Podcaster Jerome Douvendahnshas counts down
THE TOP 20 'ROOTS' ALBUMS OF 2018.
The selection is drawn from those albums with tracks included in this year's "Roots and Blues" Podcasts.
21. Becky Warren - Undesirable
Hang on! How did this album get left out? OK I'll start at 21 and count-down. Warren's narratives may not be as powerful as those in her previous album ‘War Jacket‘ but ‘Undesirable’ still packs a powerful punch.
20. The Jayhawks - Back Roads and Abandoned Motels.
The Alt Country stalwarts take you on the back roads. It is an absorbing bitter-sweet journey.
19. The Reputations - Electric Power
From Austin, Texas, behold the twin vocal power of Rockyanne and Auburn. Check the fuses!
18. Amy Helm - This Too Shall Light
Daughter of Levon and a founding member of the group Ollabelle. She radiates rich roots, gospel and folk in this her second album.
17. Gretchen Peters - Dancing With The Beast
A songstress that has a way with murder ballads. Dark, grim and desperate circumstances sung with warmth and compassion.
16. Calexico - The Thread That Keeps Us.
They continue to weave some rich evocative textures.
15 California Honeydrops - Call It Home Vol. 1 & 2
Just how much sweet soul can one take?
14. Shawn Williams - Motel Livin'
This New Orleans songstress refers to her music as “alt-rocka country-billy serial killer blues.”
Oh yeh! I’d add visceral, steamy and sassy!
13. Dean Wareham Vs. Cheval Sombre
Delightful dreamy pop covers of Western-themed songs by Marty Robbins, Townes Van Zandt, Bob Dylan and Michael Holland.
12. Courtney Robb – You are not alone
Engaging alt. country and blues from Adelaide singer/songwriter Courtney Robb.
11. Christy Hays - River Swimmer
I enjoyed emmersing myself in this Austin resident’s warm tones and rich narratives.
10. Alejandro Escovedo - The Crossing
This Texas-based singer-songwriter’s concept album is well worth the journey.
9. John Paul Keith - Heart Shaped Shadow
Just give me some of that rock and roll music! Especially the way this guy chooses it!
8. Kristen Lee Morris - Hillbilly Blues
Contagious country blues. I'm joining the cowboys on Brunswick Street!
7. Caitlyn Smith - Starfire
Some failed relationship venom from Nashville song writer Caitlyn Smith.
6. Clara Rose - The Offering
Irish songstress delivers raunchy blues, mesmerising folk and sultry roots. What an offering!
5. Cowboy Junkies - All that Reckoning
The Toronto group hits us with more of their rich, entrancing musical artistry. The ethereal vocals of Margo Timmins continue to mesmerise!
4. Son Volt - Okemah and the Melody of Riot
Jay Farrar resuscitates a blistering brand of alt. country.
3. Halfway - Rain Lover
Rich, absorbing and melodic roots rock from Australia’s renowned octet.
2. Ray Bonneville - At King Electric
Intimate, smooth, JJ Cale-ish rhythms from Canadian Ray Bonneville.
1. Courtney Marie Andrews - May Your Kindness Remain
This Seattle based singer-songwriter certainly nails loneliness and melancholy in her rich, bitter-sweet ballads.
