There is so much wonderful music being released all the time that I'm reluctant to call this a best-of list. These twelve albums are some of the releases that really stood out to me this year, anyway. The artist that undoubtedly moved me the most this year is Ben Nichols (also the lead singer for Lucero). What a gritty and soulful voice, and such great songwriting. The Last Pale Light in the West is an EP, and all songs are about characters in Cormac McCarthy's brutal and brilliant novel Blood Meridian. Loudon Wainright's Charlie Poole project was a wonderful and fitting tribute to on of the early wild men of country before it had a name. New Son Volt certainly did not disappoint, with a terrific tribute to Keith Richards and Rosie Flores with the PVC on Bloodshot is filled with joy proves the value of great collaboration. Oh, and Chicken Tractor Deluxe's album (from Millstein, PA, featuring Kai Schafft, former Salt Creek host and Emelie Peine, former drummer for El Caminos) is a real boot stompin' joy ride.
Hopefully this will help if you're looking for holiday gift ideas!
- Ben Nichols—The Last Pale Light in the West
- Rosie Flores and the Pine Valley Cosmonauts—Girl of the Century
- Lucero—1372 Overton Park
- Son Volt—American Central Dust
- Loudon Wainright III—High Wide & Handsome - The Charlie Poole Project
- Handsome Family—Honey Moon
- Rhett Miller—Rhett Miller
- Exene Cervenka—Somewhere Gone
- Wayne Hancock—Viper of Melody
- John Doe & The Sadies—Country Club
- Chicken Tractor Deluxe—Tin Can Holler
- Samantha Crain & The Midnight Shivers—Songs in the Night
If your favorites don't appear, please comment! I'm always in search of new music.
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