Ray LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs – God Willin’ and The Creek Don’t Rise

September 5th, 2010  |  by Max Jacobs  |  published in bluegrass, folk, folk-rock  |  5 comments

It’s tricky to find the right accompaniment to compliment and accentuate Ray LaMontagne’s vocal talent without making music that sounds like it would fit in the lobby of a Holiday Inn. Overall, God Willin’ has the feel of a contemporary Paul McCartney album; there’s some catchy tunes, some interesting stories, but nothing blows you away and no new sound is explored.

Delta Spirit – History From Below

May 30th, 2010  |  by J Meagher  |  published in americana, bluegrass, folk-rock  |  2 comments

Delta Spirit’s new LP doesn’t add anything new to rock lore, but combines some of the best parts of it to craft a great album. Delta Spirit’s bag was never innovation, and this album is pretty solid support for that. Borrowing from the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Neil Young, and using vocal harmonies reminiscent of all bands that use vocal harmonies, Delta Spirit has made an album that is immediately likable and recognizable.

South Memphis String Band – Home Sweet Home

March 13th, 2010  |  by Taylor Fife  |  published in bluegrass, blues, folk  |  2 comments

This supergroup, comprised of Alvin Youngblood Hart (Grammy Winning Bluesman), Jimbo Mathus (Squirrel Nut Zippers), and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, The Black Crowes), masterfully channel jug bands of the past with expertise, passion, and giant helping of jamming soul. There doesn’t seem to be a jug player, but like any good skiffle or string group, the band features mandolin, banjo, and guitar, with touches of kazoo, fife, harmonica, washboard, and other simple percussion.

The Devil Makes Three – The Devil Makes Three

February 8th, 2010  |  by el gringo rico  |  published in bluegrass, folk-rock  |  4 comments

I know what you’re thinking and don’t worry, this sounds nothing like country. It’s more of a rustic, dusty, bluesy scenario than what you might be used to. The song writing is absolutely fantastic, especially the lyrics. On this album (their first), there exists a very abstract piratey feel reminscent of Rain Dogs by the great Tom Waits.

Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More

January 21st, 2010  |  by Jess Alatorre  |  published in acoustic, bluegrass, folk  |  1 comment

I recently read a blog about why we travel and somehow this band has reminded me of that article. The science blog says that travel allows our brain to be more creative, as we open ourselves to a constant stream of surprises. Even once we go back home, and even though everything might be the same, everything is different because our framework has changed. Mumford and Sons does this for me- I feel the confusion that comes from surprise, and it leaves the possibility for newness in discovery.