My Morning Jacket’s mystical musical powers seemed to be waning on their last two albums. There was a restlessness at play, a desire to shrug off the shackles of cosmic Americana rock and show they could do anything, or at least whatever they wanted. It didn’t work when they swung the pendulum too far outside … Continue reading
There was a whiff of novelty act when these Swedish sisters singing country-tinged folk music with a You Tube hits-heavy cover of a Fleet Foxes song first appeared in 2008 but any cynicism quickly evaporated when people heard their songs and fell in love with those voices and harmonies. Three albums down the track they … Continue reading
Mia Dyson has a brand new album called Idyllwild out now. Here’s the clip for the first single ‘When We’re Older’ and it’s an excellent song built on a beautiful sentiment, rough and raw guitars with one of those heart-tugging vocal performances. Emotive and catchy as hell. Continue reading
Hollie Fullbrook’s debut album and other releases as Tiny Ruins have been critically lauded, as have her many live shows over the last few years. Brightly Painted One, her long overdue follow-up to Some Were Meant For Sea continues the exceptional journey of this New Zealand singer/songwriter whose reputation is now one that spans continents. … Continue reading
Gillian Welch’s record label Acony Records is proud to announce Willie Watson’s debut solo album Folk Singer Vol. 1 to be released on May 6, 2014. The album was produced by David Rawlings, longtime friend and producer of Watson’s previous band, Old Crow Medicine Show. “There’s a lot of weight in the way Willie performs,” … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Surprisingly this is the first collaborative album from Lo Carmen and her pianist father Peter Head and hopefully it won’t be the last, such is its endearing mix of country soul and late night jazz. Primarily the songs are built on Head’s elegant and melodious playing and Carmen’s playful purr of a … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Swedish songwriter Johan Örjansson is the latest in a strong line of Scandinavians who manage to dial into authentic interpretations of folk and Americana. First Aid Kit, The Tallest Man on Earth and Kings of Convenience among others have nailed the melodic richness and vocal sensitivities of folk music and Örjansson is … Continue reading
Bonnie Whitmore (Denton TX) has a brand new album There I Go Again out now and it is a wonderful journey through country and sun-dappled soul and rock. Playing country music from the age of 8 means she has lived and learnt it and her songs flow effortlessly, overflowing with a sense of purpose, strength and … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Veritable veterans of country music, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell have been friends ever since she heard a cassette demo of his song Bluebird Wine (covered here) back in 1975. She included the song on her debut album and he joined her band so it is surprising this is their first true … Continue reading
by Chris Familton Collaboration isn’t new to Dawn McCarthy and Will Oldham who released an album of demos in 2007 (Wai Notes) as an addendum to the previous year’s The Letting Go on which McCarthy sang. Those songs showed an ethereal synergy between their voices making this new album a tantalising proposition for those who … Continue reading
Jay Farrar’s band Son Volt have a new album, just released last week, called Honky Tonk via Rounder Records. The album features eleven new songs that are inspired by the classic honky tonk sound of Bakersfield. Check out the video for the opening track, an Rdio stream of the LP and the band’s upcoming US tour dates. … Continue reading
NSW singer/songwriter James Thomson has recently released his debut album on Laughing Outlaw Records to much critical acclaim. The album is a slow growing collection of folk, blues and country songs – stark, brooding, intimate and elegant in the way they carry and convey emotional ache and weight. There are touches of Justin Townes Earle, … Continue reading
POST TO WIRE 