i have been gone way too long, for various reasons. probably the biggest reason is writer block, due to lack of inspiration. i have been listening to an awful lot of music this summer, but i really haven’t stumbled across an album that really catches my ear so far – a release that makes me want to sit down and compose a letter to my followers and tell them why they need to buy it. so instead let’s try an honorable mention column giving brief blurbs about what i have spent some time on, and why it may – or may not – pique your interest. these are in no significant order.

reminds me of a young and up and coming version of gillian welch and dave rawlings. a talented duo from the carolinas, this is their fourth release, from 2015, and they have a new one due out this month. andrew marlin does the songwriting, and most of the lead vocals. my only real beef is a desire to feature more of her vocals. she has one lead vocal on this one, and it is one of my favorites on the album.

 

sophomore release from them. became part of the sound track to our outer banks trip this summer.some real catchy tunes, but songwriting leaves a little to be desired. simple without being profound. but sometimes that is ok if it all you really want to do is hum along with the melody. if you liked the first one, you will like this one.

 

a group of musicians who regularly meet once a month in a bar in los angeles. featuring sean and sara watkins (of nickel creek fame), benmont tench, fiona apple, and a few others. all covers here – notably robert earl keen, gordon lighfoot, and the dead. plus a few country standards. playing is outstanding, and vocals are shared by all (although sara has the most). did i mention i have a crush on sara?

 

 

hayes carll is just flat out one of the best singer/songwriters in the country, hailing from texas. i am a huge fan of his overall work, and you will not go wrong by picking up anything in his catalog of work. this new one is a departure from his usual style of barroom stories laced with humor, alcohol, self deprecation and biting insight. having recently gone through a divorce and swearing off alcohol and cigarettes, this is a more stripped down version. honest and introspective, he seems to be using the process of creating this album to help him reestablish where he is in this life. and i am ok with that. i like the old hayes’ work better, but i will stick with him and support his new approach to the world. i look forward to his next release.

 

that’s it for now. i have another batch to review, and will get that out to you real soon.