1) Brent Cobb – “Providence Canyon”
There are a number of young artists carrying the Amercana torch into the future but Cobb is one of the best.
2) Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore – “Downey to Lubbock”
This collaboration was at least a decade overdue. These two old friends finally got together and gave us a gem.
3) American Aquarium – “Things Change”
B.J. Barham’s latest rendition of American Aquarium allowed him to hit the reset button with powerful results.
4) Parquet Courts- “Wide Awake!”
Mixing Punk and Indie Rock they have an edge that is hard not to get caught up in.
5) Anderson East – “Encore”
More than any of the number of great artists hailing from Alabama, East channels the ethos of Rick Hall and Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals.
The Rest:
6) Amanada Shires – “To the Sunset”
7) Brandi Carlile – “By the Way I forgive You”
8) Kurt Vile – “Bottle it in”
9) Ruby Boots – “Don’t Talk about it”
10) I’m With Her – “See You Around”
Honorable Mention:
Sam Morrow – “Concrete and Mud”
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever – “Hope Downs”
Steep Canyon Rangers – “Out in the Open”
Colter Wall – “Songs of the Plains”
Robbie Fulks and Linda Gail Lewis – “Wild Wild Wild”
Trampled by Turtles – “Life is good on the Open Road”
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!