Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for July 8th, 2022. Click the artist or album links to find out more. The artist’s names link to their websites and the CD title links go to either Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp or the artist’s site for ordering or downloading. A + sign means although not a featured release, it’s a notable album that’s still worth checking out. Also, this page will be updated as I find out about other new releases so check back again.
The Deslondes
Ways & Means (New West Records)
In the five years since The Deslondes last put out a record, both Sam Doores and Riley Downing have managed to release solo albums – both solid offerings – but it’s the music the comes out of the two working with the rest of the band that really shines. On Ways & Means, the Louisiana-based band’s third effort, they finally coalesce behind their strongest, most eclectic sound yet, setting the bar where all future records will be judged. They produced this one once again with Andrija Tokic and have clearly landed on a comfortable mix of Americana, folk and decent dose of Leon Russell-inspired Swamp funk. “The album title reminds me of being young, getting into the music business, going through everything and coming out of it,” said Downing recently. “We’re taking a look right, left, and back at ourselves.” (edited from Glide Magazine review)
Richie Furay
In The Country (Renew Records)
The frustrations start before pushing play. Despite the extended wait between albums, Furay hasn’t written any new songs. Rather, he covers material penned or popularized by everyone from John Denver to Garth Brooks and Alabama.The advance promotional notes quote Furay saying “Rock and roll and country, that’s what I’m really about.” Strangely there is little of either in these dozen selections that veer so far towards slick, heavily commercialized pop. Give Furay credit for remaining in the game at this late stage. But it’s not too much to expect something more substantial, original and compelling from a guy with a standing in Americana history as impressive as his. (edited from Holler. review)
Also new this week…
The Bacon Brothers – Erato (Soundly Music)
Lyman Ellerman – Departure (Woodshed Resistance)
Michelle Rivers – Chasing Somewhere (self-released)
Coming out in the next few weeks… The Local Honeys, Merle Jagger, Amanda Shires, Arlo McKinley, Tami Neilson, The Old North, Phil Cook, John Moreland, Nick Nace, The Sadies, Josh Rouse, Jonah Tolchin, We Banjo 3, Cahalan Morrison, Kelsey Waldon, Will Hoge and more …
