#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 […]
Love That Dirty Water: A Boston Playlist
Welcome to the second in a periodic series of playlists showcasing artists from my hometown of Boston. You Were Drunk, Rose Polenzani with Session Americana (from the self-released When the River Meets the Sea) Polenzani does a periodic showcase at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge. It is quite the affair as she invites friends and […]
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 […]
Monday Morning Video: Matt the Electrician Covers Journey
Austin’s Matt the Electrician has been known to do some killer covers, mostly of 1980’s pop classics. He delivers them with an earnestness that leaves one wondering how serious he really is… And a special bonus, Matt’s take on Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.”
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 […]
Cary Hudson – Tree-House Party
You might think that an alt-country singer from the 80s and 90s playing an acoustic set would be tame. You might think that it’d be soft and gentle with some strumming and fingerpicking. But if you did, you don’t know Cary Hudson and his “dirty blues” and “nasty swing.” At 45, Cary may use the […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2010’s “Greatest Hits” Albums
I’m bending the rules a little by claiming that The Black Crowes, ‘Croweology’ double album is the best “greatest hits” record of the year. In fact, there was only one true “greatest hits” album that I listened to this whole year so nearly all of the four in my list stay true to adhere to […]
Amos Lee – Mission Bell
On January 25th, Amos Lee is going to release Mission Bell on Blue Note Records. Mark your calendars, this early January release will remain on many best of lists by the end of 2011. Characteristically, Lee’s soulful voice is the focal point of the album. However, the sound of Mission Bell exhibits more texture than his previous […]