I think in many ways we’d all like to erase 2020 and start again, but still with the release of the many great albums that came out this year. I’m guessing, like me, most of you found solace, escape, distraction and comfort in listening to music – new and old – to get you through … Continue reading
Here’s our mid year list for 2020. In alphabetical order, the albums (and one EP) that have hit our musical sweet-spot over the last six months. Big hitters and newcomers cosied up together in a smorgasbord of country, folk and Americana goodness. Dig in and have a listen… Andrew Tuttle Alexandra Andy Golledge Namoi EP … Continue reading
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit Reunions Caroline Australia Jason Isbell cemented himself in the pantheon of 21st century songwriters with his Southeastern album in 2013. Since then he’s continued to release strong records but Reunions stands as his most consistent set of songs to date. Sure it might not have the exquisite emotional songwriting … Continue reading
There’s that age old conundrum with live albums – it’s never going to be as good as actually being there but you get to hear different versions of songs and and the nuances within them. Jason Isbell released a live EP back in 2008 and the Live From Alabama album in 2012 so it’s clear he’s … Continue reading
IN THE WAKE OF THE NASHVILLE SOUND Ahead of his recent return to Australia with his band The 400 Unit, Jason Isbell took Chris Familton through what he’s been up to in the wake of last year’s The Nashville Sound. “I still don’t think of myself as a country musician,” says Jason Isbell, talking about the … Continue reading
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit + Deer Tick @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney 25/03/18 Sitting right at the nexus of Americana and southern rock is Jason Isbell. Since his tour of duty in Drive By-Truckers and through his subsequent breakthrough solo career, he’s found that sweet spot between the heartbreaking balladeer and the guitar shreddin’ … Continue reading
In the space of his last two albums Jason Isbell’s status has rocketed from ex-Drive-By Trucker and respected songwriter to Grammy and Americana Association awards winner and one of the most acclaimed of this generation’s Americana/country artists, alongside Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton. The Nashville Sound is a re-framing of Isbell, with his long-serving band … Continue reading
It’s been a big week for announcements and releases and shaping for another big one next week. Jason Isbell‘s new album Something More Than Free is finally out after being announced months ago (and leaking very early too). It’s been getting mixed reviews – Pitchfork gave it a paltry 5.8/10 while Paste gave it an 8.6/10. … Continue reading
Hi Jason, what’s been happening in the lead-up to the new album coming out? We just finished a few shows with Dwight Yoakam and got home yesterday and we’re leaving tomorrow to go to my guitar player’s wedding in Charleston. I love what Dwight does. His voice is still really good and he still writes … Continue reading
The personal highlight of our week was the chance to chat with Jason Isbell ahead of the release of his new album Somewhere More Than Free. From his days in Drive-by Truckers to his solo career that seems to get better and better with each release, culminating to date with Southeastern that garnered Americana Music … Continue reading
Jason Isbell has huge expectations on his shoulders ahead of the release of the follow-up to his critically acclaimed Southeastern album. On the evidence of this first song to emerge from Something More Than Free he’s continued his great songwriting and lyrical deftness. Continue reading
Ahead of his Australian tour with Tift Merritt you can check out the 20 minute set Jason Isbell played last September at radio station KEXP in Seattle, WA. Songlist: Flying Over Water Live Oak Different Days Stockholm Continue reading
On the back of his superb album 2013 album Southeastern, strangely not released locally in Australia until February, Jason Isbell has announced a series of dates in addition to his appearance at Boogie Festival next April. In addition to performing with a full band, Isbell will have Tift Merritt opening for him. Merritt locally released her Travelling Alone LP earlier … Continue reading
Here’s the official video for Travelling Alone, one of the many excellent songs on Jason Isbell’s 2013 LP Southeastern. Continue reading
We’re a bit off the pace with our mid year list of albums that have impressed us the most so far in 2013 but here they are. Some may not appear on our end of year list, many more will be added in the coming months and no doubt there are some we’ve missed. Here … Continue reading
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