Another year is almost in the books and 2014 produced some remarkable new music. Many of these albums from established artists who's music was very much anticipated after outstanding prior releases.
One of the best of the year was released this Summer, "Hearts From Above" by Micky & The Motorcars. After 2011's excellent "Raise My Glass," it was hard to believe this band could release a better album but "Hearts" may very well be their best to date. Laced with a happier vibe than their last, MMC takes listeners on a blissful ride through the eyes of love. For those of who dig heartbreaking songs, there's no lack of those, either. Top tracks are "Once In A Lifetime Girl," "Long Road To Nowhere," "My Girl Now," "Tonight We Ride," and "From Where The Sun Now Stands." My full review can be found here: http://gypsysoule.blogspot.com/2014/07/album-review-hearts-from-above-micky.html
Lee Ann Womack's stunning "The Way I'm Livin'" is a long time coming from the Grammy winner. Her last album was 2008's fine "Call Me Crazy." This notes Lee Ann's apparent departure from mainstream country to the Americana genre. Lee Ann's music fits nicely here, as she's always cut songs from some of the genre's most well-known writers. Standout tracks include "Chances Are," "Send It On Down," "Nightwind," "Don't Listen To The Wind," and the title track.
Another much-anticipated release was Wade Bowen's self-titled album in October. Following 2012's major label "The Given," this new collection of songs is diverse and very different from his prior album. The instruments and melodies are unexpected in certain songs, yet still sound perfect in placement around Wade's vocals and lyrics. Key tracks are "Long Enough To Be A Memory," "When I Woke Up Today," "West Texas Rain," "My California," "When It's Reckless," and "Sweet Leona."
Sunny Sweeney's August release of "Provoked" was followed by the lead single's march up to #1 on the Texas Music Chart in October. "Bad Girl Phase" was the song that took Sunny to the top of the chart, the first female to do so since 2003. The first single from "Provoked" sets the stage for the sass and attitude that follows on the rest of the album. Sunny is what country music should sound like, no topic is off limits and often her songs are a painful look at life. Outstanding tracks include the lead single, "Front Row Seats," "Carolina On The Line," "Uninvited," "My Bed," "Sunday Dress," and "Used Cars."
Undoubtedly one of the most traditional country albums released this year was "Daylight & Dark" by Jason Eady. Simple, stripped down, and earthy, this collection is a must have for anyone who's craving real country music. The songs take a hard, realistic look at life between the bottle, heartbreak, and hope. The finest of the bunch are "The Other Side Of Abilene," "Liars & Fools," "Lonesome Down & Out," "We Might Just Miss Each Other" (a duet with Courtney Patton), and the stunning title track.
Honorable mentions go to a couple of albums that do not feature new music but are must haves in any fan's collection. Corb Lund's "Counterfeit Blues" is a Sun Studios recording of previously released material. It's sort of a live greatest hits without the audience. The album is raw, organic, and fresh, capturing the band's definitive sound.
Lindi Ortega's "iTunes Sessions" contains 6 original songs previously released, as well as 2 covers, including a smoldering version of "Ring Of Fire." These 8 songs are stripped down versions, but still blow away the listener with Lindi's phenomenal vocals.
2014 offered these and other amazing albums, closing another year in music that continues to move and inspire the listener. Here's to 2015 with what will no doubt be another extraordinary year for songs to fill the soul.
"Hearts From Above" is the 6th studio album from one of Americana music's best, Micky & The Motorcars, and is the much-anticipated follow up to 2011's stellar collection "Raise My Glass." The new album of 12 songs has a much happier vibe than their prior but it does not disappoint in pulling at the heartstrings. "Hearts From Above" is full of beautiful songs laced with the themes of travel, love, history, and a few rockers the band is known for. A sound not heard for awhile on MMC's music is the addition of Cody Braun's (from Reckless Kelly) fiddle; it accompanies the Braun brothers' voices perfectly and hopefully this won't be the last time we hear fiddle on a Motorcars album. Rounding out The Motorcars' sound is Joe Fladger on bass, Bobby Paugh on drums and percussion, and Dustin Schaefer on electric and acoustic lead guitar and slide guitar.
The title track and current single opens the album and sets the tone for the rest of the songs. It's a mid-tempo love song featuring sterling harmonies from all of the Braun brothers. It's a song about not only feeling love from across town, but from those who are looking down from above.
"Long Road To Nowhere" shows off a vulnerability in Micky Braun's voice I haven't heard since 2008's brilliant "Seeds." The raw emotion in this road song is on full display and the melody is a bit melancholy in places. The song bounces along teetering between heartache and hopefulness, conveying the desperation of the situation. The album has a smattering of happy love songs but those are balanced with plenty of rockers MMC is known for. "Hurt Again, " "Destined To Fall," "Fall Apart," "Southbound Street" and "Tonight We Ride" are all instant Motorcars classics. "Tonight We Ride" is an intense anthem that has been humming in my head since the first time I heard it almost a year ago live. The first two verses build into a soaring chorus about fighting for what you believe in.
"Once In A Lifetime Girl" takes the listener on a geographical love journey and it's a standout on the collection. With Micky Braun's warm vocal backed by beautiful fiddle and heartfelt lyrics, the delivery is a simple yet lovely ode to the singer's girl. It's one of the most traditional country songs found on this collection and one of my favorites.
Another stellar composition is "My Girl Now," a mid-tempo shuffle that also leans heavily towards the traditional sound. From the first verse of "I see you staring off into the distance...wasting wishes on every falling star...but they burn out just like every birthday candle...and you end up standing right back where you are..." to the last notes; it conveys the urgency to the singer's girl to stop looking around and be content where she is. The melody is one of the prettiest in the bunch. "You Led Me The Wrong Way" and "From Where The Sun Now Stands" feature Gary Braun on lead vocals. The former written by Gary about an on again, off again relationship and the latter a stellar ballad about the plight of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce. Written by Gary and Willy Braun (from Reckless Kelly), the song takes listeners back to a time where the Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, were forced from their home in the Wallowa Valley, Oregon, to Idaho, then on to Montana. About 40 miles from the Canadian border, Chief Joseph surrendered to General Miles and is reported to have said, "Hear me, my chiefs! I am tired; my heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." The lyrics of the song mirror that sentiment and make for a very powerful statement set to beautiful music. "Sister Lost Soul" is the only cover of the album, penned by Alejandro Escovedo and Charles Prophet, but it feels at home to MMC's sound. It's a fitting tribute to former MMC bassist, Mark McCoy, and to all who've been lost. Micky & The Motorcars continue to create amazing music all the while touring relentlessly. I highly recommend this new album (as well as the others) and also seeing them perform live. "Hearts From Above" is available on July 31st in limited locations, everywhere on August 5.
Corb Lund is an artist it took me a
shamefully long time to discover, and then to like. Consequently, I’m very,
very late in discovering all of his albums, most importantly his latest, “Cabin
Fever”. As it was released in 2012, I’m over a year behind. However, this album
is so refreshingly different that I feel it still merits talking about.
The tracks on “Cabin Fever” are really
varied. There are love songs, cowboy songs, drinking songs, and….even a cow
song! It’s things like these that tell me how truly artistic Corb Lund is. The
fact that he is able to do all these songs, and have none of them come off
corny is amazing to me.
The album opens with “Getting Down on
the Mountain," a crazy mix of what-if apocalypse scenarios and thoughts that
the country is the place to be. I’ve never heard a song like this, and I think
it was done really well. Plus, it’s a very good showcase of Corb’s songwriting
and overall sound, and it gets you in the mood to listen to a Corb Lund album.
Then, there is “Dig Gravedigger, Dig." And yes, it’s really about a gravedigger. No metaphors here guys, Corb really
went there! It’s a cool song, with elements of blues and a good groove to it.
“Bible On the Dash” features Hayes Carll, a well-known Texas country artist.
The duet is all about getting pulled over by the police, and the Bible on their
dash getting them out of some unsavory situations.
One of my favorites from this album
is “September." This is a really sad
love song about a rural man losing his girl to the big city. I haven’t heard a
love song like this in a long time, so it’s refreshing. This is no standard
breakup song, it’s all about the divide between the country and the city, and
how some people want different things in life. . The very amusing “Cows Around”
is all about cows, and how they make life better…or not. “Drink It Like You
Mean It” is a drinking song, but Corb’s drinking like a serious person, not one
of those ironic, amateur drinkers. I love the musical arrangement of this song,
and Corb’s lyrics in it are witty.
Then, there are the story songs”
“Priceless Antique Pistol Shoots Startled Owner” may be a long title for a
song, but it really tells all. An unsuspecting antique gun owner gets shot by
the person he was showing off his gun to. “Pour Em Kinda Strong” is a really
big favorite of mine. The title is misleading on this one, and I didn’t realize
that it was more of a story than a drinking song, at first. It’s a story about
an outlaw, who just may have changed his ways had he not died in the end.
Overall, this album is a must-have if
you like country music, cowboy songs, or stories and humor in your music’s
lyrics. “Pour Em Kinda Strong” is my favorite new story song, as far as outlaw
and Western stories go. “September” is a beautifully sad love song that is also
really unique. With his ability to convey many emotions, be it sadness or
humor, this album is one of my favorite purchases in the last year. Add to all
this that the fact that the deluxe edition of “Cabin Fever” comes with acoustic
versions of all the songs on this album, and I’m extremely happy that I’ve finally started liking the
genius that is Corb Lund.
I’d
like to thank Kelli for allowing me to put my list of 2013 favorites on her
blog. She’s got brilliant taste in music, and I'm honored that she offered to
shared her awesome internet space with me today. This year was so amazing for music.
Not necessarily mainstream music, but for lesser-known artists, it was
fantastic. It was so hard to choose my favorite albums, that this list will not
be in order.
Sturgill
Simpson: “High Top Mountain”
This
guy is single-handedly bringing country back. Seriously, his album is full of
amazing traditional country sounds, great songs, and wonderful Kentucky vocals.
I’ve played this album out for months now, and still am not tired of it. It’s
honky-tonk, it’s ballads, it’s country, it’s fantastic. If you want a new country
album that doesn’t rely on cliche themes, look no further.
Medicine
Springs(Live, Not On the Album)
You
Can Have the Crown/Some Days (Live)
The
Mavericks: “In Time”
I’m
not someone who knows all that much about The Mavericks, or their work in the
1990's. What I do know is, this reunion album is amazing. It somehow manages to
be rock, Latin, and country music all at
the same time. Whenever I listen to this album, it makes me incredibly happy,
and the energy on it is just so infectious, you can’t help but replay certain
songs. And dance. The fact that these guys manage to blend all these genres
into one song, let alone an album is ridiculously amazing, and I definitely
think anyone who likes any of these genres shouldn’t pass this one up.
Come
Unto Me (Live)
Back
In Your Arms Again (Live)
Jason
Isbell: “Southeastern”
I
had never heard of Jason until this year, when
“Southeastern” came out. All of the buzz made me pay attention, go out,
and get this album. I am so happy I did,
because it’s such a powerful one. It’s so emotional, with such amazing musical
arrangements, I can’t help but love it. Some people may find it sleepy, but I
love the acoustic sound that most of the songs have. It allows the lyrics and
themes to shine. Not that Jason isn’t capable of rocking out, because he
certainly does a wonderful job of it on Super 8. But honestly, it’s on those
sad, wonderful ballads that this album is made. Through them, the listener
experiences grief, personal struggles, the search for redemption, and many
other things that you won’t want to miss out on, if any of this sounds even
remotely appealing.
Cover
Me Up (Live)
Live
Oak
Jason
Boland and the Stragglers: “Dark and Dirty Mile”
I
am a huge Jason Boland and the Stragglers fan. I just love their hard country
sound, and meaningful lyrics. This is my favorite album of theirs to date, and
it has the usual sound and deep lyrics in spades. I have listened to this album
for months on end, and I never tire of the important messages Jason embeds into
his songs. This was a masterpiece of an album, and it definitely deserves more
recognition. There are political messages, sad stories, and just amazing music
that you don’t want to miss.
Lucky
I Guess (Live)
Brandy
Clark: “Twelve Stories”
I
know that Kacey Musgraves is probably more popular than Brandy, and more people
will like Kacey’s album, but me? I think Brandy’s is a bit better. I get bored
halfway through Kacey’s album, and I only really like eight out of twelve songs
on there. When I listen to Brandy, I never get bored. Yes, she has a lot of
ballads, but Brandy is able to paint such vivid characters, you can’t help but
be drawn to them. Even my least favorite song on the album “Get High”, makes me
think, and I believe that is a sign of a great artist. This album really is
twelve stories, and Brandy brings them into real life with her amazing
songwriting. This is what country should be. Real, honest, simple stories about
life.
Hung
Over
Take
a Little Pill
Reckless
Kelly: “Long Night Moon”
I
am a huge Reckless Kelly fan. Anything these guys put out into the world, I
will buy. However, before you think me too biased, I did have my doubts about
this album. When I first started listening, I didn’t think I would like it.
Yes, Willy’s voice was wonderful as always, but the sound was more mellow, and
I like my Reckless Kelly rock/country. Eventually though, I came to see the
album for what it is. It’sa masterpiece that touches on home, traveling, and
love. If Reckless Kelly have changed a bit over the years, so what? That’s
a sign of progress, and even if you are
a fan of these guys and this album scares you, don’t let it. It’s worth your
time and attention.
Didn’t
Mean to Break Your Heart (Live)
City
and Colour: "The Hurry and the Harm"
City
and Colour is definitely NOT country, but after debating for a while, I decided
that my list wouldn’t be complete without this album. I played it out for
months, almost nonstop. City and Colour are highly underrated and relatively
unknown in America, and it’s a shame. City and Colour is really a moniker for
Dallas Green, who used to be in a popular Canadian metal band. However, when he
started wanting to write songs that were a bit softer and different, he called
himself City and Colour, and started putting out albums of songs that were
mostly just him and his guitar. All that began to change with 2011’s “Little
Hell”, where he used a bit more electric guitar. This year, “The Hurry and the
Harm” takes more of a middle-of-the road
approach. There are quite a few acoustic songs, but there is at least one rock song,
and a couple others that have a full-band approach. Dallas Green has such a
wonderful voice, and it’s showcased here beautifully on this album, along with
his amazing songwriting skills. At this point, Dallas Green could sing the
phone book, and I’d listen. However, that’s not what he chooses to do for “The
Hurry And the Harm”, of course. Dallas sings songs about life, how our fast
pace will hurt us in the end, how he feels about people hiding behind the
internet and making mean comments, among other things. If you like great
singing, a bit of acoustic music, and songs with important messages, definitely
get this one.
Thirst (Live)
Of
Space and Time (Live)
Holly
Williams: "The Highway"
I’d
never heard of Holly Williams until this year. But I’m so glad I finally know
who she is. She’s an incredible singer, who just happens to be related to Hank
Williams…all of them. This album, The Highway, was an incredible collection of
songs. It’s country, it’s Americana, and there’s even a story about Holly’s
grandparents. The songs are really all kinds of styles, from country, to
acoustic. It’s a wonderful album filled with stories, and lots of emotion.
Drinkin’ (Live)
Waiting
on June (Live)
Courtney
Patton: "Triggering A Flood"
I’m
so glad I bought this album. It took me a while to do so, and now I’m hitting
myself for not getting with the program sooner. This collection of songs is a great example of how an artist can do
various styles of music, and make them all fit together on one album
successfully. There’s country, soul, even a tiny bit of bluegrass influence.
Courtney Patton herself has a wonderful, strong voice that she is quite capable
of using to bring out her great lyrics. If you’re looking for more female
artists, definitely give her a try.
Lamplight (Live)
As you can see, there have been tons
of great albums released this year. The fact that my list of must-have albums
contains nine of them is practically unheard of. With a year full of new
discoveries as well as releases from bands I’ve previously loved, 2013 has been
fantastic for the independent and lesser-known music fan. If you have yet to
check out one or any of these artists, I definitely recommend you do.
2013 has been a banner year for Americana albums. Many leading artists from the genre released what are their best records to date; new artists released stellar debuts, making 2013 a year rich in fabulous music.
The highlight of 2013 was the release of Reckless Kelly's stunning "Long Night Moon."
A lush, beautiful collection of ballads and rockers, this is some of the most superb writing of their career thus far. I don't have a favorite song on this record because each one is its own little gem. The theme of traveling weaves its way through the collection, mixed with heartache, loss, and social issues. The music here is more understated than in past albums and the songwriting is impeccable. Complex lyrics and the gorgeous instruments make this album a delightful listen time after time. (Read my full review here http://gypsysoule.blogspot.com/2013/09/long-night-moon-album-review.html)
Another magnificent release from earlier this year is Jason Boland & The Stragglers' "Dark & Dirty Mile."
A diverse collection of subject matter ranging from the Ludlow massacre to poignant love songs to sometimes not so subtle political references. The Stragglers are deeply rooted in traditional country; Boland's songs are captivating and engage the listener on a level I've not experienced with any other artist. Every song is a masterpiece, each has its own story to hypnotize the listener.
Again, it's hard to pick favorites from this set, I love every song.
Ashley Monroe's outstanding "Like A Rose" was released in March and is a mega dose of traditional country served up with a wallop of modern themes. Standout tracks include the exquisite title track, "Used," "Weed Instead Of Roses," "Monroe Suede," and "She's Driving Me Out Of Your Mind." This is real, pure country music, Monroe has a lovely voice that has a ethereal sound.
"Same Trailer Different Park" is Kacey Musgraves' breakout major label debut also released in March to much anticipation. Although the collection is full of simple melodies and beautiful vocals, it offers a heavy punch of small town realities and social issues. Topics range from positive anthems like "Silver Lining" and the infectious "Follow Your Arrow" to sad, heavy ballads such as "It Is What It Is" and "Keep It To Yourself." Standouts include the first single "Merry Go 'Round," "My House," the clever "Step Off," and "Blowin' Smoke." Musgraves sings beyond her years in a plaintive delivery of real life not heard much these days on mainstream country radio. Musgraves is a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stale country format and is breaking down barriers one song at a time.
Courtney Patton's second album "Triggering A Flood" is a powerhouse of a collection, served up with a strong vocal and amazing songwriting.
I'm a little late to the bandwagon, having just discovered Patton's music recently. Standout tracks include "Twisted," "Better Man," "Lamplight," "Light Fades," "It's A Shame" and "It's Not Easy." Patton has a traditional country voice and it shines here on these bitter songs about lost love and cheating. Patton's profound lyrics and the instruments complement Patton's strong vocal beautifully.
"Some Old, Some New, Maybe A Cover Or Two" by Cody Canada is an acoustic release recorded in Port Aransas, Texas earlier this year. Although it doesn't cover any new material, it is a wonderful collection of tunes and stories. The back stories are worth the price of the album alone.
The songs range from classic Cross Canadian Ragweed to Neil Young to George Strait to Canada's current band The Departed. There's something to be said about an artist who just has his guitar, harmonica, and voice to convey such emotion in every song. Raw and real, this collection has something for everyone.
Go buy these fantastic records, you won't be disappointed. 2013 has been an incredible year for music and here's to 2014!
The first full week in August of 2013 will be one I will never forget. It was my first time venturing further west than Idaho Falls into the state and my first multi-day music festival. The week was spent relaxing, sight-seeing, and jamming to the best bands in the Red Dirt/Roots Rock world. We spent 3 days in Boise, relaxing, shopping, and enjoying the warm, sunny climate. It is a cool city with a vibe similar to Austin. Large enough to have everything yet unique. There's a lot to see and do in Boise but it seemed like the time there was much too short.
Eagle, ID
Leaving Boise behind mid-week, we headed towards Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains. The drive up Idaho 21 is not for the faint of heart but the views are stunning. The Sawtooths seem to jut up from nowhere and surround Stanley like a fortress. Stanley is a quaint, very small village of 63 hardy citizens. It's one of the coldest places in the Winter but the day we were there, it was a lovely 80 degrees.
Stanley, ID
From Stanley, the drive up Highway 75 along the Salmon River affords never-ending views of lush meadows, mountains, and valleys.
North of Stanley, ID
Approaching U.S. 93, the landscape starts to change to more of a high desert climate, green changing to brown, and high peaks surrounding the valley. Challis is a quintessential small town where they never really unroll the streets, except during the Braun Brothers Reunion. Red rocks, foothills, and high mountains surround this small town and it was our home for 4 days while we were there for the area's premier music festival.
Challis, ID
Thursday was the first day of the 2013 Braun Brothers Reunion. Being the music fanatic I am, we were there as soon as the gates opened each day. The first day kicked off with Muzzie Braun and the party went on through the night's last and best performance, Micky & The Motorcars. In between there were shows from Suzy Bogguss and Dale Watson. Being in the midst of the standing room only crowd near the stage for the Motorcars was pretty exciting on our first night at the festival.
Micky & The Motorcars
Friday brought another amazing day of performances at BBR, everyone from No Justice to the Randy Rogers Band. My favorites from this night were Corb Lund and the Turnpike Troubadours. Todd Snider's performance was backed by The Departed, which was an unexpected treat. Corb Lund's performance was only 45 minutes, but in that short amount of time, he played to an attentive crowd and won over many new fans.
Corb Lund
After his set, Corb did a meet and greet with fans. It was great to meet him and get his autograph. Corb is from Canada and is huge there. He's won several Canadian Country Music Awards and has been gaining new fans in the U.S., especially in the West and Texas. The Turnpike Troubadours put on a fine set, sounding even more amazing live than on record. They plowed through hit song after song (every song they put out seems to hit #1 on the Texas Music Chart), and some fun banter in between. These guys hail from Oklahoma and are the epitome of Red Dirt music and have definitely found a new fan in me.
Turnpike Troubadours
Saturday was the biggest day jam packed full of music all afternoon and deep into the night. The music kicked off at 1:00 p.m. with Tom Nazz and Jay Nazz followed by Gary and Cindy Braun and rocked all the way to the 9:15 headliner Reckless Kelly. A very special portion of the event is the Braun family guitar pull. All of the Braun brothers, Muzzie and his brothers along with his 4 sons jammed together on stage.
Classics are sung, stories are told, and this is really the heart of the festival. Saturday's events also meant meet and greets and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and get autographs and pictures from The Departed, Micky & The Motorcars, and Reckless Kelly. After those euphoric moments, it was time for more music from Wade Bowen.
Wade Bowen
The Departed
Wade is a Texas country favorite and fed off the crowd's adoration, singing all of his hits. The Departed took the stage at 7:45 and rocked the stage from the first to the last note. As expected, these guys thrilled the audience with their hits and a few Cross Canadian Ragweed classics. Little did anyone know that a few weeks later, it would be announced that Seth James is leaving the group in November. All of us fans witnessed a little piece of music history in Challis, it being Seth's last show there with The Departed. Being almost front row for their performance, as well as headliner Reckless Kelly, was not only fun, but crazy. Fans of Red Dirt/Americana/Texas music are passionate about the music and know every word to every song. Most of them are normally drunk by this time of the night but they still hang on to every lyric.
Reckless Kelly
Reckless Kelly came out of the chutes with "Real Cool Hand," a song from their new album "Long Night Moon" and rocked out all the way to the all-star closer of "Six Days On The Road." Having a close view of the stage provided amazing photographs and the ability to watch the impressive musicians work their magic. The mix of the hometown crowd and those of us who came hundreds of miles to attend were treated to a fantastic last blowout show of the 3 day festival. RK blasted through many of their hits, a couple new songs, and a few remakes.
Micky Braun, Willy Braun
Many of the artists who performed at the event joined in for a few songs and for "Six Days On The Road" almost everyone helped out, including Micky & The Motorcars, The Departed, Wade Bowen, and Todd Snider.
Todd Snider, Reckless Kelly, Wade Bowen, Micky & The Motorcars
The 3 day festival culminated with this spectacular show, leaving thousands of happy fans something to hang on to as they head back to their normal lives.
Willy Braun, Muzzie Braun, Micky Braun
Sunday morning we departed Challis for the 500+ mile trek back to central Wyoming. Leaving the valley behind, miles and miles of mountains (including Idaho's highest, Borah Peak) gave way to lava fields, valleys, and more mountains. Before entering Wyoming, Idaho leaves us with beautiful Swan Valley and Victor. The trip to Idaho and the Braun Brothers Reunion was relaxing, exhilarating, and epic. I highly recommend this music festival due to its location, beauty, and unparalleled acts BBR draws every year.
Lee Ann Womack's stunning "The Way I'm Livin'" is a long time coming from the Grammy winner. Her last album was 2008's fine "Call Me Crazy." This notes Lee Ann's apparent departure from mainstream country to the Americana genre. Lee Ann's music fits nicely here, as she's always cut songs from some of the genre's most well-known writers. Standout tracks include "Chances Are," "Send It On Down," "Nightwind," "Don't Listen To The Wind," and the title track.
Undoubtedly one of the most traditional country albums released this year was "Daylight & Dark" by Jason Eady. Simple, stripped down, and earthy, this collection is a must have for anyone who's craving real country music. The songs take a hard, realistic look at life between the bottle, heartbreak, and hope. The finest of the bunch are "The Other Side Of Abilene," "Liars & Fools," "Lonesome Down & Out," "We Might Just Miss Each Other" (a duet with Courtney Patton), and the stunning title track.
Honorable mentions go to a couple of albums that do not feature new music but are must haves in any fan's collection. Corb Lund's "Counterfeit Blues" is a Sun Studios recording of previously released material. It's sort of a live greatest hits without the audience. The album is raw, organic, and fresh, capturing the band's definitive sound.
