I seem to have acquired fair few albums that can loosely be termed 'Americana', or at least somewhere in the area of country (but not C+W), folk and indie/folk. I though it would nice to share a thread of recommendations that others may like and perhaps stray from the more usual to the less well known artists.
I read/listen to Pitchforkmedia and NPR All Songs a lot so probably this is where I get my tips and reviews. Bandcamp a great resource too.
For me favourites are people like Wilco, Bonnie Prince Billy, Iron and Wine, Bon Iver, Calexico, Phosphorescent, Sufjan Stevens, Great Lake Swimmers, Gillian Welch and The Handsome Family
Here are my less well know finds;
Hiss Golden Messenger: Lateness of Dancers. No that is not a missprint(sic) Last year's album is a great country/folk record with a slightly bluesy feel. A fine record, 'Haw' is grittier but just as good. Bit similar to the Jayhawks?
Dolorean: Unfazed. Not dissimilar to the above but with a slower gloomier feel. Excellent recording too-and the previous two albums are also very good.
Lia Rose. A cheerier Mary Chapin Carpenter? Several albums on Bandcamp are available-and at 'name your price' too. What is to lose!
Willard Grant Conspiracy: Regard The End. A superb slice of southern gothic folk. Back catalogue a bit variable.
Loads more I could add but this is for starters. Over to you.
Bruce
Posted on: 27 January 2015 by Hook
The Pizza Tapes (Garcia, Grisman and Rice).
Anything by Garcia and Grisman.
Anything by Grisman.
Also, perhaps on the genre's borderline: Calexico, Iron & Wine. Their collaboration, In The Reins, is wonderful.
Posted on: 06 February 2015 by Jan-Erik Nordoen
Originally Posted by Jan-Erik Nordoen:
Originally Posted by Hmack:
Big fan of Jeffrey Foucault as well - I have tickets to see him on tour in a few weeks. Try to hear his fantastic album of John Prine covers as well as his other stuff. One of the few instances where I like the covers as much as (if not more than) the originals.
Good call H, just listened to 'One Red Rose'.... album ordered.
Thanks !
Hmack,
I can't thank you enough for this recommendation. It arrived two days ago and I'm in complete awe at these songs and Jeffrey's voice and guitar work. Deeply, deeply moving.
Jan
Posted on: 06 February 2015 by Hmack
Hi Jan,
I'm really glad you like it. It's been a favourite of mine for some time.
Unfortunately for me, I missed out on seeing him at the end of last week. I had tickets, but ended up not travelling to the show because of the combination of a really heavy cold and bad weather. Hopefully it won't be too long before he tours my neck of the woods again.
Now if only John Prine would tour this part of the world as well.
Posted on: 07 February 2015 by Hook
Originally Posted by Dougchch:
Hi Bruce, I didnt see him mentioned,Greg Brown great Americana folk singer song writer.
+1. Love all of his studio albums, but none capture the magic of his live concerts! We try to get to at least one of his shows each year.
Posted on: 14 February 2015 by steve watts
Some good recommendations here. Currently playing Mary Gauthier - "Mercy Now" and I don't think that has been mentioned so far.
Lucinda Willams - "Down where the spirt meets the bone" is excellent.
Posted on: 14 February 2015 by BigH47
I was going to mention Mary Gauthier, but forgot, love her work.
After one listen I didn't think DWTSMTB is as good as some of Lucinda's work, she has taken mumbling to new level. Maybe too many bottles of Jack?
Posted on: 14 February 2015 by james n
Originally Posted by steve watts:
Some good recommendations here. Currently playing Mary Gauthier - "Mercy Now" and I don't think that has been mentioned so far.
Lucinda Willams - "Down where the spirt meets the bone" is excellent.
Mercy Now is an excellent album. Worth checking out her full catalogue too. Another artist to listen out for is Mindy Smith.
Posted on: 14 February 2015 by Skip
Fred mentioned The Band and I completely agree. And The Band album on vinyl is one of the best ways to show off your Naim system. I use it as a demo record because everybody has heard it, the music is great, and the Superfine-Supercap really makes it sparkle compared to the CD and the radio.
Posted on: 16 February 2015 by steve watts
DWTSMTB is a grower. I know what you mean and it did take a few plays for it to click.
I also have The Foundling by Mary Guthier and will pick up more of her discs as and when. I hadn't heard of Mindy Smith so thanks for the tip.
Posted on: 18 February 2015 by fred simon
Just realized that no one has mentioned Sarah Jarosz! I was turned on to her fairly recently, and, oh, what a find! If you like Alison Krauss, Nickel Creek, etc. I can practically guarantee that you will love Jarosz ... the writing, the singing, the playing. This is as good as it gets, if you ask me:
Sarah Jarosz - Follow Me Down
Posted on: 23 February 2015 by fred simon
You're more than welcome, Jan-Erik.
Yeah, I dig Gillian and Neil, and I'm starting to discover Ray.
