MJ Lenderman Continues Upward Trajectory with ‘Manning Fireworks’
On Manning Fireworks, MJ Lenderman describes down-and-out characters with his usual witty charm, all while showcasing his exceptional musical abilities.
alternative country
Caleb Caudle Tells Stories of the South on ‘Sweet Critters’
Caleb Caudle has a soft spot for the natural beauty of the South, its woodlands and memories of the people who live there, and that’s just part of the story.
The 15 Best Americana Albums of 2014
If forced to define Americana, it’s the one genre where honest craftsmanship is required, respected, and rewarded, something the best of 2014 lived up to.
Bella White Gives Her Fans Five More Songs
The title of Americana artist Bella White’s new EP, Five for Silver, comes from the magpie rhyme about good things about to happen. These songs are gifts.
‘All In’ Offers New Insight Into Justin Townes Earle’s Art
All In: Unreleased & Rarities is a fitting tribute to Justin Townes Earle, as the compilers had hoped, but it’s also a stellar set of music in any context.
Joe Ely Is Still ‘Driven to Drive’ After 50 Years
Joe Ely’s new songs are full of colorful one-liners that contain the wisdom of the road as found in tall tales, folk wisdom, and poetic inspiration.
Yarn Unspool Themselves Once Again After Eight Years
Brooklyn Americana band Yarn’s new music on Born, Blessed, Grateful, & Alive reverberates with echoes of past classic rock and country from the 1970s and 1980s.
Jim Lauderdale Is at Peace in ‘My Favorite Place’
Jim Lauderdale is one of the last true country troubadours, and on My Favorite Place, he continues his Americana story with reliability and grace.
Songs: Ohia’s ‘Magnolia Electric Co.’ Remains a Dark Triumph
Songs: Ohia’s Magnolia Electric Co. remains a dark triumph in the face of adversity. It was the turning point and apex of Jason Molina’s brief life and career.
Emily Nenni Sings with a Twang on ‘Drive & Cry’
Emily Nenni’s Drive & Cry is an excellent example of how country music has evolved without necessarily changing. It all depends on who is singing.
Alejandro Escovedo Reinvents, Reinterprets, and Rediscovers
On Echo Dancing, Alejandro Escovedo’s musical personality shines, from romantic balladeer to nefarious punk, from heartland messiah to experimental maven.
Old 97’s’ ‘American Primitive’ Confronts the Here and Now
After spending a record ruminating about the past, Old 97’s are back and “better than brand-new”. American Primitive is timely and engaged with the larger world.