Out of the Heart of Darkness by L.A. Edwards (6 January)
L.A. Edwards kick of the year with an often brooding but always engaging song collection. Although the group hails from California, they make a mighty fine heartland rock sound.
I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying by Whitehorse (13 January)
The Canadian duo of Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet go full on old school country on their latest. (See Shawn’s review here.)
Further On: The Songs of Billy Conway by Various Artists (20 January)
Even if the name isn’t familiar, chances are you’ve heard Billy Conway through his work with Morphine, Treat Her Right, Jeffrey Foucault, and Chris Smither to name just a few. After Conway’s passing from cancer in December 2021, his friends and fellow musicians gathered to record songs Conway quietly wrote over the course of his career. The results are a moving tribute to Conway and his artistry.
Lay Your Darkness Down by Mark Erelli (3 February)
Erelli draws inspiration from his own life challenges – being diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease – to create a musical exploration about finding hope and optimism in the midst of despair.
Somebody’s Child by Somebody’s Child (3 February)
Cain Godfrey – aka Somebody’s Child – unleashes a debut album chock full of pulsing and infectious rock anthems.
Boomerang Town by Jaimee Harris (17 February)
At long last, Harris is releasing her eagerly-awaited sophomore album. It’s a mostly quiet and acoustic affair, all the better to revel in Harris’ moving songwriting and captivating voice.
The Vivian Line by Ron Sexsmith (17 February)
Canadian pop craftsman Sexsmith returns with another collection of thoughtful and catchy songs; his intoxicating voice giving them even more charm.
Particles of Faith by Signe Marie Rustad (17 February)
Norway’s Rustad creates glistening pop songs around which she wraps her lustrous voice.
Should’ve Learned By Now by Lucero (24 February)
Lucero mine their archives for songs written for, but not included in, their past few releases. The collection gloriously hearkens back to their rockin’ early days.
Lo Fi High Hopes by Matt Charette & the Truer Sound (10 March)
Boston’s Charette brings a punk rock attitude to his rootsy Americana – hardscrabble tales that are infused with an earnest grit.
Matt Andersen and the Big Bottle of Joy by Matt Andersen and the Big Bottle of Joy (10 March)
Andersen shifts from last year’s acoustic blues-based folk into this year’s electric – and electrifying – blues-based rock & roll.
Cosmos by Darling West (24 March)
The Norwegian duo of Mari and Tor Egil Kreken decamped to an island on Norway’s west coast to write their forthcoming album. Expect a collection that ripples with their tremendous musicianship and harmonies.
The Price of Progress by The Hold Steady (31 March)
The Hold Steady celebrate their 20th year as a band by releasing their 9th studio album. If you’re looking for rousing rock anthems, The Hold Steady never disappoint with their distinctive blend of blazing guitars, stellar harmonies, and plenty of incredible character-driven storytelling.
Gold by Carter Sampson (7 April)
Oklahoma’s Sampson is a consummate storyteller, bringing tales of her home state to life in glorious and rootsy songs.
Fan Favorites Unplugged, Volume 1 by Michelle Malone (7 April)
Malone digs into her impressive catalog to serve up an acoustic collection of songs chosen by her fans. The results are a tremendous showcase for her guitar prowess and songwriting.
‘Til June by Prateek (7 April)
Boston’s Prateek began his career in the folk realm. His forthcoming album, however, stretches his musical palette into rock and Americana territories with flashes of R&B and even a Tom Waits vibe along the way.
Sweet Anhedonia by Ben de la Cour (April)
Ben de la Cour is a distinctive voice in Americana, filling his songs with colorful characters and unique storytelling. His latest offers powerful, if dark, perspectives on the American experience.
Loser on the Ropes by Brian Dunne (14 April)
Fresh from his involvement with last year’s outstanding singer-songwriter collaborative Fantastic Cat, Dunne kicks off this year with a solo album chock full of his thoughtful and catchy brand of pop.
One Night in Texas: The Next Waltz’s Tribute to the Red Headed Stranger by Various Artists (28 April)
Back in May 2022, Bruce Robison gathered an all-star cast to perform a tribute to the legendary Willie Nelson album. Those who weren’t there can now enjoy the special performances by Sheryl Crow, Nathaniel Rateliff, Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Margo Price, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Vincent Neil Emerson, Shinyribs, and Emily Gimble.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.