ray Walker Glad You Made It

I happened upon his previous album and right away fell in love with his voice and lyricism. Put it on when you really need a cry but it ain’t coming yet. I feel a special kinship with Boat Show Girl since I was an auto show model for a couple of years—it’s a weird, weird job. 

Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts Good Boy

They’re so much fun live, but we’ve got this pandemic going on right now, so just dance along with this wearing socks in your kitchen. 

I didn’t ever have to sit down and think about what I liked and why I liked. It’s HARD

THE DANBERRYS

Darrell Scott Sings The Blues Of Hank Williams

Darrell Scott is a musical treasure. He writes and performs from the heart and has an extremely wide body of work. His low key yet powerful take on these classic Hank tunes are not to be missed. 

Jill Andrews Thirties

This album was the soundtrack to our early pandemic days of 2020. Her songs have a way of making us feel at ease about our troubles. It feels like she’s singing our own lives back to us. And she does it so beautifully

Marcus King El Dorado

We really love the depth of this record. To be such a young guy, Marcus King really shows how versatile he can be. A true triple threat guitar player, songwriter, and singer.

Lilly Hiatt Walking Proof

We love love love Lilly’s quirky voice and writing style. This was another album that got us through the first month of the pandemic. Her songs are surprising and refreshing.

Joachim Cooder Over That Road I’m Bound

Percussionist and singer Joachim Cooder along with a talented band (including his dear ole dad Ry) showcase the songs of Uncle Dave Macon like never before. Definitely recommended whether you are familiar with Uncle Dave Macon or not. 

Sarah Jarosz World on the Ground

Sarah Jarosz is simply amazing. We have cherished every morsel of music from her. This album was no exception. Enough said.

MICHAELA ANNE
1 Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman

Bonny Light Horseman was the last live show I saw before the pandemic (aside from bands I was sharing the bill with). We had a night off in London while there for AMAUK and a tour and my husband, manager and myself went to see them at Roundhouse. It was Anais’ show but BLH opened. Roundhouse is an extraordinary space to hear music in. It was just a magical, pristine, beautiful evening. I loved the album even more after seeing them live. I have fond memories driving up the west coast, weeks later on our last tour before lockdown, singing along with my bandmate, Lauren Balthrop. It definitely became part of our tour soundtrack.

2 Lianne La Havas Lianne La Havas

I became obsessed with this record on first listen. I heard the single Weird Fishes first and couldn’t wait to dig into the rest of it. Lianne’s vocals are so incredible and her songs and production are incredibly interesting. I think I’ve listened to this record probably 100 times this year.

3 Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

I hadn’t been familiar with Waxahatchee’s previous records but this one has made me a big fan. It’s one of those records where I love every song. I love her lyrical imagery and how open the record sounds. Fire is one of my favourites though. I love how minimal the tracks instrumentation is.

4 Darling West We’ll Never Know Unless We Try

Darling West are a band from Oslo, Norway and happen to be close friends of mine but even if they weren’t, their music, and especially this album is so soothing and a favourite of mine. I love Mari’s high soprano and fast vibrato with Tor’s beautiful harmonies. Their songs are emotional and vulnerable. And they have a song (True Friends) on this record they co-wrote with Aaron Lee Tasjan, one of my personal favourites as well.

5 The Chicks Gaslighter

I mean ... this couldn’t not be on the list! I will always love the Chicks and their bold fearlessness.

6 Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

I’m a big fan of Kathleen’s ability to write with such detail and yet feel so universal. This album is no different. There are so many things that have made me sad this year regarding dreams and plans thwarted by the pandemic but it really bums me out that the year she comes back is the year it all shuts down. Looking forward to hopefully 2021 where I can see her in concert finally.

BECKY WARREN

Some of my favorite records this year in no particular order:

Kyshona Armstrong Listen

Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher

John Craigie Asterisk the Universe

Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

ANDREW NELSON (Great Peacock)

Will Stewart Way Gone

Will has been the artist I have listened to the most over the past 2 years. He is highly underrated. He found a unique style and voice on his 2018 album County Seat. Way Gone is an EP that furthers that direction. If you dig R.E.M. as well as the Grateful Dead, then Will Stewart is for you. Way Gone is full of fantastic lyrical imagery and haunting sonic vibes set to really good melodies.

Cordovas Destiny Motel

It would be easy to compare Cordovas to The Band. Yes, you can hear them as an influence. But, when I listen to Destiny Motel I hear a band that has matured a lot with their 2nd album, and is very much on to their own sound. This album has the catchiest single of the year in High Feeling. I am sure that the song would’ve sat at #1 for multiple weeks on the Americana chart if this was a “bigger”, more-established act. The album is a really good time. Short and sweet, full of punch.

JOHN BLEK

Kris Drever Where the world is thin

This is a cracker of an album from one of my favourites. There’s something about Scottish lyricists. They’re very comfortable with their eccentricities and use them to paint distinct portraits of their situation. Less about generic archetypes and more personal. Not to mind that the song “hunker down” features some of the catchiest and impressive guitar playing I’ve heard in a long time.  

Bert Jansch Crimson Moon (Reissue)

This was a RSD reissue so I’m bending the rules slightly but I had to include it. I collect Bert Jansch vinyl so I always get excited about his stuff. A beautiful album featuring Johnny Marr and Bernard Butler. A great reissue from Earth Recordings. 

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

For me Laura Marling won 2020. This stunning Ethan Johns produced album is a massive hit in my book. Back to beautifully written songs, smooth strings and signature Johns percussion.  

Christian Lee Hutson Beginners 

This was an album that hit me out of the blue this year and I haven’t stopped listening since. Delicate Paul Simon-esque vocal delivery. Great songs and tastefully produced by none other than Phoebe Bridgers.  

Bonnie Light Horseman Bonnie Light Horseman

Good things happen when three great artists get together. Another album of folk classics seems unnecessary until you hear the treatment, they have given these songs. An essential album in my book. Josh Kaufman’s production, with Anais Mitchell and Eric Johnson trading harmonies. Glorious.

A personal history of the Western Shirt

I don’t quite remember where my fascination with cowboy shirts started, probably with the many Westerns that were prolific through my childhood on the silver screen and black and white television screens. Those shirts were not the neo-realistic representations of what was actually worn back in the frontier towns and on the pioneer trails. Rather they epitomised the flash perfection of the likes of Roy Rogers and many a singing cowboy - the time when the white hat was reserved for the “good guys.” This was also mirrored in the opening chapter of the Coen Brothers' recent Legend of Buster Scruggs release. Everything is 'just so’ - pressed and unsoiled.

But the real spark for me came in later years, when the western shirt was a item of clothing that became adopted by rock and metal bands. Mainstream country had already abandoned that look in its attempt to broaden its audience. They had long wanted to ditch the “hillbilly” connotations, and had begun to move away from western style clothing when country music began to sell in greater numbers. This move largely prevailed until a performer and exponent of an earlier sartorial and musical hillbilly deluxe stance named Dwight Yoakam arrived on the scene. But more of that inspiring talent later …

The people who first made an impression in my teenage years were the likes of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin; 60’s West Coast rock bands like Moby Grape and The Charlatans; through to members of the New York Dolls and the MC5 in the 70's. All of the former wore cowboy shirts, while cowboy boots seemed to be the footwear of choice in heavy metal.

The origins of the cowboy/western shirt lay in the need for flamboyant costumes and they were largely unique to rodeo riders and on screen Wild West heroes. These clothing creations were the work of a number of tailors like Nudie Cohen, Nathan Turk, Rodeo Ben and others. However they were not mass market items - they were custom made for the individual client as a one-off garment. These artefacts of an era are now highly collectable and expensive items. 

A company based in Denver, Miller & Co., realised there was a market for those interested in all things western. A short time later Jack A.Weil joined the company before setting up Rockmount Ranch Wear in the late 1940s. Rockmount made affordable versions of the garments for an eager public who loved the mythology and mantle of what they perceived as the authentic look of those they wished to emulate. It was a niche market but a growing one. It was also helped by the emergence of “dude ranches” around that time. Rockmount was soon joined by labels such as H Bar C and Karman, and soon countless others.

A number of often short-lived fads also helped the western shirt to cross over to a wider audience. These included the Urban Cowboy craze which arose in the wake of the film starring John Travolta, which took the look to a wider demographic. The rise of Garth Brooks and his less traditional variations of the shirt sparked another growth area and saw some acts market their own range of shirts to their fans.

But the person who really took the look back to its origins was Dwight Yoakam. His music, look and attitude spoke of an earlier era and was no doubt helped by these aforementioned rock acts having given credence to its fashionability and innate “coolness.” He worked closely with Manuel Cuevas, a former head tailor with Nudie who established his own business in Nashville and who famously tailored shirts and clothing for clients such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Marty Stuart, Gram Parsons, as well as for Keith Richards and Salvador Dali, among many others. However it was Manuel’s association with Dwight Yoakam that reignited my interest in both country music and the western shirt.

Another committed exponent of the look has been Jim Lauderdale, who first made me realise what a rhinestone encrusted shirt did for stage presence. The rhinestones caught the stage lighting to create what has been described as a “shirt of light” and made the audience focus on the person centre stage. Lauderdale has also worn shirts from the UK company Dandy & Rose which favours prints from London store Liberty’s, which gives them a certain different Englishness. Lauderdale has remained faithful to “the look” when, all too often these days, the mainstream artists are styled to look more hip hop than Hank. However there are a number of artists who, through their wearing of western shirts and tailored suits, wear their hearts on their respective sleeves - from the choice of clothing to the retro-designed album covers. These performers range from Joshua Hedley in East Nashville to The Country Side of Harmonica Slim in Sweden. Their association with this imagery reveals a love of traditional country music that is deep and often signifies not some retro revival as much as reconfiguring the way to take the music into a new era, while paying respect to the past.

Many of the high fashion couture designers have regularly used the traditional cowboy shirt as source. Indeed, for a time, Tommy Hilfiger had a range of highly-priced off-the-peg Western Wear. Authentic shirts can still be found in vintage stores throughout Europe and the US, but for something more interesting and authentic go to Rockmount.com (as well as Scullyleather.com and Eroper.com) are still producing and designing shirts that tick all the right boxes and long may they, and their genuine contemporaries, continue to do so.

Written by Stephen Rapid (the author freely admits he is all hat (and shirt) and no cattle - as the expression goes).

Rockmount.com 

eRoper.com

scullyleather.com

dandyandrose.com

When I look at the craft of song writing and the creative process that defines so many artists, I wonder at the mystery, that certain spark which turns an internal feeling or an idea into a fully realised song that can be shared with the world. 

I have never met or spoken with Lynn Miles. Neither have I seen her perform live in concert, although I know that she has played in Ireland a number of times. My good friend, Andy Peters, who promoted and toured with Lynn, has been urging me to put some thoughts and words together and reflect on her song-writing craft. I question whether she been properly recognised by the greater music media over the years and it is worth mentioning that Lynn Miles is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. She has fourteen albums to her credit, as well as four Canadian Folk Music awards (including 2011 English Songwriter of the Year) and a 2003 Juno award for Roots and Traditional Solo Album of the Year. It has also been highlighted that Miles has written over 1,000 songs in her career to date. No doubt, Andy has a point. 

So, it’s 2020 and I’m watching a DVD that was released in 2003, Live at  the Chapel, a concert held at a recording studio in Tilburg, Holland and featuring the talents of Lynn Miles on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, joined by Ian LeFeuvre on guitar and bass, Keith Glass on bass, guitar and mandolin, plus Peter Van Althen on drums and percussion. 

This trio feature quite significantly across Lynn’s career, with both LeFeuvre and Van Althen appearing on her second studio release, Slightly Haunted, in 1996 and resurfacing again on the Unravel album in 2001- this time with LeFeuvre taking the producers chair, in addition to displaying his multi-instrumentalist talents. This fourth release started a run of albums that saw LeFeuvre continue with production, engineering and mixing skills.

The DVD features songs from three of her early releases with Slightly Haunted (3 songs), Night In A Strange Town (2 songs) and Unravel (7 songs) all highlighted in a compelling performance.  The only unreleased song featured is When My Ship Comes In and this is an appropriate title when reflecting upon a career that has consistently delivered real quality, even if the reality of mass acclaim and world domination has never fully knocked on her door. However, there has been plenty of good karma and symmetry across the years and the core musicians that Lynn Miles has used to bring a consistency to her beautifully restrained and evocative melodies have served her well.   

Canadian artists are many and female song writers stand toe to toe with their male counterparts. You can mention any number, off the top of your head, from Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan to Jane Siberry and Kathleen Edwards, all of whom have taken very different career paths. How each artist gets accepted and interpreted by those who listen, well, that’s outside their immediate control. There will always be a completely subjective reaction from each listener. What each of us takes from the song is ours to keep and take with us into the future. Once it has been given wings and released, it is in the public domain and no longer the sole property of the creative muse that conjured it up in the first place. 

Born in Cowansville, a small town in Quebec, Canada, Miles had her first set of songs captured on a self-titled cassette release in 1987, nine songs, none of which have appeared on subsequent releases. Her debut proper was in 1991 with Chalk This One Up To The Moon and this started her on a path that opened up increasing opportunities as word of her talent spread. Her prowess on different instruments became apparent at an early stage as she had learned to play the violin, guitar, piano and flute during her school years. 

This is something that would benefit her greatly as she grew into her career and having studied voice with a private teacher, she also took classical music history and theory at Carleton University in Ottawa. Miles has developed a vocal tone that is both pure and strong, with plenty of nuance and personality. Across her fourteen albums, four of which are in the Black Flowers series, she has written every song, with just a handful of co-writes. 

Her vulnerable and honest song-writing style highlights a haunting, tender melancholy across her beautiful melodies. Different topics, such as life, love, relationships and a compulsion to seek deeper meaning, have populated her songbook right from the beginning.

Many see her musings and evocative images as musical therapy, with her warm and plaintive delivery giving her songs the power to touch that emotional chord that links us all together on this crazy, spinning globe. Echoing emotion and empathy, self-doubt and self-reflection, these are some of the strengths that separate Lynn Miles out as a song writer that touches this sense of self in others. 

It is this connection that has seen her career endure. Her ability to act as a filter for seeking truth about ourselves, our dark angels and our quiet separation has marked her out as a songstress and wordsmith of real gravitas and insight. How much of oneself a particular writer gives away in a song is a decision that has already been taken in its creation, whether deeply personal or written from observation of others and filtered back into the lens of perspective. 

Writing in character is something that can include a personal feeling or a view held, but not expressed overtly. In the act of giving comes the reward, even if the ripples that find their way back are not always what the song writer may care to hear. What is the movie that plays in our imaginations on hearing a song? Different images are created, perhaps the same emotion, but filtered through a separate life experience. No matter what the circumstance, it is the song that always stands as a reference point. 

So, what separates out one creative artist from another? Can it be simply a singular vision of the world? That perspective gained in growing up and learning how to deal with their own life experiences? Depending on your view, the songs of Lynn Miles are brave and unafraid to tackle personal issues. However, you may not be the type of listener who is drawn to confessional songs about broken hearts and faithless lovers. Indeed, it is tragic romances and broken hearts that feature mostly in her songs, not that she is a victim, more that she looks for a lesson in everything and a chance to grow and move on. 

Of course, not all of her songs can possibly be interpreted as personal, given the sheer weight in number that she has written. I see her in the role of the great observer, the watcher, the one who distils all the pain and pleasure into a few minutes of emotion and reflection. There is a rueful poignancy to her words, even if many of the songs follow similar themes.

Whether her songs give a spiritual message is something again for each to decide but there is no doubt that she captures that sense of longing and loneliness better than most. Perhaps her adolescence was coloured with such feelings and Miles is on record as saying she is a private and shy person when she is not coming alive on stage in front of an audience. Searching for unconditional love can be a lonely journey. Does anyone ever truly trust another and open up to the point where you are completely vulnerable? 

If we were to look across the early studio albums as she has grown, there is a theme and progression from one release to the next;

1991 – Chalk This One Up To The Moon. Twelve songs, relationship problems, choices made, feeling adrift, wanting more… Lovely, gentle playing and a sweet vocal, no drums, acoustic feel. Contains the standout song, Hockey Night In Canada, a song of questioning youth and hopeful dreams.

1996 – Slightly Haunted. Eleven songs and greater dynamic and colour in the playing and the arrangements, five years older. Alienation, nostalgia, search for solace. Familiar themes. Contains the standout Last Night, sprinkled with the joy of youth and unsure innocence.

1998 – Night In A Strange Town. Eleven songs and a gentle, laid-back sound. New musicians bring fresh impetus. Greg Leisz, Larry Klein, John Coady, Dean Parkes. Yeah, Yeah is a key song. Lost love and moving on, seeking forgiveness, survival of the fittest. Rust is another standout song, perhaps written for a close family member?

2001 – Unravel. Eleven songs and more space in the arrangements, stripped back and sensing both the liberation and suffocation in relationships. The grey lines in emotions, feelings, hope and trust. Key songs are the broken dreams of When Did The World and the despair of grim reality in Black Flowers– a title that she would take for a future project.

2005 – Love Sweet Love. Eleven songs and a warmer sound with really tight ensemble playing from the same musicians used on Unravel. More upbeat, courage in love, going for it. There is also dislocation and fragile feelings of lost love. Standout song is Casino El Camino and a tale of the nomadic life of a travelling musician. This release saw LeFeuvre return as producer and featured Keith Glass on electric guitar and mandolin. Glass also made a welcome return on the last release, in 2017, when Road appeared, a collection of old and new live recordings that spanned a period of 15 years that had seen Lynn and Glass playing together, as a duo, on tours.

In a way, the release of Love Sweet Love marked a crossroads in the career of Lynn Miles, coming four years after her Unravel album and marking a further four years before she would return again with her new focus on a series of releases, titled Black Flowers. There were to be four separate releases that ran from 2009 up to 2014 and saw her revisit many old songs in order to reinterpret and reframe, with stripped down acoustic guitar or piano. The fresh unadorned approach did not veer too far away from the original songs but the opportunity to release a number of new, unrecorded songs also gave Miles the impetus to take stock of her career. 

Volume 1 (2009) Ten tracks with only one new song, When My Ship Comes In, part of the 2003 DVD performance and defining a personal ghost in the lyric “I Have Been Afraid Of The Dark, I Have Been Afraid Of My Heart… In Fact, I’ve Been Afraid Of Everything.” The other tracks are spread across three of her early albums and Unravel features most with five tracks, plus Fall For Beauty on another four. 

Volume 2 (2009) Ten songs again, with one new track featured and a more even spread across the previous releases. Plenty to engage and inspire. Including the impressive Rust and Last Night, plus the 8-Hour Drive song, “I learned your tough lesson, Don't get in too close, When you find out nothing is real.”

Volume 3 (2012) Ten tracks and four new songs featured. The remaining six, older tracks are spread across the earlier releases, with Hockey Night In Canada (from 1991 debut) sounding so poignant all these years later.

In the middle of her Black Flowers project, Miles released her Fall For Beauty (2012) album with ten new songs and another LeFeuvre influenced production, again with seasoned player Van Althen adding plenty of texture on drums and percussion. The very personal Three Chords and The Truth, balanced with the positive affirmation of Time To Let The Sun and another highlight was a duet with Jim Bryson on Goodbye, a fractured relationship song that continues familiar themes in her body of work. 

Volume 4 (2014) Ten songs with only one representing the past, Long Time Coming, the rest are all new and follow familiar themes of regret (Sorry That I Broke Your Heart), lost dreams (House Of Broken Dreams) and feeling let down (Sorry’s Just Not Good Enough). There are positive songs also and After All says it’s ok to be on your own and feeling free.

Interestingly, her last studio release was in 2013, when Downpour appeared, a project that featured just Lynn and LeFeuvre on multiple instruments across eleven songs – three of which made their way onto the live Road album, some four years later. Songs Like Moth, How To Be Alone, and Can’t Stop My Heart From Breaking indicate the direction of the song moods on this release. The imagery of a Moth to a flame is so visual and the desperate attempts to make a relationship work by subjugating yourself to another and their demands is just so ruefully observed.

Also, in 2014 Lynn Miles found time to produce fellow Canadian artist Lynne Hanson’s album, River of Sand, confirming a friendship which saw Hanson contribute design and layout to some of the Black Flowers albums and more recently, a collaboration as The LYNNeS, who released an album, Heartbreak Song for the Radio, in 2018.

In 2015, Lynn Miles recorded and released Winter, a collection of 13 songs about the Winter season and Christmas. Some recorded live with strings, some studio recordings. It contained the standout High Heels In The Snow, the tale of a hooker and the plight of a life with little future. Apart from this album, the track has never featured on any of Lynn’s other releases.

Is there a recurring theme running through this impressive and broad body of work? The fear of change, of commitment, of somebody who prefers to stand back and watch the play of life unfold. An observer, never the player in the game? 

Well, you cannot recognise what you have not experienced, so there is an undeniable truth running through these songs. No matter how many ways we try to frame relationships, how many ways we express the same emotions; Lynn Miles paints her vistas with honest emotion and is the purveyor of grey lines, the queen of dark waters. Whatever helps to keep the creative juices flowing, whether poetry, painting or reading for inspiration, I get the strong impression that Lynn Miles has never suffered much from writer’s block. 

These insightful and rich albums span a time period of 26 years. In seeking perspective on the human heart and the ability of our collective spirit to endure, then look no further. There is a wounded melancholy but it is 26 years of experience and honing her craft that makes Lynn Miles the insightful writer that she has become and what endears her to her many admirers. There is a strong sense that we are all in this together and without her resolve to act as gatekeeper for the glue that binds us, despite the pain and uncertainty, we would be much the poorer for her absence.

Find her music at www.lynnemiles.com

Written and researched by Paul McGee

AMY BOONE 

King of Madrid - Peter Bruntnell

Jaime - Brittany Howard

Union - Son Volt

Two Hands  - Big Thief

Everything Hits At Once - Spoon

ALLAN JONES 

Purple Mountains - Purple Mountains

The Imperial - The Delines

Ghosteen - Nick Cave

Curve Of The Earth - Ohtis

Norman Fucking Rockwell - Lana del Ray

JAMES STEINLE  

Something to Show for it - Ben Ballinger

Beautiful Lie - Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison

All Right, All Night - Garrett T. Capps

Right On Time - Leo Rondeau

Texas Piano Man - Robert Ellis

PinkvilleRod - Melancon

JOE HARVEY-WHYTE

Yes Please - Ren Harvieu

Wrong Again - Ags Connolly

Little Death - Alexander Wolfe

Rides Again - Shawn Lee

Tall Grass - The Goat Roper Rodeo Band

Also as an aside. My band The Hanging Stars who you would have seen at Static Roots are releasing our 3rd LP on February 26th with 2 more singles out in early 2020.

NATIVE HARROW 

No Words Left - Lucy Rose

This record is so gorgeous. A delicate but powerful sound, with lyrics that ring out in your mind for hours after the record has stopped spinning. 

Hot Motion - Temples

Temples is a favourite if we want to turn up the speakers and dance. 

KIWANUKA - Michael Kiwanuka

One of our favourite singers out there. This record is so 70s and we love it. 

Colorado - Neil Young 

Neil is probably one of our top three favourite artists. A huge inspiration to us and an all around badass. Anything he releases is great.

Egypt Station - Paul McCartney

This is probably an album that feels the most Paul to us since RAM and his earlier post Beatles work. It’s beautiful.

STEEL BLOSSOMS

Traveling Mercies - Emily Scott Robinson

We discovered Emily’s music at Americana fest in 2018. We waited in line at the Station Inn and never made it inside but a friend of ours was kind enough to purchase  an advanced copy of her 2019 album for us. Wow. She’s genuine and poetic in her writing and her voice is pure and wise, I believe she lived every word of it. 

Dirt Emo Volume I - Ruston Kelly

Ruston Kelly has been one of our favourites for awhile and we love his original material. This album is actually a cover song album of his favourite songs that make you feel all the teenage feels! It was exciting and interesting to see what he did to make each of these classics take on a life of their own through his unique style. This album makes us wanna go emo for a night! 

By The Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile

I know that this album is from 2018, but we didn’t discover it until this year. We have been so heavily influenced by Brandi in the last year and we respect that she is unapologetically herself. Each song feels like a novel that I don’t want to put down. We are so glad she’s finally getting the national recognition she deserves. 

The Oak Tree and the Weed - Zane Williams

We were caught off guard by this album and a few songs in particular. We met Zane at a house concert in Texas where we were both performing and didn’t have the chance to stay for his set but took an album to listen to on our trip back to Nashville. Golden Wedding Band and Grown Ups Don’t Cry were just two stand out songs that hit us where it hurts, a true measure of a an honest song. We are so glad there are Texas songwriters writing truth and can’t wait to share the stage with him again in 2020. 

The Highwomen - The Highwomen

What more is there to even say about this? 4 Badass women with different lives and perspectives coming together for a message of empowerment. These ladies are a force and seeing them together is a great reminder of how important it is to have a group of supportive women in your life. 

DAVID MURPHY

Years To Burn - Calexico & Iron & Wine

Their first collaboration 'In The Reins' in 2005 was a thing of real beauty and they hit the sweet spot again with this fine LP. Two great artists getting together creating something more than just the sum of their parts. Hopefully they will get to Ireland for a show at some stage in 2020.

For The Morning - Tyler Ramsey

This was on repeat a lot in my house and car throughout 2019. Lush and often meditative instrumentation in some gorgeous songs from the former Band of Horses guitarist. Evoking Neil Young with shades of Nick Drake via some lovely fingerstyle acoustic guitar touches too. A perfect Sunday-morning record!

Atlanta Millionaire's Club - Faye Webster

As a pedal steel player, I'm always looking out for new records featuring the instrument and this - from a very wise-beyond-her-years Atlanta artist Faye Webster - is a recent highlight. She reminds me a lot of Caitlin Rose vocally and in the themes of her songs albeit with a little bit more of a sun-kissed 90's R&B vibe, which never feels out of place.

Self-Titled - Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett

As part of multiple ensembles, this duo are always producing experimental and cutting-edge music that never is anything other than earthy, organic and tasteful, suspended in time and place. This record is like a dream-like segue deeper into the world of The Gloaming. Some of the pieces stretch to over 15 minutes long but never noticeable when you're immersed in it. A comfort for the soul in these wintery days and nights  

Lines Pts. 1-3 - The Unthanks 

There is very little if anything that the Unthanks don't turn to gold, in my opinion. Their recorded output is really something and their live shows are always unique. They are forever shining a light on old and forgotten stories of simple people experiencing difficult times and circumstances - the universal themes of human life - all delivered with staggeringly beautiful voices and arrangements. This record is the culmination of three individual EP's covering various events such as a tragic trawler disaster in Hull in the 1960's; poems from participants in World War 1 set to song and thirdly, poems by Emily Bronte - written and recorded on Bronte's original 200-year old piano.

Honourable mentions (there are just too many good records being released):

The Imperial - The Delines

Thistle & Thorn - John Blek

Brokenhearted Jubilee - Carl Broemel

Like The River Loves The Sea - Joan Shelley

Sea Songs: Anatomy of a Drowning Man - M.Cambridge

KRISTINA MURRAY  

Other Girls - Lillie Mae

I didn't think I could love a Lillie Mae record more than 2017's FOREVER AND THEN SOME, but this one blew my mind, top to bottom: writing, melody, execution, production...the whole package. Eleven unique songs that are so complete as a collection, there isn't a flaw here. LM's melodies and lyricism are so different and winding, and that allows for little surprises sprinkled throughout the record. Fave tracks: Whole Blue Heart, Didn't I?, At Least Three In This Room.

Right On Time - Leo Rondeau

A criminally underrated artist, I don't really understand why Leo Rondeau isn't more famous: he's one of the best country songwriters of my generation. Nuanced, witty, truthful lyricism, diverse and swinging grooves... just a hidden gem of a record. Fave tracks: If You Don't Love Me, Get On With It, Don't Quote Me On That.

Desert Dove - Michaela Ann

This is such a stunningly beautiful record. Sweeping, breathtaking, larger than life vibes; soul-bearing, vulnerable lyrics...Michaela has really outdone herself with this record; which isn't surprising: she is one of the hardest working musicians I know and one of the most soulful, kindest, connected, loving persons I've ever met; proud to call her my dear friend. Fave tracks: Two Fools, Desert Dove, By Our Design, Tattered, Torn and Blue.

White Noise/White Lines - Kelsey Waldon

I personally haven't met any artist on the Nashville music scene who has worked harder than Kelsey nor anyone more deserving of big success; and one reason is because Kelsey has put out one of the most truly country records I've ever heard in the last 5 years, perfectly marrying honest, deeply personal writing with diverse but pure country music feels and melodies. There isn't a single bad song on this album; it's so excellently sequenced and, as a package of songs, it shows that the art of "the album" isn't lost in the streaming age. Fave Tracks: Runaway, title track, Kentucky 1988

Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold - Mike & The Moonpies

Another pure perfect country album that came out this year. Killer writing, great grooves, it's all here in this one: truly Solid Country Gold. The boys just sound like they are having a great time, but Mike's writing is layered and that's what makes this a great record that hearkens back to the day when the full song-- most importantly the lyrics-- reined supreme. Fave Tracks: If You Want A Fool Around, Cheap Silver, Young In Love.

Adaptations - Maya De Vitry

This album came out early in 2019 and was all I listened to for about 2 months straight. It is truly poetry set to some of the most beautiful melodies, sung by one of the most unique voices in the Americana world. Spacey, ethereal feelings on some tunes, stankin' rock n roll grooves on others (the guitar work on this record is enviously perfect.) If you don't know Maya's music, let me tell you, you will be absolutely blown away by her writing. Fave tracks: This Side of a Dream, How Do I Get To The Morning, Wilderness.

TERRY KLIEN

Matinee - Mark Abrahams

There's no finer songwriter in Texas than Mark Abrahams. One of my favorite things on earth to do is watch people listen to Mark for the first time and just get blown away, speechless. He and his songs rekindle my flagging faith in humanity.   

Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest - Bill Callahan

I love his voice. I love his lyrics. I love the production. It makes me happy that people still make records like this. I crawled into this record and didn't leave for a good couple of weeks in May and June.

Out of Sight - Jake Xerxes Fussel

I discovered this guy because he opened for Bill Callahan here in Austin and I immediately bought all of his albums and then it was all I listened to for a week and I didn't get sick of him. It's like Black Francis combined with Mississippi John Hurt combined with the Carter Family. 

Violets as Camouflage - Mary Bragg 

There are still incredible songs being written in Nashville and Mary Bragg is writing a lot of them. She produced this record too, and it sounds so good that I suspect you'll be seeing a lot more Mary Bragg production credits in the release pipeline.

Truth Hurts - Lizzo

This is my personal song of the year (though I guess it technically was released a couple of years ago, it broke big this year). It does what music is supposed to do: it makes you want to dance, it makes you smile, it makes you think, and it makes you want to turn it up. Just thinking about it makes me happy.

BOO RAY

Other Girls - Lillie Mae
Lillie Mae's new record is a favorite of mine. Right off the bat, it's a decadent sonic trip, and the songs are great so it actually takes you somewhere. This is a real deal record album built on songwriting, and it's beautifully arranged, recorded and produced. The stylized production is an organic extension of Lillie's creative voice as a songwriter. Amongst the lush string arrangements and psychedelic soundscapes, Lillie's punk/garage rock/train-hopping/ renegade string-band spirit and sound remain intact. I love the acoustic guitar sounds and drum sounds.
Incinerator - Jimbo Mathus

Jimbo Mathu's Aligator Fish is a post-apocalyptic truth-telling that I've been listening to a bunch. Lilly Hiatt joins him on another cool number. The sonic thumbprint of this record is a leather helmet and junkyard choir affair type of thing. I consider Jimbo Mathus to be connected to powerful forces beyond this earthly realm and trust assuredly that he negotiates on our behalf when encountering dark or otherwise malevolent entities out there on the edge of where he gets to.

By the Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile's BY THE WAY, I FORGIVE YOU has been on repeat also. The kind of themes Brandi writes and sings about aren't rocket science or necessarily even new information, but she sings without any pretension, posturing or gimmick what so ever. The whole record is full of real songs and I believe every word and note. The production is world-class and supports the songs and vocal at every moment.    

Terms of Surrender - Hiss Golden Messenger
Hiss Golden Messanger's new album TERMS OF SURRENDER is a great groove record. I feel much affinity to the approach and proud to be a fellow North Carolinian mining some similar indigenous rhythmic territory. There are about four or five different iconic rhythm patterns that cycle through the record. JJ Cale is where I first became aware of this and intentionally began to emulate the method of mining a few specific indigenous regional rhythms as a template and pallet. It makes for great listening and excellent live presentation. When I saw them at the Basement East recently and they were selling a Wendell Berry book at the merch table, I was sold hook, line, and sinker.     

The Eclipse Sessions - John Hiatt
John Hiatt's latest, THE ECLIPSE SESSIONS, is another record that's been on repeat. The production is really interesting and keeps me paying attention across the whole record. "Cry To Me" has some ideas that really grab me. When John sings, "Come on and cry to me baby / You can even lie to me baby" it makes me reconsider the limitations I might have placed on such things as empathy, forgiveness, understanding, and vulnerability. The album is an unassuming and groundbreaking singer-songwriter record.

Boo Ray released his critically acclaimed album Tennessee ALABAMA FIREWORKS in 2019 and is currently working on a whole mess of new music for release in 2020.

SUSTO/JUSTIN OSBORNE

There’s really only one album I’ve listened to consistently this year which also came out this year and that’s ALL MY RELATIONS by Cochemea. I think other than this one I’ve been doing a lot of going back in time with my listening and also turned inward towards my own demos and writing. I found “All My Relations” because it came out the same day as my own album EVER SINCE I LOST MY MIND (Feb 22, 2019). We were setting up for a promo show at Grimey’s in Nashville, we were on a week long promo tour, playing songs from the new album in stores all across the southern US during its release week. While we were setting up they had new releases from that week, playing over the shops speakers. I fell in love with the record they were playing, it was the first time I had ever heard Cochemea. I bought the record that day, and have since listened to it countless times. I’ve cooked a lot this year, as my wife and I have had a daughter and I’ve been home for some nice stretches of time. And while my wife has been putting our daughter to bed, I’ve been in the kitchen cooking with this record playing. I’ve enjoyed it deeply, hope you enjoy it too if you haven’t already.

Otherwise, here are some releases from this year that I am just now finding and really enjoying!

Designer - Aldous Harding

Room 41 - Paul Cauthen

U.F.O.F - Big Thief

Sonocardiogram - Daymé Arocen

Miss Universe - Nilüfer Yany9

ANGELA PERLEY

Sound & Fury - Sturgill Simpson

Some people do yoga, I just play this album over and over again haha. Overall mantra album of the year for me. I love how Sturgill followed his muse on this one and just let it all out. His writing, his dark humour, and the fuzzy guitar and synth tones that engulf the album are epic!! It’s one of those pieces that just keeps growing on me too. We spin this a lot before shows to get revved up and have been using it as house music before shows a ton. 

Lux Prima - Karen O & Danger Mouse 

This album is so fluid, it’s absolutely mesmerising. It puts me in a deep zone for sure, I adore this collaboration! Would love to see another album with these two, because this one just instantly clicks. Karen’s vibe is effortless in this and she just floats within the songs. It’s a chill album, but the kind of chill that puts you in a groove and has a lot of energy. Love it! 

Other Girls - Lillie Mae

I adore this album so much! Lillie has such a unique sound and this album is a complete gem from her writing to her musicianship. So many great lines and I love her vocal phrasing. I love how her bluegrass/roots background spins into this kind of psychedelic, poppy, Americana hybrid - it’s really beautiful!

Everybody One of a Kind - Wild Belle

This album screams summer and was a huge part of my summer soundtrack. It’s fun, infectious and full of swagger. I love Natalie Bergman’s voice and musical style, it’s so unique. Was really happy they came to Columbus this year because I got to catch the new songs live and they rocked!!

Androgyne - Gyasi

So this is an underground Nashville band that I have yet to see live, but I am obsessed with!! This album has some serious T. Rex and Bowie rock and roll vibes and it’s an instant classic to me. Super addicting album to blast, can’t wait to see what’s next for this band. 

2019 - The Year In Review

DECLAN CULLITON

Despite reducing physical sales and dwindling income for the majority of artists, the quality of output this past year was quite staggering. The number of artists self releasing their albums is further indication of the major labels reluctance to support fringe artists, concentrating their energies and finances on the safe bets. Ironically, the upside of this trend finds many artists recording without unwanted influence in many cases. The difficult challenge for me this year, was culling my list of over sixty albums down to twenty favourites. The disparity between a number five and number fifteen listing is minimal, preferences are often dictated by listening moods, locations and more. I was especially encouraged by the release of five albums this year, which I consider to be genuine country. Hats off to Jason James, Mike & The Moonpies, Tyler Childers, Michaela Anne and Ags Connolly for sticking to your collective guns and recording gems. Here’s hoping this trend carries over to 2020 and captures a younger audience along the way.

Albums:

1 King of Madrid - Peter Bruntnell

2 Seems Like Tears Ago - Jason James

3 4.30 - Angela Perley

4 Cheap Silver & Solid Country Gold - Mike & The Moonpies

5 Desert Dove - Michaela Anne 

6 Out Of Sight - Jake Xerxes Fussell

7 Country Squire - Tyler Childers

8 Designer - Aldous Harding

9  Happier Now - Native Harrow

10 Purple Mountains - Purple Mountains

11 From Another World - Jim Lauderdale

12 Bleeding On The Soundtrack - William The Conqueror

13 Wilderness - Jade Jackson

14 Wrong Again - Ags Connolly 

15 Up On High - Vetiver

16 Mint Condition - Caroline Spence

17 Carousel - Carson McHone

18 White Noise/White Lines  Kelsey Waldon

19 The Imperial - The Delines 

20 Time Out For Tomorrow - Jerry Leger

I have not included Country Darkness from My Darling Clementine as it’s an EP, but it most certainly merits mention.

Re-Issue:

No Other - Gene Clark        

Gigs: 

1 Amy Ray - Mercy Lounge, Nashville

2 Tayna Tucker - 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville

3 Jade Jackson - Mercy Lounge, Nashville

4 Mike & The Moonpies - The High Watt, Nashville

5 Aldous Harding - Vicar Street, Dublin

6 The Delines - Liberty Hall, Dublin

7 Alejandro Escovedo - The Set, Kilkenny

8 John Murry - Static Roots, Germany

9 Jaime Wyatt - Acme & Seed, Nashville

10 Jamie Lin Wilson - Acme & Seed Nashville

11 Mary Gauthier - Whelans, Dublin

12 Joshua Hedley - Roberts Western World, Nashville

13 William The Conqueror - AMA UK Festival, Hackney

14 Angela Perley - Tennessee Brew Company, Nashville

15 Jim Lauderdale - Westin Hotel, Nashville

16 Peter Bruntnell - Cleeres, Kilkenny

17 Joe Nolan - Static Roots, Germany

18 The Sadies - The Set, Kilkenny

19 Ethan Johns - AMA UK, Hackney

20 Amber Cross - The Stables, Mullingar

Book: 

Up Jumped The Devil : The Real Life of Robert Johnson by Bruce M.Conforth and  Gayle Dean Wardlow

Documentary: 

Country Music by Ken Burns

PAUL McGEE

Albums - Established Artists:

The Great Divide - Gary Nicholson

Living Room - Jude Johnstone

Mint Condition - Caroline Spence

Me And The Ghost Of Charlemagne - Amy Speace

Patty Griffin - Patty Griffin

Blood - Allison Moorer

Wire Mountain - Will Johnson

Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest - Bill Callahan

Whiskey Salesman - Chip Taylor

Terms Of Surrender - Hiss Golden Messenger

The Imperial - The Delines

Cold Smoke - Hat Check Girl

Albums - Emerging Artists:

The Question - Ana Tivel

Brave Bird - Martha Reich

Honest - Ordinary Elephant

Falling Sands - The Equatorial Group

Seen Enough Leavers - Meghan Hayes

Wildwood - Katie Dahl

Spring - Itasca 

Concentric - Flagship Romance

The Melted Morning - Danni Nicholls

The Clovis Limit (Part 1) - Mike Ross

From The Centre Out - Western States

Water in the Draw - Adam Hill 

Gigs:

Rhiannon Giddens/Francesco Turrisi The Sugar Club

Rachel Yamagata Whelan’s

Kilkenny Roots Festival Various artists

Mono Whelan’s

Shooter Jennings Whelan’s

Nitin Sawhney NCH

Ashley McBride Academy

The Delines Whelan’s

Indigo Girls Liberty Hall

Mary Gauthier Whelan’s

Caroline Spence Workman’s Club

Tom Russell Whelan’s

Jude Johnstone House Concert

Books:

Blood - Allison Moorer 

Nick Lowe/Cruel To Be Kind -Will Birch

Movies:

Rolling Thunder Review Tour 1975 Bob Dylan (Martin Scorsese)

The Sound Of My Voice Linda Ronstadt  (Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman)

Western Stars Bruce Springsteen (Thom Zinmy)

Re-issues:

No Other - Gene Clark

Johnstown (20th Anniversary) - Oh Susanna

Steady On (30th Anniversary Acoustic Edition) - Shawn Colvin

Live Recordings 1975. (Rolling Thunder Review) - Bob Dylan

Live Albums:

Fillmore West ’71 - Allman Brothers Band

Live in Hollywood - Linda Ronstadt

Tuscaloosa - Neil Young

Compilation Albums:

The Legacy 1961-2017 - Glen Campbell

Country Music: The Soundtrack - Various Artists

Blues - Rory Gallagher

Documentaries:

Country Music by Ken Burns 

Bruce Springsteen On Broadway (Netflix)

STEPHEN RAPID

When it comes to this time of the year and reflecting on the music i have listened to and see I am always surprised that, despite the changing nature of how we listen to and receive music, there is much to recommend and applaud. It was also enlightening to see the mix between new acts and established artists all creating compelling albums. As with all these things I’m sure I’ll come across an album I should have included but there needs to be a cut off point. Also I wouldn’t necessarily take the list position as definite rather more of a random placement for some damn fine music. Also as Declan noted above these list relate to full length album rather than EPs.

Albums - Traditional Country:

1 Broken Bottle, Broken Heart - The Country Side of Harmonica Slim

2 Seems Like Tears Ago - Jason James

3 Wrong Again - Ags Connolly

4 Country Squire - Tyler Childers

5 The Wanting/After The Fire - Cody Jinks 

Compilations and Reissues:

Too Late To Pray/Defiant Chicago Roots - Various Artists

24 Songs - Nate Gibson & The Stars Of Starday

Twang - Osborne Jones

The Definitive Collection - Marty Stuart

Albums - Roots/Americana:

1 Almost Daylight - Chris Knight

2 Orphans - Michael McDermott

3 The Hurting Kind - John Paul White

4 Fire Out Of Stone - Chuck Hawthorne

5 Seneca - Charles Wesley Godwin

6 Between The Country - Ian Noe

7 Texas - Rodney Crowell 

8 Renegade - Dylan LeBlanc

9 West Towards South - Jeffrey Halford and the Healers

10 Easy Way - Cactus Blossoms

11 Blood - Alison Moorer

12 Play The Hits - The Mavericks

13 October In The Railroad Earth - Tom Russell

14 Espadín - Brad Edrington V

15 Right On Time - Leo Rondeau

16 Mint Condition - Caroline Spence

17 The Imperial - The Delines

18 Worthy Cause - Chad Richar

19 Rust - Daniel Meade

20 Desert Dove - Michaela Anne 

Covers Albums:

Mix Tape Volume 1 - Jesse Dayton 

Cover Your Tracks - Corb Lund

Reissue:

Travellin’ Thru - Bob Dylan

Live Album:

Live Mules - Daniel Meade and The Flying Mules

Gigs:

Michael McDermott - Killkenny Roots Festival

Alejandro Escovedo - Killkenny Roots Festival

The Sadies - Killkenny Roots Festival

Ags Connolly & Leo Rondeau - DC Club, Dublin

JD Wilkes - Grand Social, Dublin

Colter Wall - Whelan’s, Dublin 

Brother Brothers - Whelan’s, Dublin 

Colter Wall - Whelan’s, Dublin 

Mary Gauthier - Whelan’s, Dublin

The Delines - Whelan’s, Dublin

Books:

There’s No Bones in Ice Cream - Sylvain Sylvain

The Hard Stuff - Wayne Kramer

Documentary:

Country Music by Ken Burns

EILÍS BOLAND

Albums:

Train’s a Comin’ - Riley Baugus 

How Could A Man - Derek Senn

Home - Billy Strings

Tides of A Teardrop - Mandolin Orange

Riverland - Eric Brace/Thom Jutz/Peter Cooper

Songs of Our Native Daughters - Our Native Daughters

Bent Creek - Julian Pinelli

The Imperial - The Delines

Benny’s TV Repair - Irene Kelley

Tall Fiddler - Michael Cleveland

If You Can’t Stand The Heat - Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen

Gigs:

Chris Smither - Black Box,

Teddy Thompson - Black Box

The Delines - Black Box

The Sadies - Kilkenny Roots

Rionagh Connolly & The Breath - The Duncairn

McKay & Leigh - The Red Room

John Blek - Kilcreggan Open Farms, Carrickfergus

Front Country - Bluegrass Omagh

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers - Bluegrass Omagh

A Delebration: Del McCoury Band/The Travellin’ McCourys  - The IBMAs, Raleigh

AJ Lee & Blue Summit - The IBMAs

Dan Tyminsky Band - The IBMAs

Jimmy Dale Gilmore & Dave Alvin - Ramblin’ Roots, Utrecht

Movie: 

The Irishman