At this point, The Decemberists have a nice music history. The group formed in 2000 when Colin Meloy moved to Portland, Oregon, meeting Nate Query, Jenny Conlee, and Chris Funk. Their sound blends folk rock with complex narratives and varied instrumentation. The Decemberists produce rich, evocative arrangements; and they incorporate elements from different genres, producing…
Tim Easton is an American singer-songwriter known for his captivating blend of Americana, folk, and roots music. Born in Akron, Ohio, Easton’s musical journey began in the vibrant folk scene of Columbus, Ohio, where he honed his craft and developed his unique storytelling style. With influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Woody Guthrie, Easton’s music…
Tigers Blood is the latest album from the talented singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield, known by her stage name Waxahatchee. Having begun her career over a decade ago, Crutchfield has garnered critical acclaim with six albums under her belt. Crutchfield’s path as an artist has seen her evolve from indie lo-fi folk to the lush alt-country we…
Adrianne Lenker, known for her work as a member of the band Big Thief, has just released her latest solo album Bright Future. This record marks her first solo release since 2020’s songs & instrumentals. Recorded in the autumn of 2022 at the Double Infinity studio, the album was initially an experiment in collaboration with…
Sarah Jarosz’ seventh album is a real change of pace for the folk/Americana singer/songwriter who was viewed as a bluegrass prodigy on mandolin and banjo. Largely known as a folk artist, here Jarosz stretches out to work with a few other songwriters—Daniel Tashian, Natalie Hemby, Jon Randall, and Ruston Kelly—while embracing the poppier elements of…
I’ve been wracking my mind trying to think of another married couple that have recorded together with the same sympatico and creativity that I hear when ace Americana guitarist and sideman Buddy Miller records with his songwriter wife Julie Miller. Of course, there was Richard and Linda Thompson, but we all know that didn’t end…
Partly Cloudy is the full-length debut from the enigmatic female dream pop/folk rock artist who is most comfortable sharing her deepest, most intimate thoughts from behind her somewhat mysterious cat face mask. Most of the 13 tracks here are rooted very closely to simple acoustic guitar folk rock, with producer Billy Mohler providing just enough…
Joanna Sternberg’s sophomore album, I’ve Got Me, is a heartfelt and introspective album that delves into themes of recognition, self-discovery, and resilience. With their raw and honest songwriting, Sternberg invites listeners on a deeply personal journey, showcasing their remarkable talent as both a songwriter and performer. The album opens with the hauntingly beautiful title track,…
Scottish-native and singer/guitarist, Alasdair Roberts has always loved the traditional folk music of his homeland, and again after two dozen or so solo and collaborative releases, he returns here with 12 traditional ballads. Recorded live in the studio over the course of two days, Grief in the Kitchen and Mirth in the Hall, a title…
Yo La Tengo have been faithfully plugging along for nearly 40 years, with a new release every few years offering their assessment of what was going on in the world around us. For instance, in 2020 as the pandemic was kicking all of our asses, the trio re-assembled in their practice space following social distancing…
