Oh yeah, don't know how I forgot the drive by truckers 'Go Go Boots' |
Looks as if the word "Halo" is popular in album titles this year and to continue that theme I'll mention "Smoke Ring Halo" by The Wood Brothers. Great album, similar to their earlier "Ways Not to Lose," with the same great writing but a little more complex instrumentation. |
Black Joe Lewis 'scandalous' |
Ok...on more I forgot! The Low Anthem "Smart Flesh". Can't see why so many critics ripped this. I really love it. Great mood and passion. Pretty darn similar to "Oh My God, Charles Darwin" if you like the first.
I'm overwhelmed by all the great music being made. I think this is a wonderful time to be a music lover and feel so bad for all those guys stuck in the 70's + 80's.... |
Jax...Emily Barker + the Red Clay Halo have a 2011 release titled "Almanac" which I actually prefer to that one. Good stuff. Agree with the Martha Tilson recommendation. "Of Milkmaids and Architects" from 2006 being my personal fave. Of all the Nu Folk ladies, Laura Marling is my favorite. Another from 2011 for the twang chicks, Rachel Harrington "Celilo Falls". Any fan of Gillian Welch will love this one. I sure do!
As for 2011, James Blake's self titled debut sits on top for me. Just a masterpiece from start to finish. Enjoying Josh T. Pearson "Last of the Country Gentleman" a lot and Burial's "Street Halo" EP. One thats coming that I love is Gorillaz "The Fall". Been listening to a prerelease copy and to my ears + brain, this is by far his best effort. Great stuff.
Some disappointments so far in 2011...Iron & Wine "Kiss Each Other Clean", he may have set the bar to high with his last 2. It's good but wanted better. Robbie Robertson's new one. It just sounds dated to me. I do love the title track but as a whole it lands kinda flat. The Decemberists. Can't see why so many love this record. Not a bad album but just does no move my spirit. |
I have a bunch to list but for now I'll throw out The Unthanks "Last", keeping in line with the twangy folk girls listed above, this one with Celtic roots. Jax you'll dig that one! |
My recent favorite in the folk gals genre is Po' Girl. "Follow you Bliss" may be 2011. It's good, though I prefer the older "Vagabond Lullabies," and "Home to You."
The Wailin' Jenny's have had serious lineup changes, no? Has any of their later stuff topped the sublime "40 days"?
Stereophile says Lucida's "Blessed" is her best since "Essence." I think she's a genius, but IMO, the stuff since "Essence" has been very uneven, and mostly forgettable (with exceptions like the title track of "World Without Tears"). Is "Blessed" really a return to form?
John |
Rja, if you haven't bought this yet it really takes me back to Avalon. Enjoy. |
I'll definitely buy the new Sarah Jarosz CD in May. Never heard of her until I saw her on Austin City Limits.
Jax2-I'll check out some of your suggestions.
Theo-Always liked Bryan Ferry.
PS: New Allison Kraus CD in a week or so. |
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> Totally blew me off
That's funny and cute, Marakanetz.
Another vote for the Wailin' Jennys. |
I had not heard of Sarah until last Friday when she opened up for John Prine in Denver. What a treat! |
Goran Ivanovic and Andreas Kapsalis guitar duo. Totally blew me off. A duo of virtuoso guitarists even superior to Meola Mclaughlin DeLucia! |
Lucinda Williams-Blessed
Over the Rhine-The Long Surrender |
Indeed - that Sarah Jorosz CD is great. It came out in 2009 though. A bit more recent if you like her...perhaps...folksy, alt-country, girl with beautiful voice and string instruments...one of my favorites of recent is Martha Tilston, Lucy and the Wolves, and Emily Barker, Despite the Snow (ok that one is 2008, but it's just stunning). Also great - and actually released in 2011; Bobby Long, A Winter's Tale. More girls with banjos and amazing vocals - The Wailin' Jennys (any of their albums are great and they do have a new one just out - I like the live one at Mauch Opera House, which you can get in high rez at HD Tracks). |
Bright Eyes - The People's Key |
Yes, I like her as well! She also has a new album coming out 5/17/11 called "Follow Me Down" |
