All This Life by Parker Twomey (15 July)
Parker Twomey’s debut has a freewheeling and airy vibe, not to mention a maturity that belies his age.
Lava Lamp by Jonah Tolchin (15 July)
Tolchin steps away from his more restrained and often acoustic-based previous work to serve up one heck of a rock album.
Nation of Heat | Revisited by Joe Pug (22 July)
Fourteen years after its release, Joe Pug revisits one of his early career classics. While the original was an acoustic gem, this new release is made up of full band versions that Pug has evolved through years of performing the songs live.
Birds in the Ceiling by John Moreland (22 July)
Moreland continues to explore new sonic and percussive sounds but the core remains focused on his powerful and emotional songs.
Take It Like a Man by Amanda Shires (29 July)
Shires follows up the Highwaywomen (and last year’s Christmas album) with a potent collection of new songs.
The Very Best of Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat (29 July)
Four cats, er, singer-songwriters walk into a studio and emerge with a wonderful pop-rock album that is filled with great hooks and harmonies.
Emerald Blue by Andrew Duhon (29 July)
Duhon continues to churn out engaging and restrained acoustic gems that showcase the thoughtfulness and beauty of his songs.
Old-Time Folks by Lee Bains & the Glory Fires (5 August)
Bains and company stretch out on their latest with horns, piano, and even strings! But lest anyone think otherwise, this is still a rock album filled with Bains’ sharp social and political commentary.
Tourist by John Calvin Abney (5 August)
John Calvin Abney spent the early portion of the pandemic wandering the country, finding inspiration in the people that he met and the places that he visited.
Done Come Too Far by Shemekia Copeland (11 August)
Copeland continues to explore aspects of the American experience, bringing the stories to life with some potent blues.
Volume 2 by The Watkins Family Hour (19 August)
Sara and Sean Watkins celebrate the 20th anniverary of their on-going guest-filled showcases at LA club Largo by bringing together some of their “family” for a wonderful new album. Contributors include Fiona Apple, Lucius, Jackson Browne, Madison Cunningham, Jon Brion, Gaby Moreno, Benmont Tench and Willie Watson, among others.
Wings on My Shoes by Will Hoge (26 August)
Hoge has a few things on his mind, taking stock of contemporary America and sharing his views in song. He does find a moment of solace, however, imagining the “music coming out of the speakers in the back of John Prine’s Cadillac.”
Crackdown by GA-20 (9 September)
The fiery blues trio follow up their tribute to Hound Dog Taylor with their own songs and brand of modern blues.
This Machine Still Kills Fascists by Dropkick Murphys (30 September)
Woody Guthrie lyrics brought to life by Dropkick Murphys? Yes, please.
When I Go I Ghost by Cory Branan (14 October)
Brana returns with his first album in five years, filled with plenty of the sharp lyrics and storytelling that are his hallmark.
Blood Harmony by Larkin Poe (11 November)
Rebecca & Megan Lovell are back with some bruising rock and roll. True to form, they let their guitars wail.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.