Sweden’s Lindell makes true Americana that channels the spirit of the Band, a point he emphasizes with a great cover of that group’s “Twilight”. It’s Lindell’s own compositions and the arrangements that bring the songs to life, however, that make Twilights such a memorable experience.
How Long Will It Take Them To Die by Goodnight, Texas
From the somber “Jane, Come Down From Your Room” to the rumbling and banjo-infused “Borrowed Time”, How Long Will It Take Them To Die makes a strong case that Goodnight, Texas is one of the finest roots Americana acts in recent years. Their latest continues is filled with tremendous storytelling, rich instrumentation, and energizing performances.
Southern Intentions by Wood Willow
Oklahoma City’s Wood Willow make quite a statement with their debut album. It’s bluegrass at its core but with songs that are steeped in rock, pop, and a touch of jazz.
All That You Can Dream by Grant-Lee Phillips
Grant-Lee Phillips puts the past couple of years in perspective with a combination of weariness and grace. Exactly what we expect – and need – from Phillips.
Spence’s True North resonates with heartfelt songs and her intoxicating voice.
Ghost Stories by The Whitmore Sisters
Bonnie Whitmore and Eleanor Whitmore Masterson are musician’s musicians, both highly respected for their own work as well as their collaborations with others. They finally team up and create a wondrous album filled with colorful and character-driven songwriting and plenty of sisterly harmonies.
St. Paul’s Boulevard by Michael McDermott
Few songwriters convey emotion like McDermott. He can – and often does – shift effortlessly from despair to hope, doing so with a melodic charm that amplifies the messages of his songs.
Together Alone by Sarah Borges
Borges unleashes an unabashed rock and roll record. And it’s glorious.
House to House by Matt Andersen
Andersen strips things down to mostly his voice and acoustic guitar. For Andersen, that’s enough to create something special.
Backhand Deals by Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard
The Wales, UK outfit brings some fun back to rock and roll with a collection of songs that combine slickness and attitude, not to mention plenty of great pop hooks. Think 1970’s/1980’s power pop goodness with some T-Rex glam rock added to the mix.
AND A PAIR OF EPs….
I usually limit this list to full-length albums but I’m making an exception this year for two exceptional EPs.
Rules and Regulations by David Ramirez
Ramirez grabs a handful of songs that he wrote for other album projects and recorded them live in the studio with his band. It’s a great celebration of his transition from a solo artist into a potent rock bandleader, not to mention the wonder of his songs.
Nashville’s Juni Ata packs a lot of thoughtful emotion into five tracks (one an instrumental), from the insistent “Someone Else’s Rising Sun” (“someone’s sunset is someone else’s rising sun”) to the brooding “Halfway to Huntsville”.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.