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LANKUM – False Lankum: The current face of contemporary Celtic music. They lift the traditional songs into dramatic productions.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]THE HU – Rumble of Thunder: I heard them on a radio show from Scotland who thought they sounded Celtic(?). When I played the album at home, my daughter thought it was one of her metal bands from the 80s. In actuality they are simply your typical Mongolian garage band.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]YO LA TANGO – This Stupid World: Very strong and focused. Some bands just will not go quietly into the night.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]THE BASEBALL PROJECT – Grand Salami Time: Considering their musical pedigree, I was really hoping for a protest song against the use of ghost runners in extra innings but that will have to wait until the next time. Their love of the game and its history is palpable.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]DROPKICK MURPHYS – Okemah Rising: Part 2 of their Woody Guthrie project which is just as good as last year’s album. They were featuring both albums when I saw them in concert last fall. Docked one position for being less than 30 minutes long.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]MARGO PRICE- Strays: Rootsy Americana and country album which Price is attributing to her liberal indulgence of mushrooms. The effort shows.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]THE HIVES – The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons: It jumps out at you like a jackhammer and never lets up.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]PRETENDERS – Relentless: The strength of the rockier songs rests in her collaboration with James Walbourne whose guitar and writing skills I’ve already raved about in his work with The Rails.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]LISA O’NEILL – All of This Is Chance: Superb folksinger and storyteller in the best of the Irish tradition. She also has one of the more unique and authentic voices in Celtic music.
Buy New or Used via Amazon Rent via iTunes [?]ROLLING STONES – Hackney Diamonds: First album in years where it sounds like they weren’t just going through the motions. Some of the songs such as “Sweet Sounds of Heaven’ are truly impressive.
THE MARY WALLOPERS – Irish Rock N Roll: In the wake of Shane’s passing, the band has produced its first album of original songs that at least evoke the spirit of the Pogues.
SHIRLEY COLLINS – Archangel Hill: Reportedly her final album but I think they say that about every artist after they turn 88. If this is how she tops a 65 year recording career then it’s a fitting and impressive end.
JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT – Weathervanes: It seems like all of the people who populate his songs are struggling or have seen better days. That he is able to approach his subjects with such humanity is his real strength.
THE SALT COLLECTIVE – Life: The collective consists of musicians from France but it’s the parade of collaborators which initially caught my eye. Virtually all of them have graced numerous POOP lists in the past.
PETER GABRIEL – i/o: For his first album in a couple decades, it sounds very much like he did in the 80s and 90s.
KURT VILE – Back To Moon Beach: Except for the misguided cover of the Dylan Christmas song, it is an album of grooves that just worm their way into your brain.
SUFJAN STEVENS – Javelin: I originally got into Stevens through his Christmas music of all things. This is very reminiscent of his earlier acoustic work which I prefer.
LUCINDA WILLIAMS – Stories From A Rock N Roll Heart: Songs from someone who survived rock n roll and dedicated to Tommy Stinson, a rock n roll casualty.
SIGUR ROS – Atta: As powerful and atmospheric as ever although I am beginning to wonder if there is still room to grow further.
BUDDY & JULIE MILLER – In The Throes: Buddy has been a staple and a Zelig in americana and roots music for decades. He and his wife do not put out records together very often but when they do it’s a treat.
THE NEW PORNOGRAPHERS – Continue As Guest
NATALIE MERCHANT – Keep Your Courage
MEG BAIRD – Furling
GLEN HANSARD – All That Was East Is West To Me Now
SON VOLT – Day of The Doug- The Songs of Doug Sahm