We leave you this week dear reader with the first track to be released from Charley Crockett’s new studio album ‘Welcome To Hard Times’ which will be released July 31st on Thirty Tigers. Produced by Mark Neill, with songwriting contributions from Pat McLaughlin and Dan Auerbach, the record is described a genre-bending mix of classic country, psychedelic spaghetti western and rhythm & blues. He tells us: “This record is for the folks who feel like everything’s fixed. If you think you’re playing a rigged game, you’re right. If it seems like all the cards are marked in advance, they are. But you still gotta roll the dice, even when you know they’re loaded.” The terrific video is shot on location in the Sierra Nevadas, and is part of a series Crockett is shooting and directing over the next month, where he will play the same character walking alone through isolated landscapes in the American wilderness. At least he’ll be socially distancing. Have a good one.
Month: May 2020
Paul J Bolger “Paul J Bolger” (Wolfe Island, 2020)
Paul J Bolger says of his new self titled album: “After a lifetime spent shifting between music, visual art and film I am doing what I want to do at an age some might say I should know better.” This is his first album in 25 years after spending much of that time working in animation and film. The eight songs on this album are the product of two years work with Canadian singer-songwriter Hugh Christopher Brown producing. Bolger describes his style as “Bog Gothic”, a term apparently coined by Irish rock band Horslips. The internet is silent on their use of the name, but it is hard to find the influence of the seventies rock with Celtic tinges of Horslips that he is looking to associate himself with. Continue reading “Paul J Bolger “Paul J Bolger” (Wolfe Island, 2020)”
“What Is This Americana Thing Anyway…?” – Jonathan Aird
Our popular feature in which the your humble writers spill the beans on their influences, musical roots and record buying habits is back. This week Deputy Editor and man who is averse to foppish hair and synthesisers Jonathan Aird tells us what he does like instead: Continue reading ““What Is This Americana Thing Anyway…?” – Jonathan Aird”
Brandi Carlile to play classic albums in full by live-stream
Washington born americana singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has announced she will be performing her Grammy Award-winning 2018 album ‘By the Way, I Forgive You’ in its entirety during a live-stream which will take place on Monday June 1st at 9 p.m. USA ET, although you will need to buy a ticket for it over at Veeps. Continue reading “Brandi Carlile to play classic albums in full by live-stream”
Video: The Outlaw Orchestra “Chicken Fried Snake”
Here’s something a little different to end your week. The Outlaw Orchestra blast out ‘heavygrass’ – a lively combination of banjo, lap steel, double bass and raucous, heavy electric guitar. Influenced by southern country-rock, The Outlaw Orchestra hail from the deep south of the United Kingdom. The video features live performance footage interspersed with stop-motion animation of the band members’ ‘claymation’ alter-egos in a fast-food joint. Continue reading “Video: The Outlaw Orchestra “Chicken Fried Snake””
Emily Duff “Born On The Ground” (Independent, 2020)
Emily Duff’s ‘Born On The Ground’ is a breakup album, a collection of nine songs capturing nine different relationship break-ups from her past. In her own words it is a “luxurious, 20/20 hindsight look back, without anger, for 2020.” Exuding a confidence that comes with experience, Duff has infused these tracks with a hard edge, softened by the country soul vocal that is evident throughout. Continue reading “Emily Duff “Born On The Ground” (Independent, 2020)”
Pick of the Political Pops: Robbie Robertson “Breaking The Rules”
We are all good at Americana-UK Towers. The weather has been nice, none of the writers have (recently) slaughtered each other during the night in our communal dormitory and we discovered that our favourite chi-chi little delicatessen is resuming doorstep delivery of our go-to late-night snack of jalapeno flavoured houmous (with a special offer of a free sun-dried tomato side dish drenched in toad urine and tossed in a bag of hand sanitiser). For a very reasonable twenty quid extra Stefanatiti, the Ukrainian-Columbian delivery driver, will even wear full PPE when he drops it off. Continue reading “Pick of the Political Pops: Robbie Robertson “Breaking The Rules””
Andrew Hibbard “Andrew Hibbard” (Sofaburn Records 2020)
This self-titled offering is Andrew Hibbard’s third album, following on from ‘Foot in the Door’ from 2012 and ‘Under the Knife’ from 2015. The first was made when he was 17 so we can assume that he is a precocious talent. Hibbard was born and grew up in rural Ohio in 1995, young in years but something of an experienced hand in the music business. Whilst he has garnered some very positive press, there seems to be limited information on the man himself. The current album was apparently a one-take affair completed in 6 hours, which may have its pros and cons. Hibbard’s professed influences can all be heard very clearly, Dylan, Neil Young, Lou Reed and Hank Williams – funny how often Reed’s name crops up as a guiding light with a number of Americana artists. Continue reading “Andrew Hibbard “Andrew Hibbard” (Sofaburn Records 2020)”
The Sea The Sea “Parachute” – Listen
Upstate New York is where the beautifully tuneful The Sea The Sea keep their stash of exquisite harmonies, one of which we have managed to prise from their hoard to share with you today. ‘Parachute‘ is the first single from the upcoming eponymous album which will emerge with blinking eyes into the world on August 7th (although, with the current situation it may be pushed back a little). Continue reading “The Sea The Sea “Parachute” – Listen”
Video: Little Georgia “Texas”
‘Texas’ begins with atmospheric guitar and beautifully shot desert scenes. The duo wander, lost, as the song builds and their powerful vocals soar into the desert skies. Coming in at almost seven minutes, the song has an epic quality, featuring grungy, wailing solos and emotional voices. The song was produced by Nick DiDia, who has worked with the likes of Pearl Jam, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. By the end, both members of Little Georgia have collapsed in the sands. Finished. This is great stuff and bodes well for other new releases they have planned for 2020.