Welcome once again to AUK’s perilous expedition to identify the top 10 americana albums of all time. The process has generated some debate along the way, most recently concerning what actually constitutes ‘americana’. As far as this series is concerned, that has been left to individual writers to determine. No ground rules or parameters have been set other than the editor and myself reserving the right to ask writers to reconsider if we think that they have gone completely off course. So far, despite checking with each other about a couple of selections, everything has gone through without interference. However, just in case someone decides to chuck in a Pere Ubu album (as good as they are), we still reserve that right. Luckily this week’s AUK writer Jim Finnie, has thrown no such spanners into the works. I’m also delighted to see that his number one choice has finally been recognised in these lists. Over to you Jim…. Continue reading “AUK’s top 10 americana albums ever: Jim Finnie”
Tag: Hayes Carll
AUK’s top 10 americana albums ever: Alasdair Fotheringham
After a week off to catch our breath, AUK’s quest to find the ’10 best americana albums ever’ returns this week with the selections of Alasdair Fotheringham. Each week a different AUK writer offers his or herself up to scrutiny by presenting their personal selections of the top 10. When all have had their say (and you try shutting them up), the most frequently chosen albums will be compiled into a shortlist on which we will all vote to produce the ultimate AUK writers top 10 albums ever. But you knew all that didn’t you? – and if you didn’t, where the hell have you been? Take it away Alasdair! Continue reading “AUK’s top 10 americana albums ever: Alasdair Fotheringham”
Something for the weekend: Hayes Carll “Down the Road Tonight (Acoustic)”
How many more acoustic albums can you stand this year? The answer is hopefully a lot as there’s no let-up in them – luckily some of them are gems in their own right, such as the forthcoming new record from Texan musician Hayes Carll whose new album ‘Alone Together Sessions’ comes out on September 4th via the Dualtone label. On his Facebook page, Carll said of the new album: “We decided to make a record mostly of songs I’d written and recorded before. Mostly recorded separate from one another at our respective homes because, well, we’re living through a pandemic. Darrell Scott played just about all the instruments. Allison Moorer sang with me on “Bad Liver and a Broken Heart.” Ray Wylie Hubbard jumped on “Drunken Poet’s Dream” and even talked some trash from a thousand miles away. The dog made an appearance. It was cool, it was fun, and I think you’ll dig it.” We leave you, dear reader, with a track from it to whet your whistle. Have a good one.
Hayes Carll + Travis Linville, Deaf Institute, Manchester, 15th May 2019
Hayes Carll is in a pretty good place right now. His new album ‘What It Is’ is a triumphant return to form following two releases which some considered somewhat flat. In addition, at the start of an eight date tour of the UK in Manchester, he had some news to impart as he announced that just three days earlier he had married his partner, Alison Moorer. This news was greeted with cheering and applause, something that was to be repeated regularly as the evening unfolded. Continue reading “Hayes Carll + Travis Linville, Deaf Institute, Manchester, 15th May 2019”
Interview: Hayes Carll
Hayes Carll has been making albums for nigh on two decades with a smile on his face and a knowing glint in his eye. A surveyor of people and situations, Carll writes songs that could have been written from the watchful eye of a barfly documenting the world around him. Like a Texan Todd Snider, Carll embodies both a sardonic swagger and a laissez-faire disposition. That changed with the hugely personal ‘Lovers And Leavers‘ album in 2016, but is clearly evident once again on ‘What It Is‘ his sixth album released this month. Americana-UK catches up with the acclaimed singer-songwriter ahead on his upcoming UK dates. Continue reading “Interview: Hayes Carll”
Hayes Carll returns in February with “What It Is”
February sees the release of a new album by Texas-born singer/songwriter Hayes Carll called ‘What It Is’ via Dualtone Music, his sixth album to boot. Following the 2016 release of the personal and cathartic ‘Lovers and Leavers’, the new record has been described by Rolling Stone calls “Carll’s testament to the power of slowing down and appreciating the moment.” Continue reading “Hayes Carll returns in February with “What It Is””
Hayes Carll + Corb Lund @Celtic Connections, St. Lukes, Glasgow, 26th January 2018
This fine pair, Carll, a sardonic Texan and Lund, rangy and Canadian, have been buddies for some time, co-writing songs, hanging out, even appearing in each other’s videos. Tonight, and for one night only here at Celtic Connections while on their current tours, they were teamed up to give us a Bluebird Cafe styled “in the round” set (if you can do that with just two artists, maybe a musical ping pong would be more appropriate). Continue reading “Hayes Carll + Corb Lund @Celtic Connections, St. Lukes, Glasgow, 26th January 2018”