There’s lots of Christmas music out there, but what would Thanksgiving music sound like if we had it? I’ll go ahead and assert that it would be Americana. It would be at times brash, but other times really quaint and enjoyable. Here we have a small collection of songs that might just work for such a holiday, certainly conjuring the joy of the season and a bit of the fall beauty as well. Enjoy (and please share!)
Anna Ash – “Player”
-Anna Ash sounds like Bonnie Raitt and Stevie Nicks at the same time. She sounds like a spice tastes – subtle enough to avoid detection, but flavorful enough to change a dish. The song is a cool and easy tune, but the vocal rolls along with a wonderful chill rock style. It sounds more like the 70s than today, but it does that era so well. The guitars pop with little accents along the way, but Ash’s lead vocal steals the show. The understated soprano shows that she’s deserving of your respect and that you should follow her closely.
The Krickets – “Cool Cool Water”
-The Krickets remind me a bit of an American version of the Staves. There’s an Emmylou Harris vibe to the song and even the lead vocal, but this is not bluegrass. It’s Americana, complete with a powerful female lead and a gentle, flowing accent banjo. The effect on the vocal is perfect, just enough to make it feel like a big room without sounding too atmospheric. The song fittingly uses the metaphor of water for freedom, a fundamentally American (and probably southern) image conjured by the song as well as the album art.
Lost Beach – “Cherry Red”
-Lost Beach remind me of CCR with a Mick Jagger influence. The lead vocal is about as quintessential rock n’ roll as I’ve ever heard. But the song is more than the vocal with some pretty incredible vintage-sounding guitars. The cool tones on the guitars and the entire rhythm section make for a comfortable listen. The song is ultimately about a romantic notion of wanting to be with someone, but it conveys the message with an evocative style that invites repeat listens. The latter part of the song includes a psychedelic element that firmly plants the style in the late 60s rock world.
