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.