I had never paid much attention to Katie Crutchfield prior to this year. A friend sent over the video to “Right Back To It” not long after it came out and I was off and running, sucking up Tiger’s Blood listen after listen, then back to her other recordings. Where had I been? Why wasn’t this artist on my radar? And what’s up with this Lenderman dude sitting on the pontoon singing with her strumming an Epiphone? I’d say 2024 was definitely kind to both Waxahatchee and MJ and I am glad to have benefited by enjoying their tunes.
Other than the list below, and, (usual disclaimer) stuff that didn’t make its way into my ears/mood, BRMC and Wildes both released fantastic EPs and the Todd Snider live recordings of his albums brought me so much joy.
My Top 25 is below with Waxahatchee taking the top spot.
Waxahatchee/Tiger’s Blood – Strong melodies and songwriting from the amazing Katie Crutchfield.
Gillian Welch & David Rawlings/Woodland – Strikingly simple and beautiful.
Kings of Leon/Can We Please Have Fun – Loud and fun with a few studio tricks and big sounds.
Willie Watson/Willie Watson – High tenor tunes from 2024 or 1934.
MJ Lenderman/Manning Fireworks – A new GBV for the kids.
Ana Egge/Sharing in the Spirit – Delicate vocals and nicely produced/performed arrangements.
Madi Diaz/Weird Faith – Vulnerable and at sometimes heart wrenching.
Sierra Ferrell/Trail of Flowers – Vocals, vocals, vocals. I like her vocals.
Jamey Johnson/Midnight Gasoline – Not his best songs but still strong and a nice country romp.
Christian Lee Hutson/Paradise Pop. 10 – Expertly crafted poppy gems.
Kasey Musgraves/Deeper Well
Jake Xerxes Fussell/When I’m Called
The Black Crowes/Happiness Bastards
Julian Lage/Speak to Me
The Avett Brothers/The Avett Brothers
Iron & Wine/Light Verse
Michael Kiwanuka/Small Changes
Slow Runner/Yesterday Don’t Fail Me Now
Dan Reeder/Smithereens
Kevin Gordon/The In Between
Dwight Yoakam/Brighter Days
Charley Crockett/$10 Cowboy
Johnny Blue Skies/Passage Du Desir
Wayne Graham/Bastion
The Felice Brothers/Valley of Abandoned Songs
About the author: Producer, Engineer, Musician and all around music enthusiast.