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Alan BrownReviews
John Mayall: ToughThis, his 57th studio album, is meat-and-potatoes Mayall -- a solid record, albeit a non-adventurous one, from a spirited veteran bluesman who still has things to say and songs to sing. [9 February 2010] 
Jeff the Brotherhood: Heavy DaysThe Tennessee-based family band have been a well-kept secret of the local punk and hard rock scene around Nashville for far too long! [27 January 2010] 
Andrew Hoover: Chances, Stances and RomancesThe singer-songwriter, who usually performs his self-assured brand of smooth, acoustic blue-eyed soul and R&B solo, teams with a studio band, producing mixed results. [26 January 2010] 
The Lovely Eggs: If You Were FruitStream-of-consciousness everyday ditties, adult nursery rhymes, and madcap recitations voiced to a backdrop of whimsical, toytown psych-pop, and thrashing garage-drone dischord result in a debut album of boundless originality. [13 January 2010] 
The Corner Laughers: Ultraviolet GardenAnyone in need of a catchy indie-pop sugar rush frothing with humorous, whip-smart lyrics could do a lot worse than check out these jauntily melodic story-songs. [14 December 2009] 
Quintus McCormick Blues Band: Hey Jodie!A popular draw on Chicago's blues circuit since forming his band in 1994, the singer/guitarist has put together a solid album of 14 original songs and one cover that leaves you wondering how this could possibly be his first label release. [24 November 2009] 
The Homemade Jamz Blues Band: I Got Blues For YouThe youngest blues band to score a recording deal with a major label plays tight, modern electric blues with such feeling and maturity that you wonder whether it might've paid a midnight visit to the crossroads. [18 November 2009] 
Joe Louis Walker: Between a Rock and the BluesThe veteran bluesman’s album delivers on its title, offering his usual eclectic mix of soul-blues, jumping juke-joint R&B, and country-blues with a thick vein of string-bending guitar rock coursing through it, too. [16 November 2009] 
Left Lane Cruiser: All You Can EatThe powerhouse duo assimilates the Mississippi Delta blues laid down by guys like Big Joe Williams and Son House and cultivates it into a country punk 'n' blues speedball. It doesn't get a lot better than this. [12 November 2009] 
Rod Piazza and The Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet: Soul MonsterAfter winning the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year four times during the group’s 29-year history, the west coast musicians still keep its sound fresh and exciting. [9 November 2009] 
Various Artists: It Ain’t Over! - Delmark Celebrates 55 Years of BluesDrawing on the label's roster of stellar artists, Delmark's founder Bob Koester celebrated 55 years in the recording business by holding a roof-raising blues jamboree now documented for posterity on CD and DVD. [15 October 2009] 
Eddie C. Campbell: Tear This World UpWith his purple Fender Jazzmaster ringing with reverb, a punchy horn section, simmering organ, and some vocal gymnastics that'll make your eyes water, the veteran bluesman doesn't so much tear things up as rip them asunder on his first fresh record in over a decade. [8 October 2009] 
Brian Olive: Brian OliveDrawing inspiration from '60s psych-pop, after-hours jazz, and '70s glam stomp, the onetime Greenhornes guitarist and Soledad Brothers multi-instrumentalist steps out of the shadows cast by the Midwest garage-blues scene and into the light on his self-titled debut. [14 September 2009] 
Candye Kane: SuperheroAn eclectic mix of highly enjoyable roots music and sassy humor courtesy of a flamboyant ex-stripper-turned-blues-belting-diva. [10 September 2009] 
The Oxygen Ponies: Harmony HandgrenadeSardonic protest songs that swathe sincere sentiments in thrumming power-pop chords, sublime female backing vocals and joyful bursts of brass and shimmering strings. [16 August 2009] 
The Soundcarriers: HarmoniumThis album is so addictive it should come with a health warning. [29 July 2009] 
Lee Fields and the Expressions: My WorldThe gut bucket singer returns with another mellow waxing of sweet 'n' deep soul ballads, accompanied by a tight combination of contemporary metronomic beats, fluttering strings and punchy horns. [22 July 2009] 
Shawn Lee: Soul in the HoleWith a solid record that echoes rather than mimics the music he obviously cares so deeply about, the maverick musician pays homage to the southern grit and urban grooves of the 1960s and 1970s. 
Various Artists: Dr. Boogie Presents 26 Deranged and Smokin’ Cool CatsFourth in an ongoing series dedicated to seeking out little-known recordings from the '20s to the '60s, this collection digs up mostly obscure rockabilly rebels of the late '50s with outstanding results. [20 July 2009] Jennie DeVoe: Strange SunshineA record of highlights where tales of broken hearts and tumultuous relationships have never sounded so sassy, yet at the same time so seductively heartwrenching. [19 July 2009] 
Pisces: A Lovely SightBe prepared to take a leisurely, tripped-out stroll through inventive, haunting soundscapes and have your hearts, minds and ears warped by some of the most exciting recordings to ever bubble up out of the 1960s psychedelic stew. [16 July 2009] 
Snooks Eaglin: Baby, You Can Get Your Gun!This posthumous reissue of the country-blues veteran's first album for Black Top Records reminds you just how damn good a guitarist Eaglin was. Say hello to a rarely heard classic. [7 July 2009] 
Paul Jones: Starting All Over AgainThe many shades of the blues are vividly brought to life on the former Manfred Mann member's first solo album in 37 years -- what's taken you so damn long, Mr. Jones? [9 June 2009] 
Tower of Power: Great American SoulbookIn celebration of the band's 40-year anniversary, this new release features "classic" soul/funk cuts and distinguished guest vocalists from Sam Moore to Joss Stone as well as their signature horns and funky rhythm section -- a class act. [8 June 2009] 
Buckwheat Zydeco: Lay Your Burden DownInfectious zydeco influences cross-pollinated with gritty soul, reggae, jazz and high-energy funk-rock. It's party time down on the bayou! [29 May 2009] 
The Mojo Gurus: Let’s Get Lit with… the Mojo GurusThe Florida-based quartet mix novelty country songs about drinking, gritty-Southern-rock-meets-glam foot-stompers and even a little surf rock to great effect -- straight-from-the-source rock 'n' roll, unapologetic and one hell of a lotta fun. [3 May 2009] 
The New Standards: Rock and RollIt takes a lot of guts and a sly sense of humor to arrange signature songs from the likes of the Velvet Underground, Elvis Costello and the Clash into quirky, minimalist swing tunes. [12 April 2009] 
The Crowd Scene: With Complete Glossary For SquaresTen years after their excellent debut, the husband-and-wife team have returned with a solid two-part-harmony outing of sugar free chamber-beat-pop. [29 March 2009] 
The Sir Finks: Tres Mexicanos Del Sur de TexasThis definitive collection of the now defunct surf band's cuts delivers fluid grooves of fender-drenched reverberation with a rolling white-water backbeat. [18 March 2009] 
San Saba County: ... Though Cheating Was Never An OptionAustin-based quartet have returned with a bracing ride of despair that retells tales of heartache and loneliness. [8 March 2009] 
Seth Walker: Leap of FaithA classically trained cellist turned R&B/soul virtuoso heads to Nashville to conjure up a highly polished sophisticated stew, buffed up by swinging orchestral strings and stabbing horns throughout. [3 March 2009] 
Sleepy John Estes: On 80 HighwayThere's real magic in the almost telepathic interplay between two first-generation country bluesmen who'd been making music together for well over forty years when these up-to-now unreleased cuts were recorded in 1974. [24 February 2009] 
The Mojomatics: Don’t Pretend That You Know MeWith 12 originals in 30 minutes -- these guys don't stop to take prisoners, playing melodic garage rock that's informed by the wilder side of mid-'60s British rhythm and blues, some stonking rockabilly and blistering proto-punk glam. [23 February 2009] 
Blue Ash: No More, No LessMystifyingly left to languish in the vaults for 30 years, this masterpiece from the first wave of powerpop bands is equal to anything Big Star or the Flamin' Groovies have released. Yes, Blue Ash really are that good. [20 February 2009] 
Sally Crewe & the Sudden Moves: Your Nearest Exit May Be Behind YouWhip-smart lyrics, jagged guitar and a skanking stop-start rhythm section fuel an infectious blast of streamlined indie-pop that brings to mind the cool swagger of early Joe Jackson. [12 February 2009] 
Dakota Suite: The End of TryingA beguiling instrumental movement of minimalist melancholia, in turns deeply saddening and strangely uplifting. [10 February 2009] 
Saffire - the Uppity Blues Women: Havin’ the Last WordWith their sassy sophistication, straight-talking lyrics and skillful musicianship, the all-female group brought a fresh spin to the old themes of cheating men and misbehavin' women. [8 February 2009] 
Wreckless Eric & Amy Rigby: Wreckless Eric & Amy RigbyFormer '70s punk-rock scallywag meets country-pop artist -- a match made in music heaven. [6 February 2009] 
David Egan: You Don’t Know Your MindCapturing the many flavors of New Orleans fertile music scene over its 11 original cuts, the veteran songwriter and piano player's second solo album proves well worth the five-year wait. [29 January 2009] 
Shannon McArdle: Summer of the WhoreCovering the fallout from her marriage breakup, the former Mendoza Line singer has recorded a candid chronicle from the frontlines of despair, where lustful freedom barely compensates for the gaping chasm of loneliness. Music as therapy never sounded so good. [14 January 2009] 
Hushpuppies: Silence Is GoldenAn album of smoothly constructed singles that are brashly melodic yet taken as a whole become predictable and unmaginative. [17 December 2008] 
Ezra Furman and the Harpoons: Inside the Human BodyBoston's quirky folksters have returned with what can best be described as their coming-of-age party album. The band's newly discovered tumultuous punk-pop joy will make your ears prick up and put a smile on your face. [10 December 2008] 
The Telepathic Butterflies: Breakfast In SuburbiaA kaleidoscopic cogitation on life behind the lace curtain that mixes crunching power pop, jangly psychedelia and flourishes of Byrdsian folk-rock to excellent effect. [7 December 2008] 
Rain: RainRecorded in 1971, the Philadelphian quartet's album is one of those instances when collectors of obscure vinyl are correct -- this is worth seeking out. [30 November 2008] 
Elvin Bishop: The Blues Rolls OnA searing collection of studio sessions and one live track that takes the former Paul Butterfield Blues Band guitarist all the way back to his roots. [20 November 2008] 
The Points: The PointsA debut of catchy, adrenaline-fueled pandemonium from the Washington D.C. band. [12 November 2008] 
Ernie Halter: Starting OverThe smooth soul operator's third album is another largely autobiographical collection of streamlined R&B. [11 November 2008] 
The Deep Vibration: VeracruzThe Deep Vibration has strip-mined the music of country-rock pioneers and sculpted a sound that's both fresh and familiar. [5 November 2008] 
Brimstone Howl: We Came in PeaceWith their fourth album in three years, the guys from Lincoln, Nebraska, unleash some of the finest reverb-drenched rock 'n' roll to be heard in quite a while, finding their niche in a very crowded garage and letting in a little fresh air. [31 October 2008] 
Cornflakes Heroes: Dear Mr PainkillersAlthough this is an adventurous second outing with an imaginative use of electronica and a thoroughly spooky rhythm section, passivity begins to set in half-way through. [30 October 2008] 
Cake Bake Betty: To the Dark TowerThe 12 experimental folk numbers gathered here glide gracefully from jaunty piano lines and mildly chaotic percussion to much darker territory. [2 October 2008] 
The Cute Lepers: Can’t Stand Modern MusicThis is exactly the type of hook-laden short, sharp shock modern music needs at the moment -- a warning shot across the bows to all wannabe stadium rockers. [10 September 2008] 
Kelley McRae: Highrises In BrooklynSometimes a great voice and acoustic guitar are all you need -- the real magic here happens in front of the mic rather than behind the synth. [9 September 2008] 
Walter: Doin’ the Funky ThingA gumbo of southern soul, jazz, funk, and urban blues that makes you want to get up and grind the night away, and a triumphant tribute to the battered city of New Orleans. [8 August 2008] 
Jade Stone and Luv: Mosaics: Pieces of StonePart lounge-lizard country, part feral psych-rock with a '50s teen-beat chaser. [15 July 2008] 
Christa Couture: The Wedding Singer and the UndertakerThis Vancouver-based musician sings with heart-on-sleeve intensity about suffering and loss. It's her skill with words and the uplifting production which make this album so much better than a misery memoir. [10 July 2008] 
Pete Francis: Iron Sea and the CavalryCountrified folk-pop blending contemplative B-3 organ, spectral lap-steel and the thrashing strum of an acoustic guitar -- brings to mind the young Cat Stevens. [3 July 2008] 
The Ramblin’ Ambassadors: Vista Cruiser Country SquireCalgary's surf-rock instrumentalists add a contemporary edge to the grinding-guitar, tassell-teasing strip-club sound of the '50s and the reverbed fun in the sun of the '60s. [1 July 2008] 
The Grip Weeds: Infinite SoulAll skittering drums and scything guitar lines, this powerful slice of melodious psych-pop provides a great entry point to a magical body of work. [30 June 2008] 
The Priddle Concern: The Priddle ConcernTouches of '70s California country and psych-pop laced throughout reflective lyrics and a weathered, dreamlike delivery. [27 June 2008] 
Amos Lee: Last Days at the LodgeTime for Lee to spread his soulful wings and gently soar with this crop of literate story-songs lightly gilded with broadstroke orchestral flourishes, shrapnel-sharp guitar, and R&B grooves. [24 June 2008] 
Porter Block: Off Our ShouldersIf the teen-mystery series Veronica Mars was ever dusted off for another season, the producers need look no further for a soundtrack. 
Mississippi Heat: Hattiesburg BluesA triumphant fusion of urban blues, Southern soul and Latin and African rhythms makes this the most exciting blues album of the year so far. [16 June 2008] 
Bread Love And Dreams: The Strange Tale of Captain Shannon and the Hunchback from GighaThese wonderfully weird tales disappeared into the swirling mists of psych-folk legend soon after their release in 1970 -- what a shame. [3 June 2008] 
The BellRays: Hard, Sweet and StickyNot for the faint-hearted, nor the recently heartbroken -- but if you're neither, this dynamite disc is one slice of maximum R&B you cannot afford to miss out on. [19 May 2008] 
The Contents Are: Through YouThis previously hard-to-find gem from Iowa has a heady brew of subdued blues beats, catchy psych-pop, and tripped-out folk. [16 May 2008] 
The Long Blondes: CouplesA gutsy, experimental record which dares to be different, and proves that the Blondes are one of the more exciting groups around at the moment -- as close to synth-pop perfection as you're likely to get. [7 May 2008] 
Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King: Blood BrothersIf there was someone working quality control on modern electric Texas blues recordings, these boys would be gold-certified and stamped. [28 April 2008] 
Various Artists: Get Ready: U.K. Floor Fillers Volume 3Prime cuts of soul-pop danceability from 1960's England rescued from the musical abyss by an indefatigable collector of lost and obscure gems. [24 April 2008] 
Saint Bernadette: I Wanna Tell You SomethingHusband-and-wife team attempt to fist-pump their way out of the jazzy, retro box and make for a scattershot listening experience. [2 April 2008] 
Ann Vriend: When We Were SpiesThe pop-noir story of a shadowy Mata Hari told in a jazzy, impassioned country-soul voice, this is one well-kept secret everyone should have access to. [18 March 2008] 
Various Artists: Fairy Cakes For Tea: Fairytales Can Come True Volume 2Twenty addictive morsels of melodic, and at times seriously danceable, "popsike" confectionary – treat yourselves! [11 March 2008] 
Various Artists: Always Lift Him Up: A Tribute to Blind Alfred ReedA fine testament to one of the founders of country music, whose views about the perils of damnation might seem a tad harsh to modern ears. [10 March 2008] 
Chatham County Line: IVA quiet indie revolution in the field of edgy yet traditional bluegrass, with the influences of singer Dave Wilson's formative years as a roots-rocker occasionally bleeding through. [5 March 2008] 
Little Arthur Duncan: Live At Rosa’s Blues LoungeNo mere living link to the heyday of Chicago blues, the journeyman performer delves deep down in his soul and delivers a gritty, solid set. [3 March 2008] 
Billy Vera: Hopeless Romantic: The Best of Billy Vera and the BeatersA comprehensive overview showcasing the guys at their short-lived soul-pop peak. Always best heard live, most of the standouts here come from their first album. [15 February 2008] 
The Vandelles: The Vandelles EPA tidal wave of dischordant surf rock ebbs and swells over the course of five excellent tracks. [7 February 2008] 
The Satelliters: Where Do We Go?There will always be an audience for well-played, wildly oscillating garage-psych mayhem with stabs of staccato punk guitar and a fine dose of swirling folk-rock psychedelia. [6 February 2008] 
Slider Pines: Road Avenue RailroadA solid debut album that offsets power-pop bravado with emotive rootsy ballads. [5 February 2008] 
Jimmy Reed: Jimmy Reed at Carnegie HallThe blues had a baby and they named it rock and roll. Jimmy Reed was one of the few visionaries to make it happen, as this outstanding 23-song compilation proves. [16 January 2008] 
Dengue Fever: Venus on EarthThirty years after the Khmer Rouge silenced the original voices of Cambodian rock, a group of Californians infect audiences worldwide with their very own version of that reverb-drenched cocktail of surf-rock, garage psychedelia and soulful jazz. 
Morning Glory: Two Suns WorthFirst released in 1968, this solid, tightly arranged set of lysergic love is one obscure vinyl artifact that's actually worth digging up. [9 January 2008] 
The Trolleyvox: Your Secret Safe/LuzerneAn impressive two-CD set split between a completely acoustic disc and a meaty, electric album. [8 January 2008] 
The Shaker Heights: Magna DoorsAlthough the "something for everyone" approach dislodges a couple of hidden nuggets, this well-crafted album remains an uneven listening experience. [2 January 2008] 
Josie Cotton: Invasion of the B-GirlsSleazy, sweet-sounding movie music mayhem minus the dodgy grindhouse print. Go, Baby, Go! [21 December 2007] 
The Gladiators: Studio One SinglesResistance is futile as one reggae classic follows closely after another, from uplifting rasta-roots numbers to reverb-drenched dance hits. [18 December 2007] 
The Details: Draw a Distance. Draw a Border.A fine balancing act between "indie" guitar bombast, melodic balladry and country rock with feisty yet varying results. [14 December 2007] 
Johnny Rivers: Last Boogie in Paris: the Complete ConcertLive and underrated in the '70s. Listening to this expanded reissue with its ten added tracks of soulful rock 'n' roll just makes you wonder why this concert remained on the shelf for the last 34 years. [6 December 2007] 
Slow Six: Private Times in Public PlacesThis genre-bending three-song suite deserves to be heard by a wider audience than on its initial release in 2004. 
The Pillbugs: Monclovia"The world's most psychedelic band"? Well, maybe. Prolific? You bet. This, their fifth album provides the perfect gateway to the intoxicating, perfumed garden inhabited by the Pillbugs. [4 December 2007] 
Sterling Harrison: South of the Snooty FoxSterling Harrison is one performer who really does live up to the cliché -- one of the greatest soul singers you never heard of -- on this, his posthumous album. [28 November 2007] 
Blanche: Little Amber BottlesWelcome to the back porch party. Who’s that guy with the scythe? Why, he's the guest of honour! [21 November 2007] 
Corb Lund: Horse Soldier! Horse Soldier!Roots music at its finest. To the sound of a galloping stand-up bass, blasts of mariachi horns and insistent pedal steel, Corb Lund's lesson in cavalry history pulls no punches and takes no prisoners. [19 November 2007] 
Marmalade Souls: In StereoThe inspired Beatles enthusiasts from Sweden never shy away from their influences, yet miraculously never sound dated either. [6 November 2007] 
Chris Robley: Drunken Dance of Modern Man in LoveChris Robley's second solo outing proves there will always be room for one more inventive multi-instrumentalist with a passion for telling tales from the dark side of life. [2 November 2007] 
Dr. Horsemachine and the Moneynotes: This Year We HuntDr. Horsemachine and the Moneynotes take crooning Dixieland-jazz vocals and stir in some Appalachian-roots-inspired country-punk abandon to strangely intoxicating effect, proving that there's still some fun to be found out there in indieworld. [25 October 2007] 
Five O’Clock Heroes: Bend to the BreaksThis post-punk quartet likes to keep things raucous, jerky and button-tight. Catch them live! [24 October 2007] 
Deadstring Brothers: Silver MountainA near perfect melding of the Brothers' cut-throat country rock with an edgier, soulful sound that allows sultry backing singer Masha Marjieh a chance to step out of the shadows and shine on their third album. [12 October 2007] 
The Three 4 Tens: Down the WayPhiladelphia's psychedelic throwbacks return with a third album that's altogether darker and as catchy as hell. [1 October 2007] 
Jim Lauderdale: The Bluegrass DiariesWith a recording schedule that might have a lesser artist reaching for the bottle, Jim Lauderdale cuts another refreshing collection of solid bluegrass. [21 September 2007] 
The Sharp Things: A Moveable FeastThe third album from New York's 11-piece symphonic-pop ensemble serves up an eclectic banquet of darkly atmospheric chamber-pop and cool lounge-swing to an often dazzling effect. [18 September 2007] 
Dollar Store: Money MusicThis is one country-punk band who won't be selling out to "the man" anytime soon. [24 August 2007] 
The Hedrons: One More Wont Kill UsLuckily for us self-control is something the Hedrons, an all-girl pop-punk quartet from Glasgow, don't subscribe to. [12 July 2007] 
Little Aida: Mad CountryLittle Aida's first release in over ten years is a beguiling mix of lysergic-country and ambient folk-melancholia. It's just a shame we had to wait so long. [26 June 2007] 
Gore Gore Girls: Get the GoreA hybrid of Sonics-style garage-raunch and '60s girl-group sass, blending lacerating Gretch guitar workouts, infectious handclap rhythms and sweet 'n' sour harmonies to great effect. [25 June 2007] 
Patrick Sweany: Every Hour Is a Dollar GoneEvery Hour Is a Dollar Gone captures the soulful drawl of this Rust Belt bluesman without losing any of his rock 'n' roll swagger. [20 June 2007] 
Raleigh: The House on Seedling LaneThe walls of The House On Seedling Lane reverberate to a heady mix of melodious, orchestral folk-pop and waltzing, carnivalesque whimsy that wears its influences proudly on paisley shirtsleeves. [13 June 2007] 
Mira Mira: Midnight For YouSun-drenched indie-pop meets avant-garde instrumentalism on Mira Mira's assured yet eclectic debut. [4 June 2007] 
Through the Sparks: Lazarus BeachThrough the Sparks are multi-instrumentalists who temper their fondness for prog rock with swathes of barrelhouse piano, grandiose harmonies and sweet southern-soul horns. [31 May 2007] 
The Hard Lessons: Hard LessonsMichigan garage band the Hard Lessons discover that sometimes it pays to acknowledge your heroes. [23 May 2007] 
The Roadside Graves: No One Will Know Where Youve BeenThe Roadside Graves's third album proves that you don't have to come from deep in the pines to play gut-wrenching folk 'n' country. [21 May 2007] 
The Dexateens: Hardwire HealingAlabama country-punks the Dexateens still sound hell-bent and ornery on this, their strongest album so far, albeit in a more mature, reflective, back-porch sort of way. 
Peel: PeelListening to Peel is like taking part in a high-speed pursuit through garageland at the height of summer with the Velvet Underground and Apples In Stereo on your tail. [15 May 2007] 
Travis Mitchell Band: Forget Whats WrongThe Travis Mitchell Band intertwines classic rock and Texas country on a debut full of potential. And there "Ain't nothin' Nashville about that". [9 May 2007] 
Captain Yonder: Good-Bye, Woland!Captain Yonder continue to deliver spooky country-folk tales of ethereal, sepia-tinged beauty. [26 April 2007] 
Justine Electra: Soft RockAustralian-born, Berlin resident, Justine Electra has been a fixture on the German underground tek-house scene for the last few years. [23 April 2007] 
Spady Brannan: SpadySeasoned Nashville studio musician and respected songwriter Spady Brannan steps up to the mic to record his debut after only 30 years in the business. [17 April 2007] 
Lonesome Travelers: Lonesome TravelersThe Lonesome Travelers take the country-rock heritage of Gram Parsons and plain run with it on their eponymous debut. [12 April 2007] 
David Rovics: Halliburton Boardroom MassacreThis may be David Rovics' 14th album, but you'd be mistaken to think that the American protest singer and anti-war activist has lost any of his passion or fight. [6 April 2007] 
The Trucks: The TrucksThe all-female, electro-punk quartet the Trucks don't want to "sit nice and be quiet" on their self-titled debut. Damn right! [4 April 2007] 
Valorie Miller: Folk StarFolk Star serves as the perfect reminder that you can never underestimate the power of an original voice. [2 April 2007] 
Julie Sokolow: Something About ViolinsSomething About Violins is a beguiling lo-fi debut from a singer-songwriter whose lyrics can become strangely upsetting at times. [30 March 2007] 
Wayne Hancock: TulsaWayne "the Train" Hancock is back with a honky-tonk country stew that'll have you hoisting a cold one in joyous salute to the "King of Juke-Joint Swing". [26 March 2007] 
Crooked Still: Shaken by a Low SoundMandolin? No. Guitar? Sparingly on two tracks. Cello? You bet your arse. [19 March 2007] 
Dale Ann Bradley: Catch TomorrowThis is a near perfect album of traditional bluegrass that delivers heart-rending, joyous, and kick-ass tunes in equal measure. [16 March 2007] 
Dan Sartain: Join Dan SartainThis sophomore release from the "Ivory Godfather" serves up a seriously good set of reverb-drenched numbers that flows seamlessly between waves of rolling surf guitar and '60s garage-punk. [2 March 2007] 
Terry Ohms: Terry Ohms Plays Wes McDonaldOhms skillfully bashes out songs on his guitar that bring to mind a punk Townes Van Zandt. [27 February 2007] 
San Saba County: Its Not the Fall That HurtsWhere Austin-based San Saba County's 2004 debut had its roots firmly planted in the alt-country soil of the Lone Star State, their follow-up proves to be a lot like the Texas desert. [23 February 2007] 
The Apples in Stereo: New Magnetic WonderAfter a five-year hiatus the Apples in Stereo are back with their very own Smile -- New Magnetic Wonder combines the dazzling, sunbleached pop of yore with a phenomenal wall-of-sound production that does not beg to be heard -- it demands it. [6 February 2007] 
Bill Kirchen: Hammer of the Honky-Tonk Gods"The King of Dieselbilly" has returned from a five-year hiatus, delivering an eclectic mix of country-roots cuts that is as good a reason as any to kick up your heels and party. [24 January 2007] 
Shooter Jennings and the .357s: Live at Irving Plaza 4. 18. 06Shooter Jennings might have played his daddy, Waylon, in the Johnny Cash biopic, Walk the Line, but when he steps out on stage fronting the .357's he is most definitely his own man, with an untamed independent voice that rocks, country-style. [22 January 2007] 
The Antiques: Nicknames and NativesThe Antiques are the musically serene country cousins of the raunchy Americana-fuelled folk-rock sound brought to the indie stage by bands like My Morning Jacket and the Kings of Leon. [2 January 2007] 
The Aquarium: The AquariumAll told, these 11 instrumental and vocal cuts form the type of innovative album that restores your faith in independent music. [22 December 2006] 
John Waite: Downtown Journey of a HeartJohn Waite, former lead singer with '70s rockers the Babys and "supergroup" Bad English has his downtown-bound heart set on making a comeback by rediscovering his past with this refreshing "greatest hits" collection of solid acoustic cuts. [5 October 2006] 
Deryl Dodd: Full CircleDeryl Dodd's follow-up to Stronger Proof has just the right mix of roadhouse honky-tonkin' and country blues to get you tappin' your foot while cryin' in your beer. [15 September 2006] 
Astropop 3: LifeIf an indie alternative to Lilly Allen sounds pretty good about now, Astropop 3 might just provide you with all the catchy summer pop hooks you require. [1 September 2006] 
Johnny Dowd: Cruel Words'Cruel Words' is an eerie treat of musical inventiveness from the dark hinterland of Americana. Exceptional! 
The Adored: A New LanguageThe Adored's eagerly anticipated debut album is a vibrant mixture of wry social observation and catchy hooks that packs a hugely entertaining punch. [14 July 2006] |
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