Not sure how I missed this release earlier in the year, but former Squirrel Nut Zippers bandmates Andrew Bird and Jimbo Mathus reunited for the stripped down and magical These 13. Here’s “Poor Lost Souls”, their sobering reflection on homelessness. She’s just a lump of coal, but she could have been a diamondHe’s just a […]
Readers’ Pick: Todd Snider – First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder
You picked Todd Snider – First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder as your favorite new release for the week of April 23, 2020. New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Winter & Spring 2021 […]
Desert Hollow – Thirsty
Hailing from West Virginia and southeast California respectively, Xander Hitzig and Nicole Olney wouldn’t be expected to have a similar perspective on life. After meeting on the set of a musical theatre production, though, they realized they shared a lot in common, especially musically. You’ll hear that on their debut record, an EP titled Thirsty. […]
Old Town Crier – I’m Longing For You Honey In Middleboro, Mass
One of the good things that’s come out of the pandemic is that quite a few musicians, normally consumed full-time with being part of a band, have used the time to challenge themselves and make a solo record. Sometimes the musical style veers afield from what their band normally plays. One of the better examples […]
We’ll Go Walkin’ – A Special Dallas Playlist
The City, Brandon Callies (from the Hand Drawn Records release Sunrise Diner) Sunrise Diner, born of heartbreak, is not a happy album. Nonetheless, it is immensely satisfying as Brandon Callies blends melody and melancholy into regal pop songs. Opener “The City” sets a sorrowful tone, describing the singer wandering seemingly deserted city streets trying to […]
John Smith on Nick Drake and Spending More Time with the Pen
Songwriter and guitarist John Smith talks about working in a comic book shop and a boozy tour bus breakdown while on the road with David Gray.
Hillary Grace Fretland on Gas Station Taquitos and Working at a Wine Bar
Singer-songwriter Hillary Grace Fretland of Fretland talks about finding leftover snacks in the band’s rehearsal space, stealing lyrics from Drew Barrymore.
Monday Morning Video – William Prince
I’ll admit that I’m a late-comer to William Prince’s music. While in Nashville two years ago for the Americana Conference, I arrived at a venue early in anticipation of catching a favorite artist (Terra Lightfoot, if you must know). The sounds that greeted me, courtesy of Prince, were astonishing. While I can’t recall with any […]
Readers’ Pick: Zach Schmidt – Raise a Banner
You picked Zach Schmidt – Raise a Banner as your favorite new release for the week of April 16, 2020. New Releases Did we miss something? If you feel a new release is missing from our current poll, please let us know in the comments. Readers’ Tops Winter & Spring 2021 Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn […]
The Shootouts – Bullseye
Not long after Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakum and their ilk starting reclaiming authentic roots music, a band formed out of a chance meeting in a bar took the idea a step further. BR549 was honky-tonk, rockabilly and Texas swing; and an attitude your mom told you to fear. Needless to say they developed a […]