I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local.
LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME)
Two guitars and a set of drums are all that GA-20 need to create some of the finest blues and R&B of the year.
Together Alone by Sarah Borges
Borges adds yet another gem to her catalog, filling her latest with plenty of snarling electric guitars and rock and roll attitude.
Scoundrels, Dreamers & Second Sons by The Remittance Men
Americana is a term thrown around rather generously these days. Groups like the Remittance Men, however, capture its true spirit and meaning. Think a New England version of The Band. Anchored by songwriter Tom Robertson, the collective includes a veritable who’s who of the region’s finest, well, Americana artists, including Mark Erelli, Zachariah Hickman, Kris Delmhorst, and former New Englander Eilen Jewell, to name just a few.
All Is Quiet by Susan Cattaneo
Cattaneo’s latest is a somber and beautiful collection of ballads. The combination of Cattaneo’s voice and songwriting, accompanied by Boston-based guitar legends Duke Levine and Kevin Barry, is stunning.
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
Hoskins offers up an outstanding mix of poignant ballads and rowdy barroom fare – country music doesn’t get much more authentic than this.
Vandoliers established themselves as one of Texas’ leading purveyors of cow-punk. Their latest, however, is less cow and more punk… and one hell of a raucous party.
All This Life by Parker Twomey
Twomey demonstrates a remarkable maturity with his debut album, an intoxicating blend of singer-songwriter thoughtfulness and immaculate pop arrangements.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.