Friday, August 31, 2007

Settin' the Woods on Fire: This Week's Charts

This is a weekly feature in which I post on AWT the top albums and debuts in the airplay charts from Americana Music Assoc., XM Cross Country and FMQB Non-Commercial Adult Alternative chart. Links to all of these charts are found to the right in the AWT favorite links list.

Americana Music Association - Airplay Week of August 20th
1) Kelly Willis - Translated from Love
2) Subdudes - Street Symphony
3) Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
4) Doug Spartz - The One Who's Leaving
5) Gourds - Noble Creatures
6) Marty Stuart - Anthology of Duets
7) Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros - Diamonds in the Sun
8) Terri Hendrix - The Spiritual Kind
9) Lori McKenna - Unglamorous
10) Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch

Debuts
28) Kevin Deal - Roll
32) Peter Case - Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John
36) Lyle Lovet and His Large Band - It's Not Big It's Large
40) Mike Farris - Salvation in Lights

XM Ch.12 Cross Country - Cross Checking week of August 20th
1) Various Artists - Just One More: A Tribute to Larry Brown
2) Kelly Willis - Translated from Love
3) Blackie & the Rodeo Kings - Let's frolic
4) Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadors- Trailercana
5) Kevin Deal - Roll
6) The Gourds - Noble Creatures
7) Various Artists - Anchored in Love
8) Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch
9) Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
10) Hackensaw Boys - Look Out!

Debuts
48) West Coast Grand - West Coast Grand
48) Dollar Store - Money Music
50) Jason Eady - Wild Eyed Serenade

FMQB AAA Non-Commercial - Airplay Week of August 20th
1) RYAN ADAMS - Easy Tiger
2) SPOON - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
3) Ben Harper - Lifetime
4) Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquest
5) Subdudes - Street Symphony
6) SUZANNE VEGA - Beauty and Crime
7) Crowded House - Time on Earth
8) Over the Rhine - Trumpet Child
9) Wilco - Sky Blue Sky
10) GRACE POTTER - This is Somewhere

Debuts
20) New Pornographers - Challengers
21) Peter Case - Let Us Now Praise Sleepy John

Monday, August 27, 2007

Jason Isbell Live: Sloss Furnace Birmingham, AL

Jason Isbell put on a great show at the Stokin' the Fire Barbecue Festival in Birmingham this weekend. The festival was held at Sloss Furnace, which can be a challenge for a sound tech. For those unfamiliar with the venue it is a big metal roofed and walled structure with a stage in front of an old blast furnace. It has nice atmosphere and is a big part of the history of the Birmingham area. However, all that metal does tend to create a little reverb; but in this case it wasn't too bad. Something about Southern Rock and Barbecue that just goes together. Isbell mostly played songs from his solo effort Sirens of the Ditch. However he also mixed in a few Drive By Trucker classics he penned, including a great version of "Outfit" one of my favorite Truckers mid-tempo songs.

Isbell's band the 400 Unit do a nice job channelling the Southern Rock ethos. No doubt about it, when they rock it is a full on assault. However, they also do well on the slower tunes which show Isbell's songwriter side. For example, "Dress Blues," which is one of the most moving songs I've heard in years, was great live like it is on the album. My favorite song of the evening was "Try" which was one of those aforementioned full on assaults. For the closer they played the crowd pleaser "Jailbreak," a cover of the Thin Lizzy tune that the Truckers have made part of their live performances.

Check out the link below to My Music Birmingham for almost 12 min of high quality video shot
that evening starting out with the "Try":
http://www.myfoxal.com/myfox/pages/Entertainment/Detail?contentId=4179685&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=VSTY&pageId=7.3.1

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Settin' the Woods on Fire: This Week's Charts

This is a weekly feature in which I post on AWT the top albums and debuts in the airplay charts from Americana Music Assoc., XM Cross Country and FMQB Non-Commercial Adult Alternative chart. Links to all of these charts are found to the right in the AWT favorite links list.

Americana Music Association - Airplay Week of August 13th
1) Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
2) Kelly Willis - Translated from Love
3) Subdudes - Street Symphony
4) Marty Stuart - Anthology of Duets
5) Doug Spartz - The One Who's Leaving
6) Gourds - Noble Creatures
7) Terri Hendrix - The Spiritual Kind
8) Adrienne Young - Room to Grow
9) Eilen Jewell - Letters from Sinners and Strangers
10) Walt Wilkins and the Mystiqueros - Diamonds in the Sun

Debuts
20) Derailers - Under the Influence of Buck
35) Sam Baker - Pretty World
38) Kim Richey - Chinese Boxes
39) Various Artists - Wounded Heart of America - Tom Russell Songs
40) Red Meat - We Never Close

XM Ch.12 Cross Country - Cross Checking week of August 13th
1) Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch
2) Kelly Willis - Translated from Love
3) Various Artists - Anchored in Love
4) Swampdawamp - Swampdawamp
5) Blackie & the Rodeo Kings - Let's frolic
6) Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadors- Trailercana
7) Kevin Deal - Roll
8) Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
9) Richard March - Levee Road
10) Jeffrey Halford & the Healers - Broken Chord

Debuts
31) Various Artists - Wounded Heart of America - Tom Russell Songs
42) Eliza Gilkyson - Your Town Tonight
44) The Melroys - Walls Will Fall
45) Brad Colerick - Lines in the Dirt
46) Red Meat - We Never Close
47) Teddy Thompson - Up Front & Down Low
48) Sam Baker - Pretty World


FMQB AAA Non-Commercial - Airplay Week of August 13th
1) RYAN ADAMS - Easy Tiger
2) SPOON - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
3) Subdudes - Street Symphony
4) SUZANNE VEGA - Beauty and Crime
5) Crowded House - Time on Earth
6) GRACE POTTER - This is Somewhere
7) Josh Ritter - The Historical Conquest
8) Ben Harper - Lifetime
9) WHITE STRIPES - Icky Thump
10) KT Tunstall - Drastic Fantastic

Debuts
22) Fionn Reagan - The End of history
24) Jason Isbell - Sirens of the Ditch
25) Josh Rouse - Country House City Mouse

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

New Blog: The Gobblers Knob

Just found this new blog. It focuses on Americana, Texas music real country etc. If you like AWT and the other blog I write for, Twangville, this one is one you will enjoy also.

http://www.thegobblersknob.com/

Under the Radar: Giant Bear

Giant Bear just released there self-titled album on August 14th and it will rank up there with Elliot Randall as one my surprise favorites of the year. They are an Americana outfit with Indie Rock sensibilities. Based in Memphis the Commercial Appeal says they are "somewhere between cowboy noir and the best band to ever play on a front porch." The Source Weekly in Eugene, OR calls it "Orchestral Funk-a-Billy." I call it awesome. These guys could follow Lucero's rise from Memphis to the Alt.Country circuit.

The album starts out with the line "There are no honky tonks left in Nashville" musing about the current state of Music City from the perspective of a guy who "Wants to drink the old time way." The album also has the coolest cover since The Gourds did "Gin 'n Juice." They do a quirky Americana version of "Head Like a Hole" by Nine Inch Nails. Some of the songs are dark like "Devil in the Wall" - "There was blood on your wrist and a Bible on your reading list. I tried to fix you with my towel. You clenched your fist and woke me with a growl." Mostly though, the album is an upbeat good time. Also, Luther Dickinson from North Mississippi All-Stars contributes slide guitar on the album to give it the local Memphis "Street Cred."

The album is streaming for free on: http://redwaxmusic.net/ check it out for sure!

This review also appears on: http://twangville.com

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch, Fats Kaplin - Kane Welch Kaplin

Kieran Kane, Kevin Welch, Fats Kaplin will be releasing a new album on September 11, the album is self titled Kane Welch Kaplin. Not exactly a creative title but after the first listen it is obvious they spent their time making the album not naming it. Their previous album Lost John Dean went number one on the Americana charts. So they have a lot to live up to and they succeed. In fact, I expect the new album will also spend some time at number one.

Like the last album this album is very rootsy with heavy folk, blues and gospel leanings. This time however they have added a fourth member. Fortunately they did not have to rename the band because it is Kieran's son Lucas Kane on percussion. Kane and Welch's history from Dead Reckoning Records allows them to mesh together even though their voices seem contrasting. It is the songwriting that is the glue that holds things together. If the songwriting adds cohesion, then Kaplin's musicianship gives the record its soul. Apparently Kaplin has a tendency to work whatever instruments that happen to be lying around into songs. That tendency gives the album its improvisational feel.

The songs come at you from a lot of different directions. There are Blues and Gospel numbers as well as story songs that weave a tapestry that is a little darker than their previous work. For example, "Dark Boogie # 7" is a spoken word folktale that goes inside the head of a mentally ill murderer. A more uplifting song is the closer "What are They Doing in Heaven Today," which was put on the album because all three have lost their moms in the last few years.

Sample the songs at:
http://compassrecords.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=520

This review als appears on: http://twangville.com

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Michael McDermott & Pieta Brown upcoming releases






Well Folks, I am back from another round of R&R and I wanted to let you know about One Little Indian Records out of San Francisco, which has two upcoming Singer-songwriter releases that I feel are worth noting. The first on August 28th is Michael McDermott's Noise from Words. McDermott is a Chicago based Songwriter. Musically, the album is fairly standard singer-songwriter fare. Lyrically McDermoot is a poetic and powerful voice. His songs are candid and deal with regret ("Mess of Things") but also redemption ("Tread Lightly"). In "No Words" he expresses hope when he declares "The night has come undone and the world has just begun" He also has a famous fan in writer Stephen King who calls McDermott "the greatest undiscovered rock & roll talent of the last 20 years."

Download the free MP3 below:

For my local Birmingham readers Pieta Brown is even more interesting. Her new album Remember the Sun releases on September 25th. She is the daughter of well known Grammy nominated folk singer Greg Brown. After being born in Iowa she and her mother moved here to Birmingham. While growing up in Birmingham Pieta began writing poetry and composing songs for the piano. Her exposure to traditional folk music shows through. However, her gift for composition is really shown with each successive listen to the album. What at first seems very simple is beautifully composed and lands her somewhere between traditional folk and more contemporary female songwriters. The music is rooted in tradition while exploring new boundaries. She is totally mesmerizing!
Download the free MP3 below:

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Deadstring Brothers to Release New Album

According to The 9513 The Deadstring Brothers will be releasing their new album on Bloodshot on October 9th. The Album will be titled Silver Mountain and I am definitely looking forward to it.

Check out this and other news:
http://www.the9513.com/brad-paisley-vs-kellie-pickler-you-be-the-judge/

Settin' the Woods on Fire: This Week's Charts

This is a weekly feature in which I post on AWT the top albums and debuts in the airplay charts from Americana Music Assoc., XM Cross Country and FMQB Non-Commercial Adult Alternative chart. Links to all of these charts are found to the right in the AWT favorite links list.

Americana Music Association - Airplay Week of July 30th
1) Ryan Adams - Easy Tiger
2) Kelly Willis - Translated from Love
3) Marty Stuart - Anthology of Duets
4) Doug Spartz - The One Who's Leaving
5) Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles - Diamonds in the Dark
6) Subdudes - Street Sympho
7) Adrienne Young - Room to Grow
8) Jimmy Lafave - Cimmaron Manifesto
9) Eilen Jewell - Letters from Sinners and Strangers
10) Gourds - Noble Creatures
Debuts
24) Teddy Thompson - Up Front Down Low

XM Ch.12 Cross Country - Cross Checking week of July 30th
1) Various Artists - Anchored in Love
2) Various Artists - Just One More A tribute to Larry Brown
3) Jeffery Halford and the Healers - Broken Chord
4) Swampdawamp - Swampdawamp
5) Peter Berwick - Ain't No Train Outta Nashville
6) Avett Brother - Emotionalisn
7) Jeff Finlin - Angel in Disguise
8) Kelly Willis - Translated from Love
9) Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadors- Trailercana
10) Jimmy Lafave - Cimmaron Manifesto

Debuts
None

FMQB AAA Non-Commercial - Airplay Week of July 30th
1) RYAN ADAMS - Easy Tiger
2) SPOON - Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
3) SUZANNE VEGA - Beauty and Crime
4) Subdudes - Street Symphony
5) Crowded House - Time on Earth
6) GRACE POTTER - This is Somewhere
7) WILCO - Sky Blue Sky
8) WHITE STRIPES - Icky Thump
9) FEIST - The Reminder
10) Ben Harper - Lifetime

Debuts
None

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Under The Radar: 8/7/07

Here are a few artists I have come across lately that I think have potential to be much bigger in the future:

The first is Intensive Care an Indie Rock band out of Montreal. They have the atmospherics not uncommon to other Indie bands; but these guys also understand the importance of a good Rock hook as well. Their self released EP is available through iTunes and CDBaby. Check out the MP3s below:
http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/5/29/1124526/2-Break_Me_Up_Machine.mp3%20http://www.fileden.com/files/2007/5/29/1124526/3-dls.mp3
Here is a Youtube video


Next is The Mountain Pearls. Their sel-released debut is very lo-fi rough edged Roots Music that sounds like a hillbilly version of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This is toe tappin' front porch music.

Check them out on EMUGGA:
VISIT
The Mountain Pearls




Also, The Steep Canyon Rangers winner of the IBMA energing artist award for 2006 are coming out with their new record Lovin' Pretty Women on Rebel Records August 14th. If you like traditional Bluegrass you don't want to miss this one. Below is a video biography of the band:

Monday, August 6, 2007

Josh Rouse - Country Mouse, City House

The new Josh Rouse album Country Mouse, City House is more city than country and it is also great. What else do you expect from Rouse. This album is very Jazz influenced in the vein of his Under the Cold Blue Stars release. "Sweetie" and "Hollywood Bass Player" will be the fan favorites but the coolest song on the Album is "Pilgrim" which I swear had to be produced from the grave by Miles Davis.

See the video for "Hollywood Bass Player" and a live acoustic version of "Sweetie." Also there is an interview done on the DL on AOL Music.




Emuga Launches

The folks over at AmericanaRoots.com have launched a social networking site for Americana and alt-country artists and fans it is called emugga.com. It is sort of a MySpace for the world of Americana. I have joined. I hope it takes off and I encourage you all to join.

Check it out:
http://emugga.com

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Putumayo Presents - Americana


Whenever someone puts together a compilation CD choosing the songs can be difficult. When the compilation is of something like Americana Music, the very definition of which is elusive at best, the job is near impossible. If anyone could do it Putumayo, who has developed an entire international catalog of impossible compilations over the years, can. This compilation of 12 songs, which I outline below, was well chosen. In truth the songs lean more to the "Alt" side of Americana than the "Roots" side. However, to criticize Putumayo for this would be nitpicking.

Here is a listing of the song with a word on each. 1) Robinella - "Down the Mountain" provides a nice mix of Jazz and Old Time. 2) Mulehead - "Frankie Lee" was an odd selection considering they are not even together any more and were a flash in the pan at best. However, the song is a good example of alt-country so it works well. After all, picking the right songs is more important than the artists when putting together a compilation. 3) The Little Willies - "It's Not You It's me" has a real juke joint feel to it. 4) Robert Earl Keen - "Ride" has twin dobro slide guitars played in traditional blues fashion. If that does not impress nothing will. 5) Eliza Lynn - "Sing a New Song" see the video below and you will understand. 6)OCMS - "Wagon Wheel" an old timey feel provided by the young men in Old Crow. 7) Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez- "Sweet Tequila Blues" a mix of old and new. 8) Tim O'Brien- "House of the Risin Sun" a lesson by the professor of Americana. 9) Alison Brown - "Deep Gap" features Brown on guitar and with more tradition than Jazz. 10) Terri Hendrix - "A Prayer for My Friends" her distinctive voice is a good example of the powerful female voices that are so important to the Americana scene. 11) Josh Ritter- "Harrisburg" there is no Americana album complete without a story song. 12) Ruthie Foster - "Hole in My Pocket" last but not least a Gospel singer.

Check out the web site:
http://www.putumayo.com/en/catalog_item.php?album_id=243

Eliza Lynn Video:




This review also appears on:

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Best of 2007


**UPDATED 8-1-2007**
Due to a Blogger glich 16 items got deleted when I posted. This is the corrected list. However, the list still only includes releases through July 14th.
This is My updated Best of 2007. Wilco is still #1. The highest debuts are Kelly Willis at #4, Jason Isbell at #6 and Ryan Adams at #10. I expanded the list to 40 this time and dropped 5 from the previous list. My apologies to anyone offended the list was getting to big. Also, as usual, I did some rearranging based on further reflection. Reviews are coming for Kelly Willis and Elliot Randall who debuted at #14. Another notable debut is Spoon at #25. Enjoy the list and feel free to tell me how you agree or disagree. Also, make no hesitation to trash me or my intelligence in any way you see fit. I'm used to it.

1) Wilco - "Sky Blue Sky"
2) Patty Griffin - "Children Running Through"
3) White Stripes - "Icky Thump"
4) Kelly Willis - "Translated From Love"
5) Wrinkle Neck Mules - "Wicks Have Met"
6) Jason Isbell - "Sirens of the Ditch"
7) Assembly of Dust - "Recollection"
8) Hackensaw Boys - "Look Out"
9) The Shins - "Wincing the Night Away"
10) Ryan Adams - "Easy Tiger"
11) John Doe - "A year in the Wilderness"
12) Son Volt - "The Search"
13) The Broken West - "I Can't Go on I'll Go on"
14) Elliot Randall - "Take the Fall"
15) The Basement - "Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs"
16) Paul McCartney - " Memory Almost Full"
17) Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles - "Diamonds in the Dark"
18) Kim Richey - "Chinese Boxes"
19) King Wilkie - "Low Country Suite"
20) Modest Mouse - "We Were Dead Before he Ship Ever Sank"
21) Feist - "The Reminder"
22) Olav Larsen and the Alabama Rodeo Stars - "Loves' Com to Town"
23) Elizabeth Cook - "Balls"
24) Willy Mason - "If the Ocean Gets Rough"
25) Dale Watson - "From the Cradle to the Grave"
26) Spoon - "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga"
27) The National - "Boxer"
28) Charlie Louvin - "Charlie Louvin"
29) Infamous Stringdusters - "Fork in the Road"
30) Nathan - "Key Principles"
31) Adam Hood - "Different Groove"
32) Elizabeth Cook - "Balls"
33) Rocky Votolato - "The Brag and Cuss"
34) Pela - "Anytown Graffiti"
35) Joe Ely - "Happy Song from Rattlesnake Gulch"
36) Cadillac Sky - "Blind Man Walking"
37) Martin Sexton - "Seeds"
38) Two Cow Garage - "Three"
39) The Gourds - "Noble Creatures"
40) Hoots & Hellmouth- "Hoots & Hellmouth"