As we get ready to ring in the new year, I’m going to make a confession: I haven’t listened to much new music this year. With a son who just turned one, a broken leg, and the usual stacks of correcting (I’m an English teacher), I haven’t listened to much new stuff. The Mrs. and […]
Eli’s Favorites of 2015
Donnie Trumpet & the Social Experiment, Surf Fronted by Chance the Rapper, this Chicago ensemble reminds of how joyful and organic hip hop can be. Courtney Barnett, Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit Dense with words and guitars, Courtney Barnetts’s official debut is a statement record that captures the zeitgeist of 2015. […]
Bill’s Blues-Based Best – 2015
There’s no way we can claim to track all the new music that comes out in a year. But we’re wired to find what we like. While I certainly enjoy the alt. country artists so popular on Twangville (caught Jason Isbell’s show at the Electric Factory last summer – fantastic!) I tend to write more […]
Monday Morning Video: Girls Guns & Glory cover Hank Williams
There are certain statements that are indisputable. One of those is the profound impact that Hank Williams has had on American music. There’s really no escaping it. From the tortured heartache of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry†to the gospel jubilee of “I Saw the Light†to the unbridled joy of “Jambalaya†he has […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2015
BRANDI CARLILE, The Firewatcher’s Daughter Every year there’s always one album that blows your mind no matter how many times you hear it. From the time The Firewatcher’s Daughter was released in March to now in December, every song on the album still stuns. At first listen you marvel at the mastery of Carlile herself. […]
Shawn's Picks – Best Albums of 2015
The Mavericks – Mono  More than their previous albums I felt like Mono showcased the band more than the individuals in it.  They”re not breaking any new ground here, but that”s like dinging someone for being the best in the world at something.  This stayed in the disc changer in my car for about 6 […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2015
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2015 back in July (here and 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. Get Better, Frank Turner (from the Xtra Mile Records release Positive Songs […]
Monday Morning Video – Chris Stapleton “Parachute”
Stumbled across this great acoustic performance by Chris Stapleton, playing one of the stand-out tracks from his long overdue debut release. The show took place at Musician’s Corner in Nashville, a special venue in a public park that offers free shows by an impressive roster of artists each year.
Todd's Tops of 2015
Lists. Do they matter? Does anyone care anymore? In this day of Spotify, do we still need people pointing out what to listen to? Or do we need suggestions more than ever because of the volume of releases? I don’t know. All I know is that I find it fun to compile a list of […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]