IZHAV – “Freight train”-One of the oldest themes in country and Americana songwriting is the freight train. Train hopping, hoboing, traveling the country as a way to leave rough beginning or to head to promising new places is a trenchant theme. This track …
Tag Archives: new country music
Three intriguing tracks at the intersection of alt country and Americana
Brittany Ann Tranbaugh – “The Christmas Flannel Song”-I don’t personally feature Christmas music very often, so for me to write about it I have to like it a lot. This is a wonderful song from Tranbaugh, with shades of John Prine’s storytelling and …
Three new tracks pushing the definition of “country” music
Nathaniel David Knox – “Place of their own”-A country song about settling down with someone you love. Yes! It’s charming, endearing, and blends together a lot of timeless American music styles. Maybe this one is more appropriately called Americana, but I’m absolutely here …
Featured Single: Casey Kearney – “Waffle House”
We don’t approve a lot of country music around here these days, so when we do you know it has to be of a particularly high quality. When it comes to Casey Kearney, it’s easy to hear that quality come through in both …
Three unique new country tunes to get you going
Brit Taylor – “Broken Heart Breaks”-It’s unbelievable how a good timeless country sound can cut through the noise. This track was co-written by Brit Taylor, Dan Auerbach, and Joe Allen. The country and folk bona fides drop through on this one. I love …
Album Review: Bob Sumner – Wasted Love Songs
It’s hard to find country music that feels genuine, but Bob Sumner has put together a classy country album full of quality songs. If you’re a fan of the Rayland Baxter and Andrew Combs version of country music these days, you’ll love what …
Stacy Lantz – Ready This Time – Classic female vocalist keeps Nashville honest
Stacy Lantz is the picture of Nashville’s music scene. No longer “just country” the classic intricacies of Lantz’s style keep listeners happy and craving more. Her bandcamp page describes her vocals as “piercing,” which might be the single best word for her. To …
Quick Hits: Hiram Ring, Aaron Moses, and Matt Bradford
I have been finding some pretty incredible artists this year and I’d like to feature a few in this version of quick hits. These guys (okay there’s one common thread) are singer songwriters of the highest order. Their acoustic jams will get toes …
New Sweden – New Sweden
The amazing band New Sweden describe their sound as “American music” and that vague description could not be better. From the opening track of this latest EP, it’s evident that these musicians have spent a lot of time with real American music. Reflecting …
Jason Isbell – Southeastern
At some point we need to stop talking about Jason Isbell as the “guy from the Drive-By Truckers” and just see his as his own songwriter and musician. I’ll be honest I wasn’t a huge fan of the Truckers, but I am a …