Back in April my friend and fellow writer Paul Villers compiled a selection of 10 americana duets. However, like many brilliant compilations, the source material is so extensive it just cried out for a follow-up. So, with a nod of approval from Paul, I am adding another 10 to his original list. I’ve tried to focus on both the classic and some of the more unusual collaborations involving americana artists. This continuation of Paul’s initial conversation is just that, a continuation. There is still so much out there, so please add your own suggestions and favourites underneath. Neither of our lists feature Emmylou Harris, perhaps the queen of the duet. There are just so many to choose from that it became an impossible task. Emmylou is probably worthy of a top 10 of her own, but that’s for another time. So, here we go. Continue reading “10 more americana duets”
Tag: Iris Dement
Classic Americana Compilations: Various Artists “Real: The Tom T. Hall Project” (Sire, 1998)
There are musical moments in your life that are of such significance that you will remember them forever. I recall buying my first record, going to my first gig and lying in bed as a 15-year-old listening to John Peel play ‘New Rose’ by The Damned. I wish that I could similarly pinpoint the first time that I heard Tom T Hall, but alas, I can’t. He just seemed to always be there, occasionally referenced by artists or in the media whenever the conversation turned to great songwriters. Then in 1998, by which time my affection for Dave Vanian, Rat Scabies and Captain Sensible had long since waned, a tribute album was released – ‘Real: The Tom T Hall Project’. Continue reading “Classic Americana Compilations: Various Artists “Real: The Tom T. Hall Project” (Sire, 1998)”
AUK’s top 10 Americana albums ever: Clint West
Welcome to a brand new feature. At AUK we are on a quest to find the ‘Top 10 Americana Albums Ever’. Over the coming weeks and months each AUK writer will in turn, present their own personal selections. When each writer has had their say, a shortlist of the most frequently chosen albums will be drawn up and voted on, in order to generate the definitive AUK writers top ten. So whilst we all have sleepless nights whittling the whole history of Americana down to just 10 albums, you can sit back and cast a critical eye. Both nods of approval and sighs of incredulity are fully expected. We welcome your comments and observations in the box provided at the bottom of the page. Continue reading “AUK’s top 10 Americana albums ever: Clint West”
“What Is This Americana Thing Anyway…?” – Richard Phillips
It’s time, folks, for another instalment of our feature in which the writers of AUK attempt to put into words their personal reflections of what our genre is and why they love it so much. This time Richard Phillips, lover of cheap records and twelve-string guitars tells us where it’s at musically speaking. Continue reading ““What Is This Americana Thing Anyway…?” – Richard Phillips”
AmericanA to Z – Iris DeMent
When the current vinyl revival started and I switched from CD to once again buying vinyl records, one thing I swore that I wouldn’t do, was to re-purchase my CD collection as titles were inevitably re-issued on vinyl. But then Iris DeMent’s 1992 debut ‘Infamous Angel’ was re-issued on vinyl and in true country style, promises made, became promises broken. Continue reading “AmericanA to Z – Iris DeMent”
Southern Fried Festival, Perth, Scotland, 26-29th July 2018
Eleven years old this year Southern Fried continues to occupy its position as the best Americana and roots music festival in Scotland and perhaps the best of its kind in the UK (although there are three contenders who might challenge that assumption). The festival doesn’t rest on its laurels however and this year saw its headline shows expanded to include the Thursday night while there was the welcome return of the renovated Perth Theatre to the roster of venues as it hosted ticketed and free events. What doesn’t change however is the mixture of world famous acts, the cream of international and UK roots music and a generous helping of more local musicians all adding up to four days of joyous music concentrated within the centre of one of Scotland’s most beautiful cities. Continue reading “Southern Fried Festival, Perth, Scotland, 26-29th July 2018”