10. Obviously by Lake Street Dive Glorious smooth and silken pop, a mix of songs earnest and spirited – Obviously is another gem from Lake Street Dive. Key Tracks: Hypotheticals, Hush Money, Same Old News, Nobody’s Stopping You Now, Anymore 9. Vessel by The Accidentals Sav Buist and Katie Larson shift away from their folk […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2021 (So Far), the Songs
Breaking a Heart/The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall (from the Sony Music Nashville release The Marfa Tapes) If you thought their song “Tin Man” was achingly beautiful, they’ve got a few more from their time in Marfa that just might make your eyes a little misty. I couldn’t decide […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2021 (So Far), the Albums
J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes Steve Earle’s moving tribute to his late son Justin Townes Earle is an emotional gut punch. Yet beyond the tragedy of the younger Earle’s passing, the elder Earle’s performances of his son’s songs highlight their shared gift of songwriting and storytelling mastery. Be warned, though, that the closing […]
Twangville’s Official Favorite Album of 2020 Is…
Reunions by Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit The Twangville pick for Best New Album of 2020 is Reunions by Alabama rock outfit, Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit. This list combines best of year picks from our Twangville critics plus the Readers’ Tops which you helped us create. Congrats to all the finalists. Bring […]
Shawn’s 2020 Album Favorites
I’ve never made it a secret how much of an influence John Hartford’s music had on me. Yet I surprised even myself when I realized On the Road: A Tribute To John Hartford was my favorite album of 2020. I suppose in this year of chaos the combination of new versions of songs I’ve loved […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2020, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2020 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. I Remember Everything, John Prine I Don’t Want This (Job Interview), Jackson Emmer (from […]
Tom’s Downright Favorites of 2020
Best Album of 2020: Chris Stapleton – Starting Over If you’d have told me a year ago that I’d be selecting Chris Stapleton as my choice for album of the year, I’d have told you that you were crazy. Past efforts had been a tad too countrified for my taste, but somehow Starting Over hit […]
Chip’s Best Americana Albums of 2020
There were so many good albums this year I am breaking my list into two posts. I will start with the best Americana albums. In the next couple of weeks I will post my Best Indie/Rock albums list. Though the latter will be less comprehensive than this one. While picking the best albums was an […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2020, Boston/Dallas Edition
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. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Quiet Lives by Garrett Owen Gorgeous and entrancing are the […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2020
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2020.