It was a good year for music, both live and recorded. I heard some things pushing the envelope of an already large package called Americana. I heard some new takes on old songs and some old takes on new songs. I heard a few things that even though I knew what was coming, and looking […]
Triggers & Slips – What Do You Feed Your Darkness?
You’ve undoubtedly heard the line that country music is three chords and the truth. It goes deeper than that, though. It’s not just the truth, but more often than not it’s self-truth. Opening up about one’s own foibles and self-doubts adds an integrity to the twang that you just don’t get observing from a distance. […]
The Sadies – Colder Streams
If you read our blog, chances are you’re a fan of The Sadies. And so you know Dallas Good, who along with brother Travis was a guiding light of the band, passed away suddenly in February. I’ve gushed about the band before, and was saddened that one of the more talented musicians around, and quirkiest […]
Cactus Blossoms – One Day
They call it blood harmony. It is that special coherent blend that siblings can attain when they harmonize. In the case of The Cactus Blossoms, comparisons are abundant to the Everly Brothers. However, sometimes the obvious is the most apropos. The blend of their vocals seems effortless and gives each song a comfortable, smooth vibe […]
Sarah Shook & the Disarmers – Nightroamer
One of my musical discoveries during the lockdown was Sarah Shook & the Disarmers. Their brand of pounding country punk was the perfect soundtrack with which to give fate the middle finger. And underneath the attitude, there were a lot of good songs. So I was looking forward (deservedly so, it turns out) to their […]
Hank Erwin Video Premiere – Sally
Last fall I wrote about the new album from Hank Erwin, Copper. Generally speaking, the record is full of Southern rock ballads and outlaw country tales, many of them at least partially autobiographical. If you’re going to just sample a couple of songs, you can’t go wrong with Altana or Hell Or Harlan, both with […]
Stash – Walk the Walk
Stash is an all-star group from the West Coast roots rock scene. They will be releasing their excellent album “Walk the Walk” on November 5th. Born out of the pandemic the album should not be this much fun. Thankfully it is an eclectic Rock N’ Roll gem that I have had on repeat since getting […]
Hank Erwin – The Copper Album
“Having cancer and recovering from surgery was great. It was a distraction from the severe depression.” Taken from Hank Erwin’s website bio, that was my first hint that the inspiration for Erwin’s new album, The Copper Album, was captured from his own, less-than-fluffy, life experiences. Indeed, that bio serves as commentary on several of the […]
Tim Easton – You Don’t Really Know Me
Nashville-based singer-songwriter Tim Easton is releasing his new album, “You Don’t Really Know Meâ€, tomorrow August 27th. It is no doubt some of his finest work, which is saying a lot for someone with a highly acclaimed 20-year career under his belt. It is also his most personal album. Although it seems trite to call […]
Tylor and the Train Robbers -Non-Typical Find
Tylor and the Train Robbers are a family band that has toured relentlessly and been their own producers over two previous studio albums. Then, faster than you can say “pandemicâ€, things changed. Suddenly they were off the road and had a chance rethink their approach in their native Boise, Idaho. First hey jumped head first […]