Anderson East Finds He Is ‘Worthy’ of Being Unworthy
Anderson East has mellowed into a more soulful groove, complete with a horn section. Worthy smolders and burns as he sings about his frailties and failures
alternative country
James McMurtry Tells Tales of Freedom and Its Discontents
These new songs show James McMurtry’s talent at addressing current issues and fanciful concerns with a sharp wit, a critical eye, and a heavy-hitting pulse.
Kai Crowe-Getty Survives ‘The Wreckage’ and Moves On
Kai Crowe-Getty looks around small-town America and sees a country full of ghosts and dollar stores. We are living in “The Wreckage” and are “Dancing on a Razor’s Edge”.
Josiah Flores Creates an Authentic Honky-Tonk Gem
Alt-country artist Josiah Flores draws on past influences to create vivid imagery in the present, blending outlaw ballads with themes of social consciousness.
Julien Baker and Torres Create a Stunning Queer Country Album
Julien Baker and Torres have co-written a compact, yet rich collection of songs that testifies to their skill as country music practitioners.
Marty Stuart Goes West (and Beyond) with ‘Space Junk’
Space Junk carries a very particular, yet effective vibe, and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives tweak it just enough to keep it captivating.
Brown Horse’s ‘All the Right Weaknesses’ Hits All the Right Notes
All the Right Weaknesses finds Americana band Brown Horse galvanized and resolute, despite galloping in a phantasmagorical world of decay.
Patterson Hood’s Brilliant Storytelling Gifts Show on New LP
Patterson Hood’s new LP is a rich musical departure from the raucous rockers he crafts for his day job. It showcases his gifts as a storyteller with a director’s eye.
Patterson Hood Brings ‘Exploding Trees and Airplane Screams’ to Life
Patterson Hood masterfully weaves older solo songs, Drive-By Trucker tunes, and two telling covers into a complete performance of his latest solo album.
The 10 Best Wilco Songs From Their First Era
Wilco are always full of surprises. Their lineup has changed frequently and reveals a group constantly pushing themselves into uncharted musical territory.
Jesse Welles Sounds Assured on the Multidimensional ‘Middle’
Youthful Arkansas native Jesse Welles has been at it for years but moves beyond protest music to the sophisticated alternative country of Middle.
The Devil Makes Three Offer a Spell-binding LP of Loss and Resilience
The Devil Makes Three let listeners lose themselves in song, but not without missing sight of the deeper truths. It’s a compelling and cathartic musical experience.