After a slow start, winter ended on a high note with some great songs and albums freshly introduced at SXSW. Notables amongst those in attendance at the festival were Albert Hammond, Jr., Low Stars and Paolo Nutuni to name a few. I compiled some of my favorites into this handy playlist with a few expected names like Lucinda Williams, Son Volt and Patty Griffin. Some personal favorites like Last Train Home and Jackie Greene. You ought to be sure and check out a few surprises like Nathan Hamilton, JJ Grey & Mofro and The Resentments. Regretfully, a few of my favorites did not make this list as I always try to keep my playlists to roughly 20 songs to fit on a single compact disc. Those would be artists like Norah Jones, Kristin Hersh, Southern Culture on the Skids and new favorite Backyard Tire Fire. I’m sure someone will also chastise me for not including The Stooges, The Frames or Ry Cooder but sometimes even the greats don’t make the cut. One interesting pattern you might find in this list was the influence of Elvis Costello and the Attractions. The influence is strong on tracks from You Am I, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Jesse Malin. After including only track “God Will” by blues masters The Holmes Brothers, I later added the classic Costello cover “Peace, Love and Understanding” also performed by The Holmes Brothers on their latest album to the playlist for them to become the only band twice mentioned.
Strangely, it still feels like winter outside here in Virginia but we’re well into the spring season now and good music keeps coming out. Its a good thing, the music helps to maintain my sanity as the weather tests my patience. Now, time to drift off to Lucinda Willliams.
As always, this Best of Winter ’07 iMix is available on iTunes.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.