Lydia Luce

Azalea

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Azalea

The Nashville songstress Lydia Luce impresses us on this debut album, where her training in classical music blends with folk and Americana across songs with much lyrical depth and equally adept musical maturity.

“Helen” starts the listen and showcases Luce’s soaring, flawless vocals in a string friendly folk setting, and “Like You Do” follows with much beauty amid the acoustic guitar, low viola, and, of course, Luce’s expressive pipes.

Elsewhere, “Sausalito” flows with sublime beauty alongside the orchestral slant, while the title track recruits electric guitar as a soulful roots rocker finds itself being the album highlight. “My Heart In Mind”, also a very noteworthy track, then pairs intricate guitar picking with soft singing in the very graceful climate.

Towards the end, “Covered Up” is a playful, upbeat and busier display of diverse Americana, and “Strawberry Moon” benefits from pedal steel as a dreamy quality unfolds with much precision and timeless appeal.

Although her entrance into music began with the viola in her early teens, Luce is now a very well rounded artist who is quite versed in orchestral, chamber and classical ideas, all of which help make this first album both unique and exciting.

Travels well with: Ana Egge- Is It The Kiss; Lindsay Lou- Southland

David Ramirez

We’re Not Going Anywhere

Thirty Tigers, 2017

9/10

Listen to We’re Not Going Anywhere

The 4th album from the Austin, Texas singer-songwriter David Ramirez, We’re Not Going Anywhere offers us 10 very well thought out tunes of Americana influenced folk-rock, where he’s in the company of Simon Page (pedal steel, guitar) and Matthew Wright (synth, organ, piano), among others.

“Twins” stars the listen with warm, strummed acoustic guitar as Ramirez’s soulful and gripping vocals enter the dark Americana that benefits much from cautious drums and some ambience, and “Watching From A Distance” follows with a playful beat amid a dreamy quality as soothing vocals parallel the timelessness of Springsteen in the stirring landscape.

Further along, “Time” recruits piano and pedal steel to help complement the emotive climate that also takes in hazy background vocals, while “Good Heart”, a feel good tune, then builds from a folk template into a pop-friendly display of bright melody. “Telephone Lovers”, one of the album’s best, then brings both grit and sublime beauty to the subdued, reflective execution.

“Eliza Jane” and “I’m Not Going Anywhere” exit the listen, where former initially resides in piano balladry before escalating into a firm roots rocker, and the latter finds Ramirez in a bare environment with just light keys surrounding his whispered pipes that finishes with a cathartic blast.

You’re likely to be reminded of Jason Molina, Leonard Cohen or (early) Ryan Adams here, which could never be a bad thing, as Ramirez again solidifies himself as one of the best current songwriters in the area of alt-country meet indie-folk song craft.

Travels well with: Grant Lee Philips- Lightning, Show Us Your Stuff; The Jayhawks- XOXO

Dylan Gardner

Adventures In Real Time

Warner, 2014

8/10

Listen to Adventures In Real Time

The youngster Dylan Gardner played nearly as many instruments on this debut album as the number of years he had been alive, where he whittled down 100 songs to the 10 that make up Adventures In Real Time.

The aptly titled “Let’s Get Started” leads the album with drums and guitars working together playfully as Gardner’s vocals sound much wiser than his years in the upbeat and retro-rock setting, and “Heroes Tonight” follows with Garner’s versatile pipes in the highly melodic display of timeless ideas and memorable riffs.

Halfway through, “I Think I’m Falling For Something” recruits bright horns on the rhythmic and exciting album highlight, while “The Actor” resides in acoustic guitar fueled balladry as Gardner shows much range with his pipes. “Sing For The Stars”, one of the record’s best, then places drum programming into the sweet love song that touches on psychedelic ideas, too.

The last two tracks include “With A Kiss”, where nods to pop music from many decades ago is present amid the fuzzy guitar, and “Invincible” exits the listen with a hint of Brit-rock as a soaring and precise landscape finishes the listen on a very high note.

An artist who was noticed after posting videos of himself online covering The Beatles, Gardner even references John and Yoko here, and his ‘60s influences aren’t hidden across these nostalgic tunes from a then very talented 17 year old.

Travels well with: Ruby Rabbitfoot- New As Dew; Streets Of Laredo- Wild

Scott Mulvahill

Himalayas

Soundly, 2018

8/10

Listen to Himalayas

A Nashville singer-songwriter armed with an upright bass, Scott Mulvahill is quite versed in Americana, pop, rock, country, jazz and even chamber sounds, as evidenced by this very meticulous debut solo album.

“Begin Againers” starts the listen with soothing vocals as stand up bass helps cultivate the graceful mood that’s got plenty of soul, and “Top Of The Stairs” follows with a bouncy delivery as Mulvahill’s smooth vocals guide the playful, harmonica friendly setting.

Near the middle, “The Lord Is Coming” brings a spiritual angle to the nearly R&B climate that’s full of emotive singing, while “20/20 Vision” tugs on the heartstrings with traces of county in the sublime atmosphere. “1000 Feet”, a particularly strong track, then showcases Mulvahill’s exceptional and expressive vocals amid bare but gorgeous instrumentation.

As we get towards the end, “Move And Shake” glides with a warm rhythm that benefits from inviting vocal harmonies, and the title track exits the listen with deft plucked bass and plenty of mature texturing.

Mulvahill cut his teeth playing with Ricky Skaggs in Kentucky Thunder, who he toured with for 5+ years, and he takes that experience and parlays it into a very impressive start to his solo career.

Travels well with: Dawson Rutledge- Monsters; Radio Receiver- Radio Receiver

Dave Stryker

Strykin’ Ahead

Strike Zone, 2017

8/10

Listen to Strykin’ Ahead

If you haven’t been paying attention to Dave Stryker in recent years, you’re missing out, cause the legendary guitarist has been on a tear of fantastic albums. On this 2017 effort he’s aligned with Steve Nelson, Jared Gold and McClenty Hunter, where 9 tracks comprise this 28th album as leader.

“Shadowboxing” starts the listen with Stryker’s inimitable guitar prowess working together with Gold’s organ skills in the rhythmic, melodic landscape, and “Footprints” follows with a cautious approach where bluesy guitar lines align with Hunter’s proficient drumming.

Close to the middle, “Passion Flower” flows with a reflective quality where much beauty resides in the Billy Strayhorn tune, while “Strykin’ Ahead” displays vibraphone acrobatics from Nelson amid the swift melodies. “Blues Down Deep”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a soulful approach in its timeless, blues nature.

Near the end, “Who Can I Turn To” illustrates dynamic interplay between the 4 musicians as busy moments mesh with calmer ebbs of groove friendly song craft, and “Donna Lee” exits the listen with sublime guitar work from Stryker, though the drumming, organ and vibraphone don’t disappoint either as jazz and blues mix together with funky swing nods, too.

There’s 4 Stryker originals present, though he and his band make each song their own whether it’s a slow burning affair or bebop fun, and it’s all presented with a tremendous amount of skill.

Travels well with: Jared Gold- Emergence; Dave Stryker- Eight Track Christmas

Dawson Rutledge

Monsters

Rusty Doc, 2017

8/10

Listen to Monsters

It’s hard to believe that the Canadian singer-songwriter Dawson Rutledge was just 20 years old when he penned this debut album, cause his well thought out brand of folk-rock runs parallel to the legends of the genre as he offers us 9 cautious tracks.

“Thief Of A Lover” starts the listen with Rutledge’s unique and inviting vocals guiding the warm folk influenced tune that recruits female vocals, and “Holding My Own” follows with an upbeat strummer that shuffles amid a playful spirit.

Near the middle, “When Life Gives You Monsters” moves with vivid storytelling as Rutledge’s versatile pipes are on display, while “Whispering Winds” embraces a darker quality alongside a timeless, sometimes dramatic delivery with much emphasis on percussion.

Deeper still, “Same Old News”, the album highlight, then flows with soulful horns, bright percussion and plenty of rugged yet tuneful Americana, and “Coffee Shop” exits the listen calm, dreamy and with no lack of bare beauty in its emotive landscape.

Sometimes reminding us of a young Bob Dylan, it will exciting to where Rutledge’s career takes him, cause his keen sense of songwriting and heartfelt execution has us hanging on every moment of Monsters.

Travels well with: Radio Receiver- Radio Receiver; Jason Molina- Eight Gates

The Americans

I’ll Be Yours

Loose, 2017

8/10

Listen to I’ll Be Yours

A Los Angeles trio consisting of Patrick Ferriss, Jake Faulkner and Zac Sokolow, The Americans released this debut album in 2017, where their firm rock’n’roll template is also in the company of folk, jazz and Americana ideas.

“Nevada” starts the listen with a retro quality as soaring vocals are met with crisp guitars and playful percussion in a both reserved and swift display of folk-rock, and “The Right Stuff” follows with spirited guitar work in a bouncy, scrappy delivery of rock’n’roll fun.

Near the middle, “Last Chance” brings a calmer approach of timeless, bluesy song craft, while “Hooky” finds itself in more rugged territory that’s full of gritty punk rock nods. “Harbor Lane” then makes great use of tambourine as classic rock ideas enter that nostalgic and so very tuneful landscape.

The last two songs are among the best and include slow burning beauty of “Bronze Star”, and “Daphne” exits the listen with strings complementing the reflective climate of the primarily acoustic finish the showcases incredible chemistry between the members.

The Americans have come a long way from their busking roots, as they bring some of the best characteristic of Fogerty, Springsteen, The Black Keys and The Rolling Stones into this fantastic first album. They made Jack White a fan pretty early on, and, I have to imagine, anyone else willing to give them a listen, too.

Travels well with: The White Stripes- Greatest Hits; John Fogerty- Fogerty’s Factory

Air Traffic Controller

Echo Papa

Self-Released, 2017

8/10

Listen to Echo Papa

Air Traffic Controller made me a fan pretty quick with 2012’s Nordo, and the Boston residents have built an impressive catalog since, with this 7 track EP being at the top of that list.

“After Party” starts the listen with a soulful approach as sleek pop ideas enter the dance friendly setting that even brings in a trumpet, and “Live In” follows with playful percussion where a modern, buzzing energy defines the synth fueled indie-pop.

Near the middle, “Go Time” recruits an anthemic quality amid its adventurous landscape that benefits from flugelhorn, while “Keeping Bees” swirls with plenty of melodica as expressive singing from Casey Sullivan makes an impression. “It’s You” finishes the listen and brings traces of folk as plenty of indie-rock ideas unfold alongside Dave Munro and Sullivan’s dynamic pipes,

A very festive effort with no lack of grooves, rhythm and melody, Air Traffic Controller’s unique blend of grit and gloss makes them yet another must hear band that Boston has gifted us.

Travels well with: Colony House- When I Was Younger; The Zolas- Swooner

Andrea Stray

Into Blue

Self-Released, 2017

8/10

Listen to Into Blue

A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from San Francisco, Andrea Stray ventured to Nashville to lay down these 5 well thought out tracks, where the esteemed studio players J.T. Corenflos, Larry Beaird, David Dorn, Scotty Sanders, Eli Beaird and Eddie Bayers help illuminate Stray’s work.

Stray starts the listen with the dreamy and emotive title track, where intricate guitar and strategic keys aligns with her versatile pipes that suit the darker textures, and “Don’t Cry” follows with warm pedal steel entering the key heavy, lush delivery.

The remaining 3 tracks don’t disappoint either, and include the jazz friendly “Little Word”, where a soothing guitar solo makes an impression amid the lounge atmosphere, while “Forgive And Forget” offers a riff you won’t forget anytime soon as a rugged yet tuneful brand of Americana unfolds. “You’re The Kind” exits the listen and mixes guitar, cello and vocal harmonies together on a beautiful exit of sublime song craft.

A lifelong pursuer of music, Stray again proves her strong vocal prowess and songwriting ability on this very raw, sincere and timeless display of folk and Americana ideas that warrant revisiting.

Travels well with: Amie Penwell- Windows; Amy LaVere- Painting Blue

Cicada Rhythm

Everywhere I Go

New West, 2018

8/10

Listen to Everywhere I Go

The follow up to their 2015 debut album, the Athens, Georgia based Cicada Rhythm might be one of the most eclectic outfits that exists in today’s Americana scene, as founding members Andrea DeMarcus and Dave Kirslis have now added members to make Cicada Rhythm a full band the embraces much variety.

“America’s Open Roads” starts the listen with warm organ, playful tambourine and the charming, unique vocals of DeMarcus on the instantly memorable Americana, and “Even In The Shallows” follows with violin and cello adding much to the folk-rock influenced setting.

Moving along, “Roses By My Side” recruits mandolin and dobro to the country tinted landscape, while “Straight Scared” brings a fuller approach amid the emotive roots rock that benefits greatly from pedal steel guitar. “Do I Deserve It Yet?”, the album highlight, then offers soulful singing, piano and louder guitars to the dynamic delivery that’s anthemic in its nature.

Close to the end, “Where The Dogwood Dies” finds a calmer place to reside, where expressive vocals align with spirited guitar lines, and “Back Home” exits the listen soft and pretty, as timeless song craft unfolds with much precision and sincerity.

Everywhere I Go was recorded in many places along their travels, including living rooms and churches, and it represents the bands humble, minimal folk-pop beginnings as well as the orchestral and roots rock formula that’s also present now. A band on a seemingly endless journey, it’s an adventure they’re sharing with us, and we’re all better off for tuning into this and their forthcoming chapters, too.

Travels well with: Birds Of Chicago- Love In Wartime; Great Peacock- Forever Worse Better

Ciaran Lavery

Sweet Decay

All Points, 2018

8/10

Listen to Sweet Decay

A singer-songwriter from a small village in Ireland, Ciaran Lavery pens a very personal album here, where themes of love, growth and self-reflection radiate with much beauty as Saint Sister (vocals), Rory Doyle (drums) and Joe Furlong (bass), among others, are in attendance.

“Everything Is Made To Last” starts the listen with an intimate, breathy delivery of minimal instrumentation as Lavery’s expressive singing holds our attention alongside a gentle guitar that later builds into an anthemic quality, and “13” follows with a warm beat and much attention to detail in the melodic instrumentation.

Elsewhere, “Bones 4 Blood” simmers softly with a soulful quality, while “Wicked Teeth” is a folk influenced strummer that carries a light mood with plenty of timelessness. “Beast At My Door”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a haunting tone where strings add much to the reflective climate.

As we near the end, “Morning Bell” illustrates much power in its sparse execution that’s both poetic and gripping, and the title track finishes the listen with emphasis on piano as a calm atmosphere unfolds with a cautious, stirring exit.

Lavery is nothing if not heartfelt, and his eloquent song craft is only improving with each subsequent record. An artist with very humble beginnings, though he’s from a village of 800 residents, he’s making a global impression and it’s easy to see why with fascinating work like Sweet Decay.

Travels well with: Roo Panes- Paperweights; James Vincent McMorrow- Post Tropical

Conway Twitty

Timeless

Country Rewind, 2017

8/10

Listen to Timeless

The Country Rewind label teams up with the legendary Conway Twitty to put together a never released recording that has been sitting idle since 1973. Recorded for the United States Armed Forces, it was broadcasted on radio stations across the country, but never saw a formal release despite containing some of Twitty’s biggest and best songs.

“(Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date” starts the listen with aching pedal steel as Twitty’s inimitably smooth vocals guide the pensive climate, and “Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)” follows with a duet as a rugged landscape meets classic country ideas.

With 14 tracks on hand, there’s plenty of Twitty to absorb, such as the soulful yet playful “Working Girl”, and the sublime balladry of “I Can’t See Me Without You”. “Crazy Arms”, a particularly strong tune, then displays Twitty’s incredible vocals on a piano fueled and lap steel friendly gem.

Deeper yet, “Honky-Tonk Man” certainly recruits some honky tonk flavor to its rock’n’roll spirit, while the emotive and stirring “If You Were Mine To Lose” unfolds with a timeless appeal. “Next In Line” exits the listen and wastes no time tugging on the heartstrings with its gentle musicianship amid Twitty’s inviting pipes.

Twitty’s esteemed band, the Twitty Birds, are on hand and as steel guitarist John “Buttermilk”Hughey, bassist “Big Joe” Lewis, and drummer Tommy “Pork Chop” Markham pull of an impressive performance, and there’s even some modern enhancement on it including backing vocals and acoustic guitar. If you’re a fan of Twitty this is essential, or if you just want to hear some influential tunes from the early days of country, you can’t go wrong with Timeless.

Travels well with: Outlaw Billy Don Burns- The Country Blues; Rex Allen Jr.- Then & Now

Kiyomi Hawley

Meet You There

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Meet You There

The songstress Kiyomi Hawley ended a 7 year break from music with this EP, and her intimate and relatable songs certainly resonate well across Meet You There.

“Miss You Love You” starts the listen with Hawley’s soft, expressive vocals opening the tune before warm keys and agile percussion enter the dreamy atmosphere, and “Wedding Song” follows with a playful delivery of jumpy strings and soaring backing vocals in the festive climate.

The remaining tracks are equally as impressive, including the acoustic guitar fueled “Meet You There”, while “Shine” offers upbeat piano pop where Hawley’s versatile pipes are on full display in the feel good tune. “Little Angel” exits the listen, and finds itself initially in balladry with an eloquent and poetic execution before building into a textured and memorable finish.

Hawley was actually raised in a cult (which she is no longer associated with), and she takes that time and uses it as learning experience that’s often hinted at in her forthright and universally embraceable wordplay. Now that her life has changed direction, her song craft seems to be benefitting as well, as evidenced by this strong comeback record.

Travels well with: Amie Penwell- Windows; Sarah Morris- All Mine

Charlie Hager

American Saga

Flour Sack Cape, 2016

9/10

Listen to American Saga

The singer-songwriter Charlie Hager makes quite an impression on this debut album where he carries the spirit of legends like Billy Joe Shaver and Waylon Jennings across 10 tracks of social and political themed songs that certainly run parallel with the rich history of his Nashville home.

“Way Down Low” starts the listen with fiddle acrobatics as Hager’s expressive and warm vocals enter the bluegrass flavored fun that soars with plenty of melody, and “These Days” follows with soothing acoustic guitar where frisky percussion highlights the fluid Americana.

Further on, “Isn’t It Strange?”, one of the album’s best, flows with memorable rootsy rock where Benjamin Jason Douglas offers his gruff pipes alongside Hager’s smooth delivery, while “Sounds Of Our Home” rests in ballad territory with much beauty radiating from Jenny Anne Nooe’s soulful singing. “What’s Your Secret” then takes a darker turn where organs and ominous vocals add another dimension to Hager’s atypical vision.

The album finishes with “Here Comes The Flood” and “American Saga”, where the former is a full display of rugged alt-country, and the latter exits with a stirring and bare execution that allows Hager’s many talents to really shine.

Though Hager has a lengthy musical past, he returned to songwriting later in life, after his kids were nearly grown, and that lengthy hiatus helps instill a very wise and mature aspect to his craft that results in some of the most engaging Americana being made today.

Travels well with: Jason Benjamin Douglas- First World Blues; Ben De La Cour- Shadowland

Crashdown Butterfly

Near Life Experience

Orange Pants, 2020

9/10

Listen to Near Life Experience

If I had to guess, I would have speculated that Crashdown Butterfly hail from Seattle, although they’re far from your average grunge friendly band who sent a demo to Sub Pop Records in 1993. Though they were a quartet on this recording, these days they’re a trio, this debut produces a very full sound where punk, hard-rock and even power-pop are embraced in their hard hitting versus reflective formula.

There’s just 4 tunes here, and each one makes an impression in its own right. “Blood Mars” starts the listen with some grungy guitar chugging as well sung vocals from Ira Merrill give it a thick yet melodic feel not unlike Soundgarden.

The following tracks are equally firm but tuneful, and include the thundering rock of “Near Life Experience (Hospital Scene Part 1)”, where an anthemic quality enters the furious but precise landscape, while “Loud As Lightning (Hospital Scene Part II)” benefits from calm moments of shimmering beauty in between the crunchy guitars and sing-along chorus.

“Waking Up (Hospital Scene Part III)” exits the listen with the most gentle tune, though there’s still traces of bristling rock amid the guitar solos and dynamic rhythm section that’s anchored by drummer Steve Gale.

The last 3 songs here are all concept tunes about a near death experience where the character dies from a drug overdose, enters another dimension, and then returns back to their body, and the well thought out storytelling aligns equally with the meticulously crafted music on this exceptional first effort.

Travels well with: Soundgarden- Badmotorfinger; Zilched- Doompop

Chris J Connolly

Moving Maps

Diversion, 2017

8/10

Listen to Moving Maps

An England native who now resides in New York, the singer-songwriter Chris J Connolly returns with a sophomore album here, where his folky, country-ish and Americana ways are illuminated while still being rooted in rock sounds.

“Fight At The End” starts with folksy strumming as Connolly’s intimate and inviting vocals steer the melodic opener that brings in violin, and “The Sun” follows with warm percussion as a calm setting unfolds with an emotive form of Americana.

At the halfway point, “Grey Boxes” flows with bare beauty where an acoustic guitar and subtle keys illuminate the sparse approach, while “Extra Cold” offers a fuller display of dynamic, rhythmic song craft. “Selfish”, an album highlight, then recruits bluesy guitars and charming dobro in a precisely textured atmosphere.

Closer to the end, “Tornado” lands in ballad territory where Connolly’s breathy, expressive vocals and strategic, minimal instrumentation work together sublimely, and “Monsters” exits on a similarly sparse note, where effective synth adds much to the thoughtful climate.

Whereas Connolly’s debut album was more a solo venture, this time around he’s in the company of Pete Mancini (Butcher’s Blind) and Anthony Pravata (Miles To Dayton), among others, and the meshing of rock, folk, blues and pop along with Connolly’s tenor pipes makes for a very unique listen.

Travels well with: Conor Mulroy- The Last Circus Act; Spencer Cullum- Coin Collection

Mike Stapleton

Mid-Winter Blues

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Mid-Winter Blues

The Maine singer-songwriter Mike Stapleton has an impressive catalog to his credit, and this 2018 album seems quite fitting to sit down with considering most of us are dealing with all the elements of winter by now.

Stapleton starts the listen with the warm guitar lines and inviting drumming of the smooth folk sounds of the title track, and “Take My Breath Away” follows with a more firm approach of blues influenced song craft that’s not without plenty of soul, too.

As we get near the middle, the memorable guitar riff of “The Other Life” brings a playful quality to the jangly strummer, while “Two Dog Chase” illustrates Stapleton’s guitar and vocal prowess together in a bare but impactful setting. “New World”, one of the album’s best, then recruits a retro quality with frisky percussion amid a scrappy folk climate.

Towards the end, “Far And Few” offers a hypnotic tune of soft storytelling, and “Light On Ambition” exits the listen much like how it started, with Stapleton’s sincere singing meshing well with cautious guitar.

An artist with a no frills approach, like everything he’s done, Stapleton pens relatable songs that are genuine, timeless and full of fluid songwriting that will appeal to fans of folk, rock and blues.

Travels well with: Randy Lewis Brown- Red Crow; Chad Richard- Worthy Cause

Cameron Blake

Fear Not

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Fear Not

The Michigan native Cameron Blake knows his way around a tune that’s full of intimacy and with plenty of heart, and on this sophomore album the multi-instrumentalist is in the company of nearly 50 players as he touches on many genres with much grace, skill and unpredictable songwriting.

The title track starts the listen with graceful keys as Blake’s smooth vocals guide the folk-influenced setting that’s not without an orchestral quality, and “After Sally” follows with a very mature version of Americana that recruits female vocals and playful strings.

Close to middle, “Queen Bee” finds itself in some form of gospel amid a frisky display of soulful backing vocals, while “Tiananmen Square” trims the pace back with a dreamy delivery of beautiful, poetic song craft. “Moonlight On A String”, one of the album’s best, then burns slow with moody cello and a reflective climate that draws us in immediately.

Near the end, “Philip Seymour Hoffman” is piano led and full of vulnerable song craft about the late actor, and “Monterey Bay” exits the listen powerfully, where Blake’s commanding voice shines bright alongside cautious interplay between the sophisticated instruments.

An artist who was classically trained and then found folk music later on, there is much talent present here, and each song is fleshed out meticulously and memorably as Blake solidifies himself as an artist we should all be keeping an eye on.

Travels well with: Christian Scott Atunde Adjuah- AXIOM; Kendrick Scott Oracle- A Wall Becomes A Bridge

Collie Buddz

Good Life

Ineffable, 2017

8/10

Listen to Good Life

The Bermudian reggae artist Collie Buddz returned with this 2017 sophomore album that arrived a decade after his debut. Known for his crossover ability, Buddz doesn’t shy away from pop and hip-hop here, as he’s in the company of some pretty impressive guests on Good Life.

The album leads with “Control”, where warm keys lead into a percussively strong and rhythmic form of modern reggae that makes an immediate impression, and “Lovely Day” follows with no shortage of breezy melodies populating the flowing reggae.

There’s a few cameos on the album, as Kat Dahlia contributes her inimitable vocals to the playful “Save Me From The Rain”, while Kreesha Turner’s pipes add much to the hip-hip influenced “Used To”. “Yesterday”, the best track here, then recruits Jody Highroller and Snoop Dogg to the versatile landscape that’s beat friendly and places sturdy grooves that impress. The album exits on “Glasshouse”, where Buddz’s esteemed talent is highlighted amid the inviting musicianship.

It’s certainly no surprise that Good Life hit #1 on the US Billboard Reggae Albums Chart and #29 on the Independent Albums Chart, as Buddz spent the 10 years following his debut touring and honing is craft into this top notch 2nd record.

Travels well with: Slightly Stoopid- Everyday Life, Everyday People; The Green- Black & White

The Hackles

A Dobritch Did As A Dobritch Should

Jealous Butcher, 2019

8/10

Listen to A Dobritch Did As A Dobritch Should

Though you may not recognize the names Kati Claborn and Luke Ydstie, you’ve probably heard their work in Blind Pilot, who have been one of the biggest names in indie-folk for a decade now.

Here the multi-instrumentalists continue the strong song craft of their full band, where hooks, harmonies and varied instrumentation are never in short supply.

“Seven Lies” starts the listen with soft and agile with Claborn’s strong vocals that harmonize well with Ydstie on the warm opener, and “Dreamer” follows with cautious picking in the aching setting of timeless folk sounds meets country nods.

Further on, “The Show Goes On” picks up the pace a bit with breezy Americana in a song about circus life gone tragic, while “Peaches” trims the atmosphere back to a duet of bare beauty as a fiddle solo adds much to the formula.

Near the end, “So I Go” brings some of the best vocal work on the elegant album highlight, and “Can I Get A Mention” puts Ydstie front and center on the emotive and stirring gem. “86 Pages Of Secrets” ends the listen key friendly and full of soul, and reiterates the extremely thoughtful nature of the listen.

Partners outside of music, too, Claborn and Ydstie have an undeniable chemistry on this 2nd album, where a largely tranquil delivery contains much power in its eloquent, unpredictable, and welcoming demeanor.

Travels well with: Blind Pilot- 3 Rounds And A Sound; River Whyless- Kindness, A Rebel