Country
Live Review: Tift Merritt at The Lexington, London, 31.1.2017
On this last day in January, with the rain pouring down in the cloying cold outside, upstairs at the Lexington is snug. There’s a dampness in the air as we all warm the wet off each other. The chill that settled into our skin and bones gradually dries away, eased out as Tift Merritt and …
Track: Julia Sheer – Takes One To Know One
After being quiet from the scene for a fair while, Julia Sheer has returned with a new EP on the horizon and a brilliant single to showcase her talents and what to expect with the upcoming release. The opening of ‘Takes One To Know One’ instantly sets the tone for a single that is emotionally …
See: Country Lips reveal new video for Grizzly Bear Billboard
Eight piece country collective Country Lips have released a new video for the track Grizzly Bear Billboard, taken from their forthcoming album, ‘Til the Daylight Comes’, out on January 6th. Produced by Randall Dunn (Master Musicians Of Bukkake, Sunn O))), Cave Singers), the album is described as being being an ode to all things alcohol, …
News: Hurray For The Riff Raff announce new shows
Hurray for the Riff Raff are coming back to the UK in 2017! In some really small venues though, so don’t hang around if you want to get tickets. Plus if you missed the previous tour, two of the new songs from the forthcoming album, which were introduced on the previous tour, are available on this …
Reissue: Terry Allen – Lubbock (On Everything)
I’m not a huge fan of ‘country’ music. Sure, I can appreciate its narrative qualities, I have a well chosen Johnny Cash compilation in my album collection, I love the output of Dr Hook before they took the full-on cheese-ballad route, I have a healthy respect for the music of Frankie Laine and Marty Robbins, …
Album Review: Dolly Parton – Pure and Simple
I can’t remember a time when I hadn’t heard of Dolly Parton. As I grew up during the 80s, Parton always seemed to be part of the cultural background noise, and as the years have progressed she has seemingly remained a constant fixture. As my taste in music developed through the years, Parton was never …
Album Review: D Ferren – Trials And Dusty Trails
by Mary Moore Photo by Ryan Hodges Photography Mary Moore is a supporter of the arts. She’s a giver of sunshine and a purveyor of the whimsical as well. She also loves music. Especially music of the local variety. She used to host both local and touring musicians at her home in the town of …
See: Billy Bragg and Joe Henry release video ahead of Shine A Light
A preview of the Shine A Light project, looking at the history and songs of the American railway, Billy Bragg and Joe Henry have released a video of the recording of “The L&N Don’t Stop Here Anymore”. It’s part of a fascinating trip on the US railroad, in particular the route from Chicago to LA. …
Track: Modern Mal – Wild Heart
Out of Michigan, Modern Mal are a collective of musicians, including Rachel Brooke and Savannah Buist from The Accidentals. Wild Heart is their new and debut video, and features an intriguing blend of lilting country vocals over Tiki style exotica and a blues beat. The video features vintage clips of circus performers, burlesque beauty queens, and hula …
Live: Hurray For The Riff Raff. Birmingham 29.06.16
The Rainbow is one of my favourite venues in Birmingham, a quirky pub has a discreet back door towards the toilets that opens into what appears to be a disused warehouse. The exposed beams (and wires) and brickwork providing a backdrop to a corner stage. Despite the shabby appearance, the sound is always good in the Rainbow. And even …