Shady Groove

Its that time of year again where we can all reflect back on the past year. I think its safe to say that this year has been a great year for music. There have been some great new releases of old stuff, solid debuts by new artists, veterans crushing comebacks, and just some overall bad-ass albums. For those of you that know me, I’m a big fan of albums that have solid songs from front to back. I love albums that flow well, start well and end well. I need to be able to push play, sit back and enjoy the whole damn thing. These are the ones that got my attention, and kept my attention throughout the whole year.

11. Old Crow Medicine Show – Remedy

New album from the old folk standouts. The new tracks feel like they’ve given the band a rejuvenated energy.

10. Max Johnston – Dismantling Paradise

The debut album from Uncle Tupelo, Wilco, The Gourds alum Max Johnston is a great play front to back. Some of the Gourds lend a hand and make this a very good album.

9. Jack White – Lazaretto

This album broke records for record sales and is a stellar release. A couple of my favorite Jack White tunes in there.

8. Old 97’s – Most Messed Up

Its hard not to like the Old 97’s. Rhett Miller sings about 20+ years in the music business…And how he’s loved every minute of it.

7. The New Basement Tapes – Lost On The River

New reincarnations of un-recorded Bob Dylan tunes. Music written and recorded by some of the best musicians in the biz (Mumford, Jim James, Elvis Costello, Taylor Goldsmith). Plus it was produced by Tbone Burnett. How can it not be good?

6. Sharon Jones & The Dapkings – Give The People What They Want

Sharon Jones made this album with a newfound view on life. After winning in her battle with cancer, she hit the studio right away and cut it. With great tracks and new funky standards, it is sure to please.

5. St. Paul & The Broken Bones – Half The City

Great debut album by the Alabama band. Massive amounts of energy and soul on this release. They’re touring extensively right now, but when they get back in the studio I can’t wait to see what they do next.

4. Hurray For The Riff Raff – Small Town Heroes

Some great New Orleans folk rock for ya. This was hard to stop playing when I first heard it, and I continue to play it through to this day.

3. Ages and Ages – Divisionary

This album has been a breath of fresh air all year long. Backed with several solid tunes, a great groove and spot on harmonies, the band really cooks. They definitely had a breakout year.

2. The Hard Pans – Budget Cuts

Another Gourds off-shoot bands. This one is from the Gourds other primary songwriter, Jimmy Smith. Along with Claude Bernard (accordion, piano, guitar) and the Gourds sound tech Mark Creaney, this band really rocks.

1. Sturgill Simpson – Metamodern Sounds In Country Music

They say he’s gonna save country music. I don’t know about that but I do know that Sturgill and his band has got a great sound. He also backs it up with a Merle Haggard-like growl, some Dylan-esque lyrics at times and comes at it with a pretty jamming/rocking feel. I’ll definitely be playing this for years to come.

Honorable Mention:

The Black Keys – Turn Blue

Beck – Morning Phase

Mason Porter – Home for the Harvest

The Gourds – All The Labor Soundtrack