Over the next few weeks, I’ll be narrowing down my favorite albums of the year (yes, Paris Hilton is of course a contender… bleh). I seem to be slow at this because these lists are appearing everywhere. My list of favorite albums will likely elevate the twang and usually the albums are collections of original songs, not tributes. In the meantime, here are some outliers that likely won’t make my top ten but certainly deserve mention.
Reckless Kelly “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” LIVE!
Best Live Album:
Reckless Kelly Was Here by Reckless Kelly
Two full discs plus a DVD from one of the greatest alt-country bands around. Recorded at Austin’s La Zona Rosa, you just don’t get much better than this.
Runner up: Bonnie Raitt and Friends by Bonnie Raitt
Best Folk Album:
Till the Sun Turns Black by Ray Lamontagne
Lamontagne was a tough pick among tough competition. The strength of album track “Empty” places him on top.
Runner-ups: Animal Years by Josh Ritter, Time Without Consequence by Alexi Murdoch, 9 by Damien Rice
Best Blues Album:
Suitcase by Keb’ Mo’
In the category of blues, this album was untouchable. Keb’ Mo’ is a living legend.
Best Alternative Album:
Boys and Girls in America by The Hold Steady
I’d never heard of them until Mayer named them best artist of 2005. This year, The Hold Steady will be number one on many more lists.
Best Band You’ve Never Heard of:
Songs of the Wild West Island by Loomer
If you like alt-country bands like Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, Loomer should be on your watch list.
Runner-ups: Its Not the Fall That Hurts by San Saba County, Hate It When You’re Right by The Offramps
Best Re-issue:
Trying Never to Catch Up by What Made Milwaukee Famous
Another incredible band out of Austin. Rock is the basis of their music coupled with some sonic experimentation. Get used to hearing about these guys. OK, its not completely a re-issue, there’s a couple of new tracks but many of these songs are a few years old. I never get tired of hearing them.
Best Comeback Album:
The Lemonheads by The Lemonheads
Dang, they’re back!! Aided by ex-Descendents Stevenson and Alvarez, The Lemonheads have found the “fountain of youth”.
Runner-ups: Pearl Jam, The Gin Blossoms
Best Newcomer & Best Pop:
Eye to the Telescope by KT Tunstall
She’s attracted a large pop audience, but under the hood she’s got quite a bit of soul. Tunstall deserves the attention she’s attracted this year. Give her a Grammy already!
Best Tribute:
We Shall Overcome: The Seeger Sessions by Bruce Springsteen
An amazing tribute to Pete Seeger. Keep the hootenanny alive!
Best Compilation:
A Case for Case: A Tribute to the Songs of Peter Case by Various Artists
A 3-disc 47-song tribute to Peter Case includes songs by Todd Snider, James McMurtry, Last Train Home and many more. A must have for Case fans.
Guilty Pleasure:
Stand Still, Look Pretty by The Wreckers
Yeah, I liked ’em. So what ?!?!
Best Hip-Hop:
Game Theory by The Roots
Hip-Hop isn’t really my thing but I do appreciate it when I a good one comes along. Last year it was Kanye West, this year its The Roots. They’re one of the few hip hop acts around to play their own instruments. But it goes beyond just playing instruments. Songwriting, melody and beat make these guys the real deal.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.