AWT - Best of 2012

As it seems to be the case every year, there was way too much good music produced in 2012. I try hard to keep up with new releases, but it is often at the expense of time that would otherwise be spent on my favorites. However, for the purpose of  "cussing and discussing" here is my attempt to rank my favorite albums of 2012:

1. Chris Knight - Little Victories:  This may be a bit of a surprise, but this album really meant something to me. There is an honest and heartfelt message of perseverance and hope. His message of survival in hard times derives from his roots. Plus he calls Little Debbies groceries, and that puts "Little Victories" over the top.

2. The Lumineers - Self-Titled: The way they took the musical world by storm is really amazing. Hype usually turns me off. In this case I am glad to see that a group that can put together a body of excellent songs can get this much notice.

3. Mindy Smith - Self-Titled: A brilliant singer-songwriter released what is perhaps the best album of her career. Her lyrics are  moving and profound, but it is her rich vocals and passion give life to her words.

4: Sons of Bill - Sirens: The song "Santa Anna Winds" hooked me on my first listen. Every song after that kept me listening. A true Americana Rock masterpiece. The Sons of Bill  have an almost universal appeal.

5.Alabama Shakes - Boys and Girls: I could almost say "See The Lumineers above". The Shakes also came out of nowhere to receive a lot of fan fare. They recorded in and hail from the Muscle Shoals area, and the geographic influence shines forth. Their music is both Southern and Soulful, with a balanced mix of tempo.

6. Buddy Miller and Jim Lauderdale - Buddy and Jim: These old friends should have recorded together a long time ago. Let's hope there is more to come.

7. Mumford and Sons - Babel: They set the bar high on their previous released. On this release, they raised it. I can't wait to see what they do next.

8. Tift Merrit - Travelling Alone: "Bramble Rose" and "Another Country" are two of my favorite female Singer-Songwriter albums. She may have beat them both this time around.

9. Shovels and Rope - O be Joyful: I was joyful from the first listen. Every song is excellent. They take traditional Americana and make it feel like Rock.

10. Corb Lund - Cabin Fever: Pure Country from rural Canada. The duet with Hays Carll, "Bible on the Dash", and "Gothest Girl I Can" are also the two funniest songs of the year

The next Ten:

11. Steep Canyon Rangers - Nobody Knows You
12. Wrinkle Neck Mules - Apprentice to Ghosts
13. The Avett Brothers - The Carpenter
14. Jack White - Blunderbuss
15. Justin Townes Earle - Nothing's gonna change the way
16. Bruce Springsteen - Wrecking Ball
17. Dr. Dog - Be the Void
18. Old Crow Medicine Show - Carry Me Back
19. Ryan Bingham - Tommorrowland
20. Whispering Pines - Self-Titled

To compare this list to my compadres at Twangville  Click Here

Jim Lauderdale - Honey Songs

Jim Lauderdale has been alternating between Country and Bluegrass projects for the last several years. As far as Jim Lauderdale’s country albums go, my favorite is The Other Sessions from 2001. The song “What’s on My Mind” is in fact one of my favorite country songs period. His new project Honey Songs is on par with Sessions. The new recording is billed as Jim Lauderdale and the Dream Players. It is an apt description as Lauderdale has assembled his version of an Americana “Dream Team.” The Dream Players include Al Perkins on pedal Steel (Flying Burrito Brothers), legendary guitarist Jim Burton (Elvis Presley), Glen Hardin (both Elvises Presley and Costello) on piano, also Gary Tallent (E-Street Band) on Bass. Backing vocals are provided by the pipes of Emmylou Harris, Patty Loveless, Kelly Hogan and Buddy Miller. All of their talents shine through.

The album gets started with the great guitar licks of “Honeysuckle Honey Pie,” then goes straight into the Bakersfield sound of “I Hope You’re Happy.” The wistful piano on the ballad “Finally Sinking In” creates the perfect atmosphere for a country “love gone wrong” song. Lauderdale may be the first artist since Gram Parsons that can combine lyrics that could easily fit Psychedelic Rock with Traditional Country music as demonstrated by “Daughter of Majestic Sage.” “Stingray” is also another stand out track on the album.

Lauderdale is a ubiquitous presence in Americana Music. He is a fixture at Merlefest hosting the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest. He has also hosted the American Music Awards for the last three years. I really can’t figure out why he is ignored by Country Radio. Maybe it is his quirky lyrics or maybe it is because Ryan Seacrest never crowned him the new American Idol. After all it ain’t country unless Ryan Seacrest says it is. This project may change things a little as he has played Leno and generally gotten a lot of other good press.

Listen to Honeysuckle Honey Pie

Enjoy some
Tai Chi with Jim Lauderdale on CMT.

Gary Louris releasing 2-19

Vagabonds the new album from former Jayhawks frontman Gary Louris is out on Tuesday. I have a feeling this is going to give the Truckers a run for the money at the top of my first list which I wil post in a couple of Weeks.

Stream

Other releases of note on 2-19

Jim Lauderdale - Honeysongs
Allison Moorer - Mockingbird
Ray Davies - Working Man's Cafe
Mountain Goats - Heretic Pride

Highlights of Upcoming Releases

Sept. 11th :

Joe Henry - Civilians

Supposedly more stripped down than his previous efforts this album I am hearing is an instant classic. Scott Register of Reg's Coffeehouse and the Coalitoin of Indepndent Music Stores says it is incredible and played great song off of it this morning on his show.

http://www.joehenrylovesyoumadly.com/listen.php

Oakley Hall - I Will Follow You

One of my favorite releases back in early 2006 was their album Second Guessing. This is their debut on Merge Records. It was produced by Peter Katis (The National, Interpol). Stream it on the Merge records site.

http://www.mergerecords.com/index.php

Sept. 18th
Mary Gauthier - Between Daylight and Dark

Gauthier just keeps getting better I am sure this one will not disappoint.

Jim Lauderdale - Bluegrass Diaries

Supposedly Lauderdale is going to release 3 albums in the next year. This is the first of the three. It was debuted on XM14 Bluegrass Junction to rave reviews. 2008 already looks like a good year.

Stream blue Mule Below:

http://www.yeproc.com/upload/media/view_media.php?id=499