Lately I’ve been listening to and writing about the sound of ambient country music. I guess it’s the state of the world – but quieter, more ruminative and relaxing sounds have become even more important than ever of late. There are the traditional ambient go-to’s such as Eno, Harold Budd, Jon Hassall, Williams Basinski and … Continue reading
Another year and the end of another decade of great music. Time flies but at least we’ve got a great soundtrack. As ever 2019 saw some wonderful new music released. There was the return of artists who had been on a hiatus of sorts – Bill Callahan, Crazy Horse and most importantly… David Berman (R.I.P.) … Continue reading
‘Sweet Lucinda’, the new track from West Virginian Tony Harrah starts off pleasingly, in a burly troubadour kind of way but when it hits the chorus it locks you in. The shift of the drums and the upward melodic surge will win you over instantly. “Ah yes, this is great,” you’ll nod to yourself as the … Continue reading
Here’s a beautifully melodic and melancholic song from Wildie (Sweden). It comes from their album Westbound and finds them dealing in sweet, piano-led Americana. Continue reading
LOST GEMS AND REISSUING NOSTALGIA One of the features of the last few decades has been the ever increasing proliferation of reissues. They come in all forms – remastered, remixed, re-pressed and expanded and thankfully the world of Americana music is no exception. Reissues serve two important purposes. Firstly they cater to the nostalgia crowd … Continue reading
Reportedly the first of two volumes to be released this year, Americana is the first solo album from Ray Davies in nearly decade. It is also a companion of sorts to his autobiography of the same name and it certainly has a nostalgic feel to it – both geographically and culturally – and a predominantly … Continue reading
It’s an intriguing premise – gather a group of some of the finest singers, songwriters and players on the Melbourne alt-country scene and record them singing each other’s songs backed by a studio house band. That approach ensures continuity of style and feel from a musical perspective but there are still plenty of pleasant surprises … Continue reading
With the recent release of his sophomore album Violet Road, Sydney Americana artist Sam Newton has certainly made good on the promise he showed on his debut Set In Stone. The new record is intensely honest and personal, the result of Newton’s focus and desire to become the best songwriter he can possibly be. With … Continue reading
Warnings & Wisdom may only be her second album but American songwriter Jen Mize has already lived a colourful musical life that has taken her from Las Vegas casinos to the Boston Conservatory, from the Duke Ellington Orchestra to a home on the Sunshine Coast. Jen Mize’s debut Fear, Pride And A Few Stubborn Angels … Continue reading
Here are fifteen albums that have impressed us the most from the first half of 2016. A few favourites are in there, bands coming through with the goods yet again. There’s also a band releasing its final LP and a couple of debut releases. All in all it’s been a strong six months with plenty more … Continue reading
‘2000 Clicks’ is the second single from William Crighton’s brilliant self-titled debut record. ‘2000 Clicks’ illustrates Crighton’s literary approach to lyricism. The stirring track explores ideas of fate and free will, the ways in which we navigate the everyday chaos of life and evade the challenges it throws at us. These ideas are framed through the … Continue reading
I found myself immersed in Americana music much more than other genres in 2015 and as such I ended up with a large list of great albums to whittle down to the 40 you’ll find below. They’re all worthy of a listen, ranging from excellent to brilliant and they cover all bases – from … Continue reading
Marlon Williams is putting in some serious hard yards right now with his album a firm favourite here in Australia and New Zealand and bound to feature on many end of year best-of lists. As such he is still touring like a demon across the country, has played roles in a NZ film and an … Continue reading
As part of the 2015 OXJAM Music Festival the Petersham Bowling Club is presenting OXJAM Inner Western featuring musicians from the local Americana banding together to raise money to support OXFAM’s efforts to reduce world poverty. Now in Australia & started in the UK in 2006, Oxjam is a month-long party against poverty where music lovers from all … Continue reading
Dashville Skyline, the new Americana music festival brought to you by the good folk behind The Gum Ball and PigSty in July have announced the second batch of bands for the event taking place on the October long weekend (3rd & 4th) in the Hunter Valley NSW. Joining those already announced you can add the acts … Continue reading
