Take Effect

Legacy & Alchemy

It/Is, 2018

8/10

Listen to Legacy & Alchemy

A double CD that was recorded in major cities across the world, over 150 musicians and engineers came together to birth these reworked and reimagined classics.

Alexandra Jackson, an American who has had an extensive involvement with soul, jazz and Brazilian sounds, handles vocal duties, and she’s often accompanied with integrated performances from legends like Miles Davis, Rod Temperton and Al Jarreau among others.

As to be expected with all the large amount of talent involved here, there are countless genres and ideas present, including bossa nova, jazz, blues, soul, and samba. Album highlights include the funky, jazz and R&B feelings of the playful “All One”, while “Labirintos” gets extra dreamy with samba ideas and plenty of flute. Though the focus is always the expressive singing from Jackson, the percussive influence of “Sonho Meu”is top notch and the English and Portuguese sung “Girl From Ipanema” uses horns strategically for the dance friendly and lush atmosphere.

While the first disc is an impressive 86 minutes of music, the second is under 30 minutes, and both yield some of the finest sounds that Brazil has given us, as Jackson’s flawless vocals are the perfect guide on this journey.

Travels well with: Astrid Gilberto- Now ; Al Jarreau- This Time

Vida

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Vida

A Louisville outfit who combine lush Appalachian ideas and Latin sounds, among others, on this 3rd effort the collective utilize plenty of vocal harmonies and an overall party atmosphere in an attempt to bring people together.

Though swift tunes like the world folk of “Primivera” and the flute heavy “Reina De Mi Corazon” seems like songs of celebration, ballads like the light and airy “Vida” and “Sweet Song Of My Soul”, one of the few tracks in English, bring a softer side to the equation. Elsewhere, atypical ideas like the dueling flutes of Moliendo Cafe” and worldly bluegrass fun of “Guantanamera” illustrate just how unique this ensemble are.

An extremely pleasant and accomplished collection, Appalatin’s multicultural approach brings a new level of sweetness and deft instrumentation to fusion sounds, and are as adventurous as they are embraceable.

Travels well with: Los Lobos- This Time; Chico Trujillo- Reina De Todas Las Fiestas

Have We Met?

Playtime, 2018

7/10

Listen to Have We Met?

You may have already heard trumpet extraordinaire Augie Haas, as he’s previously worked with Harry Connick Jr., The Gil Evans Project, and currently plays in the orchestra for Aladdin on Broadway.

Now 5 albums deep, Have We Met? sits firmly in jazz, and first track, “Pennies From Heaven”, brings his warm trumpet work against the playful keys and amicable vocals, while “I Won’t Dance” shows us Carmen Staaf’s sublime piano skill. A listen with a lot of heart, “Wave” elicits soulful grooves with a change into keyboards, and “What Is This Thing Called Love?” manipulates atmosphere well with its contemplative and romantic setting. Though Haas does plenty of singing here, and he’s certainly competent at it, the instrumentation alone is enough to sate the listener, as the skittering keys and cozy brass on “Have You Met Miss Jones” illustrates.

Yet another solid album for from Haas, this again reinforces him as one of the best trumpeters active today, and these graceful songs unfold like an old friend settling in for an evening of warm, inviting company.

Travels well with: The Gil Evans Orchestra- Hidden Treasures; Harry Connick Jr.- Your Songs

Rewrite

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to Rewrite

My first thought when listening to this Charlottesville outfits sophomore album was, where the hell did these guys and gal come from, and why haven’t I been acquainted with them yet?

A remarkable band with an affinity for driving alt-rock, melodic garage rock and even vintage punk spirit, the Virginians find a unique balance between gritty guitar work and pop sensibilities that points heavily towards a bunch of well known NYC bands and their garage rock revival.

Not so complicated to be esoteric, and yet not so simple to offend us, this is a fantastic representation of powerful, rhythmic and enthusiastic sounds that any and all fans of past and present rock’n’roll will benefit greatly from experiencing- especially if you either are or wish you could enjoy The Strokes.

Travels well with: Interpol- Turn On The Bright Lights; Porcupine- What You’ve Heard Isn’t Real

Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections

Scholz, 2018

8/10

Listen to Chicago/Buenos Aires Connections

Though Carla Campopiano was born in Argentina, she’s been an integral part of the Chicago tango scene for years now, where she’s used her flute skills to improvise and often deliver a flourishing brand of jazz sounds.

Here, with acoustic guitar player Angel Collacilli and percussionist Gustavo Cortinas Fouilloux, she delivers 6 tracks of uplifting and spirited musicianship that twists and turns in ways that are unpredictable and always embraceable.

First track, “Sacachispas”, brings us to an intimate and warm place with flute acrobatics and swift drumming, and “Melancolico” doesn’t get so much moody as it does glow with gorgeous interplay between the flute and guitar. One of the brightest songs and most complicated is “Don Agustin’ Bardi”, which elicits inventive patterns and plenty of light to an already shimmering listen.

The second half of the EP starts softer with the cozy and pensive “La Balada Del Leon”, before the soft versus loud dynamics of “Zita”, which meet at a creative high on the quick EP.

Successfully meshing her 2 worlds with thriving melodies and sublime exploration between the instruments, Campopiano and company make music that’s as expressive and bright as the album cover in under 20 minutes of joyous tunefulness.

Travels well with: Astor Piazzolla- Chador; Anibal Troilo- For Export

Malita- Malika

Leo, 2018

7/10

Listen to Malita- Malika

Friends since meeting at a Berlin jazz club in 2010, this collaboration has been a long time coming as Carol Liebowitz brings her voice and piano skills and Birgitta Flick is on hand with her tenor saxophone. Together the pair create a collection of their favorite standards, free improvisations and an original, too.

Far from your typical, easy to digest jazz tunes, the pair often use abrasive techniques and colliding sounds. While “Portrait” does lead with calmer waters, it also shifts to writhing, turbulent territory, whereas “Visions” is controlled chaos at its finest with calculated horns and abrupt keys. On the other side of the equation, “Malita-Malika” is a mild tempered adventure of soft horns and quaint keys that’s melodic all the way through.

Vocals are used sparingly here, but they’re quite effective when present. “Marionette/September Rain” has Liebowitz’s soft and soulful pipes matching the cautious interplay between the instruments, and she gets very passionate on the ebullient “You Don’t Know What Love Is”, which is one of the best pieces included.

A collection that covers a wide expanse of emotions and moods, much like the human experience, the pair deliver both gentle and harsh situations, and their respective talents and innovative spontaneity make this an engaging, blustery vision.

Travels well with: Carol Liebowitz/Nick Lyons- First Set; Christopher Hollyday- Telepathy

Ancestral Recall

Ropeadope, 2019

8/10

Listen to Ancestral Recall

Though he’s only 35 years old, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah has already released a dozen albums, been Grammy nominated twice and is recognized as not only a top notch musician but a producer and composer as well.

Ancestral Recall extends deep into his bag of rich, textured sounds, and brings in a small handful of collaborators as the ensemble seek to break down divisions in music by exploring the expanses of trap, alt-rock and worldly ideas that are meshed together as a single, unified entity of pushing and pulling rhythm.

Hand clapping starts the listen with “Her Arrival”, before flutes, horns and street noises infiltrate the busy atmosphere, and “I Own The Night”, with Saul Williams, follows where soulful vocals meet a hectic backdrop of lightning quick percussion and post-rock nods. “The Shared Stories Of Rivals” (also with Wiilliams) then focuses on horns against a spoken word tune that illustrates much creativity.

The middle of the album takes a drastic turn into the lo-fi rock’n’roll influences of “Forevergirl”, where Chris Turner and Mike Larry Draw contribute to the sweet melodies, though “Diviner” brings us to a cinematic and spacey instrumental of ambient exploration. “Overcomer” one of the album highlights, find Adjuah and company in an abstract position with surreal sounds working well with the horns and downtempo template.

The second half of the album yields the multi-cultural “Ritual”, the light and airy “Before”, where Elena Pinderhughes offers her flute prowess, and Williams returns on the title track and album closer, where controlled chaos rides the lines between free form jazz, prog-rock and spoken word.

Known for his ability to explore different visions with each album, this time Adjuah keeps his ideas deep in the heart of New Orleans, and the ensemble deliver dynamic, cosmic, nearly futurist jazz concoctions that are ambitious, unpredictable and often perplexing in their majestic wonder.

Travels well with: R+R=Now- Collagically Speaking Gogo Penguin- A Humdrum Star

Telepathy

Jazzbeat, 2018

8/10

Listen to Telepathy

On his first album in over 25 years as a band leader, the alto-saxophonist and classic bop aficionado reworks 6 tunes here with an all star cast where traditionals are reinvented through Hollyday’s imaginative jazz filter.

It doesn’t take long to see the strength of the work here, as Freddie Hubbard’s “One Of Another Kind” gets off to a rapid pace with fantastic solos and interplay between Hollydale and Gilbert Castellanos’ trumpet.

On “Hallucinations”, bebop and blues ideas are explored extensively, and when we get to “Everything Happens To Me”, keys and drumming are heavily factored into the jazz standard. The 2nd half of the listen doesn’t disappoint either, with the double time runs of “I’ve Got The World On A String”, the cozy warmth of “Autumn In New York”, and the album highlight, Charlie Parker’s “Segment”, which picks up the tempo and incorporates plenty of stunning solos.

Hollydale’s inception with alto-sax goes back to age 9 and it sounds like it here; the quality of musicianship is unmatched with technical precision and mature exchange between the respective talents. Though his name may have faded with many years of inactivity as he’s now an educator, this strong comeback should solidify Hollyday as an impressive force in the jazz scene.

Travels well with: Chris Pasin- Ornettiquette; The Jamie Lawrence Sextet- New York Suite

Just Another Story

Pinecastle, 2018

8/10

Listen to Just Another Story

Though Clay Hess and his band are from Ohio, their firm bluegrass and Americana sounds seem right at home further east and near a mountainous area. Formerly the guitarist for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, these days Hess is in great company with an all star cast supporting him, including his son, Brennan, contributing on guitar and vocals

A combination of songs Hess has wanted to record for years, as well as some recent ones he’s been interested in, there’s also brand new tracks, too. “Cold And Lonely” opens the listen with plenty of fast paced banjo and unpredictable key changes, and later on the cautious “Next Train To Anywhere” brings guitar and mandolin solos so the lush affair. The album ends on their interpretation of “Anita, You’re Dreaming” (Waylon Jennings), which parallels the greatness of the original with fluid pickin’ and strong, soulful singing from Hess.

Though Clay Hess is the bulk of the listen with his baritone vocals and furious guitar, songs like the soft “Heat Of The Morning” allow the mandolin to shine, and Irl Hees’ vocals on “The Field Behind The Plow” complement the frisky instrumentation perfectly.

A fine sophomore album, it seems that this new vehicle for Hess is just getting started and so far the results are superb.

Travels well with: Williamson Branch- Free; Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road- True Grass Again

Explorer

Transistor Sound, 2018

8/10

Listen to Explorer

Yet another eclectic and significant band from San Francisco, Con Brio up the ante on their funk and R&B sounds with the densely layered approach and top notch production of this highly anticipated sophomore album.

Proof of the band’s progress comes early with the expert layering of opening tune “Saddle Up”, which moves from psychedelic exploration into a calculated horn party. Elsewhere, Con Brio tip their hat to the early days of soul on the funk-tastic “United State Of Mind”, and the lone cover, “Heart Shaped Box”, will make Nirvana fans do a double take at this graceful and unexpected reworking that recruits falsetto vocals and a groovy setting.

If there’s one thing these Bay Area rockers are good it, it’s having a good time, as evidenced by the dance club friendly “High Spirits”, and utterly contagious “I Wanna”, while the hand clapping of the glowing pop standout, “Royal Rage”, could make the band a household name. “Too Lit 2 Quit”, inspired by MC Hammer, certainly brings to mind ‘80s nostalgia, and reinforces their danceable sensibilities.

The band’s name translates to ‘with spirit’ and there’s certainly much of that here, and plenty of style to be found in their pop-rock meets soul/R&B hybrid. Con Brio seems like an outfit who brings the party with them, and this is a record you won’t want to end.

Travels well with: Frank Ocean- Blond; Lake Street Dive- Bad Self Portraits

The Hard Way

Pinecastle, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Hard Way

The bluegrass songstress returns with 10 new tracks of her acclaimed, timeless songcraft and beaming, radiant voice, and The Hard Way features several unexpected but very welcomed covers reinvented in a way only Dale Ann Bradley can create.

The albums leads with Jim Croce’s “Hard Way Every Time”, a cautious bluegrass ballad with Bradley’s heartfelt pipes guiding the melodic opener. The swift, darker spirited “Pretty, Dark Hearted Emma Brown”, a Bradley original, follows, while the frisky picking of “The Redbird River” brings us into playful territory with backing vocals, as does the gorgeous interplay of “Boat On The Ocean”.

Bradley recreates Journey’s “Wheel In The Sky” brilliantly with a serious yet elegant version where her vocals shine even brighter, and she closes the listen on The Grateful Dead’s “Ripple” with a breezy, longing feel that touches slightly on jam band status.

Though there isn’t a dud here, the fiddle acrobatics and country influence of “The Likes Of You” as well as the subdued “Because He Loved Me” are the best of the best, as Bradley brings us plenty of variety to this thoughtful record.

An artist who has been at the top of charts for two decades and who was recently Grammy nominated, Dale Ann Bradley again proves why her name is synonymous with top notch modern bluegrass sounds, and The Hard Way is among her best work to date.

Travels well with: Sister Sadie- II; Carolina Blue- I Hear Bluegrass Calling Me

Time Bomb

Same Sky, 2018

9/10

Listen to Time Bomb

Just when you think you’ve heard every worthwhile singer-songwriter in Austin, another pops up that’s the best one you’ve discovered so far.

To be fair, David Messier is not exactly a new face on the scene. An accomplished producer, entrepreneur and industry leader, he’s already had a day named after him in Austin and was even the recipient of Austin’s ‘Under 40 Award’.

On this highly introspective sophomore album, Messier puts his vast skill on display with various forms of rock’n’roll from the soulful spirit of “Television Is Better Than Love” to the mysterious Tex-Mex of “Viper”, while “Get Over It” points back to Messier’s younger years of living the rockstar life and all of its hedonism, and carries an anthemic quality along with warm melodies. The album highlight and title track manages to show us Messier’s varied talents with piano balladry, calculated chaos and both rugged rock and graceful experimentalism in over 5 minutes of unique exploration.

It’s amazing to think that Time Bomb was written and recorded in a mere 22 days, although one could argue that a lifetime of glorious guitar work, addictive rhythms and a keen sense of melody managed to culminate in a brief period. After an afternoon with Time Bomb I think we can put Messier in a category alongside Heartless Bastards and Okkervil River as some of Austin’s finest.

Travels well with: Erika Wennerstrom- Sweet Unknown; Tom Petty- Full Moon Fever

The Blacker Side Of Blue

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to The Blacker Side Of Blue

Though this might be the Knoxville singer-songwriter's first album, Davis Corley certainly knows his way around a tune, as his self-described ‘Southern Gothic’ sound resembles some of the greats in the area of roots rock and alt-country.

The title track opens the listen and leaves an immediate impact with his raw, distinct vocals, while the rugged Americana brings dusty, haunting and aching sounds. Later on, “Heartache And Heroin” illustrates blues influences with some subtle organs for effect as the tune builds into an ebullient moment, while “Ride On” takes the sparse route with elegant acoustic guitar and tender pedal steel.

A record where every song is the highlight, it’s difficult not to mention “Clean”, which brings harmonicas and brushed percussion for a folky ballad with sweet female vocals against Davis’ rugged pipes, while ”Getting Over You” ropes in all the breeziness we love from Tom Petty

It should take you precisely one listen to become completely infatuated with this touching and emotionally stirring record. Though he may reside in a populated genre, Corley is a rare and shining talent that is destined for grand things.

Travels well with: Ryan Adams- Easy Tiger; Steve Earle & The Dukes (& Duchesses- The Low Highway

Full Circle

Uprising, 2018

7/10

Listen to Full Circle

The Latin jazz icon that is Eddie Palmieri has had a busy year, as this is the first of two albums released in 2018. Now 81 years old, ‘El Maestro’ tosses out 8 classic salsa tracks here with two dozen musicians primarily from New York City helping out as he handles piano and bandleader duties.

“Vamonos Pa’L Monte” bookends the album, with the closing version bringing in a big band with more than a dozen brass players, while the lead off version recruits Latin jazz into the formula. “Muneca”, originally recorded in 1964, is reinvented here with a lively salsa feel where many solos are present, and the shortest tune at 5 minutes, “Oyelo Que Te Conviene”, is a diverse and splendid display of the multifacted talent on hand.

A dynamic listen with endless rhythm and exploration, this sort of unfolds like a ‘Best Of’ album of Palmieri’s hits from the ‘60s- ‘80s, but considering how timeless his work is, I can’t see anyone having a problem with these modernized versions.

Travels well with: Cal Tjader- San Francisco Moods; Tito Puente- Tito Puente

Mi Luz Mayor

Uprising, 2018

8/10

Listen to Mi Luz Mayor

Eddie Palmieri’s 2nd album of 2018 brings in some heavy hitters as Carlos Santana, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Herman Olivera are on hand to help flesh out these salsa tunes.

A collection of tracks that Palmieri and his late wife danced to in their home, the consistent appearance of the electric guitar adds a different twist to the Latin jazz template, especially on the lively and funky “Mi Congo”, and the 22 piece band sure do make lots of glorious sounds such as the rhumba “Chica Ni Lambo” where horns steal the show,

Vocally, the record is just as luminous as the music, as Santa Rosa steers the heartfelt ballad “Que Faita Tu Me Haces”, and Olivera holds his own on the playful “Yo Soy Mulato”, though it’s the album closer, “Sun Sun Babae” where Santa Rosa puts on a performance of unparalleled flair.

These Puerto Rican and Afro-Cuban songs tell the love story of Palmieri and his wife, and it’s truly a gift that he’s willing to share them with the rest of the world.

Travels well with: Cal Tjader- San Francisco Moods; Tito Puente- Tito Puente

Chasing Butterflies

Black Dirt, 2018

9/10

Listen to Chasing Butterflies

Formerly of Backyard Tire Fire, these days Edward David Anderson is going the solo route and brings his forthright storytelling and knack for crisp and elegant Americana that surrounds topics like life, love, people and places to a very comfortable and cozy setting.

The opening tune, “Harmony”, with its upbeat acoustic picking, breezy melodies and smart, universal lyrics, is a great indication of what’s to come. Later on, “The Best Part” brings banjos to a tune about his wife making him a better man, and playful gospel sounds and fun southern rock is found on the clever “Bad Tattoos”. While some of the subject matter is quite weighty, others, like “Dog Days”, about his canine friend, might just make you laugh out loud.

Near the end, “Turn Seasons” brings in a more dense atmosphere with some blurry rock, while the pedal steel on the title tracks aches in all the best ways alongside the guitar picking that brings Elliott Smith to mind.

Recorded mostly live with minimal overdubbing, the album flows with a spontaneous feel that helps illuminate the poetic tunefulness. Although he’s been a full time musician for 2 decades now, Edward David Anderson’s name may not register with most people, but his songs most certainly have an unending lasting power.

Travels well with: Matt The Electrician- Accidental Thief; Chicago Farmer- Midwest Side Stories

Flamenco In Time

Wake Up!, 2018

7/10

Listen to Flamenco In Time

A Flamenco singer and dancer who has been at it for decades now, this time around Elena Andujar meshes hip-hop, EDM and her Flamenco roots into an innovative combination of worldly sounds.

Opening track “Una Vez Mas” fuses jazz influences and blues guitars to a strong beat for an atypical beginning to this quick album, while the bright “Fever” brings us Latin dance sounds with trumpets punctuating the good time.

The remainder of the record is different versions of 2 songs. “El Despertador” comes in the form of a speedy club mix with rapping, and Matt’s Latenight Workout version, which also has a steady pulse with soulful singing intact. “Es Asi” has 3 versions, all of which are beaming with synth, wild dance melodies and layered vocals for effect.

Andujar has plenty of esteemed help on hand here, including MyMy ‘Pepper’ Gomez who helped shape this vision, as well as the debut of Antonion Andujar with percussion. Together the players do a great job of keeping the spirit of Flamenco alive with a modern twist.

Travels well with: Shpongle- Tales Of The Inexpressible; Las Ninas- Savia Negra

The Days When Peonies Prayed For The Ants

Flying Machine, 2018

8/10

Listen to The Days When Peonies Prayed For The Ants

Though this might be the debut from the Nashville songstress, these songs have unfolded over a dozen years and followed Ellen Starski from Pennsylvania to Tennessee, where they come out now after a lengthy period of self-discovery.

While the themes behind the tunes might not be the most uplifting, Starski’s way of navigating indie-folk and Americana sounds through her stories unfolds with the utmost beauty. Songs like “Ode To Nanny And Cookie” flow with orchestral waves as soft and simmering instrumentation resides near haunting, while the banjo friendly “Honey I’m Not Him” highlights Starski’s strong pipes with a roots rock appeal.

Starski has a keen ability to reach directly into our souls, and stirring moments like the acoustic longing of “Missing You” and the piano balladry of “Slip Of Paper” are extremely moving, though later in the album her playful side comes out on the crisp percussion, distant accordion and quirky “Chasin’ The Sun”.

Though Starski recruits a lot of familiar sounds here, ultimately she’s carving out a path her own, where some variation of Americana exists amid pop friendly melodies while jazz, country and blues ideas are flirted with. As far as debuts go, this one is aces and it will be exciting to see what she does next.

Travels well with: Sarah McQuaid- Walking Into White; Gillian Welch- Soul Journey

Voy

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Voy

A Cuban artist born into a musical family, Eme Alfonso actually played in her parent’s band, Sintesis, when she was just 7 years old. On her own for over a decade now, Alfonso cultivates a unique path by combining jazz, funk, soul, and traditional Cuban rhythm on this 3rd album, Voy.

“Ayabba” starts with Alfonso’s soaring, expressive vocals with minimal instrumentation, before the nature sounds and gentle acoustic guitars of “Libre” that are sweet with cultured, sparkling melody. “Veo” is another vocally strong tune, and a bit subdued, where percussion and orchestral ideas punctuate the elegant affair, and “Voy” extends further into a busy atmosphere of keys and smooth rhythm for a soulful track.

On the back half of the listen, “Rezo” shines with bright pop influences and jumpy keys, and “El Viaje” brings unplugged beauty to a spiritual folk song. Deep in the record “Obba” utilizes backing vocals, tribal drumming and lively instrumentation, while “Algo Mas” finishes the effort with hushed keys and soft guitar sounds on the folky exit where violins and cello further extend on the sophistication present.

A very accomplished listen of afro-Cuban playfulness and plenty of jazz and international sounds, Voy is full of rich textures and meticulous detail to musicianship that makes this a world fusion record deserving of much attention.

Travels well with: Esperanza Spalding- Exposure; Salif Keita- Folon

Of Death And Sin

Metalville, 2018

8/10

Listen to Of Death And Sin

After a 14 year hiatus, the thrash metal German giants return with a new singer, Patric Gajda, for a career highlight album with their death metal influences still evident across 10 groove friendly and hard hitting anthems.

Gajda’s gravelly, growling vocals suit the intimidating sounds here perfectly, as the band brings strong riffs and solos that are both thundering and melodic. Thematically, the album surrounds capital sins, and the storytelling portion was clearly as well thought out as the music.

Though there isn’t a dud here, standout tracks like “Agonized, Zombiefied, Necrotized” carry a dark edge with instrumentation that moves swiftly and unpredictably with metallic energy, while “Babylon C.E.” brings powerful drumming and chanting like vocals to a sinister opener. Later on, the dense atmosphere and chugging sounds of “Tear Me From My Dreams” will appeal to the hardcore crowd, and the extra throaty vocals of “Chaos Unity” mix well with the hypnotic and dynamic structure of the tune.

If you miss the glory days of thrash, when Exodus and Testament were kings, this will be a great, nostalgic listen. The band took the time to record the album in different studios- a new process for them- and it paid off well; the setting here is pristine yet raw and plays loud enough that you’ll feel like Final Breath are right in front of you.

If you only buy one metal album this year, make it this one.

Travels well with: Kreator- Enemy Of God; Slayer- South Of Heaven

Always Love

Rootfire Cooperative, 2018

7/10

Listen to Always Love

One of the only bands on the island of Guam who regularly makes trips to North America, For Peace Band’s sophomore album has their 4 singers bringing in guest vocalists from The Steppas and Iya Terra for this strong album.

Full of socially conscious wordplay and warm vibes, all 13 tracks here are cozy, groove-filled and emit plenty of rhythm and tropical feelings of their award winning roots reggae foundation.

For the unwavering reggae fans, tunes like “Got To Try” and “Chatty Mouth” are quintessential songs of the genre, while the swift pace and immediately memorable “Secret Recipe” could make any newcomers a fan of the reggae spirit. Some welcomed surprises include “Chance To Grow”, which has the band spreading their wings with strings, and the energetic and resolute “Move Out Of Babylon” where sturdy bass lines make this one of the album’s best.

An album with some pop and dub influences, too, the drumming here really stands out with its sharp, decisive delivery and the vocal work shines bright from track to track. Glowing with positivity and a laid back approach, it’s not difficult to see why the For Peace Band are one of the island’s best.

Travels well with: Bob Marley- Exodus; Inna Vision- Link Up

Meditations I-II-III

One Little Indian, 2018

7/10

Listen to Meditations I-II-III

Here, Montreal’s Marie-Helene L. Delorme assembles her trilogy of 2018 EPs in one convenient place for the DIY, ambient sounds that were birthed during a solo trip to southwestern Mexico.

From the opening moments of the soothing synth and breathy vocals of “Intuition”, it’s an often calming affair of unpredictable exploration and varied ideas. While “Wait” is an atypical electro-pop tune, elsewhere the busy beats of “For As Long As” bring us into highly experimental, flourishing areas.

The portion of the album from the III EP reveals choral singing and synth manipulation, and, in the case of “Deliver”, some playful R&B influences that elevate this segment of the listen to an entirely different level of creativity.

The compendium explores the relationship between the inner life and outer world, and is aptly titled as it’s a cerebral listen that sounds like an artist fully enveloped in self-examination. Thankfully, the vast skill present (Delorme is a Polaris Prize nominee), ensures that the listener is on an enlightening, rewarding and engaging journey as well.

Travels well with: Fufanu- Sports; Son Lux- Bones

Hidden Treasures Monday Nights, Volume One

Geo, 2018

8/10

Listen to Hidden Treasures

On the first studio recording of The Gil Evans Orchestra in 4 decades, here an all star cast of musicians pay tribute to the late Evans with tunes that were played during the long string of Monday Night engagements that Evans spearheaded from 1983 to 1994.

“Subway”, by Keyboardist Pete Levin, opens the album where trombone and sax solos are punctuated by the deft percussion from Kenwood Dennard. Following tune, “LL Funk”, certainly is funk filled with muscular beats and fluid guitar work from Vernon Reid, and further down the road “Lunar Eclipse” brings a cinematic quality to the affair, while “I Surrender”, written by pianist Delmar Brown, yields a calmer, relaxed atmosphere with plenty of bright brass.

A man whose career spanned many different versions of jazz and who inspired legions of other musicians to follow their own dreams, it’s a real treasure to hear the music of Gil Evans again in this setting, and it sounds like there are more volumes around the corner, too.

Travels well with: Miles Davis- Bitches Brew; John Clark- I Will

Double Life

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Double Life

Though Los Angeles frontwoman Rose Shawhan wrote these songs, they wouldn’t have materialized without producer and guitarist Raymond Richards, who brought them to life in Portland, Oregon with local musicians lending a hand on percussion and keys. After going back to LA, Shawhan added strings and back up vocals to this 2nd EP.

While the EP title refers to Shawhan’s astrological sign, Gemini, the sign of the twin, it also applies to two very distinct, often antipodal sounds on this moody and lush listen.

Sure, the first tune, “Shake You Loose”, brings rumbling bass work and a dreamy post-punk vibe in the vein of Siouxsie Sioux on prozac, and “Free To Roam” punctuates this with darker, ‘80s alt-rock tendencies, but there’s a shift coming right after.

When we hit “Tough Love”, things change into electro-pop and strong singing in a Fleetwood Mac meets PJ Harvey sort of way, while “What It Feels Like” brings us to soft rock with an orchestral backdrop that would fit alongside Natalie Merchant quite well. By the time “Loyalty” finishes the affair we’re knee deep in rich, cathartic sounds that sit on the cusp of chamber-pop, a far cry from the onset of the listen, but one that illustrates much depth.

A great EP to test the waters of this strong duo, if all indications add up here, expect a future full length record to really solidify this pair as one of the most exciting outfits in indie-rock today.

Travels well with: Alvvays- Alvvays; Azure Ray- Hold On Love

Anthem Of The Peaceful Army

Republic, 2018

7/10

Listen to Anthem Of The Peaceful Army

I have to admit, I’m late to the party here. Seems like for the last year I can’t walk 5 feet without someone praising Greta Van Fleet as the next big thing in rock. Some are even going as far as to say not only are they Zeppelin reinvented, but they’re better.

To their credit, they start this first album off with a tune least ready for the radio, as “Age of Man” takes its time building into a verifiable rocker, as it first explores prog-territory for 6 minutes. The instant gratification tracks, however, come later, with the bluesy, funky swagger of “The Cold Wind” and the instantly memorable melodies of “Lover, Leaver (Taker, Believer)”.

Deeper cuts like the muscular “Brave New World” illustrate how hard these youngsters can rock, but the soulful, quieter moments on “You’re The One” and “The New Day” are certainly more indebted to John Lee Hooker than Plant and company, and prove the mostly sibling act play well at lower volumes, too.

If you’re a classic rock fan it would seem impossible not to love this album, as it possesses all the hallmarks of the genre with fantastic drumming, strong riffs and a timeless essence.

Whether you’re an admirer or feel all the attention here is unwarranted, I think we can all agree that Greta Van Fleet are a vital and necessary outfit for preserving the spirit of rock'n’roll, and this debut album succeeds in rewriting the past with exceptional results.

Travels well with: The Struts- Everybody Wants; The Darkness- Permission To Land

Dancing With The Beast

Scarlet Letter, 2018

9/10

Listen to Dancing With The Beast

Even if the name Gretchen Peters doesn’t ring a bell, you’ve probably already heard her work as she’s written songs for George Strait, Shania Twain and Neil Diamond, among many others. In fact, she’s so good at songwriting that she was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame not too long ago.

On this new effort, Peters lets her feminist spirit shine through, and it’s a powerful and elegant delivery. Opening track, “Arguing With Ghosts”, has Peters’ sweet voice meeting soft, graceful instrumentation, while the fuller and dusty sounds of “Wichita” seem right in place in her Nashville home.

Deeper tracks like the country rocker “Disappearing Act”, the darker, synth friendly ‘Lowlands” and piano balladry of “Dancing With The Beast” are further proof of the multifaceted talent of Peters, but it’s the warm, cautious Americana of “Lay Low” that really illuminates the skill present here.

Largely gentle and entirely forthright, the strong lyrical imagery and gorgeous interplay between the instruments make this a moving listen that really touches on the human experience in profound ways.

Travels well with: Patty Griffin-American Kid; Rodney Crowell- Tarpaper Sky

Old School Revolution

Hip Spanic, 2018

7/10

Listen to Old School Revolution

A supergroup comprised of members of Santana, Tower of Power, Spearhead and Los Mocosos, the Bay Area stars turn in an album full of Latin jazz, salsa and incendiary rock’n’roll.

With over a dozen players lending their talents, it’s an accomplished and festive listen, where each tune brings new surprises. Though the album gets off to a fiery start with “Salsero”, where the scene is set for a retro party, “Party In The Mission” essentially expands on the disco sounds of soul’s past, with a funk fueled vibe.

Things do calm down on occasion, though,.as band pause from the wildness for the softer “In My 64” and “Crystal Blue Persuasion” is a latin flavored cover of the 1969 Tommy James smash executed with much restraint and precision.

Since 3 vocalists are on board here, as is a 3 piece horn section, there’s never a dull or predictable moment to be found. Ultimately, Old School Revolution is nothing if not a good time and could soundtrack the lively social gathering that you’ll want to be present at.

Travels well with: Raul Rekow & Karl Perazzo- Just Another Day In The Park; Mic Gillette- Ear Candy

Mariachi Static

Mama Bird, 2018

8/10

Listen to Mariachi Static

Izaak Opatz may not be a name you’re familiar with, but I’d be willing to bet that after you hear the eccentric and timeless Americana of Mariachi Static, you won’t be forgetting him anytime soon.

A born and bred mountain man, having lived most of his life in Montana, Opatz may have gone weeks without seeing another person, but his songs tell vivid stories of interaction that are always insightful and often humorous on this reissue that comes with some bonus tracks, too.

For fans of authentic mountain songs, the tambourine friendly and guitar spirited power-pop of “Got To Me Since” and the warm and jangly “Everything (But One Thing)” will be right up your alley, while the rootsy rock of “Arms Length Away” will make you want to dig out your Whiskeytown records. Enthusiasts of country music will appreciate the country aura of “Pilot Light”, while “Limited Liability” brings an entirely new level of beauty to his songcraft with a retro feel.

Opatz handles guitar, vocals, Wurlitzer and keyboard duties here, and he’s a hell of a storyteller, too. Him and his friend Malachi DeLorenzo (drums, bass, backing vocals) recorded these tunes on a 4 track in a living room, and it leaves an indelible impression, especially if names like Warren Zevon and Jeff Tweedy mean anything to you.

Travels well with: Ryan Adams- Heartbreaker; The Best Westerns- High Country

Brotherhood

Pinecastle, 2018

7/10

Listen to Brotherhood

Warm, soulful country sounds from South Carolina and spearheaded by, who else, Jake Bartley, Brotherhood brings soul, rock, country, funk and folk ideas as Bartley’s strong, timeless vocals guide the sincere album.

Composed of 12 well thought out tracks, the outfit emit their skilled presence in the emotive and breezy “Due West”, while the aching backdrop of “Where Rainbows Never Die” highlights the attentiveness in their storytelling. “Slippin’”, the robust first track, calls in horns for an extra soulful and bright display of multi-faceted talent.

Some cameo appearances exist here, as Vince Gill contributes to the fluid rootsy rock of the ultra harmonic “Cannonball”, and the country shuffling sounds of “One Way Out” features Robby Turner and Randy Kohrs, who add greatly to the tune.

A rising band in the southeast, it’s pretty likely that The Jake Bartley Band are heroes in their local scene, and, if this album is any indication, they are certainly on their way to global fame in the near future.

Travels well with: Chris Stapleton- Traveller, Sturgill Simpson- High Top Mountain

New York Suite

Good Mood, 2018

7/10

Listen to New York Suite

Sometimes, it may take awhile for an album to be finished, but here it’s been 30 years in the making. A 5 time Emmy Award winner, Jamie Lawrence has 3 different bands on this recording, although jazz staples like Jim Pugh handle trombone on much of the album as Lawrence takes care of keys and synth- the former which provides the backbone of the listen.

Surprisingly, the record leads with the 20+ minutes of the title track, where fantastic interplay between the brass is complemented by harmonica and Lawrence steers the free jazz tune that’s nearly an album in itself.

Later on “Beluga Triangle” brings us Coltrane-ish saxophones on a dramatic and intense moment, and “Margot With A ‘T’” rolls out endless melody with grace. The album closer, “Tongue Twister”, has the players touching on Latin jazz in a frisky, almost nearly cinematic fashion with noteworthy trumpet work from Jon Faddis that concludes the album as strong as it started.

Despite the different line ups on the bookended tracks, New York Suite flows quite well and touches on many different aspects of jazz with exactness, timelessness and a highly entertaining quality.

Travels well with: Chris Pasin- Ornettiquette; The Julian Gerstin Sextest- The Old City

Reemergence

Strike zone, 2018

7/10

Listen to Reemergence

Organist extraordinaire Jared Gold is in great company here with Dave Stryker on guitar, Billy Hart behind the drum kit, and Jeremy Pelt holding down flugelhorn and trumpet, and together they deliver some fine originals and fantastic versions of some classics, too.

The opening title track, “Reemergence”, brings in horns and jazz sensibilities while still tipping their hat to the blues, while the 2nd Gold original, “One For John A”, recruits organ acrobatics from Gold as the instrumentation goes from busy with crashing percussion to groove filled and slower with mystery. Though Gold is certainly the centerpiece here, you can’t not mention Stryker as his guitar solo sounds perfect in the waltz and swing friendly “It Ain’t Necessarily So”.

Of the covers, Stevie Wonder’s “Lookin’ For Another Pure Love” is a soulful and groove filled affair and the trio turn The Beatles’ “She’s Leaving Home” into a dreamy ballad. “Sweet Sweet Spirit” then finds a comfortable place to reside between funk and blues.

If you’re a fan of the Hammond B3, this album will be right up your alley, and since it’s Gold 8th solo effort, expect it to be constructed and delivered with absolute precision.

Travels well with: Dave Stryker- Guitar On Top; Toru Dodo- Dodo 3

Two Lane Town

Self-Released, 2018

Listen to Two Lane Town

Though Kentucky born J.D. Shelburne didn’t discover his passion for music until his late teens, he quickly focused all his attention on playing guitar and writing songs. Currently a road warrior. Shelburne has been known to play 200+ days of shows a year, as he is constantly working on his craft while pursuing national attention.

This latest album leads with “Born For This”, which tells us all we need to know about Shelburne. Armed with a soaring voice made for warm country sounds, the pleasant music is certainly right at home in Nashville, but still contains plenty of pop melodies for mass appeal.

Shelburne doesn’t deviate too much from this formula as he tells relatable stories including “Superman”, a song about his father just being an ordinary guy, going to the Jiffy Lube, while the music is set to pedal steel and a more rustic atmosphere. One anomaly here is “Young Again”, which advises us to embrace our younger years and brings synth effects and a strong beat for a dance floor ready track.

The best song included, “Stuck In My Memory”, brings Shelburne closer to Americana sounds with breezy melodies and bright piano with a wistful setting that aches a little while still being a feel good tune.

While there’s no shortage of young men playing music along these lines, Shelburne’s impressive vocals and timeless songcraft holds its own against the herd, and it’s quite likely that fame is right around the corner.

Travels well with: Jason Aldean- Wide Open; Matchbox 20- Mad Season

The Artisan

Texas Fanfair, 2018

7/10

Listen to The Artisan

After 4 decades of playing music in bands like The Lunar Rollers and Movin Target, Jim Wyly’s first solo album now arrives at 72 years old. As the cover art indicates, the bulk of the album is Wyly and his guitar, as the sage like storyteller lays out folk, country and Americana sounds culled from a lifetime of experiences.

Largely bare, Wyly occasionally takes help with harmonica, violin and percussion, while Libby Koch helps harmonize on select tracks. Themes explored reside on both sides of the equation as love songs like “Nobody Lights My Heart Like You” are filled with radiant optimism, while “Suddenly I’m Single” tugs on the heartstrings with an aching backdrop.

Musically, influences from R&B are present on “Someone’s Gonna Love You”, though elsewhere he sits on the cusp of rock’n’roll with the fuller “Red Water River Queen”. “You Took Me”, one of the record highlights, then drops some blues swagger into the sophisticated and calm equation.

An album with as much beauty as sadness, the songs unfold like stories from a life well lived and are filled with crisp, warm tones and a genuine, heartfelt delivery. There’s a keen sense of timelessness and familiarity on this album that nearly makes you feel like you’ve heard these songs before- almost like seeing an old friend and immediately feeling comfortable.

Travels well with: Jimmy LaFave- Peace Town; The Lunar Rollers- Hangin’ The Moon

Hard Way To Go

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Hard Way To Go

An American Idol sensation from season 9, Jimmy Charles has managed to parlay his reality show appearances into a flourishing country music career of eclectic and warm sounds.

The quick EP starts strong with the sturdy rocker and soulful “Blue Spaces”, before moving into the calmer waters and breezy melodies of “She’s Where I Belong”. Recorded in Nashville, the southern sounds of “Rollin’ On” suit this perfectly, and the rugged yet gorgeous and powerful closer, “Hard Way To Go”, illustrates just why Charles had success on American Idol.

It seems fairly certain that Charles will find the success he’s searching for, as he has the vocal talent in spades and his songwriting chops are nothing to spit at, either.

Travels well with: Blake Shelton- If I’m Honest; Luke Bryan- Kill The Lights

Blue Flame

Ok! Good/Monologue, 2018

8/10

Listen to Blue Flame

A singer/songwriter from London, Jon Allen brings his inimitable and alluring pipes to this 4th album that’s all substance and no flash.

The record leads with the soulful rocker “Jonah’s Whale”, where Allen’s voice sounds reminiscent of a young Rod Stewart and the song flows with rich texturing. Elsewhere, “Since You Went Away” brings a warm maudlin moment, and “It’s Just The End Of The World” takes a swipe at the current resident of the White House, but still manages to unfold playfully.

An listen where each song is better than the one before it, “If You Change Your Mind”, an emotive and cozy effort, is one of the best of the best, though if you love jazz and funk filled moments, “Stay” might be your favorite.

Generally a feel good record, it’s also an intimate and lively collection, where horns punctuate the atmosphere and Motown as well as psychedelic stabs are also in attendance. If an artist’s fame were solely based on talent alone, Jon Allen would have more fans than Justin Bieber. Since that will never happen, let’s hope that he’s content making fantastic music that encapsulates the best moments of the ‘70s.

Travels well with: Sam Cooke- Night Beat; Mark Knopfler- Golden Heart

Sun Inside You

Gleaming Stream, 2018

8/10

Listen to Sun Inside You

The debut album from a rising songwriter from New York City, Jordan Siwek spent 6 years making this record of feel good tunes where heavy attention to melody and lyrics are key.

Songs like “Lover And A Giver” and “Sun Inside You” illuminate his piano skill and soulful vocal work, with the latter bringing saxophone solos to the affair, while “Island With No Name” yields a tropical feeling and “Waiting For You” is an ultra emotive tune that reinforces how much heart is involved here.

The second half of the album remains strong with the memorable pop-rock of “Never Give Up”, the turbulent piano rock of “Underachiever (Know Your Song)”, and the atmospheric and brass heavy “Ecstasy”, where Siwek’s pipes hit some high notes as the song unfolds with an R&B and light jazz feel.

Siwek describes the album as a balance between light and dark, and that each song is a journey in itself of ever changing moods. Throw in a timeless sound that could have been recorded in any decade since the ‘60s and his knack for melodica, and you have an exceptional first LP from a remarkable talent.

Travels well with: Ben Folds- Way To Normal; Something Corporate- North

When The Sun Goes Down

Dead Reckoning, 2019

8/10

Listen to When The Sun Goes Down

Kieran Kane, a longtime country and bluegrass musician, joins forces with Rayna Gellert, a violin and fiddle player, on this sophomore collaboration where personal and political songs arrive via old time folk songs that are superbly executed.

“Who Knows” gets off to a poetic start with warm acoustic strumming and Kane’s comforting vocals that harmonize well with Gellert’s, and “Bells & Clover” follows with a country influenced shuffle, while “Ain’t Got Jesus” is a playful duet that gets right into rootsy rock. The atmosphere then shifts with “What Would You Do” as Gellert takes over vocal duties on a darker, quieter affair.

The second half of the listen continues their timeless formula with the quick folk-rocker “One Foot In The Grave” and the orchestral and banjo welcoming “Can’t Live Without You”, which is one of the most emotive tracks here. Near the end, the instrumentation becomes a bit fuller on the soaring “Not The Time”, and the cautious album closes on the pretty and Nashville friendly “Shoulda Been Done”.

Despite the nearly 3 decades between the pair in age, they play gracefully off one another and clearly have a chemistry that allows these tunes that were recorded live to shine with elegant restraint and simmer in relatable intimacy that’s both memorable and insightful.

Travels well with: Rosie Flores- Working Girl’s Guitar; Freakwater- Scheherazade

Wasteland

Hound Gawd!, 2018

8/10

Listen to Wasteland

The Japanese trio return with a 20th anniversary album and their first since 2010 on the thriving German label Hound Gawd!. Quite possibly the pioneers of the ‘hardcore blues’, images of The Germs and The Stones are hard to ignore here, as one of the longest running outfits on the island slips deeper into punk territory.

The title track starts the album with spiraling blues and plenty of grooves while bits of harmonica and keys add greatly to the experience, and from there the songs dive into furious garage rock ideas on “No Want”, while “Bang Blues” brings noisey, calculated chaos with the reverb maxed out.

Generally fuzzed out and with loud bouts of swirling punk rock, deeper cuts like the appropriately titled “Kick Ass Rock” brings organs into the forefront, while “No! No! No!” borrows from The Who for a muscular version of classic rock.

This one fires on all cylinders, takes no prisoners and rocks without any need to pause or even slow down for a breath. Oddly enough, they manage to assemble older sounds and run it through their charged and frenzied formula and come out sounding like something completely novel.

Travels well with: The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion- Orange; Guitar Wolf- Wolf Rock!

Sweden Rock Live

Metalville, 2018

7/10

Listen to Sweden Rock Live

Recorded at the Sweden Rock Festival in 2016, the set list culls from King Kobra’s classic tunes, newer tracks and an appropriate cover, as drummer/vocalist Carmine Appice, who has played alongside Ozzy Osbourne and Rod Stewart, finds himself with an updated version of the band he founded.

Longtime fans will certainly recognize the anthemic album opener “Ready To Strike”, the hard hitting yet melodic “Hunger” and “Shadow Rider”, which sounds rights at home in the ‘80s metal scene, while more recent tunes like the set closer and more modern “Turn Up The Good (Times)” and dense guitar rager “Tear Down The Walls” shows that these guys are still on top of their game. With a great recording sound present, the strong guitar work and top notch singing are all crisp, as this live album plays a lot better than many studio records- no doubt due to the exceptional talent on hand.

The lone cover, “Heaven And Hell”, is a tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio and has the crowd supporting the vocals on a powerful and appropriate memorial as King Kobra certainly takes influence from the metal legend.

It’s been a bumpy road for King Kobra since their inception in 1983, and even though they never achieved the fame of their peers, they certainly had and still do have the talent, and this new version of Appice’s band is certainly the best yet.

Travels well with: Dokken- Tooth And Nail; Ozzy Osbourne- Diary Of A Madman

Time To Go Home

Pinecastle, 2018

7/10

Listen to Time To Go Home

It’s been a great year for South Carolinians The King James Boys, who not only saw a SPBGMA nomination for ‘Bluegrass Gospel Group Of The Year’, and but landed on a new record label (Pinecastle) with this crisp, accomplished and detailed effort.

Now 24 years into their acclaimed career that originally aimed at playing in churches, the outfit have molded their sound into a highly refined art as they mesh southern gospel and modern bluegrass ideas with endless vocal harmonies and plenty of banjo and fiddle acrobatics.

However, somewhat surprisingly, the album begins on the vocally heavy “The Children Of God”, where instrumentation takes a back seat to the strong singing. From there, though, warm pickin’ on tunes like “He’s Holding Onto Me”, and the ultra-melodic interplay of “Signs Of The Time” will perk your ears up. Although the pace is often swift, the band do pause on the heartwarming ballad “That’s Love”, which is one of the best here.

Time To Go Home broke the Top 10 on the charts and easy to see why as this first album at their new home is a must hear for bluegrass and gospel fans alike.

Travels well with: Doyle Lawson & Quiksilver- Life Is A Story; Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road- True Grass Again

7 Billion

Six Degrees, 2018

8/10

Listen to 7 Billion

An Indian singer and songwriter who incorporates African sounds along with Western ideas, Kiran Ahluwalia’s 7 Billion references the world population and our increasing need for tolerance in this time of too much division.

Musically, the album is just as eloquent, and though it’s just 6 songs, much ground is covered. “Khafa” moves with a Malian feel with plenty of bluesy electric guitar and is certainly the most rock oriented tune, whereas “Saat” recruits accordions for a warm, soulful spirit. Grooves are never in short supply here, and “Kuch Aur” brings plenty of them with some blues ideas, and the closer, “We Sinful Women”, based on a feminist poem, uses skittering organ solos and Western guitar work for a radiant conclusion.

It’s no surprise that Ahluwalia has won 2 Juno awards, as this jazz, R&B, blues, and rock album transcends merely being music and pushes into the area of art. Though Ahluwalia was born in India she was raised in Canada and now lives in New York City, and she brings with her a worldly talent and a large pool of influences to this glowing record.

Travels well with: Asha Bhosie- An Unforgettable Treat; Sophie Choudry- Baby Love

Reverie

Wednesday, 2018

8/10

Listen to Reverie

A Pittsburgh outfit of the highest caliber in the area of punk/indie sounds, the outfit are spearheaded by the husband and wife duo of Dean Henry and Jenny Henry, the former being an Ireland transplant who brings his influences from across the pond.

A quick but impactful listen, “Fair Play” leads the EP with the intensity of a punk tune, but with the emotional sensibilities of Mineral’s The Power Of Failing as the turbulent percussion is met with cautious interplay. “Racing” follows and is much quieter, a little quirky and brings to mind a fuzzed out version of Spoon, while “Reverie” gets busy and swift with a dark feel.

The second half is equally impressive with the sturdy rock of “Over”, the playful and acoustic “Maybe I Will” and the ballad closer “Impatience Blues”, where an emotive and soothing opening builds into a glowing and pensive rock gem.

While some might quip at the band’s seemingly lackluster name, it’s easy to pick up on the fact that The Local exist in the same realm as heroes like The Replacements, The Jam and The Clash, and their moniker follows a logical lineage of a similar spirit. The best part is that they are equally as luminous as the aforementioned legends, too.

Travels well with: Run Forever- Settling; Fire In The Radio- New Air

Lora Kelley

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Lora Kelley

A rising songstress from Charlottesville, Virginia, Lora Kelley’s Americana sounds embrace pop ideas with open arms, as warm acoustic guitar and her sweet and light vocals guide the way.

Opening song “Good Men Don’t Hurt You” reveals Kelley’s support of the #MeToo movement, and even though there’s a serious message to be found, it’s a frisky and easy going affair. “Creeping In” then illustrates Kelley’s knack for melody in the country influenced tune that’s easy to absorb and hard to forget.

The later tunes are bit more introspective in nature, with the emotional and orchestral “Both Hands”, the soft and expressive “I Wish You’d Come Back Now” and the EP closer, “Steel Magnolia”, which is a fantastic country song and her best work here.

A fun, brief listen with some humor and well executed instrumentation, Lora Kelley is an artist to keep an eye on and an ear out for.

Travels well with: Mindy Gledhill- Anchor; Kellie Pickler- The Woman I Am

Driving In The Dark

Factor, 2018

9/10

Listen to Driving In The Dark

A Canadian songstress with a penchant for stirring, rustic sounds, this gritty and rugged listen takes on topics of turmoil, but transforms them into a powerful display of sincere, ebullient songcraft.

The sophomore album doesn’t waste anytime impressing us as the opener, “Wait”, dives right into a dense atmosphere with warm Americana, and cautious, soulful songs like “One Time Asking” and “Rose Coloured Frames” further cement the passion in Buckley’s art.

Of the upbeat songs, “Pride” has a galloping, punchy spirit that’s roots rock fun, and the breezy melody of “Heart Is On Fire” is alone worth the price of admission. Deeper tracks like the piano heavy and bluesy “I’m A Fool” and the country rocker “I Wonder” are nothing to sneeze at either, helping make this a truly exceptional listen from a phenomenal talent.

An idea listen for those who dissect every line in a tune and who seek to honor the essence of records that touch their soul, Driving In The Dark could very well be a pivotal piece to someone’s existence.

Travels well with: Kacy & Clayton- The Siren’s Song; The Deslondes- Hurry Home

Can’t Be Denied

Traceway, 2018

8/10

Listen to Can’t Be Denied

A construction worker by day and country music singer by night, Glasmire already tried his hand in the country music epicenter, but wound up in Texas where he’s been grounded and flourished with a handful of well received albums.

Opening track “I’ve Got A Feeling” reveals everything we need to know about Glasmire, as its heartfelt, genuine and acoustic approach allows his soft, smooth vocals to shine, while the banjo and pop influences make it immediately enjoyable.

Largely consisting of sweet, eloquent romantic tunes with plenty of breezy melodies with the occasional ballad, “Borderline” does steer right into outlaw country western sounds and “Out Of The Frying Pan” is a hard luck story set to a honky tonk rocker. But if you’re looking to get your body moving, you can’t deny the brilliance of the country shuffling, barn burner “Deep Inside Your Heart”.

Reportedly, Glasmire’s departure from Nashville was at least partially due to his inability to pen hits on command, but every tune here has universal appeal with a strong, rich, memorable delivery that’s still rugged enough for the roots rock crowd, but with enough pop sensibility for the FM dial.

Travels well with: Jenny Van West- Happiness To Burn; John Hiatt- Here To Stay: Best Of 2000-2012

The Man With Everything

Flour Sack Cape, 2018

8/10

Listen to The Man With Everything

Matt Campbell is a well traveled man now residing in Nashville, and his classic country sounds seem quite comfortable in his new home as he injects folk music traditions into poetic, insightful, and sometimes comical musings on life.

While Campbell handles guitar and vocal duties, he’s got a dozen friends who bring mandolins, fiddles, pedal steel and even whistling to the well stocked party. Though the album starts with frisky country sounds, it then delves into the more melancholic side of country with the moving “Trading Teardrops”, but the mood lifts on the cozy, horn filled “Twice As Big” which brings elegant jazz influences.

Mostly originals, Bob Dylan’s “Simple Twist Of Fate” is covered in a way that’s more country than folk, though folk fans will certainly appreciate the dual gender vocal harmonies and breezy sounds of “It’s Ours”.

Campbell reportedly made the leap to Nashville cause he wanted to be heard, and if you’re like me you’ll want to hear this album repeatedly, especially if names like Guthrie and Bragg mean anything to you.

Travels well with: James Scott Bullard- Full Tilt Boogie; Jim Wyly- The Artisan

In The Key Of Grey

Mama Bird, 2018

8/10

Listen to In The Key Of Grey

Formerly recording under the moniker Snowblind Traveler, Portland, Oregon’s Matt Dorrien returns on a different path of sounds that are piano focused, but still retain the timeless spirit and reflective atmosphere of his previous work.

“Baby I’m So Lost” is a fine introduction to the contemplative listen, where soulful keys are met with Dorrien’s soft vocals, and the ragtime feelings of “Underwear Blues” bring a more indie-pop formula to the equation. On tunes like “Pretty Little Thing” Dorrien gets cozy with blues, and the jumpy old time feel of “Maybe This Time” brings some optimism to the table, though “Mister Pour Another” comes across like an anthem to drown one’s sorrows.

Not only is Dorrien exposing himself as this is his first release under his actual name, he’s exposing a lot of heartbreak in these emotional and forthright songs. Introspective and melancholic, his delivery is nothing short of flawless and while the mood here is quite dense, it’s a welcoming, adventurous examination.

Travels well with: Elliott Smith- XO; Henry Nilsson- Nilsson Schmilsson

No Resolution

Sky With Stars, 2018

8/10

Listen to No Resolution

The Emmy Award winning songstress returns with an 8th album and her first alongside saxophone and guitar extraordinaire AR. The impetus for this new work stems from Towber’s shift of her personal life into suburban family normalcy, as the songs poured out in a time of isolation and unfufillment.

“The Crash” leads the listen with mystery in a hushed setting with distorted guitars and keys that make it clear that Towber has had a lot on her mind. “Rockstar” follows with playful acoustic strumming and her upfront vocal work that builds into anthemic loudness, though “Affirmation Chant” brings the pace back to emotive and experimental.

Further on, the skittering keys and strong singing on “Tragedy” yield a classical influence, while folk-rock ideas are present on the playful “Let Me Down Easy”, and though much of the second half of the album is on the softer side with gorgeous ballads like “Before Tonight”, darker rockers like “Believer” are further proof of Towber’s seemingly limitless talent.

Now approaching 40 years old, Towber released her first album at age 17 and much like everything she’s done, No Resolution is full of a lot of heart and passion and finds creative ways to rock while also bringing endless amounts of beauty.

Travels well with: Fiona Apple- Tidal; The Pretty Reckless- Going To Hell

Ptarmigan

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to Ptarmigan

Yet another amazing talent from Nashville, Michelle Mandico possesses all the things we love about folk music with an absolutely stunning and expressive set of pipes on this debut album.

Originally from Colorado, the songstress brings with her a very nature-esque approach, where lush music and powerful wordplay draw the listener in, however her new home also influences her, as opening tune “Water Bearer” brings in pedal steel to the sparseness. This tactic is repeated again on the more country oriented “Giant Love”, where Mandico’s voice finds a new level of sweetness and with “First Winter Without Colorado”, an obvious nod to her cross country move, strings help set the scene for a longing mood. Elsewhere, Mandico gets romantic and contemplative on “Perfect Love”, where she brings her piano skills to a glowing track.

Mandico reportedly took 2 years to write this album and it’s apparent in the thoughtful flow of each song, as they individually unwind with the utmost balance and poise. Songs like the agile and upbeat “My Colorado Sun” are paired so well with the pensive and nearly haunting “Astonishing” that it never feels as if Mandico is at the beginning of her career.

A record you can really get lost in and that just might lead you to examine your own existence, this young woman is capable of truly special art, and Ptarmigan is a stunning example of it.

Travels well with: Regina Spektor- Songs; Ingrid Michaelson- Lights Out

Happy Haunted Halloween

Crumby, 2018

7/10

Listen to Happy Haunted Halloween

Chicago kindie-rockers Mr. Singer & The Sharp Cookies return with a 4th album packed with plenty of spooky tunes about haunted houses, ghost towns, goblins and cheery songs about the pastime and traditions of Halloween.

Comprised of husband and wife duo Neil and Kerry Firstenleit and with Michael Massett behind the drum kit, the 14 tracks here cover a wide array of genres and moods, from the dance friendly “Happy Halloween” to the harmonica enhanced country sounds of “Grandpa’s Ghost” to the punky “Something Sweet For Halloween”. The trio do a great job of keeping the affair lighthearted, and songs like the female led “Dream Of A Bonfire” encourage sing-alongs in your best ghost voice, and “Monster In Me” is certain to get the youngsters clapping their hands and snapping their fingers to the playfulness present. However, the ominous spirit of Halloween is never far away on tracks like “She Writes Frankenstein”, which is a nod to author Mary Shelley.

If you are someone who looks forward to October 31st every year (and who doesn’t), this is a great companion listen whether your home is full of furry animals or gruesome monsters and covers light and dark atmospheres with music that everyone can enjoy.

Travels well with: Laurie Berkner- Superhero; They Might Be Giants- No!

Volume Two: Nightshade

Lower Floor, 2019

8/10

Listen to Volume Two: Nightshade

The frontman and the founder of the Michigan experimental outfit Wolf Eyes, Nate Young solo keeps the unorthodox spirit of his full band alive with exploratory synth work, ambient and electronic poking and prodding on the 2nd installment of this series.

The longest tune, “Zombie”, starts off the unclassifiable listen with 7 minutes of ominous electronic wandering that brings to mind industrial and futuristic sounds, before “Something Around The Bell”, which births aberrant noises that could soundtrack an otherworldly battle. “Leisure In Decline”, on the other hand, starts calm with keys, and settles into a groove filled atmosphere that’s cinematic and even soothing.

Deeper tracks include “Nightshade”, which brings to mind mid-period Radiohead, where cautious and meticulous sounds weave together, while “March Of Dimes” turns minimalism into a highly refined art form. Near the end the songs get shorter but no less interesting as “Sleep Walk” breeds calculated noises and “Simple Times” finishes on a dance floor anthem designed for another dimension.

Tags like trip metal, psycho-jazz, experimental electronica and controlled noise will only give you a smattering of an idea as to how atypical and alluring this experience is. Just like everything Young has attached his name to, you’ll need to spend quality time to truly absorb the depths of the creativity present. Available as a limited edition cassette (only 5 left at this point), Volume Two: Nightshade is destined to be a collector’s item, as few, if anyone, could replicate this.

Travels well with: Hair Police- Blind Kingdom; Xiu Xiu- Forget

Birthplace

AllPoints, 2018

9/10

Listen to Birthplace

The moniker of Ali Lacey, a Welsh multi-instrumentalist, as Novo Amor his boundless talent serves to inject an artistic presence into his gorgeous songs that make optimal use of strings, keys, horns, and certainly, undeniably and unabashedly his beautiful, soaring falsetto.

Sometimes sitting on the pop side of folk, such as the majestic opener “Emigrate”, others songs like the stirring “Seneca” are string filled and emotionally deep while “Anniversary” brings in dense guitars for a heavy mood. “Birthplace” being a standout in an album where every song is brilliant, recruits twinkling beauty and horns, banjos and keys for a unique, breathtaking journey.

Rich, atmospheric and often cinematic, Novo Amor is latin for ‘new love’, which is exactly what this album might be for you if you fancy intimate, lush, orchestral, folk and indie-lite sounds that are entirely filled with substance.

It’s truly amazing that Lacey in just 26 years old; these songs radiate with the presence and skill of an old, imaginative soul.

Travels well with: Bon Iver- Bon Iver; Lost In The Trees- A Church That Fits Our Needs

Ozan

Self-Released, 2018

Listen to Ozan

An artist fully engrossed in Turkish, Kurdish and Armenian sounds, Askoy, a multi-instrumentalist, draws inspiration from the minorities of Turkey’s culture on this fascinating album. Now living in the US and having left the tribulations of being an immigrant behind him, Askoy is able to concentrate on his music and it’s quite evident from the accomplished work present here.

Armed with a saz (a Turkish stringed instrument), but with guests playing keys, orchestral instruments and percussion, Kurdish and Armenian folk songs reside here with western influences and shards of pop ideas on 8 extremely worldly and sophisticated tunes.

“Rhythm Of Loneliness”, a Askoy original, lures the listener in with vivid strings and keys, while the elegant vocals add plenty of mystery. From there flamenco riffs enter the Mediterranean sounds of “Rinde”, while the love song “Leyla” uses cellos and heartfelt singing to its advantage. The album closer, “Dandini”, a Turkish lullaby, brings a darker, rich element to a hypnotic conclusion on a very remarkable, unclassifiable record.

Currently residing in New York City, Ozan continues on the tradition of prosperous sounds from the mecca, and recruits a wealth of influences that few could replicate, while surely being ideal for those who embrace World Music or New Age ideas.

Travels well with: Kardes Turkuler- Bahar; Niyaz- Sumud

The Devil Is In The Details

Drakeraven, 2018

9/10

Listen to The Devil Is In The Details

Electronic hard-rock from Chicago fronted by Darrell James, who has also played with Ministry and Revolting Cocks, the current line up as Pound Of Flesh has been at it for about a decade now, and this installment directs their attention at the decline of western civilization and the constant struggle to wade through the darkness of existing.

The album leads with the 5 minutes of “Misery Remix”, an intimidating tune that sort of sounds like the soundtrack to the apocalypse, but also has a memorableness about it you could dance to, and “Obit” follows with a darker rock direction that continues on the post-punk influenced and highly creative “Criminal”.

Later on, “More” moves with an industrial approach and tense vocals, while “Prime” pulls from many different genres for possible the most accessible track present, but still retains enough rawness that would appall most of the FM dial crowd. “Too Civilized”, the stand out among the bunch, is a superb blend of punk, metal and rock’n’roll with great guitar work that will sit well with horror-punk fanatics.

Self-described as ‘dark pop industrial ear candy’, that sounds just about right to me, and this fine record will be sure make Pound Of Flesh legions of new fans with their bristling intensity and disdain of all things ordinary.

Travels well with: Ministry- A Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste; Pailhead- Trait

Seven Year Itch

Creative and Dreams, 2018

7/10

Listen to Seven Year Itch

Sarah and Blaine are the duo behind Pretty Gritty, and together the pair both sing, play instruments and pen warm, heartfelt Americana that’s much more pretty than it is gritty. While the songs are generally filled with the sort of sweet, pristine vocals that could win reality show competitions, the music varies from dusty country-rock to emotive rootsy rock to indie-folk, where several covers are included, but reinvented in their own cathartic, delicate fashion.

Though it wasn't long ago that these two were busking to have their music heard, the well executed harmonies and variety of genuine emotions encompassed here will surely mean the obscure days of Pretty Gritty are in the past.

Travels well with: Birdtalker- One; Sara Watkins- Young In All The Wrong Ways

Is It Funny When It Hurts?

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to Is It Funny When It Hurts?

After a couple of solid EPs, the Edinburgh rockers return with a first album, and it’s a fine effort spearheaded by frontman Alex Moran’s songwriting that draws from the greatness achieved by fellow Scotland residents Frightened Rabbit and Teenage Fanclub.

Certainly far from a quiet listen, the album is comprised of noisey guitars, sonic building and loud versus soft dynamics that rely on atmosphere and a constantly shifting template of riff driven alt-rock, charged modern rock and even dreamy Americana.

While songs like “Accident Waiting To Happen” are thundering and bombastic anthems of giant rock that fits in well with early ‘90s alt-rock, we are also treated to calmer post-punk like “Modern Technology” that points to influences from Dischord Records.

The raw recording gives the album a live and rugged feel, and the sturdy melodies and pop sensibilities make this debut instantly memorable. There are a small handful of must hear Scottish bands right now, and Quiet As A Mouse are right at the top of that list.

Travels well with: Pixies- Doolittle; We Were Promised Jetpacks; Unraveling

Here

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Here

If you’re a reality show fanatic, you might remember Rebecca Blasband from MTV’s The Real World New York in 1992. Though she always had an interest in acting, Blasband was also playing her songs around New York pre-MTV fame, and following the show she signed to a major label and toured as an opener for giants like Squeeze and Matchbox 20.

Now in her 50’s, this sophomore album opens with the graceful piano melodies of “Love Is”, but the listen quickly moves into other sophisticated avenues such as the jazz influences and warm grooves of the title track, “Here”, while elsewhere on “Walking On Water” we get subtle nods to prog-rock with whistling. “Fool’s Heaven”, one of the strongest tunes, uses gorgeous melodies to punctuate the reggae and folk ideas, and “Who The Hell Is Peter Brown?” is about as close to blues as she’ll get here. “Long Distance Love Affair” then closes the album with a Nashville nod that’s dusty, moving and aches in all the right ways.

Blasband released a well received album in 1997 titled RAPT, but after her label went under she remained creative in other areas to pay the bills, and though songwriting was still present it was not made public. This 2nd installment 21 years later is a wise and cautious effort that Blasband claims was made in collaboration with the spirit of John Lennon, and though it doesn’t necessarily sound like any of Lennon’s work, it certainly carries with it a similar embraceable, positive, loving heritage.

Travels well with: The Both- The Both; Chrissie Hynde- Stockholm

Poor Until Payday

Family Owned/Thirty Tigers, 2018

8/10

Listen to Poor Until Payday

You’ve got to hand it to Rev Peyton and his band. The trio, featuring Peyton’s wife Washboard Breezy and drummer Maxwell Senteney, have truly carved out a sound entirely their own, as their ‘front porch blues’ has become a gospel in its own right.

Speaking of gospel, this album starts in the church with the foot stompin and soulful slide guitar of’ “You Can’t Steal My Shine”, but they quickly move from the pew into swampy funk territory on “Dirty Swerve'“. Their trademark rural fun is prevalent on rowdy tracks like “Get The Family Together”, and the band sound right at home in the south with the frisky “Frenchmen Street”. For just a three piece the outfit make a giant sound, but the Delta blues on “Church Clothes” is a departure with earnest, calming, acoustic work.

Now over a decade old and securing nearly 300 shows a year, there is a chemistry here you won’t find anywhere else, and the authentic spirit of these country-blues tunes are about as fun to listen as it probably was for them to make it.

Travels well with: The Kentucky Headhunters- Big Boss Man; Scott H. Biram- The Bad Testament

Breaks It Down

Put Together Music, 2018

7/10

Listen to Breaks It Down

Blues is the gospel of The Reverend Shawn Amos, and this time around he’s in good company with an arsenal of musicians who help flesh out the timeless covers and creative originals here.

Though there’s plenty of instruments on hand, including strategic horns and warm organs, it’s the rich storytelling from Amos that steals the show, with an A cappella tune and the album opener with just a harmonica and soft guitars being album highlights.

Of the covers, David Bowie’s “The Jean Genie” is a slow burning, groove filled rendition, and Nick Lowe’s “(What’s So Funny Bout) Peace, Love And Understanding” brings keys to the gospel reworking that’s as essential as Elvis Costello’s version.

Self-described as ‘21st Century Freedom Songs’, these are socially aware anthems for the soulful, and even includes 3 ‘Freedom Suite’ tunes that are powerful and timely in these times of heightened racial inequalities.

Travels well with: Graham Parker- Your Country; Joe Henry- Scar

NOWthen

Rockin’K, 2018

8/10

Listen to NOWthen

If you’re keeping score, this is Krueger’s 2nd album of 2018, as Life Ain’t That Long already impressed me with his country, rock, blues and jazz ideas that fused together on a debut record at the ripe age of 58.

This time around Krueger is in similar, esteemed company, as well as members of NRBQ and Iron & Wine, and the record expands on his folk rock template with some very welcomed surprises.

Though the listen leads with the rhythmic bar rocker “Kenny’s (It’s Always Christmas In The Bar)”, while “Girls Go For Arse’oles” brings fantastic acoustic guitar from Robbie Fulks on a lush Americana tune where accordion and violin add greatly to the setting, it doesn’t take long until things change direction for Krueger.

Some of those shifts include the recruitment of Indian music on “Yesterday’s Wrong (Green)”, the cajun ideas of “Oh What A Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful Day”, and, perhaps most noteworthy, “Por Que No Me Amas (Love Me)”, which very unexpectedly enlists a Mariachi band. But if you prefer the easier to classify sounds, don’t fret; tracks like “Don”, which features Gary Lucas (Captain Beefheart), is a breezy roots rocker with a conversational tone, and there are a handful of similar gems to be found.

A doctor for a living, Krueger somehow finds time to write, produce and release his own music. At well over an hour and 15 tracks long, this is a lot of Rich Krueger, but I think most of us will agree that the intellectual storytelling and varied sounds equate with good company for the entire ride.

Travels well with: Gerry Spehar- Anger Management; Hamell On Trial- The Happiest Man In The World

Vagrant

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to Vagrant

A songwriter who grew up in the south before moving to Australia for a bit, Riley Moore has an adventurous spirit, so adventurous, in fact, that he completed a 1600 mile walking tour and currently resides on a sailboat in Nashville.

Here, Moore draws heavily from Americana and folk revival sounds and is overwhelmingly acoustic, occasionally taking nods at Bob Dylan as he tells stories of his travels and experiences in an eloquent and easy going manner.

Moore doesn’t need long to win us over on tracks like “Wandering Man”, which is an autobiographical tune that’s poetic, quirky and unclassifiable, while “Pancakes And M&M’s” discusses his nomadic lifestyle and shuffles with a country-rock template that’s close in nature to his current Tennessee home.

The remainder of the album is just as admirable, with the old time and hazy ideas of “Crook”, and the ambient, nearly psych-influenced “Wax Museum”. One of the loudest moments and the best among the best is the mysterious college rock burst of “Amish Annie”, where Moore spreads his wings into even greater depths of his talent.

Culled from 9 years of wandering, Moore trimmed 300 tunes down to 30 and then these 8 made the cut onto this first rate and glowing effort of ‘folkicana’.

Travels well with: John Prine- Fair & Square; Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit- Here We Rest

Cold Hearted Woman

Metalville, 2018

7/10

Listen to Cold Hearted Woman

The brainchild of Nille ‘Neil’ Schuttman, formerly of the Swedish rockers Sons Of Tomorrow, with this new excursion the guitarist wanted to explore a more classic sound with his hard rock vision. After a few years of trying out different versions of Riot Horse, he’s finally found a solid band in Andreas Sydow (previous vocalist of Darkane), drummer Jonas Langebro (Bai Bang) and Joacim Sandin on bass.

The band certainly don’t hide behind influences like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath or The Black Crowes, and no time is wasted as the opening title track brings thick atmosphere and dense blues licks to a groove-friendly affair. In other areas, Hammond organs, harmonicas and backing female vocals add greatly to the experience, while Sydow’s Robert Plant meets Chris Cornell pipes certainly hold their own against the brawny musicianship.

Scandinavian roots meets Southern U.S. rock might seem like an odd combination but it works well, especially on the loud but restrained “Damn Whiskey”, thought calmer moments like “Glad You Came” which features lovely backing vocals, are also in their arsenal.

Travels well with: Greta Van Fleet- Black Smoke Rising; All Them Witches- Dying Surfer Meets His Maker

Wild! Wild! Wild!

Bloodshot, 2018

8/10

Listen to Wild! Wild! Wild!

Expectations are pretty high for this pairing, but these 2 stars deliver with a unique and irresistible pre-Americana album that truly defies category. Fulks, with his dozen plus album status, and Lewis, who is the sister to Jerry Lee Lewis and has released albums in 4 decades, including a collaboration with Van Morrison, have plenty of stories to share in ways you'll want to hear again and again.

Together the duo find creative and fun ways to deliver comical country tunes, rollicking folk songs and old school rock'n'roll flavor with endless energy and a timeless spirit. Fulks reportedly penned most of the songs, though it seems from the perspective of Lewis, and her sassy vocals and banging keys complement the guitar, banjo and supplemental vocals from Fulks.

An aptly titled album, the reckless rockabilly and honky tonk twang are certainly top notch, but the less expected gypsy jazz and bare acoustic track are even better.

Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Terraplane; Lucinda Williams- Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

A Tribute To The Kentucky Colonels

Mountain Home, 2018

7/10

Listen to A Tribute To The Kentucky Colonels

The mandolin scientist and Bluegrass Hall Of Famer returns with a hand picked selection of tunes he cultivated with The Colonels way back in the ‘60s, that are still influential among the Appalachian music scene today.

Together with a large ensemble of esteemed musicians, White brings these old tracks to life again, and it doesn’t take long to recognize the lasting impact The Colonels have had on today’s sounds, as the selections would easily fit right at home on any modern bluegrass record.

Though the album leads with White harmonizing alongside Darin and Brooke Aldridge on “If You’re Ever Gonna Love Me”, for the remainder of the album the instrumentation takes focus with banjo, fiddle, guitar and, of course, mandolin acrobatics, as songs like “Nine Pound Hammer” and “Listen To The Mockingbird” are full of precise, flowing and gorgeous interplay between the young pickers.

Now 80 years old, White shows no signs of slowing down his playing or singing skills, and his company- all of which are much younger than him- certainly hold their own against the legend. A fantastic tribute album, it’s the complete package with thorough liner notes and fold out packaging, too.

Travels well with: Bill Monroe- Knee Deep In Bluegrass; Lester Flatt’s Nashville Grass- Fantastic Pickin’

Carolina Chimes

Foxfire, 2018

8/10

Listen to Carolina Chimes

An all star cast is on hand here, as Rudi Ekstein guides us through 12 instrumental tracks with his mandolin acrobatics illuminated front and center.

Also with fiddle present on the entire album, thanks to Grammy Award winner Stuart Duncan, the tunes here move at lightning speed with barn burning, quick pickin’, bluegrass fun that’s precise, memorable and timeless.

Even though it’s sans vocals, the songs do originate from stories of Ekstein’s travels and famiy, with liner notes that give more insight, and the tracks flow into each other seamlessly, as each of the other instruments are allowed to shine. While selections like “Hoot Owl Hop” find a memorable groove that just doesn’t quit, “Jessy’s Fancy” hints at the early days of country music with fantastic banjo playing from Patrick Sauber. “Rocklachia”, one of the best here, brings an inventive and playful contribution that sounds right at home in the lush, mountain-esque Asheville where Ekstein resides.

Fans of bluegrass surely won’t think twice about picking this, while those new to the genre who are curious as what the fuss is all about certainly could start here.

Travels well with: Dewey & Leslie Brown And The Carolina Gentlemen- Under The Mountain; Roland White And Friends- A Tribute To The Kentucky Colonels

City Living

Self-Released, 2018

9/10

Listen to City Living

A Brooklynite with a penchant for '80s sounds while possessing a healthy sense of songwriting prowess, it won't take long for Snider's breezy alt-rock and reflective stories to make you a fan. Based on his early days in New York and falling in love in Manhattan, Snider uses some Johnny Marr influenced guitars and plenty of power chords on this unassuming and fantastic listen.

Though the wordplay is on the darker side, it's an upbeat, summery listen of glorious melodies and some hazy '60s moments, where synth fills and gritty indie-rock that occasionally hosts violins, cellos and mandolins make this one of the year's best. Play this alongside a Jesse Malin album loud and repeatedly for best results.

Travels well with: D Generation- No Lunch; The Smiths- Hatful of Hollow

Fragile

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Fragile

The debut album from Lake Tahoe’s Sam Ravenna is certainly a personal one as it examines the tragedies in his own life, including a mental breakdown at age 22, and is a testament to the resilience of this young, highly talented artist.

A master of soul, hip-hop and funk sounds, Ravenna is in great company here with players involved with Frank Foster, John Brown’s Body, and the Sextones. Considering the immense talent on board, it’s no surprise that this first album explores many varied sounds under the direction of Ravenna’s keen sense of songcraft.

The listen opens with “U GIVE ME SUMTHIN'‘, which firmly plants Ravenna and company in Motown territory, although it isn’t long until “I Like It Here” has the record cozying up to R&B with Ravenna’s glass smooth vocals guiding the way. Other highlights include the wild funk and vivid synth of “Fragile”, and deeper cuts like “Pendulum” call in jazz influenced horns to solidify the lasting power of the record.

There is certainly no doubting that a lot of work went into this well crafted and executed album. The recording and production are top notch, and clearly illuminate all the respective talents. Sam Ravenna has left quite an impression in his short career, and if this effort is any indication, there’s much greatness in the near future.

Travels well with: Cas Haley- Connection; Eric Lindell- Revolution In Your Heart

The Rail

Bonfire, 2019

8/10

Listen to The Rail

A quickly rising artist in the area of folk, bluegrass and Americana sounds, Denver’s Scott Slay comes through with 13 new tracks that bring on several guest musicians as well as his proficient band who help make this a genre mashing, accomplished album on his new record label.

The self-titled track starts the listen with warm bluegrass and Slay’s bright, inviting vocals guiding the way as the instrumentation shows beautiful interplay, and “Truth Came Out”, featuring Sierra Hull on vocals and mandolin, follows with a mountain spirit that brings soothing vocal harmonies. Elsewhere, “Green Valley” picks up the pace with glorious, dreamy musicianship that flows with timeless beauty.

The middle of the album offers the talking and singing “Runaway Move”, where Mike Munford contributes on one of the most diverse tracks, while the blues are certainly present on the subdued and moody “Railroad Blues”. “Remember”, one of the strongest tracks present, brings possibly the best melodies on the listen, with female vocals punctuating the loveliness.

Late album highlights include the rugged, banjo, freewheelin’ fun of “Battle Of Grapevine” (with Scott Vestal), the fluid and traditional bluegrass stylings of “Dog River”, and the busy, uproarious “Rye Whiskey” with Brandon Rickman.

Though this is Slay’s debut, it hardly seems like at as he weaves in and out of each song fluidly and with the dexterity of a seasoned vet. With this fine record we can now add Scott Slay alongside outfits like Drag The River and Alright Alright as Colorado music that everyone with an ear for mountain-esque, Americana ideas should be listening to.

Travels well with: Sam Bush- Laps In Seven; Lonesome River Band- Finding The Way

Up To The Sky

Second Kiss, 2018

7/10

Listen to Up To The Sky

If you’ve been following Jost up until now, you might be surprised to see that here she recorded without her band. Though her full band work has always illuminated her cello, Up To The Sky is solely Jost’s voice and her instrument, recorded live.

Captured by 8 microphones at the historic St. Peter’s Church in Chelsea, NYC, Jost’s sublime alto voice suits the poetic wordplay, and the music is as sparse as you would think, with baroque, mysterious and dark qualities that even include a cover of Molly Drake’s (Nick Drake’s mother) “Happiness”.

Probably most likely to attract fans of classical music, Jost does possess experimental and pop qualities here, and her humble, elegant delivery certainly has universal appeal.

Travels well with: Martha Wainwright- Martha Wainwright; Regina Spektor- Songs

Holy

True, 2019

8/10

Listen to Holy

An Australian songstress who now resides in California, Shelley Segal builds very warm sounds around her Americana template on Holy, where the 6 tracks surround topics like religion, feminism, and true crime.

“Already Gone” gets off to an impressive start with Segal’s sweet, expressive vocals against warm indie-folk sounds, and “Holy Man” follows with more forceful singing and louder guitars on an alt-country rocker. “San Antonio” returns back to calmer areas with dreamy instrumentation and breathy vocals, proving that her folk-pop prowess is top notch.

The second half of the EP offers the gritty, thumping, rhythmic folk tune “Blood”, the introspective and mandolin friendly “Here”, and the listen exits on the pop influenced “No”, where Segal proves she could make a run for the FM dial with this melodic and ultra-catchy closer that insightfully addresses the #metoo movement.

Segal’s been writing songs since the age of 15 (she’s now in her early 30’s), and although Holy is far from her first release, it is her best to date and will be sure to appease fans of folk, indie-rock and Americana as she flows in and out of timeless textures with relative ease and much memorableness.

Travels well with: Julia Weldon- Light Is A Ghost; Jen Cloher- Jen Cloher

Shijin

Alter-Nativ, 2018

8/10

Listen to Shijin

This collaboration will have jazz enthusiasts frothing at the mouth. An assembly of four world renowned artists, as Shijin they create 8 originals of post-bop sounds that cull from a vast pool of talent.

On hand are saxophonist Jacques Schwarz-Bart, keyboardist Malcolm Braff, bassist Laurent David and Stephane Galland behind the drumkit, and while fusion and soulful areas are explored, it will be quite difficult to categorize this record.

With strong interplay between the musicians, songs like “Smells Funny” build formidable and irresistible grooves, while the saxophone and percussion take center stage on the funky “Anemoi”. As the album moves on, plenty of eclectic moments arise, with folk ideas present on “New Neighborhood”, and though“Discomania” isn’t quite something you’d roller skate to, it certainly does take us back in time to the ‘70s with creative fusion ideas.

A jazz album unlike anything else of its kind, the listen meshes European and American influences from 4 players who have all had successful solo careers. Let’s hope this is not a one off affair, as the sounds here cover all the things we love about jazz for the last 5 decades, and allows each instrument to shine in its own light.

Travels well with: Malcolm Braff- Yele; Jacques Schwarz-Bart- Immersion

Front And Center

Mountain Home, 2018

7/10

Listen to Front And Center

A six piece outfit with an affinity for bluegrass sounds, these Carolina pickers are full of banjo, mandolin and fiddle acrobatics on this 4th album, though the 3 and 4 part harmonies might be the best part of their formula.

Though the album leads with a flurry of mountain sounds on the quick paced “Thunder Dan”, it isn’t long until things settle into cozy balladry like “Frozen In Time”, where cautious instrumentation highlights the timeless warmth present. Of the covers included, Gordon Lightfoot’s “Song For A Winter’s Night” is reworked with aching beauty and the utmost elegance, whereas the traditional “Cotton Eyed Joe” is a furious, quick barn burner of instrumental genius.

The recent bluegrass influx hasn’t seemed to pause at all and the heartfelt, precise work here is an absolute must for connisseurs of the genre.

Travels well with: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver- Life Is A Story; Dailey Vincent- Patriots & Poets

Gold

Thirty Tigers, 2018

8/10

Listen to Gold

If there’s a new queen of soul crowned anytime soon, I’m betting it’s going to be Arleigh Kincheloe, the frontwoman on Brooklyn’s Sister Sparrow.

Together with her brass band The Dirty Birds, Sister Sparrow’s 4th album brings giant sized soul and pop into an entirely new level for the 7 piece outfit. From the opening track and single “Gold”, which brings bright horns and ‘80s influenced keys to the ultra soulful anthem, this album just keeps delivering with stunning vocals from Kincheloe.

Other highlights include the folky influences and harmonica fun of “Can’t Get You Off My Mind”, and the extra funky and aptly titled “You’re My Party”. Elsewhere, the future stars get out of their comfort zone on the quirky and melodic “Plastic Paradise”, which certainly could soundtrack an island adventure.

Best to be played loud and after removing all obstacles in your immediate area as you will be uncontrollably left moving to the endless grooves, Gold is certainly appropriately named and Sister Sparrow is a band we’ll all be hearing much more about very soon.

Travels well with: Lake Street Dive- Bad Self Portraits; Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings- Soul Of A Woman

Better Haze

Palo Santo, 2018

7/10

Listen to Better Haze

Though Zuhoski's first album starts off with fairly expected singer songwriter indie-folk, it doesn't take long before he explores many variations of rock. While some tunes will want to get you headed straight to the dance floor, others point you in the direction of a campfire, all with a playful, dreamy and extremely sophisticated angle that pays close attention to melody and rhythm.

The album highlights include Zuhoski's shift towards Radiohead like atmospheres with creative synth and otherworldly qualities, and some timeless, breezy '60s rock feelings that multiple generations will appreciate. Ultimately, there's something for everyone here, and it's all executed extremely well.

Travels well with: Doug Martsch- Now You Know; Tom Freund- The Edge of Venice

Everyday Life, Everyday People

Self-Released, 2018

8/10

Listen to Everyday Life, Everyday People

The Ocean Beach/San Diego legends return with a 9th studio album of tunes inspired by their hometown, and this time they bring along a handful of guests to help flesh out the effort

The listen leads with the instrumental “Glocks”, where folk and reggae ideas meet for a groove filled affair as guitars and brass dominate the atmosphere, and that energy spills over into “Stay The Same”, which brings in Jamaican reggae star Don Carlos for the ska influenced tune. Other guest appearances come from Chali 2na on the rap friendly and hazy funk of “Higher Now”, and Ali Campbell of UB40 fame contributes to the cover of “Legalize It”, where horns and dub ideas come together for one of the best tracks present. Although much of the album is busy with plenty of fluid instrumentation, “One More Night” is a quieter affair, with soft rock tendencies and a warm spirit.

Although they were more of a punk band in their early days, now well over 2 decades old, Slightly Stoopid are paving their own way of sounds and might be better described as a jam band of their own concoction, and with each subsequent album they’re satisfying their unwavering fans and making new ones along the way.

Travels well with: Sublime- Sublime; Pepper- In With The Old

Day Of The Gusano

Universal, 2017

7/10

Listen to Day Of The Gusano

I think we can all agree that at this point Slipknot have moved beyond being just a band, as their influence has reached the level of a subculture entirely its own. Now, if we're just talking musically, they've certainly made a dent in today's version of heavy sounds, and Day Of The Gusano documents their highly anticipated first show in Mexico from December 2015 on both DVD and CD (Blu-Ray version also exists).

Directed by Shawn Crahan (AKA Clown), the DVD unfolds like a documentary with plenty of interview footage alongside the music. Sure, the concert portion is there for the unwavering fans, full of fury and incendiary performances, but the warm, human part of the film is the documenting of a few fans and their journey to the show, as they discuss the strong bond between the music and their lives.

We also get several pieces of the band exploring Mexico and absorbing its culture, and plenty of humble and appreciative discussion from Slipknot regarding their 'Maggots' (endearing term for a Slipknot fan).

Though I’m far from an enthusiastic of Slipknot, I certainly enjoyed the onstage energy and the genuine gratefulness Slipknot have for their loyal supporters.

Travels well with: System Of A Down- Toxicity; Linkin Park- Meteora

The Shadow Of The Light

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to The Shadow Of The Light

A trio from Seattle with a penchant for the darker side of indie-rock, the outfit also bring cellos and violins to the affair, pointing towards a very emotive and intimate listen.

Front woman Natalie Bayne has a looming set of pipes on her, often being reminiscent of Siouxie Sioux, and the music follows suit with plenty of goth and post-punk tendencies, albeit on the tender side of the equation.

Later on, however, the tunes become a bit more optimistic, approaching a more rugged Natalie Merchant, but still retaining a dense mood that outfits like New Order popularized.

A really intriguing listen, it's remarkable to follow the transition of the 7 tracks from ominous and dark to more lush, singer-songwriter sensibilities with keys. There's a lot of potential here- future releases should be nothing short of exceptional.

Travels well with: Elliott Smith- Roman Candle; 10,000 Maniacs- In My Tribe

Kick Out The Twang

Wagon Wheel, 2018

9/10

Listen to Kick Out The Twang

Though there’s been much tragedy in the world of Speedbuggy USA in recent years (brain aneurysm, house fires), this fine display of their dashing cowpunk sounds should (hopefully) put a dent into some happiness on their end.

This 9th album(!) gets right to the point with fantastic guitar licks and vivid storytelling, bringing their roots rock, Americana and country rock sounds that are never short on creativity and very short on mediocrity. Songs like the swift and rowdy “Rodeo Start” sound like they could soundtrack a bar room brawl, while “Hold My Head Up High” makes great use of mandolins on a rural rock gem. Primarily a quick paced effort, guitar based rockers like “Wood Screws & Nails” and the honky tonk fun of “South Bound” will certainly get your body moving, though the wistful ballad “Honky Tonk Singer” gets high and lonesome with a moving spirit.

Of the covers, “The Last Train To Clarksville” is a radiant, swampy, alt-country effort that puts a different spin on a tune by The Monkees, while “Unchain My Heart” brings an extra amount of soul to the heartfelt tone where the pedal steel aches and emotive singing punctuates the mood.

Speedbuggy USA might sound like they reside near Nashville, but these Californians have their hearts firmly set on dusty blue collar sounds with sharp, precise songwriting and a timeless, warm delivery.

If you still haven’t familiarized yourself with these veterans of country-punk, now is the time.

Travels well with: Ninja Gun- Restless Rubes; Jesse Dayton- The Outsider

Althergebracht

Pirates Press, 2018

8/10

Listen to Althergebracht

Oi! fans, welcome to your new infatuation. With over 20 years of powerful Oi! sounds already, this time around the Germans have Lars Frederiksen of Rancid fame contributing to the assault.

While Sebi Stomper's snarled vocals suit the frenetic pace of the album well, the strategic, soulful saxophones add a warm element to the anthemic tunes with anti-racist themes and smart protest.

Sung entirely in German, the memorableness of this isn't diminished despite the language barrier, as their furious street punk is delivered with a timeless and universal appeal.

Travels well with: The Templars- Deus Vult; Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards- Viking

Alienman

Touch The Music, 2018

7/10

Listen to Alienman

Based in Dallas, Texas, Stone Mecca brings a large arsenal of sounds with him on this hybrid album of spacey, blues, hip-hop, R&B and funk variations where mammoth sized riffs and soulful grooves permeate from beginning to end.

Of course, we shouldn’t be all that surprised with the thriving sounds here. After all, Stone Mecca was an integral part of Wu Tang Clan’s RZA, as well as having worked with Earth, Wind & Fire, Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and George Clinton.

For the rock fans, the charged appeal of the title track “Alienman”, which sounds like it could soundtrack an ‘80s sci-fi movie, will certainly stand out, and the psychedelic ideas of “If Experience Was Money”, which sounds like Hendrix reinvented through an eccentric classic rock filter, will definitely sate the retro-rock ears. “Slave” will certainly quell the appetite of funk fans, while the beginning of “Boogeyman” will have hip-hop enthusiasts on board as well.

A very original listen and especially necessary if you appreciate muscular and spirited guitar work, in a time when we are bombarded with so much computer generated music, it’s a relief to hear Alienman in all its musical glory.

Travels well with: Lenny Kravitz- Black And White America; Gary Clark Jr.-Worry No More

Five Little Oysters!

Play Move & Sing, 2018

8/10

Listen to Five Little Oysters!

Sukey Molloy’s 5th album has the children’s musician putting an amusing and imaginative spin on traditional favorites while injecting some original tunes, poetry and stories along the way.

Relying on more than just music, Molloy enlists sound effects like animals, water, doorbells, trains, etc., and often creative percussive techniques, giving the listen a unique allure for the young ears. Musically, soothing tracks like “The Sunshine On My Body” bring flutes and mandolins to the fun, while “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain” recruits fiddles and tambourines to the barnyard party, as each track brings its own version of energy and excitement to the table.

Thankfully, rather than regurgitate the standards word for word, Molloy often changes phrases, adds in her own twists and truly gives the songs new character that is often humorous and always enjoyable. Not only is it ideal for youngsters as these changes are often tailord for them, but it leaves the adults waiting for the next amusing alteration.

An ideal listen for not only children but the child in all of us, there’s 2 audio companion books associated with this album as well for the kids who want the complete experience of this joyous, playful adventure.

Travels well with: Laurie Berkner- Favorite Classic Kids’ Songs; Rolie Polie Guacamole- Chips & Salsa

House Of Light

Green Mirror, 2018

7/10

Listen to House Of Light

The wife of GE Smith, Taylor Barton has spent plenty of time playing around rock’n’roll royalty (she even penned her first tune in the back of Bob Dylan’s tour bus) and here on her 10th studio album, despite being extremely affected by much tragedy in her personal life, the songstress adds to her glowing catalog.

A record with vivid lyrical imagery, Barton’s rich and expressive vocals light up the stories well, as the music flows from the soft and sweet title track and warm folk-pop of “Lost Horizon” to plenty of eclectic moments. While “Chaos” recruits keys and a strong groove for a feel good tune, elsewhere “Steeplechase” brings in country pickin’ to twangy, banjo fueled fun. One of the most adventurous tracks, “Last Time”, enlists world music influences for a mysterious, nearly haunting highlight.

Another fine example of devastation parlayed into art, there’s much beauty and strong musicianship present from not only Barton but her husband as well as Grammy winner Sarah Jarosz, who also brings backing vocals to the elegant and timeless listen.

Travels well with: Tori Amos- Under The Pink; Sarah Jarosz- Follow Me Down

Song Dogs

Little King, 2018

8/10

Listen to Song Dogs

Taylor Martin’s 3rd album is worth the price of admission alone for his gravelly and raspy pipes and strong sense of songwriting prowess, though we’re in luck that he’s also in great company with members of Jon Stickley Trio, Mountain Heart and Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters.

An Asheville, North Carolina resident, Martins brings with him the rugged and wise spirit of his home town, but also has foot firmly planted in his areas like Nashville and further south and west, too.

Even though the album leads with the bluesy piano and upbeat mood of “Little Pictures”, it’s not long until glowing Americana flows in on “Here Comes The Flood”, and the sparse acoustic sounds and aching atmosphere of “Eden Colorado” illustrate another level of his boundless talent.

Of the covers included, “Sign On The Window” puts Martin’s inimitable formula on a Bob Dylan classic, and “Music Arcade” picks up the pace and volume with a barnyard feeling on a Neil Young tune where Lyndsay Pruett’s fiddle nearly steals the show.

A record rich with texture and sophistication, Song Dogs and will certainly strike a chord with fans of country, folk, roots rock and even classical, as the strings on “Second Sight” bring us a grace and elegance that isn’t too far from chamber sounds. And even if you’re not keen on any of the above genres, there’s plenty to love in Martin’s melodies and warm, ragged pipes.

Travels well with: Jon Hiatt- The Eclipse Sessions; Tom Waits- Mule Variations

Woven Waters

Organic, 2018

8/10

Listen to Woven Waters

A sophomore record that sounds like how the cover art looks, Asheville’s Tellico have comforting, colorful and familiar sounds that resonate with all the hallmarks of folk, roots rock and bluegrass ideas.

Heavy on texture and melody, the tracks unfold and flow with inspiring grace as Anya Hinkle and Greg Stiglets do a superb job with vocals, while the rest of the band bring mandolin and banjo to the rhythmic “Palisades” and lap steel to “It’s Just Rain”, although the strong harmonies between the voices makes “Salsa” one of the albums best. For the bluegrass ears, the old time bluegrass ballad “The Ballad Of Zona Abston” will easily sate the appetite with its flawless delivery.

An extremely lush and rich outing with much depth and often very topical wordplay, Tellico have accomplished something very rare in today’s saturated Americana pool as they’ve captured a very original approach with their Appalachia spirit and unique interplay between the instruments.

Travels well with: Gillian Welch- Soul Journey; Balsam Range- Papertown

Festival Of Lights

Fresh Roots, 2018

7/10

Listen to Festival Of Lights

A project spearheaded by David Solid Gould (of John Brown’s Body fame), here he takes melodies from traditional Jewish tunes and accessorizes with horns, grooves, and, perhaps most importantly, the guest Jamaican vocals of Linval Thompson, Wayne Jarrett, and Ansel Meditations.

So what we’re looking at are Hanukkah songs done reggae style. That’s right, Judaism meets Rastafarianism, for a ‘70 reggae record drenched in analog sounds that were recorded on 2” reel to reel tape where the 5 different vocalists, brass, sax, keys and clavinet help carve out a unique sound for each of the 12 tracks.

After the calm percussion and soft horns of opener “The Blessing”, the party starts with the slinky grooves on “Days Long Ago”, while “Do You Know Why” recruits soulful guitar solos alongside the warm brass sounds. Elsewhere, “Pour Some Oil”, an instrumental, tips it hat to traditional ska ideas, while “Almighty Light” brings emotive singing from Jarrett and lush, spirited instrumentation that captures the mood of the album perfectly.

The band have also released a dub version of this album, Festival Of Dub, which is equally as joyous and creative and ideal for the listener who is tired of the same old same old when it comes to holiday music.

Travels well with: John Brown’s Body- Fireflies; The Movement- Golden

Territories

Pirates Press, 2018

10/10

Listen to Territories

Formed from the demise of Canada's Knucklehead, this first album from Territories is a fine example of how anthemic, melodic punk rock can really grab your attention when executed properly. A powerful listen both musically and lyrically, there's a working class feel ala Swingin' Utters, and plenty of fantastic guitar work that parallels the greatness achieved by Smoke or Fire, plus the chunky bass, occasional organs and raspy vocals that really set this apart from countless other similar outfits.

Certainly more tame than much of the music released on the Pirates Press label, it's no less impactful and certainly embodies all the genuineness and sincerity of today's best punk rock; in fact, this might be the best album of 2018.

Travels well with: Smoke Or Fire- This Sinking Ship; Swingin’ Utters- Poorly Formed

Livin’ The Dream

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Livin’ The Dream

The veteran Grand Ole Opry performer returns with his 3rd solo album of fluid country tunes that cull from his nearly 4 decades of experience in the industry.

Album opener “Country Medley” leads with a quintessential country song, where Atwood’s rugged yet smooth vocals steer us around fiddles and warm guitars, and “Under Your Spell Again” continues that spirit with plenty of swift piano work. Later on the pace slows down a bit with the calmer “Boney Fingers”, where Atwood’s voice digs deeper, and the duet with Roxanne Atwood, “You Pop My Corn (You Melt My Butter)”, is a quirky, almost theme show tune that’s irresistibly sweet.

An artist who has spent the bulk of his career backing the best of the best in country music, with his solo work Atwood has been able to get front and center and prove he’s more than capable of holding down the show himself.

Travels well with: Jim Ed Brown- In Style Again; Mandy Barnett- Strange Conversation

Ain’t No Storm

Self-Released, 2019

8/10

Listen to Ain’t No Storm

Tony Lucca already impressed me with his 2015 self-titled album, and here the former child actor and reality show star returns with more of his thoughtful singer-songwriter prowess.

“Everything’s Changing” starts out on a high note with warm, breezy, melodic Americana where the keys and cautious strumming really illuminate the tune, while “Come Around” follows and sound very indebted to Lucca’s Nashville home with a punchy country spirit. “One Less You” then brings the listen down to a ballad like atmosphere with a comfortable ambience, as does the more folk based “Frame By Frame”.

Lucca brings in the always excellent Patrick Sweany for the percussion heavy duet “Room With A View”, and other back half highlights include the pop-rock influenced “Restless Heart”, while the lush, contemplative “Other Side Of The Clouds” finishes out the album as graceful as it started.

After a self-imposed hiatus from music since his last release, Lucca sounds more inspired than ever, and his songs flow with a timeless beauty and wise nature of an artist deep in reflection. With minimal overdubs and very little editing, Ain’t No Storm has a very organic energy and spontaneous feel that makes the effort a career highlight for Lucca.

Travels well with: Charlie Mars- Like A Bird, Like A Plane; Peter Mulvey- There Is Another World

Civilianaires

Cadence, 2018

8/10

Listen to Civilianaires

The Canadian's 6th album and 1st in 4 years continues their explosive brand of polished rock, though this time the band rebuild their foundation from the ground up, resulting in a colorful listen where no two songs resemble each other and each one could be a single.

While some tunes are roaring electro-pop fueled by synth and occasionally with falsetto vocals, we also get calmer, folk inspired moments with emotive ebbs of introspection. Elsewhere, and most memorably, the outfit get loud and anthemic with stadium rock flair that parallels Jimmy Eat World with a slightly more glossy, pop feel.

It's no surprise they guys have 2 gold records and nearly 20 top 10 singles if their home country, as they're extremely well versed in penning songs with choruses you wont soon forget. If you haven't heard The Trews yet, keep an ear out at an arena near you- these guys are destined to be a household name.

Travels well with: The Tragically Hip- Now For Plan A; Arkells- Morning Report

Robbing The Nuclear Family

Shaking Shanghai, 2019

9/10

Listen to Robbing The Nuclear Family

Though Tyson Meade's name may not be familiar to you, his former band, Chainsaw Kittens, sure might as they were quite influential during the early ‘90s. As one of the longest purveyors of alt-rock, on his this, his 4th solo album, Meade gets utterly unclassifiable, treading new ground in his long, esteemed career of already varied sounds.

The curious album starts with “P.S. Nuclear Forrest Dance Boogie”, which indeed is danceable but also brings more abrasive, aberrant moments that build into a glam influenced, busy setting. “He’s The Candy” follows and points toward Meade’s past work with a driving, guitar focused rocker that’s noisey but not without gritty melody, and “Tentatively Ahmed” continues the atypical listen with a twisted dance-rock anthem that takes nods to Krautrock. “Confused 22” then takes another route into bouncy folk-rock territory with mandolins along for the ride.

Side 2 is equally bizarre, with the spacey, wandering “Grandsons Of The Empire”, and the moody rock of “Daphne Come Out”, which recruits violins and glockenspiels. “Motorcycle Boy #3” gets fairly close to soul and R&B, albeit in a blurry fashion, and “Candy Canes And Moonbeams” finishes out the record with a sitar as Middle Eastern ideas are tossed into the unorthodox formula.

It’s no surprise that Meade’s early work heavily inspired Kurt Cobain and Billy Corgan, as his iconoclastic vision and extraordinary delivery is and always has been ahead of its time, and Robbing The Nuclear Family further cements this notion, as you’re not going to find anything else out there that resembles this, which is certainly part of its appeal.

Travels well with: Defenestration- Dali Does Windows; Richard Buckner- Surrounded

Big Sky

Winding Way, 2018

7/10

Listen to Big Sky

Under The Oak are Adam Monaco and Maggie Pope and together with their band (including members of Damn Tall Buildings) they construct delicate, intimate and extremely heartfelt Americana.

While Monaco and Pope harmonize with gorgeous chemistry, the rest of the band use folk and bluegrass influences to relay poetic stories that draw from the human experience. Pope also handles banjo duties quite competently, and the cello adds even more richness and grace to the stirring, warm 10 tracks.

With so much warranted attention being thrown at bands similar to Under The Oak these days, it would be no surprise to see Big Sky played alongside music by The Avett Brothers or The Lumineers.

Travels well with: Alison Krauss- Forget About It; Lake Street Dive- Fun Machine

Foxhole Prayers

Idol, 2018

10/10

Listen to Foxhole Prayers

There are a lot of really talented singer-songwriters that exist out there today, but few are as exceptional as Texas resident Vanessa Peters. A concept album around The Great Gatsby, the literature buff takes a poetic and clever approach to an album that unfolds like a novella set to indie and folk-pop sounds.

This 11th record from Peters starts with, what else, “Get Started”, where her uplifting and moving vocals are met with jangly and infectious guitar work. Things only get better from here with the soft strumming and eloquent metaphors of “Lucky”, the strong beat and vocal effects of “Before It Falls Apart”, and the empowering and inspirational “Fight”- an encouraging tune that could easily change the direction on one’s life.

The second half of the album remains consistently strong, but becomes a bit more contemplative. “This Riddle” brings a more introspective and dark tone with lovely, lush instrumentation, while “Foxhole Prayers” is a more romantic moment with some experimental touches on her timeless formula.

If you only buy one singer-songwriter album this year, it should be this one; Peters has a way with words that’s insightful and comforting, and the music is cozy, warm and inviting. If the fame of an artist were truly dependent on talent alone, Vanessa Peters would be a household name.

Travels well with: Bad Bad Hats- Lightning Round; 10,000 Maniacs- In My Tribe

Supergiant

Roll Call, 2018

8/10

Listen to Supergiant

This first album from the Los Angeles outfit finds them delivering driving '90s nostalgia and retro folk sounds with front woman Natalie Carol's unique, dreamy, soaring vocals guiding the way.

Often fuzzy and powerful, the album has no shortage of grooves and universal appeal with plenty of clever guitar work and thundering melodies, though later on in the listen warm balladry resonates with a comforting, timeless feel.

Legends like Dinosaur Jr., The Cranberries, Fleetwood Mac, Neko Case and Neil Young all come to mind here, and that alone should be enough reason to pick this remarkable album up.

Travels well with: Flock of Dimes- If You See Me, Say Yes; Tancred- Out Of The Garden

Daisy’s Beauty Salon

Downtown Pijao/Steady Beat, 2018

8/10

Listen to Daisy’s Beauty Salon

A Los Angeles outfit known for their Afro-Colombian influences, this time around Very Be Careful happened upon a recording studio with vintage instruments and a 64 track analog recording console to construct this

The results, not so surprisingly, are imaginative sounds that recruit cumbia and Colombian vallenato ideas with accordions at the forefront and dance tendencies running feral. The first track, “El Disfraz”, with its wild percussion and bright sing-alongs tells us all we need to know about Very Be Careful; expect the unexpected and expect lots of it.

The following tracks continue the melody and upbeat affair with the infectious “La Hormiga”, the clever “Santa Clos” and the instrumental rich “El Reloj”. Even though heavy influences from reggae and The Caribbean are abundant, one of the album’s best, “Dos Corazones” touches on the darker side of rock with a creative vision.

Recorded in 2 days and with no overdubs, while this might be a slapdash approach to some artists, when you’re nearly a dozen albums deep and have 20 years as a band under your belt, the results could be as stylish, contagious and unique as this.

Travels well with: Chicano Batman- Freedom Is Free; Las Cafeteras- Taste Like L.A.

Ojo

Mulatta, 2018

7/10

Listen to Ojo

Bell has been busy since the mid ‘90s with his acoustic brand of blues, folk and country, and here he delivers spoken word and poetry while being backed by musicians like David Mansfield, Rob Schwimmer, Laura Cantrell and many others.

True to Bell’s past, it’s a varied listen, heavy on avant garde, jazz and Americana, and the entire listen passes in a dream-like haze of wandering storytelling and calm music where soothing keys make plenty of appearances, though the banjos on “Where The Wind Sleeps” sound even better.

This is a peculiar one, often haunting, but always with beauty and endless mystery. Most closely resembling beat poetry, it’s ideal to listen to the album in its entirety with an open mind for best results.

Travels well with: Jack Kerouac- Poetry For The Beat Generation; Patti Smith- Banga

Red

Armored, 2018

9/10

Listen to Red

Don’t think for a second that since this is Vinyl Hampdin’s debut that there is any neophyte work involved here. On the contrary, Steve Wiest, who arranged and composed everything here, is in the company of musicians from Maynard Ferguson, Carmen McRae, DJ Logic and even the current version of Chicago on this extremely well engineered album.

Of the 11 tunes, 6 are covers and 5 are Wiest originals, but all sound like new songs under the skill of the horns, woodwinds and vocals from Canadian star Lisa Dodd on this soulful, funky, rock’n’roll listen.

The record wastes no time diving right into fun with the loud horns and funk and jazz influences of Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”, which also enlists synth, though later on their version of “Flowers On The Wall” finds the band in darker, mysterious areas. “I Just Want To Celebrate” also falls far from the original with robust rhythms and a feisty spirit, as the all star cast play well of each other’s respective talents.

Of the originals, “Gottaluvit” is a quintessential funk-rock song, though a sharp turn is then taken into jazz and prog-rock ideas on “One Song”. “Billions”, one of the best of the best, steers into triumphant big rock sounds with a giant chorus and spacey feelings.

The term super group is thrown around so much today that it’s nearly lost all meaning, but in the case of Vinyl Hampdin it’s completely accurate and the songs reflect that with first rate songcraft and the splendid reworkings of classics.

Travels well with: Tower Of Power- Souled Out; Blood, Sweat & Tears- New City

World Gone Mad

The Weight Band, 2018

Listen to World Gone Mad

Former members of The Band, Levon Helm Band, and Rick Danko Group come together as this first outing as The Weight Band, and together their cumulative influences and talent breed the self-described ‘Woodstock Sound’ (the New York city, not the festival).

An album of true roots rock and Americana, the sounds of adventurous folk and blues are explored with precision, and the late Levon Helm even contributes a couple times that were penned for The Band while Jackie Greene is present with vocals and slide guitar, too.

With multiple singers on hand and mandolin, horns and keys used often, it’s an album that explores plenty of throwback sounds, but what doesn’t waver is the quality songwriting and flawless execution from the rock’n’roll veterans.

Travels well with: Bob Dylan- Blood On The Tracks; The Band- The Band

Quakes

Self-Released, 2018

7/10

Listen to Quakes

The Phoenix trio return with a second EP of their warm, pop-rock meets electro-pop stylings that tells the story of budding romance in its infancy.

An intimate and quick listen, there’s plenty of emotion to be found here, right from the beginning with the tuneful, polished pop of “Needed”, which continues into the soulful and restrained “You & Me”. Songs like
”Bad Decisions” and “Hurt Somebody” are certainly dance floor ready, though the acoustic guitar and sublime vocals of “It Ain’t Right” make it the EP highlight.

An extremely prolific outfit, expect more music from WHSTLE very soon, and also expect their relative obscurity to fade; there’s just too much talent present here to be kept a secret.

Travels well with: El West- The Mainstay; The Sink Or Swim- Oasis Unknown

County Seat

Cornelius Chapel, 2018

9/10

Listen to County Seat

Will Stewart has had his hand in many projects in recent history (Timber, Blank State, Willie & The Giant), but heading back home to Alabama to record this debut solo album is easily his best work to date.

With 9 tunes present, there isn’t a mediocre moment to be found, as Stewart injects warm pedal steel, layered vocal harmonies and breezy reflection that seems tailor-made for driving down endless, dusty rural roads.

“Sipsey” opens the listen with agile folk-pop and warm jangly guitars, but Stewart ends up in country-rock territory fairly quickly and the subject matter follows suit, though the melancholy is parlayed into gorgeous, rich, genuine Americana. While Stewart is fully immersed in his southern roots here, some of the twang points right at his previous Nashville home, and “Dark Halls” even brings in a strong Bob Dylan influence.

The Americana genre is pretty crowded these days, but making room for this superb album in your collection is an absolute must. Stewart is a luminous talent and County Seat is one gem after another.

Travels well with: The Weakerthans- Left & Leaving; Ryan Adams- Easy Tiger

Free

Pinecastle, 2018

7/10

Listen to Free

The popular bluegrass band from Nashville return with a 3rd album of their family harmonizing and fiddle and banjo acrobatics with 2 reinvented standards alongside their seemingly never ending supply of vocal ranges between 5 people, with the youngest only being 9 years old.

Probably the most noteworthy aspect of the outfit are that each member sings and does so well. While teenager Melody handles vocals on the glowing and breezy “Free” as well as the swift “Till I See You Again”, the mother of the group, Debbie, takes vocal duties on the old time feeling “Goodnight Angeline”, and the father, Kevin, contributes his pipes on “Old Man Hoback’s Farm”, which will be nostalgic for anyone who grew up rural.

Though their pickin’ bluegrass instrumentation dominates the album, “This Song’s For You” sits further on the side of classic country, while “I’m Gonna Move” brings blues influences to the equation. Of the covers, “Hey Good Lookin’” is the best, where the youngest voice, Caroline, gives the classic a youthful and spunky spirit.

Don’t think for a second that this is some novelty act who deserves credit just because much of the band are youngsters; this family are serious musicians and have honed their craft into timeless and ultra-melodic bluegrass that sits comfortable alongside some of the best of the genre.

Travels well with: Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road- True Grass Again; Clay Hess Band- Just Another Story