Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Thomas Paulsley LaBeff aka ‘Sleepy LaBeef’ – 1935–2019

January 6, 2020 Martin Johnson 0

This is our first obituary of 2020 in our new The Song Remains section and it is by Alasdair Fotheringham. Readers’ feedback on the new section would be really appreciated.

Americana UK introduces our new Obituaries section The Song Remains

January 3, 2020 Martin Johnson 0

The roots of Americana music run deep and wide and many of the early originators and influencers are now approaching or are in old age. To recognise and celebrate recently lost artists AUK will start publishing […]

Cattle and Cane “Navigator” (Independent, 2019)

December 13, 2019 Martin Johnson 0

‘Navigator’ is the third album by independent act Cattle and Cane who are siblings Helen and Joe Hammill, supported by a flexible group of musicians that includes members of their extended family. They have a strong […]

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds “Ghosteen” (Ghosteen Ltd, 2019)

November 22, 2019 Martin Johnson 0

Some readers may be a little surprised to see a Nick Cave review on the Americana UK website. After all, he is recognised as one of the leading post-punk artists renowned for his dark and brooding […]

Awkward Family Portraits “Everything We’ve Done Up Until Now Except What We’ve Done Since ” (Holy Smokes Records, 2019)

October 30, 2019 Martin Johnson 0

Awkward Family Portraits are a Glaswegian group in the fine tradition of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks and on the UK front, Chilli Willi and The Red Hot […]

Seasick Steve “Bootstraps” – won’t lift ya’ no more

August 11, 2026 0

What an idle fellow this Tracks Editor is – here’s him doing another “needs no introduction” song selection – the latest single from The Last Season of America, a new album of stirring protest songs and […]

Video Premiere: Kaz Murphy “Making Noise”

August 11, 2026 0

Although tuneful and easy on the ear with a conversational vocal style, make no mistake: Making Noise by SoCal folk singer Kaz Murphy is a song with anger at its heart. Murphy is apologetic, but silence […]

For The Sake Of The Song: Willie Nelson “Seven Spanish Angels”

August 10, 2026 1

Seven Spanish Angels is a song which encapsulates a full range of americana imagery – doomed love, defiance, outlaws, faith, mystery and death – all set in an undescribed location that calls up the settings for […]

Interviews

Interview: Juana Everett is setting herself free

August 7, 2026 0

At once nostalgic travelogue, introspective head-trip, and rootsy showcase, Madrid-born Juana Everett’s second album should be her breakthrough record. Past Lives in California swims headfirst through the murky waters of transit, both literal and metaphysical. Bring […]

Interviews

Video Interview: Aaron Lee Tasjan on “Get Over It, Underdog” and Todd Snider

August 4, 2026 0

Nashville East resident Aaron Lee Tasjan has long been a favourite of Americana UK, and with 12 albums to his name, including his latest Get Over It, Underdog, and approaching 40, he is no longer the […]

Interviews

Video Interview: American Aquarium’s BJ Barham finds “New Ways To Lose”

July 29, 2026 0

American Aquarium appear to be on a creative roll with their latest album, New Ways To Lose, getting great reviews even though it is their twentieth album in as many years. Added to this is the […]

Dirty Dozens

Dirty Dozen: Monticule

October 2, 2016 0

Edinburgh born trio Monticule can’t really be pinned down but if you were to say ‘soulful-bluesy-country-rock’ you wouldn’t be wrong. Their unique style has drawn comparisons to the likes of The Black Keys and Alabama Shakes.

Album Reviews

Ralph McTell “Hill Of Beans” (Leola Music, 2019)

September 16, 2019 1

Ralph McTell has notched up more than 50 years as a recording artist, and in that time has released over 50 albums with ‘Hill of Beans‘ being the latest. It’s his first solo studio album since […]

Features

10 Americana songs with great lyrics

May 26, 2020 4

Mark Underwood continues with the fourth in his irregular feature on music by great songwriters with great lyrics, this time taking you through classics from the likes of Gretchen Peters, Kathleen Edwards, Bob Dylan and Tom […]

Articles by Martin Johnson

The Song Remains: Thomas Paulsley LaBeff aka ‘Sleepy LaBeef’ – 1935–2019

Americana UK introduces our new Obituaries section The Song Remains

Cattle and Cane “Navigator” (Independent, 2019)

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds “Ghosteen” (Ghosteen Ltd, 2019)

Awkward Family Portraits “Everything We’ve Done Up Until Now Except What We’ve Done Since ” (Holy Smokes Records, 2019)

Seasick Steve “Bootstraps” – won’t lift ya’ no more

Video Premiere: Kaz Murphy “Making Noise”

For The Sake Of The Song: Willie Nelson “Seven Spanish Angels”

Chris Pierce “Songs for the Heavy Hearted”

Margo Cilker unveils her “Little White Cross” for October