It may seem a tad peculiar that a band from the Inner West of Sydney could breathe genuine spirit and authenticity into Mexican-infused country music but Dusty Ravens have done just that on their second album. Low Down Jimmy is the sound of desert dust, desperate souls, sin and salvation – all bathed in mood-heavy instrumentation. … Continue reading
THE IMPORTANCE OF LETTING GO Frazey Ford made her name as a member of folk group The Be Good Tanyas but now she’s approaching her third album as a solo artist. Ahead of her November Australian tour she talked with Chris Familton about songwriting, life outside music and her new single covering D’Angelo. On her … Continue reading
I caught Ben Leece for the first time at this year’s Dashville Skyline Festival. It was broad daylight on the last morning, the vibe was lazy, sun-kissed and chilled out. Ben started singing and something in the air shifted. It was one of those voices that catches the air and piques one’s senses. Rich with … Continue reading
In 1976, within weeks of finishing the recording of Long May You Run, his album with Stephen Stills, Neil Young visited the studio and in a solo and weed-assisted session laid down ten songs, many of which would become staples and high-water marks of his long and illustrious career. Young has released many archival albums … Continue reading
She’s known primarily for her country and folk albums but Eilen Jewell has always had a love for the blues. On Down Hearted Blues she’s finally taken the plunge and delved deep into the history of blues music with a collection of covers from the genre that stands as a key cornerstone of all popular … Continue reading
There’s a strong timeless quality that permeates Jed Rowe’s fourth album. Timeless in the sense that the songs aren’t tied to any particular style that can place it on the timeline of rock n roll – yet also in the way the songs are written, paced and arranged. They’re treated with a laid-back swaying sound … Continue reading
Traveller, The Deslondes, Andy Golledge @ Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney, Oct 20th, 2017 In previous years, gigs like this Out On The Weekend sideshow would most likely have taken place at the sadly departed Newtown Social Club, so it was nice to see a good sized venue like Marrickville Bowling Club being used for international shows, … Continue reading
Son Volt, Jason Walker, Fallon Cush @ Factory Theatre, Oct 18th, 2017 Locals Fallon Cush had a short opening slot but they made the most of it, showcasing songs from their brand new album Morning and making a strong case for them being the most in-form country-rock band in Sydney at the moment. Cascading melodies and harmonies … Continue reading
Justin Townes Earle, Joshua Hedley, The Sadies @ Factory Theatre, Sydney, Oct 17th, 2017 After the failure to get Melbourne’s Out On The Weekend Americana music festival up and running in Sydney, we should feel lucky we still get to experience all the acts playing their own sideshows here. It amounts to a week of treats … Continue reading
Old Crow Medicine Show, Valerie June @ Enmore Theatre, Oct 3rd 2017 House lights were dimmed and, apart from a white cowboy hat and some impressive beards, four unassuming band members walked on stage and kicked into the opening song before Valerie June strode onstage with dreadlocks bundled high, a shimmering gold sequinned outfit and turquoise … Continue reading
With two new albums out this month, Pete Cullen is laying out two sides of himself in song. One Way In is decidedly high throttle rockabilly, and while there is some overlap, here Cullen strips it back, opens his shoulders and sings a batch of decidedly more alt-country songs. The mix of acoustic and electric … Continue reading
Pete Cullen has doubled down on releases in 2017 with the more alt-country album No Way Out also being released at the same time as One Way In. The difference is that this one is firmly in the rockabilly camp. Electric guitars bristle and distort, drums stomp and hit a heavy shuffle while the bass … Continue reading
A life-long Merle Haggard fan, Will Oldham has apparently long considered recording an album of Haggard songs and in the wake of his death last April he’s done just that. He hasn’t gone straight for the hits though, he’s hen-picked from 44 years of recorded songs, choosing personal favourites in honour of the great songwriter. … Continue reading
Bloodshot Records know their way around a good compilation album and this year they’ve put together 13 tracks to celebrate/survive/bemoan the December festive period. 13 Days of Xmas has something to fit any mood, any occasion, for this sometimes-wonderful, sometimes-trying time of year. From the garage-soul of Barrence Whitfield and the Savages’ “Papa Barrence’s Christmas,” … Continue reading
A year on from the death of friend and collaborator, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson pays tribute with ‘He Won’t Ever Be Gone’, the closing track on God’s Problem Child. The passing of time and mortality rears its inevitable head on a number of the album’s songs. ‘Old Timer’ and the black humour of ‘Still Not … Continue reading
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