Inspired by my buddy Tim’s annual email, I’ve posted some of the musical highlights of my year. Unlike Tim, I am unable to summarize my musically year based on items released that year, so excuse the random assortment of new and old…but here’s what I’ve been listening to this year, in no particular order.
Deer Tick, War Elephant, Not at all what you would expect from the cover. Moody pop with catchy melodies and a few rockers.
Todd Snider, Near Truths and Hotel Rooms, My favorite songwriter at his laid back best live.
Frank Stokes, Creator of the Memphis Blues, In all my blues listening, I somehow passed over Frank until this year. Great, Great acoustic blues.
My Morning Jacket, Evil Urges, Great band’s best record, IMHO.
Avett Brothers, Mignonette, Avetts continue to provide great new take on string band music. “Pretty Girl from Cedar Lane” is my favorite track.
Justin Townes Earle, The Good Life, Spawn of Steve puts up a fine mix of honkytonk, swing and fine songwriting. This one was a bit of a surprise for me. Not spectacular or life-changing, but a very solid and enjoyable record that I keep coming back to.
Chatham County Line, IV, “The Carolina” is the best new bluegrass song I’ve heard in years. The whole record captures the innocent purity of the best bluegrass, without ever falling into the schmaltzy, corny stuff that losses me on so many contemporary bluesgrass albums.
Blitzen Trapper, Furr, “Furr” and “God & Suicide” are highlights of this fine poppy, rock record.
Laura Cantrell, Trains and Boats and Planes, She covers “The Wreck of the Edmunds Fitzgerald.” Is any additional endorsement necessary?
