Each year it seems that my listening habits veer further towards country and folk. Thankfully, now is a very good time to be a fan of these genres.
Jason Isbell–Something More Than Free. Isbell has become a classic country artist with this record. They say it is even popular on country radio. Such a great songwriter. If you can only listen to one song: “Children of Children,” or “Flagship.”
Joanna Newsom–Divers. So reliable. Someday we should do a list of artists who have done no wrong. Hard to imagine her putting anything out that isn’t utterly compelling and brilliant. Favorites right now: “Leaving the City,” “Divers,” “A Pin-Light Bent.”
Angaleena Presley–American Middle Class. Brilliant lyrics and really progressive, electric country music. Just discovered that this was released in 2014, to my surprise. Oh well. Picks: “Blessing and a Curse,” “Pain Pills.”
Sun Kil Moon–Universal Themes. Brings a little more of the rock this year to go along with the pretty “reading from the diary,” nylon stringed, open chorded, pattern picking. It is original, and I haven’t gotten tired of it yet. Picks: “The Possum,” “Birds of Flims.”
Sufjan Stevens–Carrie and Lowell. Sometimes it gets just a little too precious for my taste, but you can’t deny its breathtaking loveliness. Picks: “No Shade in the Shadow of the Cross,” “Blue Bucket of Gold.”
Dave Rawlings Machine–Nashville Obsolete. Nothing spectacular I guess, but I damned sure have a good time listening to this every time I put it on. If you have missed Dylan: “The Trip.”
Joan Shelley–Over and then. Try “Brighter than the Blues,” or “Stay on My Shore” (with Will Oldham).
Music Corner w/ Archive 