2016 Big Reds Nominees: Album of the Year
In an effort to help you better get to know your nominees this year (after all, education is everything in these things, right?) we will be taking some time over the next week or two to dive a little deeper into each of the categories and the nominees within each one of of them. Today we take a look (and a listen) to the nominees for Album of the Year. Lets get on it, shall we? And don’t forget TO VOTE HERE.
Julie Rhodes “Bound to Meet the Devil” : Rhodes didn’t come out of nowhere with this record. A raw and unfiltered EP circa about 2 years back introduced us to that voice that could shake you to your core and set a room on fire. Devil picks up where that project left off and adds a ton of sound and feeling to the bluesy songstresses music. I think what so many folks gravitated towards with Rhodes is that she is taking a classic sound and injecting it into a community where there is an undying appreciation for that music, but nearly no artists who are fulling immersing themselves in it…or at least excelling at it in the fashion that she is. Songs that thematically dig deep and ponder the plight of the working class. There is a distinct relatability to her words and the performances on this album are full of heart.
Ian Fitzgerald “You Won’t Even Know I’m Gone” : At this point only 2 tracks from Fitzgerald’s upcoming release have been thrown into the ether of the world, but that is still enough to land the “songwriter’s favorite songwriter” on the nominee list for best of 2016. Fitzgerald just has a way with words that sits somewhere above what a normal songwriter is capable of. His songwriting evokes vivid imagery and his ability to pour a dry wit and humor into line after line that could be quoted for years on end is uncanny. YWEKIG sees him opening up arrangements, putting a bit more rock n’ roll into his music but always remaining focused on the writing at the heart of it all.
Muddy Ruckus “Pretty Bones” : Grit and soul. That is what I get from the driving guitar riffs and roller coaster arranged style of duo Muddy Ruckus. The band has a “Brown Bird-esque” vibe to them, with a heavy focus on a steady kick drum to keep time, harmonies that go from gentle to raucous in a matter of seconds and a fervor and passion to perform that is undeniable. Their 2016 release was filled with compelling songs with a forward driving, stirring arrangements and an unbridled zeal that was both exciting and engaging.
Honeysuckle (self titled) : Honeysuckle manages to blend the old with the new in a way that not many other bands are able to do. There are inflections of Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings in their songs, but a spirit of experimentation that also bleeds throughout the words and notes in their latest release. Holly McGarry’s voice is nothing short of breathtaking and the rich harmonies from the trio are captivating. The arrangements are borderline genius and the musicianship throughout is impeccable. Warmth, beauty and badassery combined into one.
These Wild Plains “Distant Ways” : Initially an album that I lost in 2016 now has me incredibly stoked. With some inflections of lonesome country dueling guitars and an indie voiced vocal reminiscent of . There is ruggedness to the sounds that feels loose but just right. If the feeling of “just enjoying making music with friends” could be embodied in song, this band has nailed that down. This record makes me happy…but still allows me to rock out. It has attitude, but also a softer side and that I dig, indeed I dig hard.
Ruby Rose Fox “Domestic” : Fox’s full length made me feel all sorts of emotions. It was sexy but serious. It made me happy, it made me angry, it made me FEEL. Ruby has always worn her heart on her sleeve in her lyrics. An advocate for cultural and societal issues and unapologetic when she needs to be and stands up for what she believes in. Blending those ideas into her pop driven rock left its imprint on me (and many others) in 2016. Swirling electro-pop and heavy rock into a soft serve cone of delicious, tasty treat for my ears I need to revisit again and again.
The Silks “Turn Me On” : If you are in need of a dose of rippin’ riffs and throwback classic rocking blues vibes, well The Silks have got you covered. The music that the Providence trio puts forth is the reason I picked up a guitar in the first place, and Tyler-James Kelly is a master on the 6 strings. It gets dirty and swampy, but also has a catchiness and power rock sentiment when it needs to. Its hard to believe that such HUGE sound can come from a trio, but then I guess thats where the magic lies. This is music “that straight punches you in the face and makes you beg for more.”
