Signposts: Along the Information Super Highway

Here is what som of my blogger friends are covering:

Check out the Old 97s Review on Twangville.

Erica Says:

(Blame it in Gravity) merges the big Johnny Cash-guitar twangy feel that was so prevalent in earlier records like my all-time favorite Wreck Your Life as well as the more straight-ahead Brit Pop twangy feel found on Satellite Rides. The 97s finally seem to realize that you can go home again, and by incorporating the person you used to be with the person you have become, the two halves can create a solid whole that endures

Read Americana Roots review of the New Sierra Hull

Sierra Hull is poised to make a huge impact on the modern bluegrass scene. One can only wonder how she can continue to improve with experience. We should all enjoy this.

Matt at The 9513 says of Ashton Shepherd and her song "Sounds So Good"

Sincerity courses and pulsates through this song. Just as Travis described love in the only words that a country boy understands, Shepherd lovingly sings her life’s soundtrack in a voice imbued with honest, lived experiences

BEST OF 2008 SO FAR

This is my second list of the year. I'll add to it each month, but eventually I will cap it. How big will the list get? I have no idea but probably not over 60. The list includes releases through April. The Truckers are still number one and it will take a great album to knock them off the pedestal. The highest debut is Hayes Carll at #3. Other notable debuts are Griffin House at #10, South Austin Jug Band at #11 and R.E.M.'s return to excellence at #16. There are also 2 notable jumps. Ashton Shepherd moves up to #8 as I have since purchased the full album and realize how truly great it is. Also, onfurther reflection, The Black Crowes are up to #18. Anyway as always leave comments and tell me what an idiot or genius I am. I've been called a lot worse. I have given my reason for the omission of the Kathleen Edwards previously. However, I keep hearing good songs from that album and may have to give in next month. So here it is:

1) Drive By Truckers - Brighter Than Creation's Dark
2) Tift Merrit - Another Country
3) Hayes Carll - Trouble in Mind
4) The Waybacks - Loaded
5) Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
6) Shawn Mullins - Honeydew
7) The Whigs - Mission Control
8) Ashton Shepherd - Sounds so Good
9) Justin Townes Earle - The Good Life
10) Griffin House - Flying Upside Down
11) South Austin Jug Band - Strange Invitation
12) The Steeldrivers - The Steeldrivers
13) Gary Louris - Vagabonds
14) Allison Moorer - Mockingbird
15) The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
16) R.E.M. - Accelerate
17) Jim Lauderdale - Honey Songs
18) Black Crowes - Warpaint
19) Stephen Malkmus - Real Emotional Trash
20) Chatham County Line - IV
21) Mando Saenz - Bucket
22) The Weepies - Hideaway
23) Widespread Panic - Free Somehow
24) Jeb Loy Nichols - Days are Mighty
25) Shelby Lynne - Just a Little Lovin'
26) Carlene Carter - Stronger
27) George Strait - Troubadour
28) American Gun - The Mean and the Machine
29) North Mississippi All-Stars - Hernando
30) Twilight Hotel - Highway Prayer
31) Black Mountain - In the Future
32) Paul Thorn - Long Way from Tupelo
33) Rhonda Vincent - Good Thing Goin'
34) James McMurtry - Just us Kids
35) Jackie Greene - Giving Up the Ghost
36) Willie Nelson - Moment of Forever
37) The Hollyfelds - Saratoga
38) Malcom Holcombe - Gamblin' House
39) Jason Collett - Here's to Being There
40) Marah - Angels of Destruction

Meet Ashton Shepherd

For those of you who haven't heard her you need to. Bill Anderson said of Ashton Shepherd when she first played the Opry last year, "She's so country she makes Loretta Lynn sound like she's from Liverpool." She is from a town of less than 500 people in L.A. (That's Lower Alabama for you less traveled readers.) Trust me the county she is from in Alabama has mroe trees than people. She was discovered by accident and is literally an overnight success story. She also wrote 10 of the 11 songs on her album. As I mentioned in an earlier post, she is a sign of light in mainstream Nashville.

See the Video:


Meet Ashton: