Albums of the Year - Part One: Artist Picks

TAYLOR KOPP

1 Waxahatchee Saint Cloud. 

This is the rare record that feels both timeless and modern. Crutchfield’s influences aren’t tough to spot (I can hear Lucinda, Petty, Springsteen, and Dylan to name a few), but it always feels like you’re living in her world, not theirs. An instant classic and a no-brainer top choice for me. 

Favorite track: Arkadelphia.

2 Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman 

A folk supergroup that feels like it was formed just for me, BLH breathes new energy and immense talent into these old songs. What a lovely reminder that the folk music tradition is as alive and majestic as ever. 

Favorite track: Deep in Love. 

3 Christian Lee Hutson Beginners. 

This might be the most beautiful sounding record you’ll hear this year. Hutson’s virtuosic guitar work and intimate storytelling combined with gorgeous, lush production from Phoebe Bridgers make this record a sonic treat. Favorite track: Lose This Number.

4 Luka Kuplowsky Stardust. 

This record was such a pleasant surprise in a year that called for just that. One of the most unique combinations of folk and jazz that I’ve heard in a while, Stardust is full of great writing and beautiful instrumentation, plus Kuplowsky’s voice is breathtaking. 

Favorite track: Do I Have to Be

5 Phoebe Bridgers Punisher. 

Bridgers brilliantly captures the darkness and absurdity of our modern world. She is a truly special songwriter that just keeps getting better.

Favorite Track: I Know The End

Five more albums I loved

JB Paterson Young Man For A While

Kevin Morby Sundowner

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

Woods Strange to Explain

Lomelda Hannah

Most Important Song Of The Year

John Prine I Remember Everything

GILLIAN TUITE

Perhaps you saw that Thomm Jutz’s album To Live in Two Worlds, Vol 1 is up for Best Bluegrass Album at the Grammys? He released two volumes of the album this year, a mix of solo acoustic songs and some with a killer band. He’s very interesting in that he’s really into American history and writes a lot of songs in that vein.

I also loved the album Bad For You from The Steeldrivers this year, the Gretchen Peters Mickey Newbury tribute album The Night You Wrote That Song , David Starr Beauty and Ruin ... it’s endless!

Closer to home, Ultan Conlon There’s A Waltz produced by Sean Watkins is lovely, the new Beki Hemingway album Earth & Asphalt, Ben Reel Nashville Calling and Matt McGinn Lessons of War which is a beautiful concept album based on the experience of living in Northern Ireland (he also produced an accompanying documentary involving musicians from areas of conflict around the world). I’ve just discovered Yvonne Lyon from Scotland also so I’m currently listening to her new album Growing Wild.

THOMAS JONSSON (I’m Kingfisher)

1 M. Ward Migration Stories

With some surprise, my housegod M. Ward returned to form after a weak decade. Playful heartfelt folk,giving me embracing comfort when I needed it the most. Pure magic and without doubt my album of the year.

2 Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways

With little surprise, Dylan returned with an album of original songs and it was fantastic. Love his late phase a lot, holding Modern Times (2006) and Tempest (2012) along his absolute best. The new one is there too.

3 Niamh Regan Hemet

With no suprise, Galway’s Niamh Regan is by far my favorite discovery of the year. Combining the rough folk of Karen Dalton, the flow of Damien Jurado and catchiness of Courtney Marie Andrews, and at the same time in a style and at a level of her own. From now on, one of three I count to Ireland’s finest, next to Lonesome Highways and Father Ted.

4 Fiona Apple Fetch The Bolt Cutters

Another of this year’s most hyped albums that lived up to it’s reputation. Odd and great.

5 Thåström Klockan Två På Natten, Öppet Fönster

With a style hard to describe. Joakim Thåström, Sweden’s biggest punk icon from the 70’s is bigger than ever. A boiling gospel warmth meeting pitch black darkness, Springsteen meets Nick Cave. A great live album recorded 2017-2018.

6 Nightbird Travelin’ Baby

Finnish Anna-Stina Jungerstam is a genius I’ve had the great honour to both tour and collaborate with. Her second album is a masterpiece, it’s just about to be released as I write this and I can’t wait to see where it will take her. The title track is so fantastic you want to punch someone in the face. A heart and a guitar, finnish forest blues meeting american dusty folk. 

7 Bohren & Der Club of Gore Patchouli Blue

Drone-jazz. Dark, beautiful,  mesmerizing and just a tiny bit uncomfortable.

8 Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

Katie Crutchfield might have deserved a higher spot on my list, I loved this album so much when it was released in March, but it somehow disappeared from my radar in the wave of the pandemic, also lost track of the outside world and sanity when having my own album mixed and mastered in March and April. I’ll make sure to give this an appropriate number of spins the following months.

9 Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross

Outlaw country for real, from ex-con Wyatt. Quirky, catchy and captivating.

10 Hillary Woods Birthmarks

Realizing when I’m writing this, Hillary Woods is also from Ireland! She released this awesome album in March. Eerie and folky.

JANE WILLOW

Will Johnson El Capitan 

This is my favorite album of the year. I listen to it a lot.  found his music on bandcamp as a recommended album. I was immediately taken by it. It’s so beautifully sparse and real. I don’t now what Will looks like, and I don’t know any of his other music as of yet. This album is so special to me and it means a lot to me. I hope to dive into more of his catalogue soon, but for now this album just gives me everything I need.

Nick Cave Ghosteen (end 2019)

Nick Cave lost his son in 2015. This album deals a lot with that subject. I’m especially moved by ‘Waiting For You’.

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

Courtney Marie Andrews is just an incredibly strong songwriter with a voice to match it.

Ciaran Lavery Plz Stay

I just love the song ‘31’ on the album. It’s just a stunning stunning track by Antrim singer Ciaran Lavery.

Emma Langford Sowing Acorns

I love Emma and all that she does. She is such an incredible Irish talent. I especially love the track The Winding Way Down To Kells Bay. It sounds like an old Irish balad and just transports you to another world.

All in all it’s been a great year for new music, though I find myself, most often, returning to Nick Drake, Leonard Cohen, Gregory Alan Isakov and Richard Hawley. Their music means the most to me and truly comforts me. Since mid 2020 I have started recording my debut album with a great team of people, and despite it being on hold now during the lockdown I am genuinely excited to have created new music during this difficult time. I don’t know when I will release this album, I hope 2021 but it depends on corona and when gigs return. I’m also happy with these live cover videos I’ve been sharing on YouTube. It’s great to have music, to find comfort in it and to express myself with music. I feel very blessed to have that.

DAVE VARGO

Katie Pruitt Expectations 

John Moreland LP5

Ashley McBryde Never Will

Jason Isbell Reunions

THE REMEDY CLUB

Our two favourite albums would have to be Beki Hemingway Earth & Asphalt - her new album and Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels. They have been on repeat in our house for a while now.

STEVIE RAY LATHAM

This year has definitely been a challenge for all of us. As musicians the outbreak of Covid-19 has decimated our usual cycle of releasing and touring music, but in some ways, this unprecedented break from routine gave us some extra time and space to consider other people and their experiences. It’s probably no coincidence then, that the albums that most grabbed me this year were albums that were able to open a window into different lives and perspectives. 

BC Camplight Shortly After Takeoff deals with the difficult subject of Brian Christinzio’s mental health struggles but does so in a way that uses humour and bold arrangements to give the album a triumphant atmosphere. The dynamic shifts on Back to Work and Shortly After Takeoff help us to feels the highest-highs and the lowest-lows within short, radio friendly pop songs.

The laid back sound of Becca Mancari The Greatest Part belies the album’s heavy themes, the catchiest songs are often the darkest; songs like Hunter and First Time which detail the homophobia that she experienced when she came out.

I had the chance to work with Malena Zavala on my EP Suburbia last year and what really stands out about her, beyond her incredible musicality, is her effortless marrying of cultures. Growing up in the UK within a close Argentinian family, her album La Yarara is a deeply personal and highly unique blend of Anglo-Latin Indie-Pop that brings together traditional elements with cutting-edge modern influences to create a world completely of her own.

On Spook the Herd, Lanterns On The Lake explore many of the contemporary anxieties that keep most of us up at night, from division and bereavement to the environmental crisis. As always, though, these musings sit nestled in folk-tinged dream-scapes that are as comforting as they are unsettling, a mirror maybe, to the complexities of the modern condition.

The last album on my list is The Neon Skyline by one of my favourite songwriters, Andy Shauf. Like his last album, The Party, this is a concept album that follows the mundane events of one night, but it does so with such attention to detail that it reveals things about the characters (and in turn, ourselves) which illuminate just how universal our most fundamental emotions and anxieties are. If I take away one thought from 2020, I hope that’s it.

SYLVIE SIMMONS

Here’s a batch of albums that made a big impression on me. The first 5 tied for first place, the next 4 for second place, and my album Blue On Blue, came third!

Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways - if anyone still needs proof that Dylan deserved the Nobel Prize for Literature, here it is. Murder Most Foul has to be the most important song of the year. A masterpiece, wise, witty and transcendent.

Nick Cave Idiot Prayer.  A live album from a show in a vast venue with no-one there - that just about sums up the lockdown for a lot of us. Exquisite. Almost painfully beautiful at times. Now that Leonard has gone, one of his greatest disciples seems to be taking over his pew.

Alison Moorer Blood. Jeez, this is powerful. Particularly the doomy Cold Cold Earth, which tells the true story of her father killing her mother and then himself. The album is the musical accompaniment to her memoir of the same name.

Bill Callahan Gold Record. I’ve loved him since Smog, but with this album and the one before, he just seems much more comfortable in his skin. Lovely record.

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels. One of her best albums yet.

Ray Wylie Hubbard Bad Trick. It’s all good, but I really love the title track and the lyrics, “You gotta have scars if you’re gonna be a poet”. Ray Wylie did me the honour of name-checking me in one of his songs, so you can accuse me of bias. Could be true, because I’ve also voted for my own album

Philip B Price Bone Almanac. Solo album by Winterpills’ frontman. If you love delicate, wintry, dreamlike folk songs, you’ll love songs like Jewel Wasp and Crow Mocks My Wings, well all of it really.

Zephaniah OHora Listening to the Music. This is just so gloriously listenable. Most of the songs evoke Waylon and Merle, which is fine by me. The musicians include my late, great friend Neal Casal on guitar.

Damien Jurado What’s New Tomboy? He’s not made a bad album yet. Favourite tracks: When You Were Few; Fool Maria; Arthur Aware.

Sylvie Simmons Blue on Blue. My - I mean ‘her’! - last album Sylvie was named “one of the most beautiful albums of the year” by The Guardian. They seem to have forgotten to review my second album, but I’m sure they meant to say the same thing again. Actually, it’s been really well-received, which is always a huge relief; releasing an album is a bit like pinning a target over your chest. As I did with my debut, I made this album with Howe too. I also persuaded him to do his first official duet - our attempt at Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood - on, the closing track 1000 Years Before I Met You. A lot of people think the opening song, Keep Dancing, sounds Leonard Cohen-esque; I don’t really hear it myself, but it’s definitely no insult. I think the songs I’m happiest with this time are Creation Day, Nothing and a song I wrote at the last minute, Sweet California. 

BRENNEN LEIGH

Whitney Rose We Still Go To Rodeos. Whitney’s latest thing showcases her voice and songs beautifully. I’ve been a fan since I saw her live at the Continental Club in Austin years ago. She’s a top-notch singer and performer in a very classic sense. Her songs are melodic and hold my attention from start to finish. 

Gillian Welch Boots #2 The Lost Songs. One note from Gillian takes me back to driving around Fargo in my hand-me-down ‘88 Honda when I was in high school, but there’s something fresh about this collection, even though it was recorded a long time ago. Top shelf as she always is. 

Malin Pettersen Wildhorse. Malin, who’s from Norway, made this album in Nashville, and her songs marry perfectly with the musicians she chose to play on it. Her music is smart, adventurous, and gorgeous. 

Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes And Other Punchy Songs. Talkin’ Prairie Boy is my favourite track. The original tunes mix well with the old songs. His voice could fill a canyon. Colter is one of a kind. 

Josh Owen My New Place. A little biased here since I was involved as a co-writer and guest singer on this one, but Josh’s new EP is good country music about modern things … the pandemic and all the troubles that come with it. I love his singing and sense of humour. 

James Steinle What I Came Here For. No one else is writing poetry and songs like this. Like every good work, this album has a sense of place … I can feel the air in Texas when I listen to it. 

Zephaniah OHora Listening To The Music. Just a really good country record with relatable songs, good singing and good playing.

SAMANTHA CRAIN

This year, I bought an AM/FM radio with antenna. I haven’t owned one of those since I was a kid and I really loved the simplicity of it. I could carry it outside with me, take it to the drive-in movies with me, or take it along to whatever room of the house I was in...so I didn’t listen to too much new music this year, mainly just whatever was on the oldies station or the classical station. But I did have time to dive into 5 specific records that I thought were really excellent, my favourite being the Bonny Light Horseman album, it’s hard to explain why, but it just fits my exact love of tempo and the instrumentation and production and recording are so good in my opinion. The Dua Lipa album, I really only found because I would hear the singles on the radio all the time and I just thought they were great disco pop songs, so fun. The Lomelda record has a rawness and personality that is undeniable, just a joy. I love everything Sam Amidon does and this new album is no exception. And then the Laura Marling album is perfect, my favourite record of hers, great for walking the dog in a field and crying and running and being a human.

Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman

Dua Lipa Future Nostalgia

Lomelda Hannah

Sam Amidon Sam Amidon

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter  

MISS TESS

1 Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels

I was really impressed with Lucinda’s newest release. It’s so raw it almost feels punk rock, with the attitude to match. Man Without a Soul really stands out to me in light of current political situations in the US of A, and the world in general being controlled by capitalist greed, and men. This song makes me really happy in a strong, yet hopeful way. I will join Lucinda for the fight of good, and not be afraid to call out the bad guys.

2 Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

Courtney is one of the best writers performing music right now. Her lyrics are clear, yet unexpected and beautifully familiar. Usually I can only get into a breakup album if I am also going through one myself, but this album has such emotional appeal it’s hard not to get sucked in. And her voice just makes me melt!

3 Charley Crockett Welcome to the Hard Times

I’ve been a fan of Charley’s ever since I passed the tip jar at his 2am set here in Nashville at The American Legion. I had been drinking and carrying on with friends as you do, but then found myself completely entranced by his voice – It has a certain cosiness, maybe akin to someone like Bobby Charles, round edges. Then I thought “wait, does he have a lisp?”, which made it even more endearing. Charlie does a great job making an old style fresh again, even with songs that have been played or recorded a million times already. This album does a great job of painting a western that you want to be in.

4 Willie Nelson First Rose of Spring

I heard the title track of this album on the radio in my car and it made me cry. I’m sure the extra stress of pandemic times added to the strength of my emotional release, but what a beautiful song. And “Don’t Let the Old Man In”? Come on with the tenderness Willie! For someone who puts out 2–4 albums per year, it’s hard to keep track, but I’m glad I caught this one. Willie is hands down the most prolific songwriters of our time, and even at 87 years old he continues to impress.

5 Molly Tuttle But I’d Rather Be With You

Molly is such a fearless badass. She’s someone here in our Nashville community I’ve been watching grow into her own skin, and I really admire her determination. Her musicality and recordings continue to astound me, and this new album of covers is no exception. It just sounds really good.

6 The Wood Brothers Kingdom In My Mind

I’m pretty The Wood Brothers was the last show I saw before the shutdown. They were doing a promotional in-store appearance at Grimey’s, a great local record store here in Nashville. The room was packed with a standing audience, and they were sitting down. So, if you were in the back like I was, you couldn’t see them at all. But you could listen. These guys are really good at music, and it’s not often you get to see a real band play – folks that have been vibing off each other for years and years. This comes through in their recordings as well, and this album sounds really good.

JERRY LEGER 

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels

Ron Sexsmith Hermitage

Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways

Andrew James Barker Andrew James Barker

Lindy Vopnfjörd State Of The Heart

EMILY ZUZIK 

1 Yola Goodbye Yellow Brick Road I didn’t want to lean on a cover song, but I have had such an intense emotional response to this cover that I could not NOT include it in the list. I’ve always been partial to this particular Elton John track, so when I first heard Susan Dilger play this on her Americana radio show out of Taos, I had to email her to find out who the artist was. I had a “stop in your tracks” moment. The only other time I can remember this ever happening to me was the first time I heard Norah Jones Don’t Know Why. The second time I heard this song I was driving and I began weeping in the car. There’s just something about this performance that is really special!

2 Pokey LaFarge Rock Bottom Rhapsody I think Pokey has such a unique sound and voice. Everytime I hear him, I know it’s him. The singer’s blessing when you can sonically cut through like that. Always catchy and swinging.

3 Lake Street Dive Making Due Not necessarily Americana, but soulful and caught me off guard. I like it when that happens to me (see #1)

4 Ted Russell Kamp Down in the Den Ted is such a talent, and he’s talented in a number of genres. This is another characteristic of artists that I’ve always admired. It has soul, swagger and twang all wrapped up in one neat package.

5 Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters I’ve been a fan of Fiona since Tidal. She’s fearless and messed up and creative and willing to always put it on the line, which makes her an anomaly in this music biz. She’s not afraid to fail or get her hands dirty and doesn’t bother with trying to please anyone to speak her truth. It’s a harder life, for sure, but a noble one and I love her for it.

Honourable Mention: Emily Zuzik Torch & Trouble I’d be crazy if I didn’t say I’ve been living in this album for the entire year--pushing the release, making 4 videos, playing live streams to promote, doing interviews and basically learning and re-learning every nuance of this 3-year project. I really love it and am very proud of it. I’ve listened to the songs so much, way more than anything on the list above, but that’s kind of the reality of putting out music.

EMILY BARKER 

Here you go ... (Not in any particular order mind)

1 Phoebe Bridgers Punisher  

Once again, a magical album by this incredible songwriter. The production is so divine too. I read somewhere she was quite influenced by ASMR and that makes total sense - it’s so intimate. 

2 Mary Chapin Carpenter The Dirt & The Stars 

Having had the pleasure of touring in the USA and UK with MCC as the opening act and backing vocalist, I’ve come to know most of her catalogue, which is extensive! I feel like she just wrote her strongest album ever, and that’s really saying something given the strength of all her records over the years. There’s so much depth to her lyrics. MCC wields the power of making us all feel connected and understood. It’s beautiful. 

3 Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter 

Laura is an exceptional guitar player, vocalist and songwriter - as we all know! And this album is a stunner. Gorgeous string arrangements, quirky harmonies, fabulous playing, great songs. Love it. 

4 Neil Young Homegrown 

I am a huge Neil Young fan and I can’t believe they sat on this one for such a long time! Awesome tunes and loose vibes going on here. 

5 Lucinda Williams Good Souls, Better Angels

Queen of grunge country - if that’s a thing? - Lucinda is on her usual incredible form. She continues to inspire me with her direct, opinionated, heart-felt lyrics and raw vocal delivery. 

PRINZ GRIZZLEY (Chris Comper)

10 John Moreland LP 5

I wasn´t a big fan of John Moreland but when I heard “A thought is just a passing train” for the first time, I was sold! Great songs and a killer production by Matt Pence! What a vibe throughout the Album funky, melancholy and heartfelt.

9 Logan Ledger Logan Ledger

T Bone Burnett really knows how to let shine the sparkling old timey voice of Mr. Ledger! A listen through or leave it album.

8 Nathaniel Rateliff And It’s Still Alright

At first, I was disappointed, no up-tempo soul rockers no bite but oh boy how this album grows on you! Beautiful, sad and deep! If I ever get to meet Mr. Rateliff, he will get a big hug from me.

7 Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

And this woman deserves an even bigger hug! If she only had to face half of the feelings, she so intensely portraits on this album then this is the best example for “the greatest art comes through pain”!

Sparse, intense and heartbreaking perfectly embedded in an awesome production by Andrew Sarlo.

6. S.G. Goodman Old time feeling

S.G. Goodman shows how it’s to be done! Write great songs, hit the studio with your band and then let your heart flow into your voice! For me this album is like the little sister of Justin Townes Earl´s “The saint of lost causes”!

5 Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

Finally, Colter is backed up by his band on nearly all the songs on the album, I was waiting for that a long time! 

But what really stands out to me are the great covers he does of Big Iron and Cowpoke! Beloved Americans currently there is only one real cowboy with a guitar and yes, he´s Canadian!

4 Sturgill Simpson Cuttin Grass Vol.1

Sturgill may be gentler and humbler than the Gallagher Brothers but he´s the same punk as the brothers were on their peak! Don´t give him rules, don´t boss him, get out of his way or he eats you alive.

I wasn´t waiting for a bluegrass album by Sturgill but I enjoyed it big time and now I want more of it please!!

3 Daniel Romano Various albums 2020

When asked me to put together my top ten of 2020 albums, I could have easily written down only one name “Daniel Romano”

I don´t know what this man drinks or smokes but I want it too! Ryan Adams once said if you call yourself a songwriter and you can´t write 15 solid songs in a year better put that guitar aside. Daniel must be more like, if you don´t write 15 songs a week do something else! Don´t ask me which one of the ten albums he released this year is my favorite, I haven´t decided yet!

2 Chris Stapleton Starting Over 

He’s A force of nature but whom I have to tell this!!

1 Ray LaMontagne Monovision 

Over ten years ago a friend of mine mentioned Ray LaMontagne, I checked him out and was like why should I listen to a not so good Ryan Adams, in hindsight a big fault!! 

And then this year this Album came out and I was lighting struck! I am totally blown away by this album, I love the production, the songs, the flow, the vocal performance, everything!! I could sit down a try to analyze what makes it so special for me but I won´t do that! Some things just touch you and I am so glad this album did!!

LUAN PARLE

Here we go, in no particular order ...

Jeff Tweedy Love Is King

One of the good things to come out of lockdown has been the streaming of live shows from the homes of some of our much-loved musicians and a favourite of mine has been @thetweedyshow on Instagram and YouTube. From their Chicago home, Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy, his wife Suzie and sons Spencer and Sammy began broadcasting The Tweedy Show. This latest album from Jeff Love Is King features sons Spencer & Sammy. 

John Blek The Embers

This album is simply sublime and should be in everyone’s record collection. My favourite track on the album is Empty Pockets but every song is exceptional. 

Grant-Lee Phillips Lightening, Show Us Your Stuff

I was first introduced to Grant- Lee Phillips while growing up watching one of my favourite TV shows...The Gilmore Girls. Fans of the show will recognise Grant-Lee Phillips as the town troubadour. I’ve loved him ever since. This album is a stunner.

Gillian Welch and David Rawlings All The Good Times Are Past and Gone

This is an album of covers from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. It features two Bob Dylan tracks, John Prine’s Hello In There, a song by guitarist Elizabeth Cotten, and a version of Jackson.

Bruce Springsteen Letter To You 

I was super excited for this album release and it did not disappoint, another classic from the boss. My personal favourite is the title track Letter To You. This is my driving album. 

Molly Tuttle But I’d Rather Be With You

I first heard of Molly in 2018 when she played the Roots Festival Kilkenny. An incredible guitarist with a stunning voice and fabulous collection of songs. 

The Lost Brothers After The Fire, After The Rain 

The sixth album release from Oisin and Mark is just gorgeous. There have been so many great Irish album releases this year and this is without doubt up there with the best. Those harmonies ...

Jim White Misfit Jubilee 

I was lucky enough to see Jim play live at Cleere’s Theatre Kilkenny when he was touring with Clive Barnes. I play this latest album from Jim non-stop. 

Lucinda Williams Good Souls Better Angels 

Lucinda Williams reunited with Ray Kennedy for this album which he co-produced with her husband and co-writer Tom Overby. I loved this album from the first track Bad News Blues. Her voice sounds incredible. Check out Big Black Train a song about a looming, unstoppable depression. 

Samantha Crain A Small Death 

Samantha Crain is another artist I have been enjoying listening to a lot and in particular, this album. I loved her live gig stream from Coughlan’s Cork earlier this year and look forward to seeing her play in Ireland again. 

MICHAEL WESTON KING (My Darling Clementine) 

1 A Girl Called Eddy Been Around.

This is the album that I will always associate with lockdown 2020. It accompanied me on many lonely drives when I’ve needed to get out and just drive and find a change of scenery in lockdown. It’s a mix of classic soul and orchestral pop, articulate and ingenuous songwriting a la Prefab Sprout, with some Steely Dan and Todd Rundgren in there too, plus the best song The Pretenders 

never wrote. It is a gem and I have been banging on about it to anyone who’ll listen. On a major label it could and should have been huge. (How many times have we all said that!?) I have now bought it 4 times as gifts, it’s easily my favourite album of the year. Many years ago, when Erin’s first album came out, she, along with myself, Peter Bruntnel & Thea Gilmore, had to suffer the indignity of playing the Mojo Magazine Christmas Quiz. A room full of record industry types: Labels, P.R, music journos and assorted ageing pop stars (yes, Martyn Fry, I saw you) who were all clearly happy to be anywhere! 

When questions where being read out, the room fell into an awed silence- it was VERY competitive. But as soon as one of us got up to play, all hell broke loose as they argued over answers whilst our performances were ignored! The only upside was that the event was sponsored by Gibson guitars, and we were all given a new Epiphone model that they were launching. 

Another connection between A Girl Called Eddie and My Darling Clementine is our mutual choice of musicians. Richard Hawley and Colin Elliot produced her debut, and Shez Sheridan played on it, as was the case with our own Country Darkness and our earlier album The Reconciliation.

Other 2020 releases that I’ve loved (but not in any particular order) are listed below. They all struck a resounding chord with me this year:

Terry Allen Just Like Moby Dick

I have known Terry for over 20 years and played shows with him a number of times. A new album is always a treat (mainly because they are so damned infrequent) but I love the fact that he does what he wants, when he wants. I think he is just as happy sculpting or painting. This new album is quite brilliant and as lyrically evocative as ever. I particularly love the song he co-wrote with Dave Alvin Death Of The Last Stripper.

Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways.(Brilliant album but it wins the worse album cover of the year). 

I wouldn’t be bothered if there wasn’t ever another album from Neil Young or Van. Yes, I’d be happy to hear more from Leonard Cohen but that’s not going to happen. But when it comes to Bob, I’m glad that there always seems to be more and more. And he still has it. He has that something that draws us in, makes us want to listen. Rough & Rowdy Ways is an amazing album, and for him to still be writing songs that can arguably be hailed as classics (I Contain Multitudes for example) is just incredible. There is Bob, and then there is everyone else.

Dan Penn Living On Mercy

2020 has been a very bad year in many respects, but to get a new Dan Penn album (as well as Terry Allen) is cause for celebration. This new album is classic Dan, totally timeless. (it could have been cut in 1973) This album would be in my top albums of the year, just for the track I Do. But it is a whole bunch of top draw songs. Like Bob, he doesn’t let the writing standard drop.

Bill Callahan Gold Record 

I loved his Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest album from 2019, and this carries on where that left off. His world view is so unique. His way with words is unexpected, dark and so damn funny. I can’t think of anyone from these shores writing like this, with such a jaundiced world view. Richard Dawson maybe, but to me his records don’t bear such repeated listening. There is a wonderful melancholy to Bill‘s records too, and a bravery to leave things very live, not cleaned up afterwards. It makes you feel like he is in the same space as you, playing live. Not many artists (myself included) can let that happen. We need a few more. For me, he’s descended from the likes of Ivor Cutler or Jake Thakery.

Chuck Prophet The Land That Time Forgot

Chuck has kept folks entertained during lockdown with some choice covers and gentle humour on line. He and James McMurtry I always look out for on-line performances. Plus, his video for the song Get Off The Stage is quite brilliant. (And the song nails Tump perfectly). Many songs from this album will be killer live and I look forward to seeing him again when we are all back out touring

Jeb Loy Nichols Season Of Decline

Just an EP, but my good pal with the sweetest soul voice delivers once again. Special commendation for the brilliant, suitably apt, title track.

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

She is a miracle, head and shoulders above her contemporaries, and this is another really fine album. She is always worth our attention, even if this doesn’t quite match the brilliant Semper Femina for me- a stone wall classic that set the bar very high. I do prefer the production on that album. I liked the way Blake Mills made her music less “conventional singer songwriter” with his use of loops and percussion.  Still, her songs are so strong they’re hard to mess up. And on Song For Our Daughter, I particularly like the opening track Alexandra. Another song with a timeless quality. 

Roddy Frame North Star

Yes, I know, NOT a 2020 album and not even a re-issue in 2020, but for some unknown reason, I totally missed it first time around. I am a HUGE fan so I don’t know how it escaped me. Anyway, in an online exchange about the genius of Roddy, my pal Danny Champ pointed this album out as his favourite, so I immediately got it. While it does not quite dislodge High Land Hard Rain from its place in my all-time favourites list, North Star is a stunning album and should have been the one to move him into the major league. Some of these songs are anthemic (I can imagine vast crowds singing them back to him) yet they never lose that brilliant songwriting craft he has. All of the song is good, not just the catchy chorus. So, North Star was my belated discovery of 2020, accompanying me on the few journeys I was able to make. (A truly great driving album!) 

MALIN PETTERSEN

Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter

Nobody writes like Brennen Leigh. Nobody sings like her either. Sometimes songs make you feel like they have always existed, or like they speak some kind of existential truth, and to me, Brennen’s songs are like that.

Lilly Hiatt Walking Proof

Lilly Hiatt’s songs have so much personality and life in them. This album makes me want to walk right into it, get to know the people in the songs. I also love the production.

Raye Zaragoza Woman in Color

Clever songwriting and beautiful singing. I really take a lot away from this album when it comes to perspective.

Darling West We’ll Never Know Unless We Try

I discover new things about each song every time I listen to this or any Darling West album for that matter. And when you have people who’ve played and sung together for so long it makes for such amazing arrangements which I never grow tired of listening to.

Aubrie Sellers Far from Home

This kicked in the door when I listened to it the first time. It’s bold, intriguing, and blends several classic sounds into its own sound. And killer vocals!

THE NORTHERN BELLE

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher

I’m just in love with this album. Phoebe Bridgers saved me in April with her up-tempo and super catchy single Kyoto! Everything was up in the air and the world turned a dark corner. Then this beautiful album came along and summer started to show its colours. I love the lyrics, the soundscape and her voice. I feel like I know her through her songwriting and it’s a privilege to be invited into her world. 

Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

This album blooms of hard-won wisdom, painful and heartfelt songs and a poetic pen that glides over the pages with such a natural ease. Katie Crutchfield’s songs are pure and don’t need anything else than a steady and groovy band. It sounds like friends playing together. I will go as far as to compare this album to one of my favourite albums by Lucinda Williams: Car Wheels on a Gravel Road. I love to listen to this album while walking. 

Taylor Swift Folklore

This is an album full of reflection, storytelling and it’s so beautifully wrapped in by Taylor’s pop-sensibility. This is both the Taylor Swift we got to know when she started out and the pop wizard that we have met the last couple of years. Queen!

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

Laura Marling has been a huge inspiration for a long time and I thank the higher power for her music and her presence throughout this year. Her guitar lessons on Instagram have been a highlight! I still think her previous album was one of her best, but her new album has captured a special place in my heart. It’s raw, full of emotions, sparks, power and it was just what I needed this year. I also love the title! 

Molly Tuttle But I Rather Be With You

I get teary-eyed just thinking about this album. Sometimes I need something familiar and safe. That safety can be a phone call from my Grandmother, a hug from a loved one or just listening to music that I never get tired of. This album is a mixture of songs I always loved along with new adventures. It’s a cover album if you haven’t figured that out yet, but it feels fresh and Molly Tuttle has made every song sound like it’s hers. Songs like A Little Lost (Arthur Russell) and Something On Your Mind (Karen Dalton) give me goosebumps and whenever I need a good cry I put them on. She’s A Rainbow (Rolling Stones) makes me smile from ear to ear. Enjoy! 

TERRI KLEIN 

It’s been such an odd year in so many ways and music is no exception. I have tremendous respect for anyone who had the gall to release a new record this year, lacking the opportunities to tour in support of it or play the songs live in a radio studio. But five particular records stood out for me this year, in no order.

Ben de la Cour Shadow Land

I’d been hearing Ben play these perfect songs at shows over the past few years. And then one day he shot me a text and told me he’d made a record in Canada with Scott Nolan, whose song Bad Liver & A Broken Heart is one of my favourites. Ben sent me a Soundcloud link and I knew that whatever year he ended up releasing it, it’d be one of the very best records that year. This is a transporting, courageous, great-sounding record. I’m glad it exists.

Tami Neilson Chickaboom!

This fantastic record kept me company on a run up to Lubbock and back. Ten Tonne Truck, Queenie & You Were Mine is the best three songs in a row on any record released this year. Capturing the intensity of a brilliant live performer in the studio is a huge challenge, but this record does it.

Run The Jewels RTJ4

In the midst of the George Floyd protests, when it felt as if the whole world was coming apart, Run The Jewels dropped this record. I listened to it once and it took my breath away. I listened to it again and it took my breath away again. “walking in the snow” is my favourite here, I think. But I love the whole thing.

Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter

Brennen Leigh is too good at writing songs. Part of me wishes that she would just stop for a little while so the rest of us might try and catch up. That goes for her partner in crime, Noel McKay, too. This record is timeless and could be good enough to become part of the singer-songwriter canon. We’ll see.

Jackson Emmer Alpine Coda

Mary Bragg, whose most recent album was on this list last year, produced this fine record. Jackson is a tremendous songwriter, so it’s very flattering that he decided to include a song here that we wrote together (I Don’t Want This). The closing track, We Kill What We Love, alone is worth the price of admission. 

VICTORIA BAILEY

1 The Highwomen The Highwomen 

The women that make up this group are legends and have made such an impact on me separately over the years, and now have joined together and formed such a powerhouse. Their song “Redesigning Women” is the ultimate girl power anthem!  

2 Colter Wall Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

I’ve been riding horses a lot this year, and I have played this one many times on trail rides to keep me company. Colter Wall’s voice and songwriting are so timeless and he can cover a good cowboy classic like no other. 

3. Dolly Parton The Grass Is Blue 

Because Dolly is ALWAYS in rotation.

4 John Prine John Prine 

Rest in peace to this beautiful soul. I know this record holds a special place in many hearts, and I’m so thankful for John’s gift and songs he has given the world. Paradise is my forever favourite. 

5 Mapache From Liberty Street 

This album came out in the beginning of quarantine; I remember it being such a bright light, and I played it over and over. I love seeing them play live, and I’m lucky to call these guys friends. From Liberty Street is filled with so much beautiful Spanish, folky sweetness. 

KRISTINA MURRAY

Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross

This is my favorite top-to-bottom, most complete record this year. Sonically diverse and dynamic, lyrically unique and honest, it’s just plain real country through and through. I love Jaime’s voice: I don’t think she sounds like anybody else out there right now and I dig that. 

Favourite Tracks: Goodbye Queen, Demon, L I V I N,Neon Cross.

Logan Ledger Logan Ledger

As Logan is a friend and fellow co-writer, I’ve been a witness to not only the development of this beautiful record, but heard the first few incarnations of some of the songs on this album in their rawest form. Logan has meshed his influences here so seamlessly, and for a debut, there’s really not much more one could ask: carefully and artfully written, the absolute most top-notch studio players to execute the ideas flawlessly, and probably the most beautiful voice in Nashville right now—it’s all there in this very complete collection of songs. 

Favourite Tracks: Electric Fantasy, I Don’t Dream Anymore, Imagining Raindrops.

Mike and the Moonpies Touch Of You: The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart

Mike and the boys done done it again. Gary Stewart is, hands down, one of my top five favorite country writers and singers, so to hear a tribute record DONE VERY RIGHT and with Gary songs that are either difficult or impossible to find, it was like double payday for me when this record came out. As usual, Mike’s vocal delivery is country gold and the Moonpies have brought these songs to life in a way that I’m sure Gary would approve of. 

Favourite Tracks: Smooth Shot of Whiskey, That’s Life,Touch Of You.

Zephaniah OHora Listening to the Music

Similar to Logan’s record, I’d been privy to the bulk of these tunes when I toured with Zeph a few years ago; to hear them fully realized has really been a treat and Zeph and the boys have executed a true country record here that, in due time, will be hailed as a modern country classic. The guitar work by John Shannon and steel by Jon Graboff is a highlight for me, matched by Zeph’s songwriting. Lotta folks might have thought he couldn’t outdo 2017’s ‘This Highway’, but personally, I think he’s done that with ‘Listening To The Music.’ It’s exciting to me when artists only get better with their art and output. 

Favourite Tracks: Black & Blue, Time Won’t Take It’s Time, Heaven’s On The Way, Living Too Long

Blue Jean Queen Wild Wild Woman (single)

If you’ve talked to me about music at all in the last two years, you’ll hear my staunch opinion that the best country (and rock n roll) is coming out of, not Nashville, but Texas. Rockyanne Bullwinkel aka Blue Jean Queen (lead singer formally of Austin’s criminally underrated powersoul band The Reputations) steps out here with a single that is my favourite song this year period. It’s got an infectious groove, perfectly crafted dynamic and achingly honest lyrics delivered by a distinct and singular vocalist. Pumped that this is only the beginning for her and can’t wait to hear a complete album from BJQ. 

Other favourite records this year:

Brent Cobb Keep ‘Em On They Toes 

Brit Taylor Real Me

Waylon Payne Blue Eyes

Jesse Daniel Rollin’ On

Rachel Brooke The Loneliness In Me

Adam Wright I Win 

STEPHANIE LAMBRING

1 Ken Yates Quiet Talkers

2 Ethan Gruska En Garde

3 Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

4 Ruston Kelly Shape and Destroy

5 Christian Lee Hutson Beginners

6 Lori McKenna The Balladeer

7 Phoebe Bridgers Punisher

8 Donovan Woods Without People

9 Jason Isbell Reunions

10 Tyson Motsenbocker Someday I’ll Make It All Up To You

CAITLIN CANNON

First, it was Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross. God bless that Sweet Mess. She’s the Goodbye Queen of the minor fall and makes want to cancel all of my plans for the day. I’ll fumble this but, lyrically I hear a kind of masculinity in her brand of self-deprecation, that earns her a place next to Jessie Colter on the Mount Rushmore of “Outlaw” Icons in my mind. So, I was giddy to hear that collaboration on Just a Woman. And tickled by Demon Tied to A Chair in My Brain. I don’t love this trend I’m hearing in Americana lately, where a one-line chorus gets repeated over and over, but that song doesn’t hardly need any other lyrics IMHO. And I’d give my left toe to see what kind of album baby I’d make with Shooter Jennings. 

Then Lori McKenna Balladeer and I was like— Holy shit, where are my keys so I can go for a 9-hour drive. Her well is so deep, but it sounds like it’s healed down in there now where it used to be flooded with pain, and that gives me hope! They all have masterful McKenna songwriting moments, and combined with Dave Cobb’s heavyweight champion touch it’s like, “Watch and learn, children.” The songs sound so properly loved, like they got each everything they needed from two healthy, devoted parents who love and respect each other. And that makes me jealous! 

Track Highlights: All of them.

And then after Elizabeth Cook Aftermath, I was officially ousted out of my own top three. She never just transmits information, she wraps her words up in shiny paper and offers them to you with a bow on top. I try never to miss an Instagram post. Asking Butch Walker to produce was a genius move, resulting in the funniest, freshest, genre-bendy sound, that gives me all the drum machine/distortion envy I need to get up in the morning and grab my own guitar. In fact, I can’t even continue my list because I haven’t wanted to spend time with anything else. Currently in a monogamous relationship with this record; we’re very happy. 

Track Highlights: All of them. 

I don’t know if this is a new trend really, but I think I’m hearing a braver perspective from female artists this year. Just more of what it’s like to be a daughter, sister, mother, addicted, sober, spiritual, broken, delivered well-rounded woman in this genre. I really felt that. And on that note, add these to your Father Hunger Playlist right now: By Your Side (Jaime Wyatt), Marie & The Dream (Lori McKenna), Daddy, I Got Love For Ya (Elizabeth Cook), Daddy-O Mine (Caitlin Cannon- that’s me). 

NORMA MAC DONALD

It’s obviously an understatement to say it’s been a strange year to release new music. That being said, I feel some of the music that came out in 2020 wove itself deeper into our hearts and minds because we had a chance to slow down and listen a little closer. Here’s a few of my favourites from 2020 (in no particular order):

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher 

I’ve been looking forward to this record since her debut ‘Stranger in the Alps’ killed me and left me for dead in 2017. It did not disappoint. Phoebe’s lyrics can make you laugh then throw you into an existential crisis in a single phrase (that’s good in my books, in case you were wondering). She’s one of the most gifted songwriters to come along in years.

Recommended Tracks: Kyoto, Graceland Too, I Know the End

Christian Lee Hutson Beginners

Sticking with the Phoebe love, she produced this debut record for fellow L.A. singer-songwriter Christian Lee Hutson. His writing and delivery feel like a mix of Simon & Garfunkel and Sufjan Stevens (folky Sufjan, not electronic Sufjan). It’s quirky and laid back and lovely.

Recommended Tracks: Atheist, Talk, Northsiders

Kestrels Dream Or Don’t Dream

Full disclosure: Kestrels front man and songwriter Chad Peck is my partner and I sang on this record. But that doesn’t change the fact that it’s a big, hook-y indie rock masterpiece. Chad has an amazing ability to create these enormous, layered, dreamy (but loud) soundscapes. AND J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jr. guest solos on Grey And Blue. Dreams of the 90s do come true.  

Recommended Tracks: It’s a Secret, Everything is New, Grey and Blue.

Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

I’ve enjoyed Katie Crutchfield’s (the singer-songwriter behind Waxahatchee) previous albums, but Saint Cloud feels like a whole new level. These songs are gritty and timeless and gorgeous.

Recommended Tracks: Can’t Do Much, Fire, Arkadelphia.

Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

Anyone who’s been a fan of Canadian alt-country hero Kathleen Edwards knows the story about how she quit music 8 years ago and opened a coffee shop outside of Ottawa. This long-awaited return is full of gut-punch honest lyrics about the music business, friendship and loneliness.

Recommended Tracks: Glenfern, Birds on a Feeder, Simple Math.

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

I’ll admit I’m not as well-versed in the Laura Marling catalogue as I should be for a folky with a love of deep-diving lyrics and strong female voices. I need to fix that. Aside from the great production, this is probably the most overtly feminist album I’ve heard all year. I’d also like to add that her cover of Dylan’s A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (which was released in 2019, so I’m kind of cheating) is one of my favourite covers of anything ever.

Recommended Tracks: Alexandra, Strange Girl, Song For Our Daughter.

THE SOUTHERN FOLD (Emyln Holden)

1 Sam Doores Sam Doores

2 Jeff Tweedy Love is the King

3 Elvis Presley From Elvis in Nashville

4.William Elliott Whitmore I’m With You

5 Wilco Summerteeth (Deluxe Reissue Edition)

6 Blackbird & Crow Ailm

7 Blitzen Trapper Holy Smokes Future Jokes

ALLAN JONES (Uncut Magazine)

1 Bob Dylan Rough And Rowdy Ways

2 Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Reunions

3 Drive-By Truckers The New OK

4 Fleet Foxes Shore

5 Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever Sideways To New Italy

6 Daniel Romano How Ill Thy World Is Ordered

7 A Girl Called Eddy Been Around

8 Sault Untitled (Black Is)

9 Drive-By Truckers The Unravelling

10 Sarah Jarosz World On The Ground

ZACH AARON

My favorite albums of 2020 are, Colter Wall Western Swing and Waltzes and Corb Lund Agricultural Tragic. I love old cowboy songs and Colter nailed this album as far as cowboy songs go. I’ve been competing in rodeos, riding saddle bronc, this year so his song “high and mighty” has been my theme song since its release. The album as a whole has a broke down vintage sound to it and I love that. Corb’s album comes in a close second with me. With a more “up to date” recording sound he brings to life the woes of a modern cowboy. Agricultural Tragic is full of songs that anyone who has ever owned a horse can relate to and I love it.

DANIEL MEADE

Bruce Springsteen A Letter To You

An absolute beast from start to finish, recorded live and you can totally feel that energy ripping through your speakers, what a buzz from start to end! Ghosts might well be my most listened to song of 2020, life-affirming stuff.

Diana Jones Song To A Refugee

Beautifully written and performed by my old friend/sometime boss. It’s a very important, understated and powerful album, a soundtrack for the times we find ourselves in. I think it’s her best yet, I’ve always loved her voice but it sounds particularly perfect for these stories. There’s talk of us touring together again next year so I can’t wait to hear and play these songs live, roll on 2021.

Gerry Cinnamon The Bonny

Another amazing list of songs from Gerry, his debut Erratic Cinematic was always going to be hard to follow but he’s nailed it here, tune after tune after tune. I think he’s one of the best songwriters to come out of Scotland in years and he deserves all his success. I was lucky enough to play piano on a couple of songs at his Glasgow Hydro gigs last year and what a show he puts on, so much energy, just incredible.

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

One of my favourite artists of the last 5 years, a unique and natural talent who just gets better with every release. Her vocals and arrangements are wonderful, her lyrics blow me away, not a word ever wasted. She totally means it, as authentic as they come.

Bob Dylan Rough & Rowdy Ways

What else can you say, he’s still got it and how. He’s one of the true greats, one of the last originals standing and still showing everyone how it’s done. This is a great collection of songs, his band are cookin’, what more do you need? 

ASHLEY RAY

Ruston Kelly Shape & Destroy  

Little Big Town Nightfall  

Hailey Whitters The Dream  

Sasha Sloan Only Child 

Logan Ledger Logan Ledger 

Nathanial Ratliff And It’s Still Alright 

Stephanie Lambring Autonomy

Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

Taylor Swift FolkLore

Katie Pruitt Expectations 

PETE GOW

Bob Dylan Rough And Rowdy Ways

That the man who essentially invented my job is still - approaching 80 - making worthwhile, even vital music, is incredible… this record is simply brilliant.. his voice, the production, the arrangements .. the lyrics!!… he has entirely adapted himself to be Bob Dylan for right now. 

Frazey Ford U Kin B The Sun

I was a big fan of the ‘Be Good Tanyas’ records, and as such followed the solo output of both Frazey Ford and Jolie Holland. U Kin B The Sun is a perfect record, top to bottom… it sets a mood that sustains you through the entire listen.. it couldn’t sound less like Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds The Boatman’s Call.. but I go to both records for precisely the same thing.. to ride the feeling I get from the opening bars through to the very end. 

Michael Kiwanuka Kiwanuka

Popular music has a rich history of artists making their most important statement with the third album… this is very much the case with Kiwanuka.. he has matured way beyond the sum of his influences, he is comfortable in the studio, with who he is, where he is from and how that informs what he wants to say. 

Courtney Marie Andrews Old Flowers

As fine a break up album as there has ever been. There will always be Blood On The Tracks, there will always be Shoot Out The Lights. now there is Old Flowers … say all three in the same breath, it’s warranted. 

Christy Moore The Early Years

His phrasing blows my tiny mind, he’s like a rapper ... albeit one in his 70’s from Kildare. 

Nick Cave Idiot Prayer - Alone At The Piano

A very precise album for these times. Recorded during lockdown, while we were all still processing what being locked down actually meant. One of the artists we rely on to take our hand and walk us through that which we can’t quite articulate for ourselves stepped into a cavernous, cold Alexandra Palace and performed alone at a piano.. you can hear the room, you can hear the mistakes and if you listen carefully you can hear he has no more of an idea of what’s going on than we do… but he’s dressed immaculately.  

Bruce Springsteen Letter To You

I had to listen to this record three times before I noticed how good it was. I couldn’t get past Max Weinberg’s drumming.. it is colossal. Unlike its predecessor, ‘Western Stars’ (.. which I also loved), this is a wilful ‘we still got this’ Brooooce recording.. and they do. Springsteens voice is phenomenal and the older material not only sits alongside the new songs, it stands out… listen with headphones to him sing ‘the Confederacy is in my name now’. 

Judee Sill Heart Food 

Clearly not from this year, but a staple of my 2020 soundtrack. I’ve had her BBC recordings for a long time, but never really absorbed her until I was turned on to a BBC Radio 4 documentary that sent me to the studio recordings.. Sill is a damaged, fragile, beautiful writer.. racked by Catholic guilt and self- doubt (.. no, this isn’t still the Springsteen write up!) and Heart Food, her second album is a triumph.

KELLEY SWINDALL

Pokey Lafarge Rock Bottom Rhapsody

I just can’t get enough of Pokey Lafarge. He is totally his own artist and doing his own thing. So perfectly timeless. A throwback but fresh and modern. I could listen (and do) listen to this album all day.

Taylor Swift Folklore

She had me from “The One” (so literally the first song). I’m a Taylor Swift fan. I think she’s a brilliant songwriter and a powerhouse of a human. I can’t wait to see where she is in ten years (seeing as to what all she’s accomplished and put forth in under 15)

Jesse Malin Sunset Kids 

Ok, so this one is technically 2019, but I’m hoping y’all will let it slide. This is such a GREAT album (and I”ve been listening to it all through 2020, so in my head, its 2020). Jesse is such a poet, both with his lyrics, but also with his melodies. They kill me. Pure Poetry. There are many great ones on this. It’s another one of those albums for me that I listen straight through every time. 

Rustin Kelly Shape & Destroy 

Love me some Rustin Kelly. His songs are so poignant and deep yet frightfully catchy and accessible in their melodies (while remaining unique!). He definitely has a distinct sound, and I love it. Beautiful, soulful, poignant record. Listen straight through on this one, too.

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher 

Love this Lady. Phoebe Bridgers is so damn unique and special. I love how she named this album Punisher a not so subtle jab, imo, at Ryan Adam’s “Prisoner”. Her voice and words are vulnerable and delicate, yet irreverent and cutting and deep, and the combination is deadly. Kyoto, Chinese Satellite, and I Know The End are some of my faves (though as I’m writing this, other ones from the album are jumping up to compete)

Bob Dylan Rough and Rowdy Ways

Dylan is arguably my greatest influence, in terms of the person I tried to emulate from a lyrical perspective, when I first started writing songs, so I devour any Dylan, no matter where he’s at/what era, cuz anything that comes from that man is another little peak into the window of that brain and soul of his, that I admire so greatly. He’s so damn cool with how he’s still such an iconoclastic artist after all these years, and Murder Most Foul especially drives that home for me.  This album isn’t background music, it demands your full attention, in the best way. I love to just put it on and revel in his words, and attitude. 

Zephaniah Ohora Listening to the Music 

I only recently discovered Zepheniah, and man!  What a Talent! He is so authentic and real and refreshing in the REAL country music world. Great Songwriter, and I just love his voice and classic Bakersfield sound (yet it’s all his own, not reductive 1). It makes me feel all warm and slowly inside to know he’s a fellow New Yorker, and making this kind of music in this town. Proud he’s out of here!

Tom Petty Wildflowers & All The Rest

Tom Petty. Damnit, I miss him. I was into Petty, before I ever knew who Dylan was, and he will always be my number one /desert island artist.. , so when I heard about Wildflowers and All the Rest, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, cuz unreleased tracks from his 1994 Masterpiece Wildflowers (arguably my favourite album of all time), yes, please! And to be able to hear the home recordings, that was the greatest treat of all. What an emotional experience as well as learning experience. Damnit, I miss Tom Petty.

ANGELA PERLEY 

Lilly Hiatt Walking 

Proof  - I’m a huge fan of Lilly Hiatt and this album has so many great songs and it rocks too! 

Jaime Wyatt Neon Cross 

I feel like this is Jaime’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road moment/album for me. Timeless! 
Jenny O. New Truth

This album speaks to me - existential/intimate tunes wrapped up in some psychedelic-pop-flair. 

Gillian Welch Boots No. 2: The Lost Songs, Vol. 1-3 

I can’t believe these songs were never released. There are so many classics in here I couldn’t even pick a volume haha. It’s so good!! 

The Steepwater Band Turn of the Wheel

One of my favorite rock albums of the year!!! It’s incredible!! 

Sumbuck Oh Sweet Cafe Racer 

A beautiful gem of an album from start to finish. These songs will get stuck in your head forever. 

El Camino Acid Stay Mine 

Another favourite rock album of the year. It’s effortless and fun and a crazy epic debut album. 

Brent Cobb Keep Em’ On They Toes

Brent Cobb is like a younger Willie Nelson for me. He is so chill and powerful at the same time and this album is an instant classic in my book. 

Dawna Dawna

This album is amazing, one of my favourites. Heavy Little Feat vibe. 

Cut Worms Nobody Lives Here Anymore

A friend turned me onto Cut Worms and I have never looked back. This album is modern times-meets-John Lennon vibes. I’ve had it on repeat all year. 

NATIVE HARROW

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter 

Always a favourite of ours and another special record made with Ethan Johns.

Ray LaMontagne Monovision 

Our favourite record of Ray’s in a long time. This album is a wonderful example of just how great he is and contains warm references to some of the music of yesteryear that we love.

The Lemon Twigs Songs For The General Public 

This album was a bright spot in 2020 and provided a much-needed dose of musical escapism. 

Haim Women in Music Pt III 

For me, Haim can do no wrong. They’re the only current pop band with real skill. 

Joni Mitchell Archives Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967) 

For Joni Mitchell lovers like us, this is a much-anticipated deep dive into just what makes her so good. Her voice and her incredible ability to tell a nuanced story through song.

CLIFF WESTFALL

This is not a “Best of,” because I have no doubt there were great records released this year that I either haven’t heard at all or only heard cursorily. Also, I only considered full-length LPs, of mostly original music, with vocal content (sorry, SUSS!), released in 2020, and that stay largely within the “Americana” framework, which is admittedly pretty loose. These are the ten albums that seemed to stay in my mind the most this year (in alphabetical order):

Rachel Brooke The Loneliness in Me 

This album sounds like what Patsy Cline might have released had she lived in 2020, and also had a considerably darker sensibility. Which is not to say that the songs are depressing – somehow, there’s also a light touch, as if Brooke is comfortable in the darkness and inviting us to explore its nuances with her. Favourite tracks include the morbidly funny title track, The Loneliness in Me and the bluesy Picture on the Wall.

Jesse Daniel Rollin’ On 

Very well-written, classic honky tonk with a mostly 60s feel, proving that the classic formula still sounds contemporary in the hands of performers (and producer Tommy Detamore) who know the world they’re inhabiting, especially if they can also play the hell out of it. Favourite tracks: up-tempo road rocker Rollin’ On, Son of the San Lorenzo, about coming to terms with his past, “for better or worse, blessing or curse.”

S.G. Goodman Old Time Feeling 

S.G. Goodman doesn’t sound anything like fellow Kentuckian Tyler Childers, but like him, her songs are deeply rooted in what it means to be from there. Her voice is beautiful and works in either “ethereal beauty” mode or riding atop psychedelic rockers. Speaking of which, the title song Old Time Feeling, in the latter category, is one of my favourite songs of the year – a blistering meditation on what it means to wrestle with tradition in a fallen world. Or something like that… And in the former category, album opener “Space and Time,” a love letter to the world from someone seemingly contemplating suicide, is heartbreakingly beautiful.

Logan Ledger Logan Ledger 

I often think about music in visual terms, and for me, this album just shimmers. With production by T. Bone Burnett and an all-star band, the songs are most often in the country noir vein, but they veer frequently into 60s rock territory, with nods to psychedelia and straight-ahead rock and roll. But with Ledger’s Bakersfield vocal style anchoring the album, those stylistic nods never feel distracting or put on. And his songwriting is both clever and heartbreaking, in the way of classic country songwriters like Don Gibson, Roger Miller, and others who I wish were more widely influential than they are.

Gabe Lee Honky Tonk Hell

Speaking of songwriting and its mainstream failures, the title song of Gabe Lee’s new album takes a well-observed shot at all the people in Nashville “writing phony ass songs.” As pointed as that sounds, he manages to be self-deprecating in the same verse, as well as in much of the rest of the album. Witty songs, classic country production with nods to soul and classic R&B, brought forth in part by Hammond B3 organ and his own voice – he’s more of a bluesy belter than classic country twangster, but no less effective. Favourite song: Piece of Your Heart, an original that sounds like it could have been a John Prine song. 

Nocona Los Dos

Their website describes them as a band that melds psychedelia and the Bakersfield sound, and specifically mentions pairings like 13th Floor Elevators-meets-Buck Owens, or Love-meets-The Flying Burrito Brothers. I read that after I had already decided they reminded of a rootsy version of the Pixies, so I guess I was in their intended ballpark. Whatever… The fact is, they rock, from the choogling boogie of Chester to the laid back Post Apocalyptic Blues. Lots of great tracks, up-tempo and down-, but I think my favourite is the brooding, ominous Unseen Hand.

Graham Norwood Out of the Sea

Full disclosure on this one: Graham is a friend and frequent collaborator who, among other things, is all over my 2018 release, Baby You Win. Graham’s debut LP (he had an EP out in 2019 too) sounds nothing like what he’s done with me. It’s a dreamy but dark record with contemplative arrangements, pedal steel and string accents, Graham’s own accomplished guitar playing, and most of all, his astonishing voice that calls to mind Harry Nilsson or at times Aaron Neville. Favourite tracks on the record are the last two, Ago and Out on the Shore.

Zephaniah Ohora Listening to the Music

Another disclosure: Zeph is also a friend from the Brooklyn country scene. His warm, laid-back delivery shines through as usual on this great record, which was produced by Neal Casal before his death in August 2019. This is a straight-up country record, and a damn good one – had it been released in 1974, I’m sure it would have been a radio staple.  Favourite tracks: Black and Blue, Living Too Long.

Waylon Payne Blue Eyes, the Harlot, the Queer, the Pusher & Me 

Truly autobiographical songwriting, and concept albums, are pretty difficult to pull off. This one is both, and I wasn’t sure from the advance press that it would be my cup of milk, but man, it succeeds massively. From what I’ve read, a lot of the stories in the songs are quite literally true, and the arc of the album drags the listener through the throes of alcohol and drug addiction and family dysfunction, but also thankfully back towards redemption, frequently in the same song (see, e.g., the killer opening track, Sins of the Father). Another track that I can’t help but sing along with every time: All the Trouble, co-written by Payne, Adam Wright and Lee Ann Womack, and originally released by her in 2017.

Brit Taylor Real Me

The album opens with a sultry Bobbie Gentry groove (Back in the Fire) before settling into the classic country territory that forms the bulk of the album, but it’s all a winning combination. For one thing, she’s got a gorgeous voice, and a collection of songs that make me wish I could hear them on a jukebox instead of at my house. Favourite tracks include the title track ballad Real Me and the aforementioned Back in the Fire, but the one that really grabs me the most is Married Again (as in “I ain’t getting married again…”), which manages to turn some true-life drama into a rousing, funny and very catchy triump

JULIET McCONKEY

As far as new records go, my favourites from the year were hands down Terry Allen’s Just Like Moby Dick and Brennen Leigh’s Prairie Love Letter. 

Brennen Leigh Prairie Love Letter 

This was exactly what my homesick soul needed during these last few months of the ongoing pandemic times. She may be writing about a place far from my hometown in Virginia but there were so many lyrical anecdotes that felt deeply personal to me. She’s such a stellar musician and songwriter and this record is one I can (and do) listen to over and over.

Terry Allen’s Just Like Moby Dick 

’ve been slowly digging my way into Terry Allen’s catalogue these last couple of years and I got to see him perform this new record in early January. That show was incredible and the recorded versions of the songs perfectly encapsulate the energy from that show. My boyfriend (and songwriter as you know) James and I had that on repeat for a while. 

Shannon McNally Small Town Talk

That record also introduced me to the angelic voice of Shannon McNally who I spent a lot of listening hours with this year. My favourite record of hers is Small Town Talk which is a record of Bobby Charles covers. I didn’t know who Bobby Charles was before listening to her sing his songs so that led me to fall in love with his records too.

John Prine The Missing Years

I noticed as folks posted their “Spotify Wrapped” this year that a lot of people had the late, great John Prine in their list of top artists. I’m no different this year. I listened to a lot but my “on repeat” was The Missing Years. His signature storytelling draws you in like a great book and it’s sonically beautiful as well. 

Linda Ronstadt Hand Sown ... Home Grown

My feel-good, sing-it-at-the-top-of-my-lungs record. She’s someone my Dad always loved and encouraged me to listen to more, but I didn’t really go beyond the hits until last year and since then I haven’t been able to stop. I wore Hand Sown OUT this year. I dream of convincing Band of Heathens to cover Bet No One Ever Hurt This Bad with me, haha.  

My final few perpetually spinning records of this year were Neko Case Fox Confessor, Jenny Lewis Acid Tongue, Nanci Griffith Last Of The True Believers and Kate Wolf Lines on the Paper. Kate Wolf was a brand new discovery this year, she belongs right up there with Nanci, Emmylou, Guy Clark. She wrote Across the Great Divide. She died young from Leukaemia, but not before making some truly phenomenal records. I can’t believe it took me this long to come across her and I did so by way of James who found her on a Spotify discovery playlist I think, but if you haven’t heard her I can’t recommend her more! 

Speaking of James Steinle, and speaking as someone who was a big fan before she became the girlfriend haha, I loved everything he put out this year. But I’m most excited for the upcoming Cold German Mornings which is hands down the best thing he’s ever done. 

I also enjoyed a few other new releases from artists I’m lucky enough to call friends: Kathryn Legendre put out two great tunes and Chris King put out a rockin record and has more on the way next week.  

It’s fun looking back on all these records I didn’t realize at the time were leaving such an impression on me. An upside to this year was definitely having the time to really give meaningful music my full attention. I really like listening to full records rather than shuffling tunes around and I tend to have a long attention span for those records too. I’m sure I drove James and my roommate crazy during quarantine listening to the same thing over and over again, haha. But I’ve been that way since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed memorizing a collection of songs front to back. Although I do think my brain was better at learning words quickly back then, these days it’s too oversaturated with the rest of life haha. 

Anyway, if you read all that I hope at least it was enjoyable! I love gushing about my favourite music and I love when other people gush about theirs. 

MICHELLE BILLINGSLEY

Big Cedar Fever Tumbleweeds

Texas swing from the heart of Texas. They’re amazing musicians and so fun to dance to (full disclosure, you can see me and my boyfriend dancing in their video for the title song). Screaming hot fiddle, tight harmonies and Georgia! I could listen to her sing the phone book. 

John Prine I Remember Everything

Now I know it’s just a song, not an album, but I hope you’ll forgive me. I think we all had to sit down when we heard the news that he passed, and I’m glad we have a song of his to hold on to this year. I hope he’s up there in heaven smoking that cigarette that’s “nine miles long.”

David Quinn Letting Go

Just like with his last album, this one is on repeat for me in the car. He’s got a killer band and really honed in on this fresh, groovy take on your dad’s classic-country sound. The perfect album to crank and drive off into the sunset in a cloud of dust.

Andrea and Mud Bad News Darlin’

Caught them last year when they rolled into town and Andrea whipped out a freaking saw and the room stopped breathing while she played. Andrea’s the voice of that bad angel on my shoulder. Save this for when your inner bad girl comes out late at night and you want to put on red lipstick and burn all those pictures you don’t know why you kept of your high-school boyfriend. 

Joshua Ray Walker Glad You Made It

I happened upon his previous album and right away fell in love with his voice and lyricism. Put it on when you really need a cry but it ain’t coming yet. I feel a special kinship with Boat Show Girl since I was an auto show model for a couple of years—it’s a weird, weird job. 

Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts Good Boy

They’re so much fun live, but we’ve got this pandemic going on right now, so just dance along with this wearing socks in your kitchen. 

I didn’t ever have to sit down and think about what I liked and why I liked. It’s HARD

THE DANBERRYS

Darrell Scott Sings The Blues Of Hank Williams

Darrell Scott is a musical treasure. He writes and performs from the heart and has an extremely wide body of work. His low key yet powerful take on these classic Hank tunes are not to be missed. 

Jill Andrews Thirties

This album was the soundtrack to our early pandemic days of 2020. Her songs have a way of making us feel at ease about our troubles. It feels like she’s singing our own lives back to us. And she does it so beautifully

Marcus King El Dorado

We really love the depth of this record. To be such a young guy, Marcus King really shows how versatile he can be. A true triple threat guitar player, songwriter, and singer.

Lilly Hiatt Walking Proof

We love love love Lilly’s quirky voice and writing style. This was another album that got us through the first month of the pandemic. Her songs are surprising and refreshing.

Joachim Cooder Over That Road I’m Bound

Percussionist and singer Joachim Cooder along with a talented band (including his dear ole dad Ry) showcase the songs of Uncle Dave Macon like never before. Definitely recommended whether you are familiar with Uncle Dave Macon or not. 

Sarah Jarosz World on the Ground

Sarah Jarosz is simply amazing. We have cherished every morsel of music from her. This album was no exception. Enough said.

MICHAELA ANNE
1 Bonny Light Horseman Bonny Light Horseman

Bonny Light Horseman was the last live show I saw before the pandemic (aside from bands I was sharing the bill with). We had a night off in London while there for AMAUK and a tour and my husband, manager and myself went to see them at Roundhouse. It was Anais’ show but BLH opened. Roundhouse is an extraordinary space to hear music in. It was just a magical, pristine, beautiful evening. I loved the album even more after seeing them live. I have fond memories driving up the west coast, weeks later on our last tour before lockdown, singing along with my bandmate, Lauren Balthrop. It definitely became part of our tour soundtrack.

2 Lianne La Havas Lianne La Havas

I became obsessed with this record on first listen. I heard the single Weird Fishes first and couldn’t wait to dig into the rest of it. Lianne’s vocals are so incredible and her songs and production are incredibly interesting. I think I’ve listened to this record probably 100 times this year.

3 Waxahatchee Saint Cloud

I hadn’t been familiar with Waxahatchee’s previous records but this one has made me a big fan. It’s one of those records where I love every song. I love her lyrical imagery and how open the record sounds. Fire is one of my favourites though. I love how minimal the tracks instrumentation is.

4 Darling West We’ll Never Know Unless We Try

Darling West are a band from Oslo, Norway and happen to be close friends of mine but even if they weren’t, their music, and especially this album is so soothing and a favourite of mine. I love Mari’s high soprano and fast vibrato with Tor’s beautiful harmonies. Their songs are emotional and vulnerable. And they have a song (True Friends) on this record they co-wrote with Aaron Lee Tasjan, one of my personal favourites as well.

5 The Chicks Gaslighter

I mean ... this couldn’t not be on the list! I will always love the Chicks and their bold fearlessness.

6 Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

I’m a big fan of Kathleen’s ability to write with such detail and yet feel so universal. This album is no different. There are so many things that have made me sad this year regarding dreams and plans thwarted by the pandemic but it really bums me out that the year she comes back is the year it all shuts down. Looking forward to hopefully 2021 where I can see her in concert finally.

BECKY WARREN

Some of my favorite records this year in no particular order:

Kyshona Armstrong Listen

Fiona Apple Fetch the Bolt Cutters

Phoebe Bridgers Punisher

John Craigie Asterisk the Universe

Kathleen Edwards Total Freedom

ANDREW NELSON (Great Peacock)

Will Stewart Way Gone

Will has been the artist I have listened to the most over the past 2 years. He is highly underrated. He found a unique style and voice on his 2018 album County Seat. Way Gone is an EP that furthers that direction. If you dig R.E.M. as well as the Grateful Dead, then Will Stewart is for you. Way Gone is full of fantastic lyrical imagery and haunting sonic vibes set to really good melodies.

Cordovas Destiny Motel

It would be easy to compare Cordovas to The Band. Yes, you can hear them as an influence. But, when I listen to Destiny Motel I hear a band that has matured a lot with their 2nd album, and is very much on to their own sound. This album has the catchiest single of the year in High Feeling. I am sure that the song would’ve sat at #1 for multiple weeks on the Americana chart if this was a “bigger”, more-established act. The album is a really good time. Short and sweet, full of punch.

JOHN BLEK

Kris Drever Where the world is thin

This is a cracker of an album from one of my favourites. There’s something about Scottish lyricists. They’re very comfortable with their eccentricities and use them to paint distinct portraits of their situation. Less about generic archetypes and more personal. Not to mind that the song “hunker down” features some of the catchiest and impressive guitar playing I’ve heard in a long time.  

Bert Jansch Crimson Moon (Reissue)

This was a RSD reissue so I’m bending the rules slightly but I had to include it. I collect Bert Jansch vinyl so I always get excited about his stuff. A beautiful album featuring Johnny Marr and Bernard Butler. A great reissue from Earth Recordings. 

Laura Marling Song For Our Daughter

For me Laura Marling won 2020. This stunning Ethan Johns produced album is a massive hit in my book. Back to beautifully written songs, smooth strings and signature Johns percussion.  

Christian Lee Hutson Beginners 

This was an album that hit me out of the blue this year and I haven’t stopped listening since. Delicate Paul Simon-esque vocal delivery. Great songs and tastefully produced by none other than Phoebe Bridgers.  

Bonnie Light Horseman Bonnie Light Horseman

Good things happen when three great artists get together. Another album of folk classics seems unnecessary until you hear the treatment, they have given these songs. An essential album in my book. Josh Kaufman’s production, with Anais Mitchell and Eric Johnson trading harmonies. Glorious.

A personal history of the Western Shirt

I don’t quite remember where my fascination with cowboy shirts started, probably with the many Westerns that were prolific through my childhood on the silver screen and black and white television screens. Those shirts were not the neo-realistic representations of what was actually worn back in the frontier towns and on the pioneer trails. Rather they epitomised the flash perfection of the likes of Roy Rogers and many a singing cowboy - the time when the white hat was reserved for the “good guys.” This was also mirrored in the opening chapter of the Coen Brothers' recent Legend of Buster Scruggs release. Everything is 'just so’ - pressed and unsoiled.

But the real spark for me came in later years, when the western shirt was a item of clothing that became adopted by rock and metal bands. Mainstream country had already abandoned that look in its attempt to broaden its audience. They had long wanted to ditch the “hillbilly” connotations, and had begun to move away from western style clothing when country music began to sell in greater numbers. This move largely prevailed until a performer and exponent of an earlier sartorial and musical hillbilly deluxe stance named Dwight Yoakam arrived on the scene. But more of that inspiring talent later …

The people who first made an impression in my teenage years were the likes of Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin; 60’s West Coast rock bands like Moby Grape and The Charlatans; through to members of the New York Dolls and the MC5 in the 70's. All of the former wore cowboy shirts, while cowboy boots seemed to be the footwear of choice in heavy metal.

The origins of the cowboy/western shirt lay in the need for flamboyant costumes and they were largely unique to rodeo riders and on screen Wild West heroes. These clothing creations were the work of a number of tailors like Nudie Cohen, Nathan Turk, Rodeo Ben and others. However they were not mass market items - they were custom made for the individual client as a one-off garment. These artefacts of an era are now highly collectable and expensive items. 

A company based in Denver, Miller & Co., realised there was a market for those interested in all things western. A short time later Jack A.Weil joined the company before setting up Rockmount Ranch Wear in the late 1940s. Rockmount made affordable versions of the garments for an eager public who loved the mythology and mantle of what they perceived as the authentic look of those they wished to emulate. It was a niche market but a growing one. It was also helped by the emergence of “dude ranches” around that time. Rockmount was soon joined by labels such as H Bar C and Karman, and soon countless others.

A number of often short-lived fads also helped the western shirt to cross over to a wider audience. These included the Urban Cowboy craze which arose in the wake of the film starring John Travolta, which took the look to a wider demographic. The rise of Garth Brooks and his less traditional variations of the shirt sparked another growth area and saw some acts market their own range of shirts to their fans.

But the person who really took the look back to its origins was Dwight Yoakam. His music, look and attitude spoke of an earlier era and was no doubt helped by these aforementioned rock acts having given credence to its fashionability and innate “coolness.” He worked closely with Manuel Cuevas, a former head tailor with Nudie who established his own business in Nashville and who famously tailored shirts and clothing for clients such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Marty Stuart, Gram Parsons, as well as for Keith Richards and Salvador Dali, among many others. However it was Manuel’s association with Dwight Yoakam that reignited my interest in both country music and the western shirt.

Another committed exponent of the look has been Jim Lauderdale, who first made me realise what a rhinestone encrusted shirt did for stage presence. The rhinestones caught the stage lighting to create what has been described as a “shirt of light” and made the audience focus on the person centre stage. Lauderdale has also worn shirts from the UK company Dandy & Rose which favours prints from London store Liberty’s, which gives them a certain different Englishness. Lauderdale has remained faithful to “the look” when, all too often these days, the mainstream artists are styled to look more hip hop than Hank. However there are a number of artists who, through their wearing of western shirts and tailored suits, wear their hearts on their respective sleeves - from the choice of clothing to the retro-designed album covers. These performers range from Joshua Hedley in East Nashville to The Country Side of Harmonica Slim in Sweden. Their association with this imagery reveals a love of traditional country music that is deep and often signifies not some retro revival as much as reconfiguring the way to take the music into a new era, while paying respect to the past.

Many of the high fashion couture designers have regularly used the traditional cowboy shirt as source. Indeed, for a time, Tommy Hilfiger had a range of highly-priced off-the-peg Western Wear. Authentic shirts can still be found in vintage stores throughout Europe and the US, but for something more interesting and authentic go to Rockmount.com (as well as Scullyleather.com and Eroper.com) are still producing and designing shirts that tick all the right boxes and long may they, and their genuine contemporaries, continue to do so.

Written by Stephen Rapid (the author freely admits he is all hat (and shirt) and no cattle - as the expression goes).

Rockmount.com 

eRoper.com

scullyleather.com

dandyandrose.com

Lynn Miles - An Appreciation

When I look at the craft of song writing and the creative process that defines so many artists, I wonder at the mystery, that certain spark which turns an internal feeling or an idea into a fully realised song that can be shared with the world. 

I have never met or spoken with Lynn Miles. Neither have I seen her perform live in concert, although I know that she has played in Ireland a number of times. My good friend, Andy Peters, who promoted and toured with Lynn, has been urging me to put some thoughts and words together and reflect on her song-writing craft. I question whether she been properly recognised by the greater music media over the years and it is worth mentioning that Lynn Miles is one of Canada’s most accomplished singer/songwriters. She has fourteen albums to her credit, as well as four Canadian Folk Music awards (including 2011 English Songwriter of the Year) and a 2003 Juno award for Roots and Traditional Solo Album of the Year. It has also been highlighted that Miles has written over 1,000 songs in her career to date. No doubt, Andy has a point. 

So, it’s 2020 and I’m watching a DVD that was released in 2003, Live at  the Chapel, a concert held at a recording studio in Tilburg, Holland and featuring the talents of Lynn Miles on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, joined by Ian LeFeuvre on guitar and bass, Keith Glass on bass, guitar and mandolin, plus Peter Van Althen on drums and percussion. 

This trio feature quite significantly across Lynn’s career, with both LeFeuvre and Van Althen appearing on her second studio release, Slightly Haunted, in 1996 and resurfacing again on the Unravel album in 2001- this time with LeFeuvre taking the producers chair, in addition to displaying his multi-instrumentalist talents. This fourth release started a run of albums that saw LeFeuvre continue with production, engineering and mixing skills.

The DVD features songs from three of her early releases with Slightly Haunted (3 songs), Night In A Strange Town (2 songs) and Unravel (7 songs) all highlighted in a compelling performance.  The only unreleased song featured is When My Ship Comes In and this is an appropriate title when reflecting upon a career that has consistently delivered real quality, even if the reality of mass acclaim and world domination has never fully knocked on her door. However, there has been plenty of good karma and symmetry across the years and the core musicians that Lynn Miles has used to bring a consistency to her beautifully restrained and evocative melodies have served her well.   

Canadian artists are many and female song writers stand toe to toe with their male counterparts. You can mention any number, off the top of your head, from Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan to Jane Siberry and Kathleen Edwards, all of whom have taken very different career paths. How each artist gets accepted and interpreted by those who listen, well, that’s outside their immediate control. There will always be a completely subjective reaction from each listener. What each of us takes from the song is ours to keep and take with us into the future. Once it has been given wings and released, it is in the public domain and no longer the sole property of the creative muse that conjured it up in the first place. 

Born in Cowansville, a small town in Quebec, Canada, Miles had her first set of songs captured on a self-titled cassette release in 1987, nine songs, none of which have appeared on subsequent releases. Her debut proper was in 1991 with Chalk This One Up To The Moon and this started her on a path that opened up increasing opportunities as word of her talent spread. Her prowess on different instruments became apparent at an early stage as she had learned to play the violin, guitar, piano and flute during her school years. 

This is something that would benefit her greatly as she grew into her career and having studied voice with a private teacher, she also took classical music history and theory at Carleton University in Ottawa. Miles has developed a vocal tone that is both pure and strong, with plenty of nuance and personality. Across her fourteen albums, four of which are in the Black Flowers series, she has written every song, with just a handful of co-writes. 

Her vulnerable and honest song-writing style highlights a haunting, tender melancholy across her beautiful melodies. Different topics, such as life, love, relationships and a compulsion to seek deeper meaning, have populated her songbook right from the beginning.

Many see her musings and evocative images as musical therapy, with her warm and plaintive delivery giving her songs the power to touch that emotional chord that links us all together on this crazy, spinning globe. Echoing emotion and empathy, self-doubt and self-reflection, these are some of the strengths that separate Lynn Miles out as a song writer that touches this sense of self in others. 

It is this connection that has seen her career endure. Her ability to act as a filter for seeking truth about ourselves, our dark angels and our quiet separation has marked her out as a songstress and wordsmith of real gravitas and insight. How much of oneself a particular writer gives away in a song is a decision that has already been taken in its creation, whether deeply personal or written from observation of others and filtered back into the lens of perspective. 

Writing in character is something that can include a personal feeling or a view held, but not expressed overtly. In the act of giving comes the reward, even if the ripples that find their way back are not always what the song writer may care to hear. What is the movie that plays in our imaginations on hearing a song? Different images are created, perhaps the same emotion, but filtered through a separate life experience. No matter what the circumstance, it is the song that always stands as a reference point. 

So, what separates out one creative artist from another? Can it be simply a singular vision of the world? That perspective gained in growing up and learning how to deal with their own life experiences? Depending on your view, the songs of Lynn Miles are brave and unafraid to tackle personal issues. However, you may not be the type of listener who is drawn to confessional songs about broken hearts and faithless lovers. Indeed, it is tragic romances and broken hearts that feature mostly in her songs, not that she is a victim, more that she looks for a lesson in everything and a chance to grow and move on. 

Of course, not all of her songs can possibly be interpreted as personal, given the sheer weight in number that she has written. I see her in the role of the great observer, the watcher, the one who distils all the pain and pleasure into a few minutes of emotion and reflection. There is a rueful poignancy to her words, even if many of the songs follow similar themes.

Whether her songs give a spiritual message is something again for each to decide but there is no doubt that she captures that sense of longing and loneliness better than most. Perhaps her adolescence was coloured with such feelings and Miles is on record as saying she is a private and shy person when she is not coming alive on stage in front of an audience. Searching for unconditional love can be a lonely journey. Does anyone ever truly trust another and open up to the point where you are completely vulnerable? 

If we were to look across the early studio albums as she has grown, there is a theme and progression from one release to the next;

1991 – Chalk This One Up To The Moon. Twelve songs, relationship problems, choices made, feeling adrift, wanting more… Lovely, gentle playing and a sweet vocal, no drums, acoustic feel. Contains the standout song, Hockey Night In Canada, a song of questioning youth and hopeful dreams.

1996 – Slightly Haunted. Eleven songs and greater dynamic and colour in the playing and the arrangements, five years older. Alienation, nostalgia, search for solace. Familiar themes. Contains the standout Last Night, sprinkled with the joy of youth and unsure innocence.

1998 – Night In A Strange Town. Eleven songs and a gentle, laid-back sound. New musicians bring fresh impetus. Greg Leisz, Larry Klein, John Coady, Dean Parkes. Yeah, Yeah is a key song. Lost love and moving on, seeking forgiveness, survival of the fittest. Rust is another standout song, perhaps written for a close family member?

2001 – Unravel. Eleven songs and more space in the arrangements, stripped back and sensing both the liberation and suffocation in relationships. The grey lines in emotions, feelings, hope and trust. Key songs are the broken dreams of When Did The World and the despair of grim reality in Black Flowers– a title that she would take for a future project.

2005 – Love Sweet Love. Eleven songs and a warmer sound with really tight ensemble playing from the same musicians used on Unravel. More upbeat, courage in love, going for it. There is also dislocation and fragile feelings of lost love. Standout song is Casino El Camino and a tale of the nomadic life of a travelling musician. This release saw LeFeuvre return as producer and featured Keith Glass on electric guitar and mandolin. Glass also made a welcome return on the last release, in 2017, when Road appeared, a collection of old and new live recordings that spanned a period of 15 years that had seen Lynn and Glass playing together, as a duo, on tours.

In a way, the release of Love Sweet Love marked a crossroads in the career of Lynn Miles, coming four years after her Unravel album and marking a further four years before she would return again with her new focus on a series of releases, titled Black Flowers. There were to be four separate releases that ran from 2009 up to 2014 and saw her revisit many old songs in order to reinterpret and reframe, with stripped down acoustic guitar or piano. The fresh unadorned approach did not veer too far away from the original songs but the opportunity to release a number of new, unrecorded songs also gave Miles the impetus to take stock of her career. 

Volume 1 (2009) Ten tracks with only one new song, When My Ship Comes In, part of the 2003 DVD performance and defining a personal ghost in the lyric “I Have Been Afraid Of The Dark, I Have Been Afraid Of My Heart… In Fact, I’ve Been Afraid Of Everything.” The other tracks are spread across three of her early albums and Unravel features most with five tracks, plus Fall For Beauty on another four. 

Volume 2 (2009) Ten songs again, with one new track featured and a more even spread across the previous releases. Plenty to engage and inspire. Including the impressive Rust and Last Night, plus the 8-Hour Drive song, “I learned your tough lesson, Don't get in too close, When you find out nothing is real.”

Volume 3 (2012) Ten tracks and four new songs featured. The remaining six, older tracks are spread across the earlier releases, with Hockey Night In Canada (from 1991 debut) sounding so poignant all these years later.

In the middle of her Black Flowers project, Miles released her Fall For Beauty (2012) album with ten new songs and another LeFeuvre influenced production, again with seasoned player Van Althen adding plenty of texture on drums and percussion. The very personal Three Chords and The Truth, balanced with the positive affirmation of Time To Let The Sun and another highlight was a duet with Jim Bryson on Goodbye, a fractured relationship song that continues familiar themes in her body of work. 

Volume 4 (2014) Ten songs with only one representing the past, Long Time Coming, the rest are all new and follow familiar themes of regret (Sorry That I Broke Your Heart), lost dreams (House Of Broken Dreams) and feeling let down (Sorry’s Just Not Good Enough). There are positive songs also and After All says it’s ok to be on your own and feeling free.

Interestingly, her last studio release was in 2013, when Downpour appeared, a project that featured just Lynn and LeFeuvre on multiple instruments across eleven songs – three of which made their way onto the live Road album, some four years later. Songs Like Moth, How To Be Alone, and Can’t Stop My Heart From Breaking indicate the direction of the song moods on this release. The imagery of a Moth to a flame is so visual and the desperate attempts to make a relationship work by subjugating yourself to another and their demands is just so ruefully observed.

Also, in 2014 Lynn Miles found time to produce fellow Canadian artist Lynne Hanson’s album, River of Sand, confirming a friendship which saw Hanson contribute design and layout to some of the Black Flowers albums and more recently, a collaboration as The LYNNeS, who released an album, Heartbreak Song for the Radio, in 2018.

In 2015, Lynn Miles recorded and released Winter, a collection of 13 songs about the Winter season and Christmas. Some recorded live with strings, some studio recordings. It contained the standout High Heels In The Snow, the tale of a hooker and the plight of a life with little future. Apart from this album, the track has never featured on any of Lynn’s other releases.

Is there a recurring theme running through this impressive and broad body of work? The fear of change, of commitment, of somebody who prefers to stand back and watch the play of life unfold. An observer, never the player in the game? 

Well, you cannot recognise what you have not experienced, so there is an undeniable truth running through these songs. No matter how many ways we try to frame relationships, how many ways we express the same emotions; Lynn Miles paints her vistas with honest emotion and is the purveyor of grey lines, the queen of dark waters. Whatever helps to keep the creative juices flowing, whether poetry, painting or reading for inspiration, I get the strong impression that Lynn Miles has never suffered much from writer’s block. 

These insightful and rich albums span a time period of 26 years. In seeking perspective on the human heart and the ability of our collective spirit to endure, then look no further. There is a wounded melancholy but it is 26 years of experience and honing her craft that makes Lynn Miles the insightful writer that she has become and what endears her to her many admirers. There is a strong sense that we are all in this together and without her resolve to act as gatekeeper for the glue that binds us, despite the pain and uncertainty, we would be much the poorer for her absence.

Find her music at www.lynnemiles.com

Written and researched by Paul McGee

AMY BOONE 

King of Madrid - Peter Bruntnell

Jaime - Brittany Howard

Union - Son Volt

Two Hands  - Big Thief

Everything Hits At Once - Spoon

ALLAN JONES 

Purple Mountains - Purple Mountains

The Imperial - The Delines

Ghosteen - Nick Cave

Curve Of The Earth - Ohtis

Norman Fucking Rockwell - Lana del Ray

JAMES STEINLE  

Something to Show for it - Ben Ballinger

Beautiful Lie - Kelly Willis & Bruce Robison

All Right, All Night - Garrett T. Capps

Right On Time - Leo Rondeau

Texas Piano Man - Robert Ellis

PinkvilleRod - Melancon

JOE HARVEY-WHYTE

Yes Please - Ren Harvieu

Wrong Again - Ags Connolly

Little Death - Alexander Wolfe

Rides Again - Shawn Lee

Tall Grass - The Goat Roper Rodeo Band

Also as an aside. My band The Hanging Stars who you would have seen at Static Roots are releasing our 3rd LP on February 26th with 2 more singles out in early 2020.

NATIVE HARROW 

No Words Left - Lucy Rose

This record is so gorgeous. A delicate but powerful sound, with lyrics that ring out in your mind for hours after the record has stopped spinning. 

Hot Motion - Temples

Temples is a favourite if we want to turn up the speakers and dance. 

KIWANUKA - Michael Kiwanuka

One of our favourite singers out there. This record is so 70s and we love it. 

Colorado - Neil Young 

Neil is probably one of our top three favourite artists. A huge inspiration to us and an all around badass. Anything he releases is great.

Egypt Station - Paul McCartney

This is probably an album that feels the most Paul to us since RAM and his earlier post Beatles work. It’s beautiful.

STEEL BLOSSOMS

Traveling Mercies - Emily Scott Robinson

We discovered Emily’s music at Americana fest in 2018. We waited in line at the Station Inn and never made it inside but a friend of ours was kind enough to purchase  an advanced copy of her 2019 album for us. Wow. She’s genuine and poetic in her writing and her voice is pure and wise, I believe she lived every word of it. 

Dirt Emo Volume I - Ruston Kelly

Ruston Kelly has been one of our favourites for awhile and we love his original material. This album is actually a cover song album of his favourite songs that make you feel all the teenage feels! It was exciting and interesting to see what he did to make each of these classics take on a life of their own through his unique style. This album makes us wanna go emo for a night! 

By The Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile

I know that this album is from 2018, but we didn’t discover it until this year. We have been so heavily influenced by Brandi in the last year and we respect that she is unapologetically herself. Each song feels like a novel that I don’t want to put down. We are so glad she’s finally getting the national recognition she deserves. 

The Oak Tree and the Weed - Zane Williams

We were caught off guard by this album and a few songs in particular. We met Zane at a house concert in Texas where we were both performing and didn’t have the chance to stay for his set but took an album to listen to on our trip back to Nashville. Golden Wedding Band and Grown Ups Don’t Cry were just two stand out songs that hit us where it hurts, a true measure of a an honest song. We are so glad there are Texas songwriters writing truth and can’t wait to share the stage with him again in 2020. 

The Highwomen - The Highwomen

What more is there to even say about this? 4 Badass women with different lives and perspectives coming together for a message of empowerment. These ladies are a force and seeing them together is a great reminder of how important it is to have a group of supportive women in your life. 

DAVID MURPHY

Years To Burn - Calexico & Iron & Wine

Their first collaboration 'In The Reins' in 2005 was a thing of real beauty and they hit the sweet spot again with this fine LP. Two great artists getting together creating something more than just the sum of their parts. Hopefully they will get to Ireland for a show at some stage in 2020.

For The Morning - Tyler Ramsey

This was on repeat a lot in my house and car throughout 2019. Lush and often meditative instrumentation in some gorgeous songs from the former Band of Horses guitarist. Evoking Neil Young with shades of Nick Drake via some lovely fingerstyle acoustic guitar touches too. A perfect Sunday-morning record!

Atlanta Millionaire's Club - Faye Webster

As a pedal steel player, I'm always looking out for new records featuring the instrument and this - from a very wise-beyond-her-years Atlanta artist Faye Webster - is a recent highlight. She reminds me a lot of Caitlin Rose vocally and in the themes of her songs albeit with a little bit more of a sun-kissed 90's R&B vibe, which never feels out of place.

Self-Titled - Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh and Thomas Bartlett

As part of multiple ensembles, this duo are always producing experimental and cutting-edge music that never is anything other than earthy, organic and tasteful, suspended in time and place. This record is like a dream-like segue deeper into the world of The Gloaming. Some of the pieces stretch to over 15 minutes long but never noticeable when you're immersed in it. A comfort for the soul in these wintery days and nights  

Lines Pts. 1-3 - The Unthanks 

There is very little if anything that the Unthanks don't turn to gold, in my opinion. Their recorded output is really something and their live shows are always unique. They are forever shining a light on old and forgotten stories of simple people experiencing difficult times and circumstances - the universal themes of human life - all delivered with staggeringly beautiful voices and arrangements. This record is the culmination of three individual EP's covering various events such as a tragic trawler disaster in Hull in the 1960's; poems from participants in World War 1 set to song and thirdly, poems by Emily Bronte - written and recorded on Bronte's original 200-year old piano.

Honourable mentions (there are just too many good records being released):

The Imperial - The Delines

Thistle & Thorn - John Blek

Brokenhearted Jubilee - Carl Broemel

Like The River Loves The Sea - Joan Shelley

Sea Songs: Anatomy of a Drowning Man - M.Cambridge

KRISTINA MURRAY  

Other Girls - Lillie Mae

I didn't think I could love a Lillie Mae record more than 2017's FOREVER AND THEN SOME, but this one blew my mind, top to bottom: writing, melody, execution, production...the whole package. Eleven unique songs that are so complete as a collection, there isn't a flaw here. LM's melodies and lyricism are so different and winding, and that allows for little surprises sprinkled throughout the record. Fave tracks: Whole Blue Heart, Didn't I?, At Least Three In This Room.

Right On Time - Leo Rondeau

A criminally underrated artist, I don't really understand why Leo Rondeau isn't more famous: he's one of the best country songwriters of my generation. Nuanced, witty, truthful lyricism, diverse and swinging grooves... just a hidden gem of a record. Fave tracks: If You Don't Love Me, Get On With It, Don't Quote Me On That.

Desert Dove - Michaela Ann

This is such a stunningly beautiful record. Sweeping, breathtaking, larger than life vibes; soul-bearing, vulnerable lyrics...Michaela has really outdone herself with this record; which isn't surprising: she is one of the hardest working musicians I know and one of the most soulful, kindest, connected, loving persons I've ever met; proud to call her my dear friend. Fave tracks: Two Fools, Desert Dove, By Our Design, Tattered, Torn and Blue.

White Noise/White Lines - Kelsey Waldon

I personally haven't met any artist on the Nashville music scene who has worked harder than Kelsey nor anyone more deserving of big success; and one reason is because Kelsey has put out one of the most truly country records I've ever heard in the last 5 years, perfectly marrying honest, deeply personal writing with diverse but pure country music feels and melodies. There isn't a single bad song on this album; it's so excellently sequenced and, as a package of songs, it shows that the art of "the album" isn't lost in the streaming age. Fave Tracks: Runaway, title track, Kentucky 1988

Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold - Mike & The Moonpies

Another pure perfect country album that came out this year. Killer writing, great grooves, it's all here in this one: truly Solid Country Gold. The boys just sound like they are having a great time, but Mike's writing is layered and that's what makes this a great record that hearkens back to the day when the full song-- most importantly the lyrics-- reined supreme. Fave Tracks: If You Want A Fool Around, Cheap Silver, Young In Love.

Adaptations - Maya De Vitry

This album came out early in 2019 and was all I listened to for about 2 months straight. It is truly poetry set to some of the most beautiful melodies, sung by one of the most unique voices in the Americana world. Spacey, ethereal feelings on some tunes, stankin' rock n roll grooves on others (the guitar work on this record is enviously perfect.) If you don't know Maya's music, let me tell you, you will be absolutely blown away by her writing. Fave tracks: This Side of a Dream, How Do I Get To The Morning, Wilderness.

TERRY KLIEN

Matinee - Mark Abrahams

There's no finer songwriter in Texas than Mark Abrahams. One of my favorite things on earth to do is watch people listen to Mark for the first time and just get blown away, speechless. He and his songs rekindle my flagging faith in humanity.   

Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest - Bill Callahan

I love his voice. I love his lyrics. I love the production. It makes me happy that people still make records like this. I crawled into this record and didn't leave for a good couple of weeks in May and June.

Out of Sight - Jake Xerxes Fussel

I discovered this guy because he opened for Bill Callahan here in Austin and I immediately bought all of his albums and then it was all I listened to for a week and I didn't get sick of him. It's like Black Francis combined with Mississippi John Hurt combined with the Carter Family. 

Violets as Camouflage - Mary Bragg 

There are still incredible songs being written in Nashville and Mary Bragg is writing a lot of them. She produced this record too, and it sounds so good that I suspect you'll be seeing a lot more Mary Bragg production credits in the release pipeline.

Truth Hurts - Lizzo

This is my personal song of the year (though I guess it technically was released a couple of years ago, it broke big this year). It does what music is supposed to do: it makes you want to dance, it makes you smile, it makes you think, and it makes you want to turn it up. Just thinking about it makes me happy.

BOO RAY

Other Girls - Lillie Mae
Lillie Mae's new record is a favorite of mine. Right off the bat, it's a decadent sonic trip, and the songs are great so it actually takes you somewhere. This is a real deal record album built on songwriting, and it's beautifully arranged, recorded and produced. The stylized production is an organic extension of Lillie's creative voice as a songwriter. Amongst the lush string arrangements and psychedelic soundscapes, Lillie's punk/garage rock/train-hopping/ renegade string-band spirit and sound remain intact. I love the acoustic guitar sounds and drum sounds.
Incinerator - Jimbo Mathus

Jimbo Mathu's Aligator Fish is a post-apocalyptic truth-telling that I've been listening to a bunch. Lilly Hiatt joins him on another cool number. The sonic thumbprint of this record is a leather helmet and junkyard choir affair type of thing. I consider Jimbo Mathus to be connected to powerful forces beyond this earthly realm and trust assuredly that he negotiates on our behalf when encountering dark or otherwise malevolent entities out there on the edge of where he gets to.

By the Way, I Forgive You - Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile's BY THE WAY, I FORGIVE YOU has been on repeat also. The kind of themes Brandi writes and sings about aren't rocket science or necessarily even new information, but she sings without any pretension, posturing or gimmick what so ever. The whole record is full of real songs and I believe every word and note. The production is world-class and supports the songs and vocal at every moment.    

Terms of Surrender - Hiss Golden Messenger
Hiss Golden Messanger's new album TERMS OF SURRENDER is a great groove record. I feel much affinity to the approach and proud to be a fellow North Carolinian mining some similar indigenous rhythmic territory. There are about four or five different iconic rhythm patterns that cycle through the record. JJ Cale is where I first became aware of this and intentionally began to emulate the method of mining a few specific indigenous regional rhythms as a template and pallet. It makes for great listening and excellent live presentation. When I saw them at the Basement East recently and they were selling a Wendell Berry book at the merch table, I was sold hook, line, and sinker.     

The Eclipse Sessions - John Hiatt
John Hiatt's latest, THE ECLIPSE SESSIONS, is another record that's been on repeat. The production is really interesting and keeps me paying attention across the whole record. "Cry To Me" has some ideas that really grab me. When John sings, "Come on and cry to me baby / You can even lie to me baby" it makes me reconsider the limitations I might have placed on such things as empathy, forgiveness, understanding, and vulnerability. The album is an unassuming and groundbreaking singer-songwriter record.

Boo Ray released his critically acclaimed album Tennessee ALABAMA FIREWORKS in 2019 and is currently working on a whole mess of new music for release in 2020.

SUSTO/JUSTIN OSBORNE

There’s really only one album I’ve listened to consistently this year which also came out this year and that’s ALL MY RELATIONS by Cochemea. I think other than this one I’ve been doing a lot of going back in time with my listening and also turned inward towards my own demos and writing. I found “All My Relations” because it came out the same day as my own album EVER SINCE I LOST MY MIND (Feb 22, 2019). We were setting up for a promo show at Grimey’s in Nashville, we were on a week long promo tour, playing songs from the new album in stores all across the southern US during its release week. While we were setting up they had new releases from that week, playing over the shops speakers. I fell in love with the record they were playing, it was the first time I had ever heard Cochemea. I bought the record that day, and have since listened to it countless times. I’ve cooked a lot this year, as my wife and I have had a daughter and I’ve been home for some nice stretches of time. And while my wife has been putting our daughter to bed, I’ve been in the kitchen cooking with this record playing. I’ve enjoyed it deeply, hope you enjoy it too if you haven’t already.

Otherwise, here are some releases from this year that I am just now finding and really enjoying!

Designer - Aldous Harding

Room 41 - Paul Cauthen

U.F.O.F - Big Thief

Sonocardiogram - Daymé Arocen

Miss Universe - Nilüfer Yany9

ANGELA PERLEY

Sound & Fury - Sturgill Simpson

Some people do yoga, I just play this album over and over again haha. Overall mantra album of the year for me. I love how Sturgill followed his muse on this one and just let it all out. His writing, his dark humour, and the fuzzy guitar and synth tones that engulf the album are epic!! It’s one of those pieces that just keeps growing on me too. We spin this a lot before shows to get revved up and have been using it as house music before shows a ton. 

Lux Prima - Karen O & Danger Mouse 

This album is so fluid, it’s absolutely mesmerising. It puts me in a deep zone for sure, I adore this collaboration! Would love to see another album with these two, because this one just instantly clicks. Karen’s vibe is effortless in this and she just floats within the songs. It’s a chill album, but the kind of chill that puts you in a groove and has a lot of energy. Love it! 

Other Girls - Lillie Mae

I adore this album so much! Lillie has such a unique sound and this album is a complete gem from her writing to her musicianship. So many great lines and I love her vocal phrasing. I love how her bluegrass/roots background spins into this kind of psychedelic, poppy, Americana hybrid - it’s really beautiful!

Everybody One of a Kind - Wild Belle

This album screams summer and was a huge part of my summer soundtrack. It’s fun, infectious and full of swagger. I love Natalie Bergman’s voice and musical style, it’s so unique. Was really happy they came to Columbus this year because I got to catch the new songs live and they rocked!!

Androgyne - Gyasi

So this is an underground Nashville band that I have yet to see live, but I am obsessed with!! This album has some serious T. Rex and Bowie rock and roll vibes and it’s an instant classic to me. Super addicting album to blast, can’t wait to see what’s next for this band. 

2019 - The Year In Review

DECLAN CULLITON

Despite reducing physical sales and dwindling income for the majority of artists, the quality of output this past year was quite staggering. The number of artists self releasing their albums is further indication of the major labels reluctance to support fringe artists, concentrating their energies and finances on the safe bets. Ironically, the upside of this trend finds many artists recording without unwanted influence in many cases. The difficult challenge for me this year, was culling my list of over sixty albums down to twenty favourites. The disparity between a number five and number fifteen listing is minimal, preferences are often dictated by listening moods, locations and more. I was especially encouraged by the release of five albums this year, which I consider to be genuine country. Hats off to Jason James, Mike & The Moonpies, Tyler Childers, Michaela Anne and Ags Connolly for sticking to your collective guns and recording gems. Here’s hoping this trend carries over to 2020 and captures a younger audience along the way.

Albums:

1 King of Madrid - Peter Bruntnell

2 Seems Like Tears Ago - Jason James

3 4.30 - Angela Perley

4 Cheap Silver & Solid Country Gold - Mike & The Moonpies

5 Desert Dove - Michaela Anne 

6 Out Of Sight - Jake Xerxes Fussell

7 Country Squire - Tyler Childers

8 Designer - Aldous Harding

9  Happier Now - Native Harrow

10 Purple Mountains - Purple Mountains

11 From Another World - Jim Lauderdale

12 Bleeding On The Soundtrack - William The Conqueror

13 Wilderness - Jade Jackson

14 Wrong Again - Ags Connolly 

15 Up On High - Vetiver

16 Mint Condition - Caroline Spence

17 Carousel - Carson McHone

18 White Noise/White Lines  Kelsey Waldon

19 The Imperial - The Delines 

20 Time Out For Tomorrow - Jerry Leger

I have not included Country Darkness from My Darling Clementine as it’s an EP, but it most certainly merits mention.

Re-Issue:

No Other - Gene Clark        

Gigs: 

1 Amy Ray - Mercy Lounge, Nashville

2 Tayna Tucker - 3rd & Lindsley, Nashville

3 Jade Jackson - Mercy Lounge, Nashville

4 Mike & The Moonpies - The High Watt, Nashville

5 Aldous Harding - Vicar Street, Dublin

6 The Delines - Liberty Hall, Dublin

7 Alejandro Escovedo - The Set, Kilkenny

8 John Murry - Static Roots, Germany

9 Jaime Wyatt - Acme & Seed, Nashville

10 Jamie Lin Wilson - Acme & Seed Nashville

11 Mary Gauthier - Whelans, Dublin

12 Joshua Hedley - Roberts Western World, Nashville

13 William The Conqueror - AMA UK Festival, Hackney

14 Angela Perley - Tennessee Brew Company, Nashville

15 Jim Lauderdale - Westin Hotel, Nashville

16 Peter Bruntnell - Cleeres, Kilkenny

17 Joe Nolan - Static Roots, Germany

18 The Sadies - The Set, Kilkenny

19 Ethan Johns - AMA UK, Hackney

20 Amber Cross - The Stables, Mullingar

Book: 

Up Jumped The Devil : The Real Life of Robert Johnson by Bruce M.Conforth and  Gayle Dean Wardlow

Documentary: 

Country Music by Ken Burns

PAUL McGEE

Albums - Established Artists:

The Great Divide - Gary Nicholson

Living Room - Jude Johnstone

Mint Condition - Caroline Spence

Me And The Ghost Of Charlemagne - Amy Speace

Patty Griffin - Patty Griffin

Blood - Allison Moorer

Wire Mountain - Will Johnson

Shepherd in a Sheepskin Vest - Bill Callahan

Whiskey Salesman - Chip Taylor

Terms Of Surrender - Hiss Golden Messenger

The Imperial - The Delines

Cold Smoke - Hat Check Girl

Albums - Emerging Artists:

The Question - Ana Tivel

Brave Bird - Martha Reich

Honest - Ordinary Elephant

Falling Sands - The Equatorial Group

Seen Enough Leavers - Meghan Hayes

Wildwood - Katie Dahl

Spring - Itasca 

Concentric - Flagship Romance

The Melted Morning - Danni Nicholls

The Clovis Limit (Part 1) - Mike Ross

From The Centre Out - Western States

Water in the Draw - Adam Hill 

Gigs:

Rhiannon Giddens/Francesco Turrisi The Sugar Club

Rachel Yamagata Whelan’s

Kilkenny Roots Festival Various artists

Mono Whelan’s

Shooter Jennings Whelan’s

Nitin Sawhney NCH

Ashley McBride Academy

The Delines Whelan’s

Indigo Girls Liberty Hall

Mary Gauthier Whelan’s

Caroline Spence Workman’s Club

Tom Russell Whelan’s

Jude Johnstone House Concert

Books:

Blood - Allison Moorer 

Nick Lowe/Cruel To Be Kind -Will Birch

Movies:

Rolling Thunder Review Tour 1975 Bob Dylan (Martin Scorsese)

The Sound Of My Voice Linda Ronstadt  (Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman)

Western Stars Bruce Springsteen (Thom Zinmy)

Re-issues:

No Other - Gene Clark

Johnstown (20th Anniversary) - Oh Susanna

Steady On (30th Anniversary Acoustic Edition) - Shawn Colvin

Live Recordings 1975. (Rolling Thunder Review) - Bob Dylan

Live Albums:

Fillmore West ’71 - Allman Brothers Band

Live in Hollywood - Linda Ronstadt

Tuscaloosa - Neil Young

Compilation Albums:

The Legacy 1961-2017 - Glen Campbell

Country Music: The Soundtrack - Various Artists

Blues - Rory Gallagher

Documentaries:

Country Music by Ken Burns 

Bruce Springsteen On Broadway (Netflix)

STEPHEN RAPID

When it comes to this time of the year and reflecting on the music i have listened to and see I am always surprised that, despite the changing nature of how we listen to and receive music, there is much to recommend and applaud. It was also enlightening to see the mix between new acts and established artists all creating compelling albums. As with all these things I’m sure I’ll come across an album I should have included but there needs to be a cut off point. Also I wouldn’t necessarily take the list position as definite rather more of a random placement for some damn fine music. Also as Declan noted above these list relate to full length album rather than EPs.

Albums - Traditional Country:

1 Broken Bottle, Broken Heart - The Country Side of Harmonica Slim

2 Seems Like Tears Ago - Jason James

3 Wrong Again - Ags Connolly

4 Country Squire - Tyler Childers

5 The Wanting/After The Fire - Cody Jinks 

Compilations and Reissues:

Too Late To Pray/Defiant Chicago Roots - Various Artists

24 Songs - Nate Gibson & The Stars Of Starday

Twang - Osborne Jones

The Definitive Collection - Marty Stuart

Albums - Roots/Americana:

1 Almost Daylight - Chris Knight

2 Orphans - Michael McDermott

3 The Hurting Kind - John Paul White

4 Fire Out Of Stone - Chuck Hawthorne

5 Seneca - Charles Wesley Godwin

6 Between The Country - Ian Noe

7 Texas - Rodney Crowell 

8 Renegade - Dylan LeBlanc

9 West Towards South - Jeffrey Halford and the Healers

10 Easy Way - Cactus Blossoms

11 Blood - Alison Moorer

12 Play The Hits - The Mavericks

13 October In The Railroad Earth - Tom Russell

14 Espadín - Brad Edrington V

15 Right On Time - Leo Rondeau

16 Mint Condition - Caroline Spence

17 The Imperial - The Delines

18 Worthy Cause - Chad Richar

19 Rust - Daniel Meade

20 Desert Dove - Michaela Anne 

Covers Albums:

Mix Tape Volume 1 - Jesse Dayton 

Cover Your Tracks - Corb Lund

Reissue:

Travellin’ Thru - Bob Dylan

Live Album:

Live Mules - Daniel Meade and The Flying Mules

Gigs:

Michael McDermott - Killkenny Roots Festival

Alejandro Escovedo - Killkenny Roots Festival

The Sadies - Killkenny Roots Festival

Ags Connolly & Leo Rondeau - DC Club, Dublin

JD Wilkes - Grand Social, Dublin

Colter Wall - Whelan’s, Dublin 

Brother Brothers - Whelan’s, Dublin 

Colter Wall - Whelan’s, Dublin 

Mary Gauthier - Whelan’s, Dublin

The Delines - Whelan’s, Dublin

Books:

There’s No Bones in Ice Cream - Sylvain Sylvain

The Hard Stuff - Wayne Kramer

Documentary:

Country Music by Ken Burns

EILÍS BOLAND

Albums:

Train’s a Comin’ - Riley Baugus 

How Could A Man - Derek Senn

Home - Billy Strings

Tides of A Teardrop - Mandolin Orange

Riverland - Eric Brace/Thom Jutz/Peter Cooper

Songs of Our Native Daughters - Our Native Daughters

Bent Creek - Julian Pinelli

The Imperial - The Delines

Benny’s TV Repair - Irene Kelley

Tall Fiddler - Michael Cleveland

If You Can’t Stand The Heat - Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen

Gigs:

Chris Smither - Black Box,

Teddy Thompson - Black Box

The Delines - Black Box

The Sadies - Kilkenny Roots

Rionagh Connolly & The Breath - The Duncairn

McKay & Leigh - The Red Room

John Blek - Kilcreggan Open Farms, Carrickfergus

Front Country - Bluegrass Omagh

Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers - Bluegrass Omagh

A Delebration: Del McCoury Band/The Travellin’ McCourys  - The IBMAs, Raleigh

AJ Lee & Blue Summit - The IBMAs

Dan Tyminsky Band - The IBMAs

Jimmy Dale Gilmore & Dave Alvin - Ramblin’ Roots, Utrecht

Movie: 

The Irishman