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.  My Favorite Tracks:  Weapon of Choice, Took Out a Loan 

Fever Marlene/Civil War – A surprise I received in the mail (and never got around to doing a proper review for) is this Milwaukee duo who crafted a mighty fine album chock full of hooks and sing along choruses with rough hewn vocals reminiscent of Liam Gallagher and great production to boot.  Here’s hoping we all hear more of them in 2008.  My Favorite Tracks:  All the Kites in the World, We Are All Colors and Shapes 

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.  My Favorite Tracks:  The General Specific, Marry Song 

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.  My Favorite Tracks:  The Ballad of Love and Hate, Die Die Die 

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. My Favorite Tracks:  The Wanderer, The Passenger  

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.  My Favorite Tracks:  The Magician, Chicago Promenade 

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 Spain.  My Favorite Tracks:  Hollywood Bass Player, Italian Dry Ice 

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.  My Favorite Tracks:  Two, Goodnight Rose  

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.  My Favorite Tracks:  Nice Day, Alpha Male and the Canine Mystery Blood 

Local/Regional Releases:   

Cary Ann Hurst/Dust and Bones – From Charleston, SC Cary Ann Hurst gave us a damn fine recording in Dust and Bones.  Here it is 10 months later and I can still can’t get “1200 Miles” out of my head.   

Josh Roberts/My War Cry is Amor – Keep on rocking in Columbia, SC…for a good while in the future I hope.  Country-tinged rock and roll at its dirty best.   

The Liabilities/The Liabilities – Macon, Georgia’s finest in my opinion.  Mix 1/3 Ramones, 1/3 Steve Earle and 1/3 50’s rock, put on your white t-shirts’s and dancing shoes and hit the town.  Cigarettes and alcohol recommended.   

Live Performances: 

Neil Young/Orpheum Theatre/Boston, MA/December 2^nd  – 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.   

Lucero/The Jinx/Savannah, GA/July 14^th – 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.

Mon, Dec 31, 2007 @ 5:50 pm |