Americana / Soul / Swamp Rock
Category Archives: Americana
Album Reviews / Americana / Country / Folk
ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant | Band Of Joy
written by Chris Familton Robert Plant must have a firm grasp on what made 2007’s Raising Sand with Alison Krauss such a success as he has twisted the formula ever so slightly and come up with another wonderful set of warm, rich and beguiling songs. While others who share his musical past are content to … Continue reading
Americana / Country / Folk / Gig Reviews
LIVE REVIEW: Joe Pug @ Raval, Sydney 18/11/10
written by Chris Familton Chris Altmann is the singer with Melbournians The Vandas but he is fast developing a solo career with some authentic country and southern rock acoustica. From the first guitar notes and words he came across as someone who knows his country music and isn’t afraid to frame his songs in the … Continue reading
NEWS: Ryan Adams set to release 2LP of extras from Easy Tiger sessions…
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals are set to release III/IV, a double set of outtakes from the sessions that resulted in the Easy Tiger album in 2007. In their own words: In 2007 Ryan Adams and the Cardinals entered Electric LandLady studios on 8th street in NYC and went in for a session intended to … Continue reading
VIDEO: From The Byrds to The Eagles… A BBC doco
The BBC are generally pretty onto it when it comes to music docos and this one covering the whole LA Laurel Canyon scene of the 70s is no exception. Featuring -Neil Young, CSN, Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and various groupies, label managers and promoters… Continue reading
VIDEO: Buffalo Springfield reunited…
The band reunited over the weekend to play an acoustic set of sorts at Pegi & Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Concert… Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Mavis Staples | You’re Not Alone
written by Chris Familton Mavis Staples rose to fame in the 50s and 60s as a member of the gospel group The Staple Singers before releasing a string of soul and spiritual albums as a solo artist. In 2007 she worked with Ry Cooder and now Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy has been assigned the producer task … Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan | Hawk
written by Chris Familton Isobel Campbell (ex Belle & Sebastian) continues her collaboration with Mark Lanegan and over six years she has produced three albums that delve deeper into brittle Americana blues, folk and dark country at each turn. With the latest, Hawk, the good news is that she has produced her best work yet. … Continue reading
Americana / Country / Folk / Gig Reviews / Indie Folk
CONCERT REVIEW: First Aid Kit @ OAF, Sydney 09/09/10
written by Chris Familton Daisy M. Tulley has been building a solo career alongside her day job in Bridezilla and it is proving to be impressive one. In front of the growing crowd she silenced the chatterers at the bar and delivered a set of haunting, stately songs that grew and faded at a funereal … Continue reading
NEWS: Justin Townes Earle cancels tour and enters rehab…
After his incident in Indianapolis which resulted in a trashed hotel room, punches being thrown and a visit to the police station, Earle has cancelled the rest of his current tour and voluntarily entered rehab to hopefully halt any further relapse into dependency or addiction. He made the following statement on his webpage… In regards … Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Crowes | Croweology
written by Chris Familton The Black Crowes were somewhat out of step with the times when they first emerged amid the hysteria of grunge in the early 90s. Their sound was traditional blues soaked American rock with flashes of gospel influence, southern rock and nods to americana and country. They really had little in common … Continue reading
NEWS: Calexico give away live album for free…
Calexico have graciously decided to give away a recording of their gig in Nuremburg last year. If you haven’t experienced the mexicali, americana, mariarchi sounds of Calexico live then this is the next best thing… DOWNLOAD Continue reading
VIDEO: Howe Gelb & A Band Of Gypsies | Uneven Light Of A Day
Howe Gelb has released a new record with a new band A Band Of Gypsies, called Alegrias. As the name suggests it is a much more gypsy flavoured album but still with Gelb’s sun-baked desert americana and quirky way with words. I love his description of a ‘myopic optimistic hooker’. Continue reading
VIDEO: Jakob Dylan | NPR Tiny Desk Concert.
Jakob Dylan has a new record Woman & Country out now which is receiving some impressive reviews. We’ll take a look at it in detail soon. For now, here is a set of songs that Dylan played in the NPR offices recently and which also features the fantastic Neko Case and Kelly Hogan on backing … Continue reading
Album Artwork / Americana / Folk / News
NEWS: Dylan looks back with Bootleg Series Volume 9…
Sony Music has announced details of 2 new Dylan releases before the end of 2010. The first and most interesting is the latest instalment in the Bootleg Series – Volume 9. Sub-titled The Witmark Demos: 1962-1964 it will be released on CD and 4 LP 180-gram vinyl. It captures Dylan accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, … Continue reading
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