If you’re wondering what the DittyTV Staff couldn’t stop listening to this year, then here you go.
In no particular order, these are our 60 favorite releases of 2016:
Margo Price – Midwest Farmer’s Daughter
Margo Price released her debut album Midwest Farmer’s Daughter in March of this year. It’s fueled by classic country ingeniously infused with soul. This album is simply beautiful, just like Margo’s timeless tone. Margo tells her story through heavy ballads and honky-tonk timing. Midwest Farmer’s Daughter takes you on a completely captivating journey, starting with the first track, ‘Hands Of Time.’ Price knows what she is about, and if you don’t listen now, you’ll miss a future classic. – Frannie Houston
Luke Winslow-King – I’m Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always
I’m Glad Trouble Don’t Last Always is steeped in the muddy Delta blues, but prickles with the raunch of a more Mid-Western take on the genre. While never veering too far away from the roots which have always inspired Winslow-King, a bleeding blowout at every bridge signifies a man who’s found himself electrified by his new conditions in life. “I may be sad now, baby/ I may be sad, and I may be blue,” he sings knowingly on one verse. “One of these shining mornings/ I’ll forget about you.” Favorite cuts include: ‘On My Way’ and ‘No More Crying Today.’ – Ronnie Wright
Lewis & Leigh – Ghost
This album sings for the lost and the lonely. It’s emotionally authentic with great acoustics, bass, and harmonies. It’s a personal reflection of their lives as they sing of sorrow, devastation from hurricane Katrina, and a tragedy of closed mines. This duo proves that ying and yang exists in music after all. This album grows with your soul. – Winnie Kamau
Sarah Jarosz – Undercurrent
Sweet melodies, quirky and haunting vocals, plus a free-wheeling approach to genre make this one a continual delight, especially with the alt-Americana craziness of guitarist Corky Hughes. – Bing Futch
The Devil Makes Three – Redemption and Ruin
In their sixth studio album, The Devil Makes Three stays true to the sound that has built them a solid fan base over the last fourteen years. The band continues to focus on banjo and fiddle to create their distinct pseudo-bluegrass vibe. It should be noted that the album name, Redemption and Ruin, alludes to the track names. The first half of the album features songs such as: ‘I Gotta Get Drunk,’ ‘I’m Gonna Get High,’ and ‘Waiting Around to Die,’ all of which feature lyrics reflective of these titles. The latter half, however, offers a tone of forgiveness, with tracks such as: ‘Down in the Valley,’ and ‘The Angel of Death.’ Redemption and Ruin offers fans the same great DM3 they’ve come to know and love, but also offers more lyrical depth and impressive track arrangements in this chart topping release. – Liz Rabalais
Mandolin Orange – Blindfaller
Blindfaller is gentle, steady, and comfortable. Mandolin Orange’s intimate songs thrive with their smooth vocals and instrumental picking. ‘Hard Travelin” is a lively, working-musician’s anthem, with some sweet pedal steel and electric guitar licks. Straddling the line between country and folk, this album feels right at home, and is perfect for a long pensive drive, probably around sunset… also, throw in some rolling hills. – Dave Strumfield
The Rondo Rigs – The Rondo Rigs
You know when you see an amazing live band and you want so badly for the music on the album you buy to be just as good? Well, these guys do not disappoint. I saw them in Charlotte, SC, and not only did they put on one hell of a show, but the album carried the same energy and intricacy as their live performance. Their songs are both catchy and experimental with structures and melodies that stray from the beaten path and salute Americana greats such as the Punch Brothers. Whether you’re at the front of the stage, or behind the wheel of your car, The Rondo Rigs will get you dancing and singing in just the way you’re looking for. – Liliana Urbain
Shovels & Rope – Little Seeds
Kicking off with toes tapping and heads rocking, Shovels and Rope unleashes their latest record with the authentically driving, Americana-meets-rock’n’roll vibe that got them noticed in the first place. For those hankering for a timeless album to get behind, look no further. Reminiscent of early White Stripes and a grungy Civil Wars, this duo keeps on proving two can do more than most anybody else. – Sabina Beachdell
Jemma Nicole – My Darkest Hour
My Darkest Hour is a musical journey that tackles a number of themes, including: faith, trust, love and freedom. The album is filled with atmospheric, rhythm guitar riffs, and haunting vocals. Altogether, it comes across as a beautifully crafted showcase of Jemma’s love for the darker side of Americana. From the dense organ solos in, ‘Whiskey Shivers,’ to the gritty lyric content in, ‘If I Had a Gun,’ Jemma has truly found her sound in the world of Americana. – Yubu Kazungu
Seratones – Get Gone
With angelic and lovely vocals, and demonic and fiery guitar, bass and drums, Seratones’ debut album Get Gone is a perfect mixture of rock and soul. Shreveport, Louisiana gets to claim them, but the whole world gets to enjoy their creation, and that makes us all lucky. Fat Possum Records signed Seratones and shortly after released Get Gone, which went on to earn the band tours with St. Paul & The Broken Bones (also on this Top 60 list) and The Dandy Warhols, and that was all within a year’s time. Expect great things from this psychedelic ensemble. Standout tracks include: ‘Choking on Your Spit’ and ‘Don’t Need It.’ – Sam Shansky
Parker Millsap – The Very Last Day
For such a young artist, Parker delves into some tough themes on this album in a very thoughtful way, adding raw emotion and telling a story through his incredible vocals. From the opener, ‘Hades Please,’ to ‘Heaven Sent,’ the listener is sent on a wonderful musical journey over the 11 tracks, that incorporates his Pentecostal roots with modern seductive themes. – Amy Wright
Charles Bradley – Changes
Starting with a 50’s-style, Nat King Cole greeting at the beginning of the album, covering Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes’ like it’s a Curtis Mayfield standard in the middle, and ending up with a spaced-out, 70’s-esque slow number, this album covers more ground than I even thought was possible. A former James Brown impersonator, Charles Bradley grew up in an era that saw all the stars and moons of soul still alive and kicking. The man doesn’t just get it, he IS it. Backed by the Budos Band and the Menahan Street Band, Bradley is in empathetic company. These boys can get on up and lay it down like the best of them. A perfect love triangle for this album with so many shapes. – Nick Black
Sara Watkins – Young in All the Wrong Ways
Young in All the Wrong Ways by Sara Watkins has already earned plenty of acclaim. Her third solo album release, and her first with New West Records, this album is full of powerful and potent lyrics, which are honest, up-front, and thoughtful. These tracks are, not surprisingly, loaded with tones of Americana, Folk, Country and Bluegrass, and built upon a foundation of instrumentation that offers a thoughtful blend of driving rhythms, whimsical and bold vocals, and a mix of production, ranging from the lilted sounds of a folk affair, to the crashing train of Americana Rock. Young in All the Wrong Ways contains a killer salad of all the things we love most about Americana & Roots artists. It is undeniably one of the best albums of 2016. – Lorie Jo Bridges
Brandy Clark – Big Day in a Small Town
Is Big Day In a Small Town country? Is it Americana? Is it Folk? I don’t know and I don’t care, because I love everything about it, and I especially love that you can’t put a label on it, much like Clark herself. She has written for some of the biggest names in music, but her lyrics carry much more meaning, and a more heartfelt message when it’s her voice and her guitar. It has gossip, it has humor, it has heartbreak, it gives a big middle-finger to love, and it’s all about wishing some good old karma on someone who deserves it. Not to mention a nice jab at the town beauty queen, who isn’t that fun or interesting, and whose crown has lost its shine. You almost need a Xanax after listening to the entire record, since your emotions will be all over the place. But, it comes down to one thing. Brandy Clark is a gifted and brilliant singer-songwriter. She’s that friend that you can laugh and get snarky with, the shoulder you can cry on, and that super cool and smart chick you want to get drunk with. She has come out from behind the shadows of the artists that she has written for and is staking her claim as music’s newest badass. – Robin Bender
Butch Walker – Stay Gold
Being a huge fan of The Outsiders, both the film and the novel, an album titled Stay Gold was sure to catch my attention. Little did I know that I was stumbling upon, not only my favorite album of the year, but an artist I would come to hugely respect. Although I was new to Walker, he was in no way new to the scene. Stay Gold is Walker’s 8th studio album. He got his start back in the ‘80s with the band SouthGang, who were active from the late ‘80s through the early ‘90s. These ‘80s beginnings may very well explain the distinct ‘80s sound throughout most of Stay Gold. Almost every song screams ‘80s heartland rock, as if at any moment Walker is about to belt out “it was the summer of ’69,” or “born in the USA.” Which is, in my opinion, a great thing. This whole album is hook after hook, but the lyrics don’t suffer. My favorite track is ‘East Coast Girl,’ which I was hooked on from the release of the infomercial lyric video. Favorite lyric: “You were always good at talking us out of trouble with the cops / Made everybody feel good about the fact that they were not.” – Isaac Erickson
The Dear Hunter – Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional
I have never listened to a band that puts more thought and purpose into their music. This album marks the finale to the five-act story of The Dear Hunter, a character haunted by love and violence, whose fall from innocence into murder and salvation is illustrated by morphing motifs, striking lyrical imagery, and a wide exploration of genres. After following this character for the past four albums, I can say with joy and heartbreak that Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional, wraps up the story beautifully in the lush orchestral movements, powerful rock ballads, and explorative songwriting style that seduced me into the world of the previous four acts. Thank you, The Dear Hunter, for a beautiful and intense journey that I will continue to lose myself in for years to come. – LU
Lianne La Havas – Blood (solo EP)
This is a follow up of Lianne La Havas’ GRAMMY Award-nominated album, Blood, with a remake of a few selected tracks. The difference is that she adds an unplugged feel, which reveals her true nature in high notes, soothing vocals and guitar tricks. She sings of spiritual growth, choice in personality and true freedom. This EP is a quench to life’s thirst. – WK
St. Paul & The Broken Bones – Sea of Noise
Sea of Noise is the highly anticipated sophomore album from Birmingham, AL-based, St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Their debut album, Half The City, focused on Paul Janeway’s vocal abilities, backed by horns, guitar and percussion, and created a gospel-soul sound. Sea of Noise steps away from the gospel feel, and leans to more of a soul-funk sensation. ‘Midnight on Earth’ features back-up singers with a sound circa 1970’s disco, and there is now a heavy emphasis on the electric organ. The nostalgic sensations of St. Paul and the Broken Bones have thankfully remained the same with this sophomore album. Longtime fans of soul, funk and gospel can appreciate the band breathing fresh life into this genre, while people who have never given a second thought to this type of music will continue to be captivated by Janeway’s vocals. – LR
Gina Forsyth – Copper Rooster
New Orleans-based singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gina Forsyth, steps outside of her Cajun roots just a bit, and has some fiddling fun with traditional old-time tunes. With a tight trio backing her up, her delightful vocals and sizzling fiddle put you in the mood to dance! – BF
SHEL – Just Crazy Enough
These four sisters are having some serious fun, and taking us along for the ride. The roller coaster of harmonies, and heavy, yet playful instrumentation makes any adventure just a little sexier. Try putting on, ‘You Could Be My Baby,’ and hitting the highway with the windows down. My personal favorite is, ‘Rooftop,’ a playful and melodically intoxicating tune. – SB
Foy Vance – The Wild Swan
The Wild Swan is one of Foy Vance’s most dynamic bodies of work yet. Its organic flow from the funky folk of, ‘Noam Chomsky Is a Soft Revolution,’ to the bluegrass-y, ‘Upbeat Feelgood,’ leaves us yearning for a more mellow Vance tune, which he provides in, ‘Coco’ and ‘Casanova.” Everything we’ve come to love about Foy Vance is brought out in this unorthodox album. And while there’s no clear theme to tie The Wild Swan together, one can still enjoy this body of work as a beautiful rollercoaster of emotions. – YK
Kacy & Clayton – Strange Country
Strange Country sounds like a folk record that could have been passed around on MacDougal Street in the ’60s — but then, just a few minutes later, Kacy & Clayton are giving me songs that, while hard to fit neatly into Americana/Roots, only get better as they unveil secrets with each and every listen. Favorite tracks include: ‘Springtime of the Year’ and ‘Brunswick Stew.’ – RW
Aaron Lee Tasjan – Silver Tears
Ohio native, Aaron Lee Tasjan’s latest release, Silver Tears, is an album for the ages. Silver Tears gives off a 60’s rock and roll vibe, mixed with honky-tonk, and topped off with Aaron’s haunting voice. If you like the Byrds as much as I do, you’ll keep Silver Tears on repeat. Check out the track, ‘Dime.’ It’s one of my favorites, but honestly, it’s hard to pick just one from this album. – FH
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Midnight Rider
With the untimely passing of Sharon Jones late this year, this song hauntingly describes her life situation in 2016. The lyrics, “Not gonna let em catch me, no,” spoke to Sharon vividly, she said at a recent performance in Memphis, TN. As foreboding as the song may have been at the time, it is a perfect example of the quality control coming from Daptone Records, and the Dap Kings as a musical entity. Tight rhythms, punchy horns, Binky Graptite’s perfect recreation of the Allman Brother’s guitar tone, and Sharon’s voice, soaring bright and blazing over the top of it. A quintessential cover done with the style and soul that only Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings can provide. – NB
Wynonna and the Big Noise – Wynonna and the Big Noise
Wynnona recorded this self-titled album with her husband, Cactus Moser, and it is sure to please. The music is a departure from mainstream country, highlighting her powerful voice through edgier blues and rock riffs. The music is just darn fun, and if you haven’t already done so, go catch them live! – AW
Sturgill Simpson – A Sailor’s Guide to Earth
This album is the darling of every reviewer out there. But, the fact is, A Sailor’s Guide to Earth is hands down one of the best records of the year. It’s brilliant, complicated, and perfect in every way. The entire record was written for Simpson’s two-year-old son, serving as a road map to help him navigate the complicated journey through life. And what a road map it is. While the album has a country undertone, there’s New Orleans funk and so much Soul and horns that you would think it had come straight out of Memphis during the city’s recording heyday. Simpson’s cover of ‘In Bloom’ is more haunting and more of a masterpiece than the original. Simpson is a thinker and is able to convey raw emotion through sometimes painful lyrics, so much so that you can feel his defiance and anger. This record is powerful, and at times sad. It conveys the essence of a family man who wears his heart on his sleeve. Like the shift from genre to genre in this record, Simpson’s emotions are all over the place, but ultimately come back to a place of love. With horns… lots and lots of horns! – RB
Lisa Hannigan – At Swim
Lisa Hannigan’s At Swim is a slight departure from the Irish songstress’ folk background. Lisa dives into a world of indie with this album. The National’s, Aaron Dessner, layers her vocals with eerie sounds, making songs like ‘Barton’ and ‘Anahorish’ enjoyably unpredictable. Fans of Lisa’s core folk sound will still get their fill with tunes like ‘Snow,’ but all in all this one’s a 2016 must listen. – YK
The Grand Shell Game – Man on a Wire
For some more cosmic Americana, there’s The Grand Shell Game, from Carrboro, NC. Man on a Wire is a musical journey through the unexpected that brings moments of awareness and personal growth. With lush vocal harmonies, soaring guitar solos, and writing with multiple-listens-worth of layers, this album is bigger than its short track list suggests. And then there is ‘Love.’ ‘Love’ is really all you need to fall in love with these guys. After twisting through just about everything, the album ends with its most intimate track, and what feels like a big hug from the band. Man on a Wire is beautiful debut studio album, and these guys are just warming up. – DS
Joseph – I’m Alone, No You’re Not
Straddling the line between indie and pop comes Joseph, an all-female trio with lush vocals and instrumentation. The vocal freedom and expressive lyrics are easy to lose yourself in, and the album is equally at home at the forefront of a moment, or in the background at a gathering (a rare and impressive feat). For those looking for an anywhere, anytime, ambience-filled album, sung by what could be angels, this album will satisfy. A great introductory song to their sound is ‘Planet,’ featuring rich harmonies and a driving build. – SB
Jonny Fritz – Sweet Creep
Sweet Creep by Jonny Fritz uses humor, storytelling, and true country balladry to combine for a remarkably enjoyable listening experience. The lyrical capability of Jonny Fritz is that of a seasoned country outlaw, such as Kris Kristofferson or Waylon Jennings. There is a track on Sweet Creep that everyone can relate to. For instance, walking down the street the other day, I was so into ‘I Love Leaving,’ that I stepped in wet cement. Thanks, Jonny. – FH
John Paul White – Beulah
His first solo album in nearly a decade, John Paul White’s Beulah is a sigh of relief to fans mourning the split of The Civil Wars. The album begins with ‘Black Leaf,’ an acoustic ballad with skillful picking that highlights White’s voice. In contrast to ‘Black Leaf,’ immediately following is ‘What’s So,’ an upbeat tune in which White utilizes his resonator guitar. Beulah displays an array of diverse sounds over its ten tracks. Joining White on back-up vocals are The Secret Sisters, who’ve toured alongside White following Beulah‘s release. Beulah is an album that allowed White to stay true to his roots and give his fans what they’ve craved during his hiatus. It consists of soaring vocals and complex lyrics, utilizing relatively simple instrumentation, which enables White to shine brighter than he ever has before. – LR
Monica Heldal – The One in the Sun
Sticking to her guns, Monica Heldal’s skillful fingerpicking and complex guitar timings on The One in the Sun give life to a new-age rock and roll sound with a selective surprise of full-band backing on a few tracks. This album is a nostalgic throwback to the age of classic rock. – WK
Willie Sugarcapps – Paradise Right Here
Sweet melodies, quirky and haunting vocals, plus a free-wheeling approach to genre make this one a continual delight, especially with the alt-Americana craziness of guitarist Corky Hughes. – BF
Lydia Loveless – Real
Lydia Loveless recorded her first album, The Only Man, when she was just 15 years old, and she’s only gotten better since. Loveless has a way of combining pop, country and punk rock in a way that just works. Her voice lies somewhere between Sheryl Crow and Stevie Nicks, and wherever that is, I like it. Real is the fourth studio album by Loveless, and on it she finds a perfect way to combine both her pop sensibilities and punk side without cutting either side short. The album is fun and easy to listen to. My favorite track has to be ‘Clumps.’ I guess I may be a little biased as Kevin Smith is my favorite director and the video for ‘Clumps’ seems to be a clear call back to Smith’s breakout film Clerks, from text slate at the beginning and black and white video to follow. Favorite lyric: “I hope that I affected you and tore you up inside / Must be why you turn away and never ask me why.” – IE
Olivia Millerschin – Look Both Ways
Olivia has a voice far beyond her years — gentle and lilting, and filled with the emotions that riddle her lyrics. Look Both Ways straddles the line of folk and electronic, like artists such as Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson. Very sweet and light, Olivia’s music is the perfect addition to any car ride and has the perfect balance of emotional ballads and tender love songs, depending on if you’re driving from a heartbreak or to a first date. – LU
Luther Dickinson – Blues & Ballads: A Folksingers Songbook Vol I & II
Served up as a double-disc experience, with acoustic reworkings of Dickinson’s songs, the vinyl version comes packed with a full-sized traditional songbook reminiscent of Alan Lomax and the like. When you throw in guest appearances by Jason Isbell, Mavis Staples and Amy LaVere (among others), you have a record like few others. Favorite cuts are: ‘Ain’t No Grave’ and ‘Let It Roll.’ – RW
Kevin Morby – Singing Saw
Widely known for his work in the band Woods, Kevin Morby came into his own in 2016. The release of his third solo LP, Singing Saw, proved that Morby has an original and distinctive style to deliver to the universe. Speaking of the universe, that’s exactly who’s praising this album – everyone I’ve introduced to it enjoys it. Tracks like ‘Dorothy’ and ‘I Have Been to the Mountain’ drew me in, and title-track ‘Singing Saw’ and ‘Black Flowers’ sealed the deal with their playful, yet ominous stylings. I had this album on while driving through the Northern Montana wilderness this summer, and it was the most vivid experience. – SS
Derek Hoke – Southern Moon
The album could be portrayed with one simple message, ‘Stop Playing With My Heart.’ Derek Hoke offers one of the best deliveries of broken hearts, unrequited love, and failed relationships of the year. Southern Moon, opens with the title-track, which is laced with swampland moonshine and Hoke’s delectable, smoky vocals. From his classic country swing sounds in ‘What’s Wrong With My Heart,’ to the saloon piano partnered with the rockin’ blues mix in ‘Tell It To The Judge,’ Hoke has a way of caressing even the hardest of hearts. If you know heartache and loneliness, then you too know sorrow as an old friend, and with Hoke delivering the soundtrack, you’re in excellent company. For first time listeners, the first stop should be ‘This Old House’ [ain’t a home anymore…]. The story is a woeful one of cheating and a broken bond between lovers. And if that isn’t enough to put a tear in your beer, the somehow instantly familiar melody delivered in ‘Hey Joanna’ recognizes the heart-sick feeling behind the lyrics in this honest portrayal of watching a partner and lover slip away. In the track, ‘Nothing I Won’t Do,’ the tone and atmosphere is set, seemingly floating on the edge of a broken love affair. The scene could be based in a dream, on an island, taunting you with the fear of being alone, again. Thoughtful lyrics delivered by a tender soul, tip-toeing in rhythm across a calypso dance floor. Easily one of my favorite albums of 2016, and an amazing performance to see live. – LJB
Run River North – Drinking From a Salt Pond
Bringing life to the party, the wide range of tempos on Drinking From a Salt Pond make it so new and exciting. Run River North have evolved greatly from their first album; they introduced a more electronic style into their popular acoustic ways. Their choice of artistry includes animal imagery, harmonies, and violins, inviting the listener into their experience of being Asian-Americans. It’s a tremendous piece of work. – WK
The Avett Brothers – True Sadness
Following the success of their 2012 release The Magpie and the Dandelion, The Avett Brothers’ True Sadness brings a little bit of everything to the table. The upbeat breakthrough track ‘Ain’t No Man’ appeals to a whole new audience not typically familiar with the Americana genre. The same goes for ‘Satan Pulls the Purse Strings,’ which has more of a rock-and-roll vibe, something you might not associate with The Avett Brothers. ‘No Hard Feelings’ will sound a little more familiar to longtime fans of this iconic North Carolina band. The combination of tempos, melodies and styles is an accurate reflection of the ever-changing Americana and Roots genre. Apart from the fact that this band has continued to please fans for over fourteen years, True Sadness should be praised for the evolved sound The Avett Brothers have brought to the table. – LR
The Dunwells – Light Up the Sky
The Dunwells had a team of producers for their 2016 record, Light Up the Sky: Kodaline Helmsman, Steve Harris, Dan McDougall (Aurora) and Manny Marroquin (Sia and Taylor Swift). This gives the album a rich variety of sounds. From the vibrant and catchy ‘Hey Now,’ to the more personal ‘Ghosts,’ what ties this album together are the undeniably special vocals of Joseph and David Dunwell. Fans of Blind Sighted Faith will undoubtedly enjoy this sophomore record, as The Dunwells solidify their place in the realm of Americana Rock. – YK
Dawes – We’re All Gonna Die
Is We’re All Gonna Die my favorite Dawes record to date, probably not. Or at least not yet, but it’s getting there. However, it is one of the best albums of 2016, and clearly their most ambitious. Having seen them perform live prior to listening to this record, I gained a unique perspective of the specific emotions behind each song. On a side note, I should own up to having a huge crush on Taylor Goldsmith… But the fact is, he’s an incredibly gifted songwriter, and as you can tell by the name of this album, his lyrics are a clear nod to mortality. The message is both dark and light with a bit of fun, excess, and debauchery thrown in to confuse you even more, which is why this album is so cool. Much like how you feel when the tequila runs out, you don’t want this album to end. With a funky, indie-rock vibe, this record is a bit slicker, and a lot more experimental. It almost confuses the listener in that you know it’s Dawes, but with an uncharacteristic twist into a whole new direction. Yet, somehow after you listen to the album, it still strangely feels like a more evolved and synthesized version of Dawes. There’s a clear shift in production style and sound, exposing a more in-your-face side of the band. In their prolific (and one of my most favorite songs of all time) ‘All Your Favorite Bands,’ there is hope that life without a chaperone is what you thought it would be. That’s how this album feels. No rules, and total freedom to explore new sounds and messages without selling out to the masses, which is what Dawes does better than any band out there today. And did I mention that I have a huge crush on Taylor Goldsmith? – RB
Allen Stone – Radius
Though Radius is a bit of a departure from Allen Stone’s self-titled debut album, it’s also apparent that nothing has changed for Mr. Stone. He’s still reaching for his roots, but at the same time pushing forward musically. This entire album was a collaboration between Stone and soul/pop producer Tingsek, and their love for good songs is entirely evident on Radius. Allen’s use of metaphor and astounding vocal prowess shines through; though, the standout track is ironically the one with the least flashiness, and the one with the least pop orchestration. Sounding like a 60’s anthem, ‘Love Where You’re At’ speaks to Allen’s core beliefs about himself and his faith in humanity. Sometimes songs rise above their songwriters, and though Stone is immensely talented, this song shines like a guiding light over his head. – NB
The Lumineers – Cleopatra
The ancient era that the name Cleopatra evokes is rightfully associated with The Lumineers 2nd album, which came out earlier this year. Their single, ‘Ophelia’ has received a lot of radio love, but the entire album is a must listen. Reflective and melodic, every lyric seems to be hand chosen. Sit back, close your eyes and put your head phones on for this one. – AW
Kids with Beards – Kids with Beards
The self-titled debut album from Bismarck, North Dakota trio, Kids with Beads, is a breath of fresh air. Their voices intertwine and blend wonderfully, creating not just one voice, but an entirely new instrument to go with their guitars, harmonica, glockenspiel, Mellotron, upright bass and percussion. The album is colorful and fun, and all on a foundation of great songwriting. ‘Mirrored Mention’ is one of those songs that already lives in your soul, and just needs Kids with Beards to shine a light on it. The one-line refrain is one of many lines throughout the album that will bounce around your brain until you hear it again. Kids with Beards acknowledges its roots and the current scene, and takes a big step forward, giving us not just want we want, but what we need. – DS
River Whyless – We All the Light
This album opens with an ethereal schoolyard dream of harmonies and reverberating meditation bowls. By the time the sitar and lead male vocal takes over, it’s easy to be in love. Somewhere between the beat and play of modern indie music, and the warmth and experimentation of the 60’s and 70’s, comes River Whyless with what’s shaping up to be my favorite release of 2016. The cohesiveness of the album, the ride it provides, and the soundscape of voices and instrumental texture makes this release feel exciting and classic at the same time. – SB
John Prine – For Better, or Worse
John Prine strikes again with For Better, Or Worse. Huge country hitters, such as Lee Ann Womack, Kacey Musgraves, and Amanda Shires join this album for sweet, relatable, and comical marriage-themed storytelling (listen to ‘Who’s Gonna Take Your Garbage Out’). For Better, Or Worse features tracks made famous by George Jones, Jessi Colter, Ernest Tubb, and Loretta Lynn, plus more. Mr. Prine has still got it, and definitely makes me want to be a feature on this album. – FH
Brent Cobb – Shine on Rainy Day
Brent Cobb is relatively new to the scene, as well as my record collection, but with ‘Shine on Rainy Day,’ I found myself listening a regular basis. I love the laid-back style, which at times is reminiscent of some of my songwriting heroes of the ’70s. American Songwriter says, “Low key instrumentation that perfectly frames the story is highlighted by the haunting, stripped down sound reflecting the narrator’s sense of frustration and desperation.” It comes as little surprise that his debut, major label album, is not only produced by his Grammy-winning cousin, Dave Cobb, but also released on the producer’s Low Country Sounds label. As only the second solo artist on the imprint (the first was Anderson East), Brent Cobb has an advantage most new acts don’t get until later in their careers, or sometimes at all. Thankfully, I think he’s talented enough to justify the jump-started attention. “Where the conversation covers everything and in between / From life is good to giving it a whirl / Oh, we ain’t up to nothing / Just solving all the problems of the world” – RW
Kaleo – A/B
Kaleo (a Hawaiian word for “the sound”) is easily one of the fastest rising names in Americana rock. Their most recent album A/B is their second album, but features a [sort-of] “greatest hits” from their debut self-titled album and singles released since. I’m a sucker for a great rock guitar riff, and this album is not in short supply. The album kicks off with a bang in ‘No Good,’ a song that opens with one of those riffs. The bluesy, garage-rock sound of A/B showcases the amazing musicianship of the band, as well as the unique growl of vocalist JJ Julius Son. That’s not all they have in their arsenal; songs like ‘All The Pretty Girls’ and ‘Save Yourself’ showcase a softer side of Son’s voice that is full of emotion. The single ‘Way Down We Go’ reached #1 on the Billboard Alternative Chart, so if you haven’t listened to A/B, you should fix that. My favorite track is ‘Save Yourself.’ It showcases both sides of Son’s voice as well as constantly building throughout. “Tell your secrets to the night / You do yours and I do mine / So we won’t have to keep them all inside” – IE
The Cactus Blossoms – You’re Dreaming
Retro, vintage, throwback – sure, I’ll give you that. “It sounds like…” / “They look like…” – why not, go ahead. After you get done trying to list all the people The Cactus Blossoms sound like, or what bygone era they just arrived form, I’ll be here hitting repeat on You’re Dreaming for the umpteenth time. It’s a close to perfect album that brothers Page and Jack have constructed, along with the help of a handful, including another one of my go-to guys, JD McPherson. Their casual, cool and melancholic collection of songs on You’re Dreaming are strong in their tenderness, vivid in their abstractness, and relatable through their character descriptions. ‘Clown Collector’ will have you struttin’ your best feather on the dance floor, just to realize you’re that fool they’re talking about. I wouldn’t be surprised if jukebox companies started selling their jukeboxes with just this album inside. Do they still make jukeboxes? – SS
Eric Lindell – Matters of the Heart
Man oh man! Lindell opens his 2016 album, Matters of the Heart, with a cool swagger that carries us on down the road. So, kick back and enjoy the ride. The array of instruments Lindell manages to fit into the cleverly crafted, clean sound of the album is impressive. It is evident that quite a bit of thought went into the sounds put forth here, and specifically in the presentation of the classic Dicky Lee/Steve Duffy song, ‘She Thinks I Still Care.’ Matters of the Heart is one of those albums that is playable anytime, and easy to hear on repeat, whether it be for a deep listen, music at your dinner party, or a soundtrack to a rainy day. You can’t help tapping your toes and nodding your head when you hear the slide and the piano that manage to dance in and out of the riffs delivered by the harmonica and guitars. Top that with Eric’s supple vocal delivery and you easily have one of the most listenable and well-crafted albums of the year. – LJB
The New Mastersounds – The Nasvhille Sessions
The New Mastersounds have been absolutely killing it on the road in 2015 and 2016, and this album was their opportunity to go into the studio to chronicle the music they heard and felt. They wanted a very special feel to it though, so this album was done entirely live at Welcome To 1979 studios in Nashville, TN. Raw, real, and truly live. This album harkens perfectly back to Stax jams with the MGs and to the music of Jimmy Smith. Smooth organ, slightly overdriven, reverb-laden electric guitar, and a super tight rhythm section make for a perfect 3AM listen. – NB
Blackberry Smoke – Like an Arrow
A little bit country, a whole lot of rock and roll and just enough soul to make Like An Arrow my favorite party album (and live performance) of the year. I just dig this band, and cannot get enough of this record. You can’t escape the obvious Skynryd and Black Crowes comparisons – it’s there, but without the bad attitude. There’s so much awesome blues and funk guitar mixed with a super soulful gospel vibe. The album is incredibly authentic in that it personifies old school Southern Rock, while still establishing its own, modern identity. If an album could be described as a place, then this is that funky, rough around the edges dive bar, with the coldest beer, the biggest whiskey pour and the most interesting customers in town, and where you can have an intelligent conversation with the bartender while getting your Southern-fried boogie on. It’s a funky, twangy, bluesy journey through Blackberry Smokes’ musical influences that will have you shaking your Magnolia from the first song to the last. – RB
Danielle Ate the Sandwich – Terrible Dinner Guest
It’s hard not to love an album with a lead single that speaks to the very real difficulty of maneuvering surface level dinner conversation. Terrible Dinner Guest is a smart, sassy, and honest telling of love, life, and all the awkward moments that make it up. On top of her seamless movement through humor and heartbreak, Danielle’s voice is a warm cup of hot chocolate in winter — rich, comforting, filling — and her personality and stage presence are just as sweet. – LU
Angel Olsen – My Woman
Angel Olsen has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard. You can clearly hear the emotion behind notes that she sings. Olsen’s most recent album defies classification. From the edgier sounds of ‘Shut Up Kiss Me’ and ‘Give it Up,’ to the dream-like sounds of ‘Those Were The Days’ and ‘Woman,’ Olsen jumps from sound to sound with ease, and it all feels genuine. You don’t just believe every word she says, you feel them. There is a timeless quality to the album that is sure to keep it in my playlist for years to come. This is also an album that warrants putting the time aside to sit down and listen all the way through. You won’t regret it. My favorite track has to be ‘Woman.’ It’s dreamy, groovy, and builds in the most beautiful way. “I’ve been thinking / How your smile seems to last forever / Even if it’s just a while / We are there together.” – IE
Dan Walters – The Man From Sunrise
The guy’s a genius on any instrument and Art Garfunkel once praised him on his use of “colors.” Dan Walters opens the archives and lets us in on some of the home recordings he’s done. Some of the sweetest piano ballads and up-tempo rockers are vintage Walters and a true treat for die-hard fans. – BF
Parsonsfield – Blooming Through the Black
Blooming Through The Black is an energetic and uplifting album with a very cool soundscape. The organ surrounds the folk instrumentation with a warm, wide ambience, and the muted guitar textures provide internal motion underneath the melodies. ‘Water Through a Mill’ uses a very minimal arrangement whose simple machinery gently guides the song forward. Parsonsfield’s third album is well paced and an exciting step forward for the Massachusetts-based quintet. – DS
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Let Me Get By
An easy collection of rocking tunes to keep your feet moving on the dance floor, Let Me Get By by Tedeschi Trucks Band is sure to please. The blues-rock sound [complete with a horns section] presented in the opening track makes a great soundtrack over the movement of life, love, and friendship. That same smooth ride lasts over the course of the album with a little funk and soul sprinkled into ‘Don’t Know What It Means.’ They even take us back to a bit of a Big Band sound with the swanky horns and jazzy swing feel in ‘Right On Time,’ which makes for a tasty cocktail of genres. The title track, ‘Let Me Get By’ kicks it back to the funky soul and blues sounds the band is known to deliver. The album is well balanced between a night of shakin’ it on the dance floor and the slow swaying that brings us back down in ‘Hear Me and In Every Heart.’ Always look forward to the creative sounds of Tedeschi Trucks Band. – LJB
The Jayhawks – Paging Mr. Proust
I’m not gonna lie, I am a Jayhawks fan from way back, and this latest album does not disappoint. Packed full of memorable melodies, thought-provoking lyrics, and the harmonies that only the Jayhawks can create, you will want to play every song over and over again. One of my favorite songs off this release is ‘Lovers of the Sun,’ filled with beautiful images and melodic hooks. This album should definitely be on both your driving and party mixtapes! – AW
Jim James – Eternally Even
Some artists can’t be boxed in. Eddie Vedder has his ukulele, Willie Nelson just got nominated for a GRAMMY for an entire album of Gershwin cover songs, and Jim James finally found that genie lamp buried in the desert that granted him his wish: I want to take make the grimmest, grooviest album of the year. Sinister synth and secretive lyrics serve up a psychedelic and soulful statement that requires front-to-back attention. Once we’ve taken flight with ‘Hide In Plain Sight,’ by the outro of the second song, ‘Same Old Lie,’ we’re dropped off in the same far out Middle East that we visited in ‘All Is Forgiven’ [from his first album, Regions Of Light And Sound Of God]. Landed safely, we hail a cab and it turns out Bill Withers is the driver, at least for the next couple of songs: ‘Here In Spirit,’ and, ‘The World’s Smiling Now.’ ‘We Ain’t Getting Any Younger Pt. 2’ is a call-to-action, declaring that we’re all gonna die [no, not the Dawes album, though he did contribute some vocals to it], and that war has had its chance, and that we need to put the world back together with love. Except it’s not so warm and fuzzy – he’s asking, “What the f*** are we gonna do?” James plays the role of the philosopher or prophet, asking questions, re-thinking, urging the people toward a better life, but ultimately walking in the shadows and going out his mind. I suggest we join him in the Eternally Even. – SS
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