I can’t speak for the economy, but 2009 is shaping up to be a great year for music. Pay particular attention to March. It seems that every year the stars align on a single day and we get an embarrassment of riches. This year that day is March 3rd.
Here are some of the incredible releases currently scheduled for that day, plus a few others expected early in 2009. Check the Twangville Release Calendar for additional upcoming 2009 releases.
THE GOURDS, Haymaker (Release date January 6th)
I can’t think of a better way to start the year than a new release from Austin’s leading purveyors of bluegrass and country fun. There is little – other than making good music – that the Gourds take seriously. Now that’s a good thing. (Yep Roc)
A.C. NEWMAN, Get Guilty (Release date January 20th)
Indie pop wunderkind Newman continues to impress with his prolific output. Newman excels at packaging simple pop melodies in complex arrangements. “There are Maybe Ten Or Twelve†from the latest release is already a favorite with the line, “There are maybe ten or twelve things I could teach you after that, well, you’re on your own.†(Matador)
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, Working on a Dream (Release date January 27th)
In case you hadn’t heard, Springsteen went back to the Magic session tapes and found another album. I’m already partial to the track “My Lucky Day.†(even if the Patriots won’t be listening to it at the Super Bowl…) (Columbia Records)
MARK OLSON AND GARY LOURIS, Ready for the Flood (Release date January 27th)
This could be the sleeper of the year. The former Jayhawks front-men reunite for their first full release since 1995. You’ll be hooked from the first magical harmonies. My how we’ve missed you guys. (New West)
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit (Release date February 17th)
Isbell’s 2007 solo debut release was a Twangville favorite, so you can imagine how excited we are about this upcoming release. Together with his road-tested compatriots The 400 Unit, we expect another healthy dose of rousing rock and poignant ballads. (Lightning Rod)
NEKO CASE, Middle Cyclone (Release date March 3rd)
Indie darling Case let’s loose her first solo release in over two years. Many are smitten with her voice but her creative songwriting is what sets her apart. Of course I’m just infatuated with the cover art… (-Anti)
JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, Midnight at the Movies (Release date March 3rd)
Just as soon as we got done praising his 2008 release, Earle announces the arrival of his next one. We’re expecting another fine collection of folk and olde-time country. And keep an ear out for Earle’s cover or the Replacements “Can’t Hardly Wait.” (Bloodshot Records)
JULIE AND BUDDY MILLER, Written in Chalk (Release date March 3rd)
Hallelujah! The husband and wife duo release their first album in nearly five years. It will undoubtedly be an instant classic, a deft blend of folk, country and gospel. Special guests include Robert Plant (with whom Buddy recently toured) and frequent collaborators Emmylou Harris and Patty Griffin. (New West Records)
SARAH BORGES AND THE BROKEN SINGLES, The Stars are Out (Release date March 24th)
Ms. Borges says that this is a rock album. Bring it on. (Sugar Hill Records)
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.