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Old Crow Medicine Show Sing on Through Total Devastation

Social unrest, a global pandemic, and an industry that has forever been changed? No problem. Old Crow Medicine Show's Ketch Secor stares down the future.

Jedd Beaudoin
Recent
Music

Steve Earle Finds Common Ground With 'Ghosts of West Virginia'

On Ghosts of West Virginia, Steve Earle chronicles the lives, hopes, dreams, and regrets of families who've lived for generations in coal country with a masterful song cycle that's long on empathy and short on judgment.

Music

American Aquarium Offer 'Lamentations' on the American Dream

On Lamentations, Americana band American Aquarium address these hard times, the sins of the South, and those that want the band to just shut up and sing.

Music

'Reunions' Is Yet Another Winner From Jason Isbell

Jason Isbell both subverts and embraces country and rock tropes on Reunions, his new album with the 400 Unit.

Music

The 10 Best Americana Albums of 2007

If 2007 didn't invite any gripping controversies, it was certainly filled with competitive comparisons -- between young and old, past and present, and among splintered factions -- and both surprising hits and disappointing misses. All in all, a dynamic and at times resurgent year for the broad scope of Americana.

Music

Whitney Rose Still Goes to Rodeos

The music world has been conquered by women like Whitney Rose, whose guitar based-sounds on We Still Go to Rodeos recall the splendors of the past and move them forward with a kick in the butt.

Music

Lucinda Williams Right at Home With Writing Partner for 'Good Souls Better Angels'

Able to write and sing the blues, gospel, folk, rock and alt-country with the same amount of true grit and passion, Lucinda Williams comes out swinging while discussing her explosive new album during these troubled times.

Music

​​​Where Are the Good Souls, the Better Angels?​​ Asks Lucinda Williams

On her new searing album, Good Souls Better Angels, Lucinda Williams rages against the darkness of our era and seeks the strength to get through it.

Music

Hiss Golden Messenger's 'Forward, Children' Offers "Beauty in the Broken American Moment"

Hiss Golden Messenger offer up a welcome serving of musical communion, and in the service of others, during a time when we all need consolation and reassurance. Forward, Children is a PopMatters Pick and aids a worthy cause: education.

Music

Daniel Romano's Outfit Demand More Than an 'Okay Wow' Response

Daniel Romano's Outfit would be the perfect act for a club outside the industrial park on a Friday night when paychecks are cashed, hard drinks flow, and all one wants to do is get lost in the loud music.

Music

Teddy Thompson Emerges "Brand New" (premiere + interview)

Returning with his first album under his own name since 2011, Teddy Thompson remains the king of heartbreak. "I just don't know how to write about anything else. I don't see that there is anything else really impactful to write about."

Music

Plenty Tough: A Conversation With Jon Langford of the Waco Brothers

The Waco Brothers' Jon Langford talks about politics, the social climate, and being a musician in the wake of COVID-19. "It's the political equivalent of prog rock!"

Music

M. Ward Offers Comforting Escapism on 'Migration Stories'

Although M. Ward didn't plan the songs on Migration Stories for this pandemic, they're still capable of acting as a balm in these dark hours.

Music

Lilly Hiatt - "Some Kind of Drug" (Singles Going Steady)

Lilly Hiatt sings about a different kind of love on "Some Kind of Drug". Hers is for a city and the impact gentrification has had its soul.

Music

Country's Ruthie Collins Finds 'Cold Comfort'

Ruthie Collins' Cold Comfort is devoid of glittery instrumentation and mellifluous lyrics. Instead, the music is raw, sometimes bitter yet earning for optimism. Collins' grittiness is measured and her anguish certain.

Music

Lilly Hiatt Offers 'Walking Proof' of Her Many Talents

Every track on Lilly Hiatt's Walking Proof shines with imaginative playing, spirited vocals, and sensitive, literate lyrics. It's truly a kick ass record.

Music

Waxahatchee Takes a Turn for the Country on ​'Saint Cloud'

Katie Crutchfield's latest as Waxahatchee is a high point in an already impressive career. Saint Cloud finds an artist operating at the top of her game to produce a thrilling and inspirational work.

Music

Dixie Chicks - "Gaslighter" (Singles Going Steady)

"Gaslighter" works as an enthusiastic anthem to mark Dixie Chicks' return. The song is full of infectious pop hooks delivered loudly with a smile and a sneer.

Events

Amanda Shires Stokes Fires of Raging Rock 'n' Roll on Atmosphereless Tour

A down-to-earth roots musician who doesn't care if you call her instrument a violin or fiddle, Amanda Shires played it incredibly well while impressing Mile Highwomen, millennial men, and golden oldies alike during a hot winter night in Colorado.

Music

The Mastersons Sing That Now Is 'No Time for Love Songs'

The world is unraveling around us. But Americana duo the Mastersons know better. It's human feelings that make living worthwhile, as they show on their new album, No Time for Love Songs.

Music

Les Gruff and the Billy Goat Step Out Into "The Rain" (premiere)

With "The Rain", Americana's Les Gruff and the Billy Goat bring a hearty and nostalgic jam to the table that features steel guitar from Mike and the Moonpies' Zachary Moulton.

Music

Chloe Kimes Reclaims Her Own Narrative Through "Thunder" (premiere)

On her new single, "Thunder", Nashville's Chloe Kimes shares her musings on reinforcing one's inner strengths and reclaiming their personal narrative.

Music

The Lone Bellow Create Intimate Americana Chamber Pieces on 'Half Moon Light'

The writing on the Lone Bellow's Half Moon Light strives towards the essence of a thing – emotional conflict and tension, inward or interpersonal – and resolution.

Music

Big Hair, Big Voice, Big Twangy Guitars, Tami Neilson's Back

Rockabilly singer Tami Neilson hosts a brief but potent party straight from New Zealand on her new album, Chickaboom!

Music

The Wood Brothers' 'Kingdom in My Mind' Features Freewheeling Experimentation

Kingdom in My Mind captures the energy of the Wood Brothers' live performances, and it invites listeners to come jam-out, as long as the lyrics aren't carefully scrutinized.

Music

Answering Machine Get Through Tough Times With "Bad Luck" (premiere)

"Bad Luck" spotlights Answering Machine's tough-minded brand of rock 'n' roll with touchstones that range from Tom Petty and the Replacements to Jenny Lewis.

Music

John Moreland's 'LP5' Finds Strength in Simplicity

Americana's John Moreland has a deep voice and sings without affectation. There's an honesty in his straightforward delivery and something down-to-earth even in his most lofty sentiments.

Music

Drive-By Truckers Are Sadder and Angrier on 'The Unraveling'

Once Drive-By Truckers' The Unraveling hits the fourth song, "Thoughts and Prayers", the album dives headlong into the nightmares of the United States in 2020.

Music

Terry Allen and the Panhandle Mystery Band Go on Expedition 'Just Like Moby Dick'

Texas country artist Terry Allen has a sinister sense of humor that he uses to lighten up Just Like Moby Dick and add emotional depth to seemingly innocent situations.

Music

The 10 Best Country Albums of 2019

This was a major year for country music. With Lil Nas X, the world saw the shift. But others are helping to move country from near homogeneity to a diverse pastiche.

Music

Enjoy Yourself: An Interview with Todd Snider

Todd Snider's 2004 album, East Nashville Skyline, is getting a new lease on life with a new vinyl edition, but the veteran troubadour remains creatively restless and committed to his musical future. "I might sound like I know how life works but I don't. I know less about it all the time."

Music

Allison Moorer Adds Heavy Songs, True Blood and Healing Heart to Painful Origin Story

Americana's Allison Moorer has traveled the world, but revisits the early years of her small-town past — and the horrific moment that changed two sisters' lives — with an album and memoir that go to hell and back.

Music

Old Crow Medicine Show Feel Right at Home on 'Live at the Ryman'

Old Crow Medicine Show honor history on Live at the Ryman, while continuing to show more interest in new, charged versions of tradition.

Justin Cober-Lake
Music

Micky and the Motorcars Drive Forward with the Steady Americana of "Road to You" (premiere)

The opening cut from Texas roots rockers Micky and the Motorcars' upcoming album is the classic Americana jam of "Road to You".

Music

Paul Cauthen Emerges From 'Room 41'

Room 41 showcases Paul Cauthen's continued growth as an innovative country artist who isn't afraid to take risks.

Music

The Broadside Effect: An Interview With Old Crow Medicine Show's Ketch Secor

Ketch Secor looks back on Old Crow Medicine Show's relationship with country music, discusses addiction, the importance of the Ryman, and music's ability to carry important messages.

Jedd Beaudoin
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