Brent Cobb Searches the Sky to Find the ‘Southern Star’
Southern Star succeeds because country’s Brent Cobb is more interested in telling a story and having a good time than pontificating.
alternative country
DeYarmond Edison’s ‘Epoch’ Is a Box Set Bildungsroman for Bon Iver
Bon Iver emerged from the ashes of DeYarmond Edison along with Megafaun. Epoch is an archaeological endeavor documenting the eventual success through devotion to craft.
Tyler Childers’ New LP Evokes the Golden Age of the Nashville Sound
With Rustin’ in the Rain, Tyler Childers and the Food Stamps have dropped one of the year’s more vital pure country albums. The rich production is impressive.
Mick Flannery Knows ‘Goodtime Charlie’ Has Still Got the Blues
Mick Flannery uses his gravel-edged voice to full effect on his latest album, Goodtime Charlie. He cultivates the nuances of his limits.
Hiss Golden Messenger Find Reasons to ‘Jump for Joy’
Hiss Golden Messenger’s Jump for Joy switches up the mood considerably, offering a bouncy set of tracks of youthful enthusiasm and maturing gratitude.
Old Crow Medicine Show Celebrate a ‘Jubilee’ After 25 Years
Old Crow Medicine Show have never really changed their old-timey style and show that keeping one’s roots exposed in the musical world can be a smart decision.
Kelly Willis, Brennen Leigh & Melissa Carper Bring Texas Twang to Western Swing
As Kelly Willis, Brennen Leigh, and Melissa Carper near the end of their summer tour together, take a deep dive inside one triple playful act making a splash.
‘The Complete Dirty South’ Revisits Drive-By Truckers’ Best
Drive-By Truckers’ The Dirty South is an absolute gem, and The Complete Dirty South is an upgrade over the original version.
Old Crow Medicine Show Go Full Tilt on ‘Live at Third Man’
Old Crow Medicine Show’s latest live album, Live at Third Man, is culled from a 2022 performance at Third Man Records in Nashville, and it’s a lively gig.
Jenny Lewis Lets Loose on Excellent, Raw ‘Joy’all’
Jenny Lewis has never sounded like she’s had more fun making music than she does on Joy’all. It’s haunting, inspiring, and uniquely complicated.
Jason Isbell’s ‘Weathervanes’ Sports Superb Songwriting and Musical Surprises
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit turn in typically strong performances throughout Weathervanes, featuring Isbell’s finest vocal performances across a full album.
The South Austin Moonlighters Know There’s No Place Like Home
Like that other Austin bar band, Band of Heathens, alt-country’s South Austin Moonlighters rock hard with an electric guitar leading the charge.