Every once in a while I run across an album that I find so endearing, so engaging, and so exciting that I struggle to find words for it. I kept this album in my car for my commute for literally weeks, thinking to …
Tag Archives: Country Music
The Secret Sisters – “If I Don’t” – Country gals singing great harmony
The Secret Sisters are the real deal. They harmonize like they were born to sing together. This track “If I Don’t” is a classic country track done right. Give these gals a spin, will ya?
The Tonk Honkys – Classic southern country with a little west-coast mellow
Deep south moved west. Four Alabama natives met at college, they all played instruments, seemed compatible, they moved across the country to Los Angeles to develop their sound and achieve their dreams. There, they played their first notes together and destinies ignited. Since …
The Gloria Darlings – Come Home to Me – Seattle folk music and bluegrass duo
This duo, Pandi and Milly, bill themselves as “folk grass,” which I immediately took as one of those marketing ploys because, well isn’t all bluegrass fundamentally folk music? And then I heard this incredible album. This… friends… is “folk grass.” It’s beautiful. It …
Gifts or Creatures – Yesteryear Western Darkness Review – Alt Country Duo Features Steel Guitar
Twangy electric guitars and a slide guitar come together to make a distinctly 20th-century country music sound on this 21st-century salvo from Gifts or Creatures. Duo vocal blending and unconventional melody lines serve to create a genuine, unique flavor that makes sonic hat …
Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires – “Mutineer” – Authentic country music duet
Jason Isbell put out one of the best albums of 2013 and he’s been doing recordings at a variety of radio stations all year. This was a wonderful rendition of “Mutineer” with Amanda Shires on vocals and violin. Although a cover and not …
Best of 2013: Greg’s Top Songs, 10-1
Now these are the best. Some of these are not only contenders for best songs of the year, but best I’ve ever heard. It was a really good year. 10. Mandolin Orange, “Cavalry” -From finger-picking melodies to well-delivered lyric lines, the duo harmonies …
The Wicks – Lux and Wax – Emerging country band with attitude
Take a little twang, add a dash of attitude, and a healthy helping of harmonies and what you have is a delicious dish called The Wicks. Okay so the metaphor is both mixed and forced, but breaking down the sound of this exciting …
Bradley Hathaway – How Long – Candid acoustic singer songwriter with simple, beautiful sound
Bradley Hathaway’s music is multigenerational and totally satisfying. From the full acoustic sound to the backing (and plunking) banjo, Hathaway provides a simple, beautiful sound. Nearly indescribable, the music soothes while provoking the listener to pay attention. With hat tips toward several past …
The Meadows Brothers – “A Train Makes a Sad, Sad Sound”
One of our readers sent us this suggestion with the comment, “there is hope for country music.” Indeed. These guys are young, talented, and fun to listen to. Give them a listen.



