So disappointed in today's Americana


I make it a habit of getting the Grammy nominated Americana albums from the library each year. Past years have introduced me to much new music, some good, some bad, some treasures (TajMo for example). This year I just listened to Brandi Carlile's cd 'By the way I forgive you', nominated for best Americana roots album. OMG it is unlistenable! You would think singer / songwriters would strive for a pristine recording that highlights their lyrics and mostly acoustic arrangements. No - it is a sonic mess, compressed all to hell. To quote my wife "Turn that crap off". End of rant. 
mcondo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqE0Ej1J3z8&list=OLAK5uy_nJVel4dRYUUUIeiT47aWig_9EhFCB_vJM

Jim Lauderdale's "Wait Til Spring" was backed by the group Donna the Buffalo, who also have some good stuff, including "Rockin In the Weary Land".  
ditto Rhiannon, see also her work w Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Jesse Sykes is fantastic also, sure some compression, grunge and overdrive..but wow....
2018 folk/americana/country albums I like (some of the below might be a stretch but is in the wheelhouse, no comment on SQ)
Jeff Tweedy - WarmAlela Diane - CuspKacey Musgraves - Golden HourWillie Nelson - Last Man StandingStephen Malkmus & The Jicks - Sparkle HardNeko Case - Hell-OnNatalia Lafourcade & Los Macorinos - MusasMount Eerie - After (Live)Low Cut Connie - Dirty Pictures (Part 2)2019The Delines - The Imperials
listening to just arrived vinyl of Sarah Jarosz - Undercurrent

standouts so far: Early Morning Light
and
House of Mercy which is in rotation on Radio Paradise...

not 100% americana..but nice imo