Favorite Albums:
Neil Young/Live at Massey Hall – So, some folks call it a reissue, but it’s the first time I’ve heard it and I believe, the first time its been released. Yeah, it was a concert that took place over 30 years ago but still new to my ears and it was one of the best things I’ve heard this year. How to describe it? How about, Young unplugged playing some of the tunes that would define his career. My Favorite Tracks: A Man Needs A Maid, Cowgirl in the Sand
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club/Baby 81 – Pure rock and roll adrenaline rush is the best way to describe this album. Blazing guitars, thumping bass and drums along with excellent percussion. Crank it to 11, baby.Â
Fever Marlene/Civil War – A surprise I received in the mail (and never got around to doing a proper review for) is this
Band of Horses/Cease to Begin – Releasing what I thought was even a stronger album than their debut, I chilled out to this one for a good while after its release.Â
Avett Brothers/Emotionalism – What to say about the Avett Brothers? They make good music and write good songs. I hope you got this one from I-Tunes and received the “In The Curve†bonus track. If not, find it somewhere.Â
Floratone/Floratone – Bill Frisell leads the pack with his, as usual, stellar guitar playing surrounding himself with musicians just as talented. There’s a little bit of groove on a number of the tracks, but I prefer the darker ones on this release. Put this one on in the car late at night and hit the road.
Jason Isbell/Sirens of the Ditch – If this album only contained The Magician, Chicago Promenade and Dress Blues it would have been worth the money for me. Three great tunes but that’s not all this album holds. Let’s hope Isbel was holding onto to a few other gems throughout his Truckers’ career for his follow up.Â
Josh Rouse/Country Mouse, City House – Smooth and sultry are words that come to mind when thinking of this album. All of the small details and textures are splendid. From the bouncy bass lines to the great horn arrangements Rouse did not disappoint. Sure makes me want to move to
Ryan Adams/Easy Tiger – I’d have to say this is one of Adam’s best albums since his days in Whiskeytown. Although “Halloweenhead†still is one of the silliest lyrically I’ve heard in a while.Â
Tommy Womack/There I Said It –  As I stated in my review for twangville.com, this is one of the most personal records I’ve heard in a long time and I really dug it. Check it out if you haven’t already.Â
Josh Roberts/My War Cry is Amor – Keep on rocking in
The Liabilities/The Liabilities –
Live Performances:
Neil Young/Orpheum Theatre/Boston, MA/December 2nd – Hand’s down the best show I saw all year. Actually, probably one of the best shows I’ve ever seen! After a short set from his wife, Neil came out and played around an hour acoustic set filled with hits. Then, after a 20 minute intermission the full band treated the audience to a rocking two hour finish. Not much to say but DAMN. Â
Lucero/The Jinx/Savannah, GA/July 14th – These guys are a good time. Just don’t open up a tab and plan on driving home after one of their shows gets started.
Tommy Womack/Red Tub/Columbia, SC/??? – I can’t remember the date of this show, but I am sure it was this past year. The crowd of around 50 who made it out saw Tommy cracking jokes and playing a number of tunes from his most recent release as well as his infamous Replacements Song and a few covers including Led Zep and the Velvet Underground. Great set from a true road warrior.
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.