6
Tops So Far For 2010
2010 is turning out to be a bumper crop year for REAL country music, and no, I’m not just saying that to be a cheerleader for the “scene.” I’ll be the first to admit that last year was a terrible year for new releases, save for a few great ones from the Bloodshot Record’s gang (Wayne Hancock, Scott Biram, & Justin Townes Earle). And with all this great music, we still have a half year to go with new ones from Justin Townes Earle, possibly two new ones from Hank III, and many more on the way.
So here’s my Top 5 albums and songs so far, and note this is just from albums I’ve already reviewed, and doesn’t include the new one from Jayke Orvis (haven’t got my copy yet), or Those Poor Bastards (review coming). These are just my thoughts. Poke holes in them and leave your own prognostications below.
Albums:
#1 – HELLBOUND GLORY – Old Highs & New Lows
It’s going to take a monster to knock this one off the perch.
#2 – OUTLAW RADIO – Outlaw Radio Compilation Vol. 1
Remember, it was a compilation Wanted:The Outlaws that took the Outlaw movement national, and that one was previously-released material. This is 22-previously unreleased tracks. If you want to hear some of the best songs of 2010, you have to get this album. (purchase here)
#3 – LUCKY TUBB & THE MODERN DAY TROUBADOURS – Hillbilly Fever
I thought the top songs on his last album were better, but this one is the better album. Press play and let the good times roll. And how can you go wrong with duets from Wayne Hancock?
#4 – .357 STRING BAND – Lightning From The North
Don’t overlook this album. Just because Jayke Orvis’s dreads aren’t involved doesn’t mean it doesn’t contain some of the best .357 songs so far.
#5 – RAY WYLIE HUBBARD – A. Enlightenment B. Endarkenment
Another one that is easy to look over but hard to top. The best, most relevant, and freshest album to come from an Outlaw legend in years.
Songs:
#1 – HELLBOUND GLORY – “Be My Crutch”
Yes, I know this gives Hellbound a #1 sweep, but it is much deserved.
#2 – HANK III – “Karmageddon”
Even the naysayers of Rebel Within have to admit Hank III hit a home run with this one.
#3 – THE BOOMSWAGGLERS – “Run You Down” (from the Outlaw Radio Comp.)
Simple and straightforward, yet deep and beautiful all at the same type. I reserve the right to change my mind and name this the Song of the Year in six months.
#4 – REVEREND DEADEYE – “Chased Ol’ Satan” (from Trials & Tribulations)
Again, simple, but with undeniable soul that makes this song stick to your bones.
#5 – HELLBOUND GLORY – “Another Bender Might Break Me”
Masterful songwriting in an accessible format. This is what REAL country music is all about.
55 Comments to “Tops So Far For 2010”
Leave a comment
Help keep this site going.
Support SCM and start
your Amazon shopping here
Yeah, I thought I read somewhere that the Foghorn String Band is coming to Missoula after the festival, but I can’t confirm it. So I’m thinking of heading up to Troy next weekend as well. Two festivals in the same week! It must be summer!
Hey Folks –
Caleb Klauder is the shit. He will be in Montana with the Foghorn Stringband playing the Kootenai River BGF in Troy, then:
July 18 Boiler Room Kalispell
July 19 Top Hat Missoula with Wise River Merc
July 20 Filling Station Bozeman w/ Holler n Pine
July 21 Music on the River Gardiner
July 22 The Bouquet in Boise
At the end of summer, Caleb Klauder will be touring his new album, “Western Country” at the end of August with Beste Ellis of the Wilders in MT, CO, ID and UT –
Tues Aug 24th at The Bouquet in Boise
Wed Park City Utah Mountain Town Music
Then lots of Colorado dates
Wednesday Sept 1 Filling Station Bozeman
Thur Sept 2nd Boiler Room Kalispell
Looking for dates to play in Idaho/Wyoming/MT on Mon/Tue Aug 30/31
The official release date for Western Country is August 17th and will be on sale on ITunes/CD Baby and in record stores. Caleb will have the new CD with him on this July Foghorn Tour.
Any questions, fell free to email me at martha@quicksilverproductions.net
Glad y’all are in tune to what is the best revival of old time country out there!
I’m actually really glad everyone is talking about Rebel Within, as I got my copy so bloody late from Amazon I thought everyone had moved on to other topics. I too like the title track the best (sorry Triggerman!) But my overwhelming first impression (and enduring one) is the entire album is just lacking in energy. I am pretty disappointed with it. There’s some really beautiful ballads on there (Lookin’ For a Mountain, Getting Drunk & Fallin’ Down, Drinkin’ Ain’t Hard To Do) but III didn’t sing them in that that high-lonesome voice that I love. I am guessing it’s the key they are sung in and I prefer it when he sings ballads in that higher key (ala the ballads on Lovesick, Broke and Drifting – my fav album). Rebel Within just seemed very ‘lack-lustre’ to me. Lacking in energy and passion. I much prefer Damn Right and Rebel Proud.
[...] Turtle’s album Palomino quickly sets them apart. It was suggested to me in a discussion about the best albums of the year so far, and after some spins, I agree wholeheartedly it deserves to be in the [...]
Better get used to Hellbound Glory topping the list, because they’ll do it again with their next album. I’ve heard a lot of their demos and much of it is their best stuff yet. And the rest of it still kicks major ass. Live, the band is even better. Hellbound Glory isn’t just a band, they are an experience. And they are the future of country music, mark my words!