Not So Sure and How Good You Are, Joe Pug (from the Lightning Rod Records release Messenger) Quite simply, I couldn’t decide which of these songs I liked better so called it a draw. Both are shining examples of Pug’s songwriting prowess: thoughtful lyrics, engaging melodies and a captivating performance. Down in the Bowery, Alejandro […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Songs of 2010, a Playlist and Video Companion
If I limited selections from my favorite albums of the year to as many as I could fit on a CD it would look something like this. The journey starts with the always energetic Eli “Paperboy” Reed. Somewhere in the middle you hear the genius songwriting by Caleb Stine and Justin Townes Earle. All to […]
Burnin’ Down the Java with Jesse Malin
As a fan of Americana, it’d been a while since I’d seen a real rock show. But Jesse Malin certainly delivered a fist-pumpin rock show. He strolled out in his black work jacket and rivets and worked his butt off the entire show. If you were looking for the acoustic colors of “The Fine Art […]
Shawn’s Picks: Best Music Of 2010
It’s been a good year of music. At this point I’m just piling on, but here’s what I heard this year that was the best of the best. Top Ten Albums of 2010 Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues. Â Somehow managing to combine the spirit of Woody Guthrie with the soul of Memphis, it […]
Tom’s Picks: Best EPs of 2010
My nod for EP of the year goes to Eric Brace & Last Train Home‘s simply named ‘Six Songs’ which pulls together a six-fingered handful of songs they’ve been playing live for some time now. Brace sings in near perfect French with a couple of the tracks (“Autumn Leaves”, “Et Maintenant / What Now My […]
Mayer’s Picks: Best Albums of 2010
#1. JOE PUG, Messenger (Lightning Rod) Pug may only be in his mid 20’s, but his songs reflect a timeless musical wisdom. A folk troubadour in the truest sense, he is equally skilled tackling social and political topics as he is at exploring the politics of romance. A powerful new musical voice has emerged. (Twangville […]
Sarah Jarosz – The New 45
In the world of bluegrass and roots music, few, if any, have been buzzed about louder than Sarah Jarosz has been in the last couple of years. Unlike so many other hyped-up youngsters, however, the current musical student (it’s likely she could take many of her fellow pupils to school, if you know what I […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Compilations of 2010
It must be John Prine‘s year. I recently claimed ‘John Prine: On Stage & In Person’ to be the best live album of the year and now I’m telling you that ‘Broken Hearts & Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine’ is the best compilation album of the year. Just look at the artists who contributed […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Live Album of 2010
There’s no question about it. ‘John Prine: In Person & On Stage’ is my pick for live album of the year. Featuring special performances by Emmylou Harris, Josh Ritter, and Iris Dement among others. Personal favorites include “Long Monday”, “She Is My Everything”, and “Mexican Home (featuring Josh Ritter)”. The stories that Prine tells leading […]
Tom’s Picks: Best Reissues of 2010
Twenty-five years ago, John Fogerty tapped into America’s favorite pastime and hit a home run with ‘Centerfield’. This year, Geffen Records released a digitally remastered version of the record with two bonus covers “My Toot Toot” and “I Confess.” Between the two reissues I listened to this year, the timeless classic “Centerfield” was the clear […]