Red’s Best Things I Heard in 2016…
The incredibly f*cked year that was 2016 is coming to an end…and thats not even in reference to the presidential election. We lost a great number of incredible artists this year. Emotions likely run the gamut from being thankful that is is almost over to being fearful of what lies ahead, but one thing that brought a bit of the shine to the year was the incredible music that was birthed into the world anew. As I like to do, I compile my year end list at the beginning of December because, I mean come on who releases records the last month of the year, right? Album cycles and all that nonsense. But really it gives me some time to not worry about it later on and start the next year with fresh ears.
Earlier this year we hit the halfway mark, and as I like to do around that time I compiled a list of the best things I heard “so far” in 2016. Well, the second half of the year has been equally chock full of fantastic releases from incredible artists. It makes it hard to compile a list that is concise, but alas we have a job to do here (albeit it an un-payed and under valued one, its a job nonetheless).
So, here is my 16 favorite things that I have heard in 2016:
Ian Fitzgerald “You Won’t Even Know I’m Gone” : Fitzgerald sits on top of the very pinnacle of songwriting, I’ll stand by that statement until the day I die. His latest record saw a slight departure from the rootsy, stripped down side of things and picked up the pace (and volume) trading acoustic guitars and dobro slides for dueling electrics and rock n’ roll drums. But the keen focus always being on the content of the songs in terms of lyrics. While the arrangements may be heavier, the lyrics and words remain even more so. Painting stories of love, loss and redemption. Absolute and pure brilliance.
Aaron Lee Tasjan “Silver Tears” : ALT’s latest was toted as “glam rock” and something different in many different venues. While the sonic palette has certainly opened up a bit here, its merely to compound the aesthetic that Tasjan has already perfected around his songs (or sung “jokes…call em songs”), deeply rooted in blues with a taste of something that is purely ALT. That perfected blend of humor and blunt reality that co-mingles with messages that are far fucking deeper. The songwriter gives you a bitter pill, but makes it a whole lot easier to swallow with his brand of dry wit…oh yeah, and rock n’ f-ing roll.
Mandolin Orange “Blindfaller” : I think my favorite sound that exists in the world is when the voices of Emily Frantz and Andrew Marlin join in gorgeous harmony. Blindfaller expanded the sounds of Mandolin Orange a bit with the honky tonk vibe of “Hard Travelin” to the marching drum beat and reverberating guitar dotted “Echo” on which Frantz’s voice again takes the center stage and absolutely soars. “Blindfaller” just further establishes that fact and Mandolin Orange as one of the most talented acts making music today. Unrestrained and boundless perfection.
Joe K. Walsh “Borderland” : When you are talking New England and instrument virtuousity, Joe Walsh’s name will inevitably be mentioned. The latest from the mandolinist/songwriter is a mix of circus like feats of mando-prowess and songs rooted in classic bluegrass tradition, with a strong and powerful vocal with a timeless quality. It took me about 7 straight listens through the record before I finally said “ok, I need to stop listening”…which didn’t last long and I dove in for more. There is an infectious quality to Borderland that sinks its hooks into you. A fantastic record from one of the most talented instrumentalists I’ve met…and furthers his accolades to great singer-songwriter as well.
Anthony DaCosta “Da Costa” : First hearing Anthony’s voice as an accoutrement to another artist’s set and being as wowed as I was just primed me for this record in a way I didn’t realize I could handle. His songwriting is heartwrenching and poignant, the musicianship is nearly unrivaled and his voice is one of the most unique and inspiring I’ve heard in the last 10 years, never mind in 2016. Mellowed and polished but with just enough cracks in its exterior to let the emotion seep out and into each and every line. Da Costa has a voice that makes you feel the feelings.
Zach Schmidt “The Day We Lost the War” : If there was a record this year that was perfect all around, it was Schmidt’s debut full length. The songwriting, the stories, the production quality and the musicianship was all on point here. There isn’t one song on this collection that could be called a runner up, each one as strong as the last and with each listen the words and the songs grow on you. Zach’s voice was as powerful as ever. This record is truly a fucking force.
Michaela Anne “Bright Lights and the Fame” : This was a year defined by badass, strong women in music and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Michaela Anne came like a damn rocket to my heart with her countrified, dark ballroom dance of a record in “Bright Lights”. No apologies, a slight bad gal edge and a throw back to the days when country was country. She sings with conviction and purpose and damn if you can feel that emotion in her words. An attitude and grit that is balanced with a freshness, a realness…and for that, we thank you Ms. Michaela.
Gillian Welch “Boots No. 1” : I’d be remiss if I didn’t celebrate the 20th anniversary of a record that have such a significant impact on me (and so many folks around me) as an artist. Gillian and Dave celebrated the 20 year anniversary of Revival this year with recordings that didn’t quite make the record. Alternate arrangements, home demos, live recordings and outtakes…it was a glimpse into the creation of what would later be donned and absolute masterpiece and influence a generation of people to revive their own takes on what folk music is. Gillian and Dave are royalty in the roots music community and the release of these wonderful recordings just further exemplifies that fact.
Sam Moss ‘Fable’ : Sam Moss bleeds this sense of vulnerability that draws you to him and his voice. At times he sings in almost a whisper and his fingers glide elegantly across the fretboard. His demeanor and aura is that of grace, though the tenacity and speed with which he plays guitar is mind boggling when you really pay attention. ‘Fable’ sees the songwriter putting his voice and playing on full display and the songs are deep pools you can find yourself lost in the depths of. Favorite tracks include the cascading note filled “Beast” and the haunting and moving title track. If the Milk Carton Kids were melded into one incredible being who play some of the most interesting and exciting guitar lines with a gorgeously impactful vocal, well then you would get Sam Moss.
Sarah Jarosz ‘Undercurrent’ : There was no doubt that the follow up to Build Me Up From Bones was going to be a killer record, I just didn’t realize HOW good it was going to be. Jarosz is a main staple in the thread of the current roots music landscape and her musicianship, voice and writing is on point here on Undercurrent. There has been a maturation of the songs here on this record. Sarah has opened up even more and let the light shine in, just a peek. Beautiful songs, expertly crafted and executed. Favorite tune: “Still Life”…to quote our review “this songs destroys me”.
Lula Wiles (self titled) : A band that continues to get better with every word they breathe out into their songs. Thats what you get with Lula Wiles. Their debut release as a trio sees the girls expanding the sonic palette of songs they have strengthened through live performance and really opened up in the studio with new arrangements and experimenting that has only made them better and more exciting. The harmonies are gorgeous, the songwriting is great and each of these multi-instrumentalist, songwriting, singing gals is at the top of their game on each and every track. Favorite tracks: “Good to You” and “Traveling On”.
Cowboy & Lady “Take Me To Town” : Can a record both break your heart and make you want to shimmy and shake? Well, Cowboy & Lady proved that answer to be true. The duo’s debut release was a kick in the teeth, honky tonking, cry in your whiskey romp around an old barroom floor. The two stepping is plentiful, Tyler James Kelly’s guitar playing is on fire and the lonesome feel of their voices gives you all of the feels. Its hard to believe that this isn’t straight out of the days of Johnny and June or Graham and Emmy Lou…and the chemistry between Tyler James and Jess Powers seems as though it has been building since then as well. And the writing really hits hard with one liners and a delivery that slays. Favorite tunes: “Fool With A Song” and “Everybody’s Drunk”.
Aoife O’ Donovan “In The Magic Hour” : The title says it all, this record was pure magic. Aoife O’ Donovan has forged her way from her Crooked Still days to being one of the finest songsmiths and performers I have seen to date. Her voice is unique and elegant, the songs are deep and introspective, and her progressions and arrangements are pensive and not your typical “folk song” chord patterns. There is something deeper in her music and I was smitten from the very first drop. “In The Magic Hour” finds O’ Donovan in a place of contemplation and reverence for the past and stories stemming from it. A beautifully moving collection of songs from a huge talent. Favorite tracks: “Stanley Park” and “Porch Light”.
Ruby Rose Fox “Domestic” : You sometimes hear about artists time after time and very stupidly don’t pay attention. Well, Ruby Rose Fox hooked me right in the face and I’ve been reeling ever since. “Power house” doesn’t really do her and this record justice. A no apologies freight train of energy and sound, the band and Ruby are exciting and engaging and plainly, just something different in a sea of things that can sound similar.. It’s just f*cking intense. “Provocative and sexy, it pulls you towards it, beckoning like a siren until you are stuck and can’t break free of it’s hold (not like you would want to anyway).” Favorite tracks: “Bury the Body” and “Every Time I Tell”.
Margo Price “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” : It’s always funny how when someone breaks out the masses exclaim “overnight success”, but Margo Price has been busting her ass for a long while to get where she is and “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter” catalogues the long and restless nights, heartbreak and triumph that comes with the territory of the music industry’s heavy thumb coming down on the working artist. She isn’t the only artist making country music great again, but her voice is one of the loudest and strongest shedding light on what whats it so great. She mixes attitude and grit with grace and poise and the first time I heard her voice I was completely barreled over. A genuine diamond in a truck filled with lumps of coal. Favorite tracks: “This Town Gets Around” and “Hands of Time”.
Honeysuckle (self titled) : Honeysuckle’s full length self titled release this year took what the band manages to accomplish live and encapsulate it into this collection of songs. Holly McGarry’s voice is as good as it gets in modern day roots music and I sometimes find myself completely awestruck that a voice so HUGE can come from her small frame. The harmonies only add more inspirating feats of musicality to the party and the arrangements and interplay between instruments is smart, witty and beautiful. Mandolin dancing with banjo and guitar notes in a jubilation of sound that just makes me happy…even if the subject matter can delve into the yearning and longing side of things. One of the most exciting bands I have seen since I started performing music in the New England community. Keep an eye on them in the next year.
