2009 : 19-20 Jack Rose & Charlie Parr

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Jack Rose and Charlie Parr are two guitars who are often called "new traditionalists." Finger-pickers harkening back to an earlier era, Parr plays traditional folk and Piedmont blues-style songs on 6- and 12-string guitars, and banjo; Rose comes from the John Fahey tradition, but also incorporates elements of Indian ragas and minimalist drone. Parr's father grew up on a tenant farm in northern Iowa with 17 siblings and rode out the Great Depression on freight cars. He rode them to Appalachia and Texas and every other corner of the country. He finally settled into a job shoveling animal parts at the Hormel plant in Austin, Minn where he raised Charlie. Charlie dropped out of high school just one year in and left home to see the country. He settled in a rooming house in the West Bank neighborhood of Minneapolis in 1985 learning songs by artists his father used to play on the record player: Elizabeth Cotton, Fred McDowell, and Doc Boggs among others. Jack Rose grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He started playing the guitar at age 10 and joined the group Pelt in 1993. In 2001, he began recording more and solo acoustic guitar compositions, appearing on the seminal Wooden Guitar compilation on Locust Records. His open tunings and long form compositions never lost the psychedelic and rock flavors of his earlier music, almost defining the word "deltadelica." Both Jack and Charlie carry a certain blues and folk tradition forward, while putting their own stamp on it, reinventing it, bringing their own influences to it. Here is Parr covering a Blind Willie Johnson song, "God Moves On The Water," while Jack plays his own composition, "Kensington Blues." A sad footnote: Jack Rose died of a heart attack on Dec 8 at the age of 38. —Darren DeMonsi Listen: Jack Rose >> "Kensington Blues" | Charlie Parr >> "God Moves On The Water"

2009 : 11 "Poison Trees" by The Devil Makes Three

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A lovely toe tapping little ditty with apocalyptic overtones. —April Walker Listen: The Devil Makes Three >> "Poison Trees"

2009 : 06 Aught Music Roundtable: "This Tornado Loves You" by Neko Case

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First Pass It's what's on the inside that counts. For all the (well-deserved) attention to Case's sexy, almost campy album cover, the songs on Middle Cyclone were fantastic, with one or two misses. "This Tornado Loves You" is the perfect opening to what's superficially referred to as a 'nature album.' The melody is upbeat, the vocals are confident, and the lyrics are a great example of Case's gift for metaphor: I carved your name across three counties and ground it in with bloody hides broken necks will line the ditch Perhaps some might view this as a metaphor for a woman scorned, but for me, it goes beyond simple gender classifications. Sometimes, when we're trying to get someone's attention, we end up doing more harm than good. —Jamie Yates Second Pass This song is built around an amazing notion. There is something scary and thrilling in the idea of being loved by a tornado. I think the literal idea of this song is better than the figurative idea. I think we all love the Tornado, but I am never sure the Tornado loves me back. I guess Neko Case is sure. —Rich Thomas Listen: Neko Case >> "This Tornado Loves You"

2008 : 13-14 Two tracks by Jenny Lewis

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"Acid Tongue" As I've written about Lewis before, I'm utterly convinced she would have been just as relevant and emotional had she been singing in the 1940s or 50s. This song is no exception. The combination of sadness and hope are perfect, with neither one dominating, but blending into an atmospheric haze. It's the soundtrack of sitting in a bar after a bad week and feeling a little sorry for yourself. To be lonely is a habit Like smoking or taking drugs And I've quit them both But man, was it rough. "Carpetbaggers" I'm sure that most of my co-workers have wished bodily harm against me, since I've played this song dozens of times. It's unbelievably catchy and a piece of alluring storytelling. I can easily imagine the Decemberists covering this one: They come to town when the war is over Dirty boots in the middle of the night Trolling the bars, hitting on the soldiers Boys give it up without a fight They say, "Hey, boy, how about your place? I know you really want to take me home" Drop the bags off on the bedroom floor They make love with the lights on It's also a testament to Lewis's prowess as a vocalist that she can duet with a legend like Elvis Costello and completely overshadow him. That's not to say that he doesn't fit in on this track; but there's no denying that this is a Jenny Lewis song, despite the amazing collaborations on the entire disc. —Jamie Yates Listen: Jenny Lewis >> "Acid Tongue" | "Carpetbaggers"

2007 : 33 "Circadian Rhythm" by Son Volt

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I bought The Search when it first came out. I listened to it some, but nothing really stayed with me. I would listen and it would just go away when I was done. That is, until I saw them play live on tour for this album. I was just blown away by seeing them play "Circadian Rhythm" played live. They played a 15-minute version of this song. James Walbourne layered his guitar over and over again using the effects pedal as the rest of the band got ready for the next song. It just gave me goose pimples. Now every time I hear this song, I am back at that concert. —Rich Thomas Listen: Son Volt >> "Circadian Rhythm"

2007 : 08 "Outlaws" by Joe Purdy

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The first thing I love about this song is the story; a classic Bonnie and Clyde type tale with a happy ending. The second thing I love about it is that it references Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Johnny Cash. The third thing I love about it is the way those two things combined with minimal piano make for such a lovely ballad. —April Walker Listen: Joe Purdy >> "Outlaws"

2007 : 05 "Walk Hard" by Dewey Cox / John C. Reilly

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I am not sure how there can be another music bio pic for at least 10 years after Dewey Cox came out. It really makes fun of every cliche that music biopics have been living on for years. On top of that, the music was great. It is as good as Spinal Tap, as hard as that is to believe. It might be better because it is making fun of movies more than music. —Rich Thomas Listen: Dewey Cox >> "Walk Hard"

2006 : 52 "Gravity's Gone" by Drive-By Truckers

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So I'll meet you at the bottom if there really is one They always told me when you hit it you'll know it But I've been falling so long it's like gravity's gone and I'm just floating In 2006 I turned 34. Being 34 sucked, really, really sucked. The month I turned 34 my employee told me he wanted to work in another department, my boss told me he was leaving for a start-up, and my girlfriend broke up with me. Both my work life and my personal life seemed to be falling apart. It kept on getting worse for a long time. It did not get better until after I turned 35. "Gravity's Gone" is what most of 2006 felt like for me. The album was released in April, more than enough time for it to be ready for my June swoon. At some point in that year it felt like I was never going to hit the bottom, so this song was perfect. What I really love about this song is the tone. It is not sad or depressed. I would say it is resigned and accepting. There is a 'fuck it all if this is the way the world is going to treat me' attitude in this song. I think that is why the song put a smile on my face as everything was happening. I guess that is part of the country music tradition. —Rich Thomas Listen: Drive-By Truckers >> "Gravity's Gone"

2006 : 39 "Tall Green Grass" by Cory Branan

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One of the things I love most about "Tall Green Grass" is the story that Cory tells when he plays the song live. A friend passed the live recording on to me about the same time that I got the album, so to me the story is as much a part of the song as the lyrics. The song feels like summer, those kind of wasted summer days that aren't wasted at all because doing nothing and lying about in fields with your friends is the best way to spend a summer day. Warm molasses midnight on a Mississippi star Candy apple moon on the hood of my car Never could've told me you'd've gone this far I can't even tell you where the fuck we are. Must be off the radar, off the map Stretched out in the tall green grass It's only green, against the blue It's only me, against you —April Walker Listen: Cory Branan >> "Tall Green Grass" | "Tall Green Grass [Live]"

2006 : 28-29 Two tracks by Jeffrey Foucault

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"Ghost Repeater" "Ghost Repeater" was my introduction to Jeffrey Foucault and it was love at first listen. I subsequently fell in love with the entire album which, appropriately enough, the title track captures the feeling of quite nicely. It's a song I want to turn up all the way. I say that a lot about my favorite songs, but I guess that's an indication of just how much I love it, wanting to listen to it as loud as absolutely possible. It just makes me feel so free somehow, makes me want to drive around the west. "Mesa, Arizona" I love Jeffrey's imagery, his ability to turn the mundane and unnoticed into some of the most beautiful things. You're the sky all full of starlings And an ax blade shining in the sun You're the angel touched a coal Against my lips You're my only one Reel to reel The country rolls And the towns slide by Like ghost repeaters Of faded billboards & big-box stores Like a movie of an empty theater You look around and wonder When the seams are going to fail And how dear the cost of living Where everything's for sale Except you you're my one You're my only one —April Walker Listen: Jeffrey Foucault >> "Ghost Repeater" | "Mesa, Arizona"

2006 : 26 "Where I'm From" by The Bottle Rockets

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Where I'm from is never going to be my place I love this song because it says something that I see in lots of my friends. We have left where we grew up to find our own place in the world. We knew that where we grew up did not fit who we were. We got away from those places, but those places stay with us. So there is a little Warminster, PA that is always part of me. I have connections there even if I go away. I feel that is the story of me and my friends. —Rich Thomas Listen: The Bottle Rockets >> "Where I'm From"

2006 : 15-17 Aught Music Roundtable: Fox Confessor Brings the Flood by Neko Case

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"Star Witness" This has one of my votes for the best song of the decade, not just for 2006. As stunning as her voice is, Case earns major credit for her songwriting talent. This is a loose "homage" to the rough Chicago neighborhood of Humboldt Park, and it's staggering how she can take such haunting moments and turn a complex poem into a beautiful song. Hey pretty baby, get high with me We can go to my sister's if we say we'll watch the baby, The look on your face yanks my neck on the chain. The first time I heard this, I played that last line at least ten times in a row, rewinding my CD a few seconds back. Forgive my hyperbole, but it's a punch in the stomach everytime I hear it. Songs, poems, and books are full of metaphors, but that one is literally perfect, both in the delivery and the context of the track. —Jamie Yates "Maybe Sparrow" I'll be honest: I still don't really know what this song means, or even if it's supposed to mean anything. The album is laced with mythogical animal imagery, so this is appropriate. I love how Case's voice rises, along with the music, to create a stunning chorus: Oh, my sparrow, it's too late Your body limp beneath my feet. I always get very reflective whenever I hear this track. It's so short, yet packs some dizzying arrangements and atmospheres. As I type this, I realize that this description could fit quite a few of Case's songs. It's very difficult to explain, but this track is the one I would use to explain to anyone why Case is my favorite female vocalist. I guess that's the beauty of great music: it moves me in definite ways that, as a writer, I'm at a loss to express. —Jamie Yates "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood" At some point in 2006, all of my friends were listening to this Neko Case album. Some how it turned into the soundtrack of San Jose. It was weird because it was not radio or television that was sharing it. I am not sure how other people found it, but we all found it. It was everywhere and it felt good. —Rich Thomas Listen: Neko Case >> "Star Witness" | "Maybe Sparrow" | "Fox Confessor Brings The Flood"

2006 : 06 "It Wasn't Me" by Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins

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It's amazing how confident and sultry Jenny Lewis can sound, even when a given track is intended to sound lonely and depressing. Her voice barely rises above a forced whisper, and it creates a moody, echoing atmosphere, a sort of modern spin on the torch songs of the classic female vocalists of the early to mid 20th century. As depressed as she sounds, there's a hint of defiance in the lyrics, which are open to varying interpretations. It wasn't me, I wasn't there I was stone drunk, it isn't clear And it doesn't count because I don't care. The point of view can be interpreted as an intentional distance from any negative situation. Insert the situation of your choosing, and the song will more than likely fit perfectly. —Jamie Yates Listen: Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins >> "It Wasn't Me"

2005 : 51-53 Three tracks by Magnolia Electric Co.

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In 2005, Magnolia Electric Co. had three releases: a studio album, a live album, and an EP. Jason Molina is known for putting out a lot of short albums close together. I know some of my friends would say this is a lack of editing. I think it is making the most out of his resources. "Leave the City" (from What Comes After the Blues) Broke my heart to leave the city I mean it broke what wasn’t broken in there already Thought of all my great reasons for leaving Now I can't think of any It's true it was a hard time that I've come through It's made me thankful for the blues I love the way that "Leave The City" melds the conflict of place and post-break-up emotion. Leaving a place with a broken heart. You leave because you have to and you need to. The lyrics of this song stay with me all day when I hear it. What Comes After the Blues seems like the end of Alt-Country to me. I am not sure why, but the whole Alt-Country movement has seemed to die out. At some level this seems perfect to me. I cannot think of a better band to turn off the lights on Alt-Country than Magnolia Electric Co. "North Star" (from Trials and Errors) I heard the North Star saying Kid you're so lost even I can't bring you home I heard this album a few times before the lyric above jumped out at me. It had to be because of the live album nature of Trials and Errors. The song starts with a long guitar intro. It is just wonderful. Every song on the live album Trials and Errors is long. I think it gives a good sense of the live show and how much he just cuts it up with his guitar the whole time. I love the way the songs on this album flow together because of these long songs. The idea of being that lost makes a lot of sense to me. There is a point in our lives when we all feel that lost. There is not much you can do about it. "31 Seasons In the Minor Leagues" (from Hard To Love A Man [EP]) I've been in long enough to know I ain't even getting close There is a connection between music and sports. There is the big time and the small time. "31 Seasons in the Minor Leagues" is about baseball, but it is easy to see how a musician could think this way. As a baseball fan and a fan of unknown artists, I can really understand this song. —Rich Thomas Listen: Magnolia Electric Co. >> "Leave The City" | "North Star" | "31 Seasons In The Minor Leagues"

2005 : 29-31 Three tracks by Pete Bernhard

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To me Pete Bernhard's Things I Left Behind is one of the most perfect albums in existence. Part of that, I'm sure, is due to the fact that the album was largely recorded live in the studio with the songs played all the way through. And part of it is that these songs tell the sort of stories that I think acoustic guitar was made for. As often happens to me with things I love as much as I love this album, I have a terrible time articulating how and why I love it so much. But, really, I think the music speaks for itself. These are my three favorite tracks in the order which they appear. —April Walker Listen: Pete Bernhard >> "Heaven" | "Straight Line" | "Left Behind"

2005 : 08 "Second Option" by Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell

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I don't wanna be your second option I don't wanna be your afterthought I don't wanna know the plans you make If they're not with me then call 'em off When you go through a breakup, breakup songs seem to find you. I know that this song popped off this album at me because of a breakup I had at the time. When I would be feeling bad about the breakup, I would listen to this song over and over again. It is not just the lyrics, but it is the whole package. It is the singing, the drum intro, the guitar playing—the whole thing sounds like trying get over a woman. Even now, long after the relationship and finding love again, I love listening to this song. It is a great song about trying to tell someone off, but not being over them. I don't wanna hang on your pretty hook I don't wanna wait another day I'm the biggest fish in your shallow water Always be the one who got away Got away I've been alone on Sunday, baby I've been alone on a Monday I've been alone too many days baby Don't you ever doubt it When I can learn to live without it I'll be gone —Rich Thomas Listen: Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell >> "Second Option"

2004 : 25 "Tear Stained Eye" by Sticky (covering Jay Farrar)

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I have been thinking about the things that make this decade special in terms of music. Every decade is special in musical history, but the 00s seem to be a decade where lots of technologies took root and flowered in terms of music. One of my examples of this is the Fan Tribute album. In 2004 I was a big Live Journal user. I was part of a lot of different music LJ groups. It had a great impact on the way I found music. Via one of the LJ groups I found out about Traced: A Fan Tribute to Jay Farrar. I will admit that not all the tracks are good; some of them are hard to listen to, but most of them are worth listening to. I would still rather to any of these songs than that Jon Bon Jovi cover of "Levon." In some way what it means to be a fan changed in this decade. Between blogs, social networking, better software, and broadband, the ways a fan can express themselves have been turned on their head. I think the communication between fans has changed the game forever. What I love about this tribute is the way that fans show all the ideas that can be taken from these songs. We are all listening to the same artist, but we are all leaving with something different. This project gives a way for people to show that. Jay Farrar was one of the fathers of the Alt-Country movement, so he was already bridging everything from Roy Acuff to The Ramones. I think it will only be a matter of time before this is a major part of the musical landscape. —Rich Thomas Listen: Sticky >> "Tear Stained Eye"

2003 : 36 "Farewell Transmission" by Songs: Ohia

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Long dark blues Will of the wisp Long dark blues Will of the wisp (The big star is falling) Long dark blues Will of the wisp The big star is falling Long dark blues Through the static and distance Long dark blues A farewell transmission I am not sure what I can say about Jason Molina, Songs: Ohia, and Magnolia Electric Co. I love that the song "Farewell Transmission" is on the last Songs: Ohia album. I think it is a great statement to make as an artist. It is a great song to start off an album with. With that said: all of the members of Songs: Ohia went on to be members of Magnolia Electric Co., so I am not sure that this was much of a final album. Yes, Magnolia Electric Co. went a different musical direction than Songs: Ohia, but that does not mean the name needed to change. I love that this song is over seven minutes long and feels epic. I can forget that I am listening to the same song. The vocals, guitar and drums are just straight head. I think it pulls on that line between alt.country and rock. It is one of those songs I keep going back to. —Rich Thomas Listen: Songs: Ohia >> "Farewell Transmission"

2003 : 10 "You Are the Everything" by Jeffrey Foucault (covering R.E.M.)

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The first time I heard this version of this song I was sitting on a friend's couch in DC halfway through a road trip from New Hampshire to South Carolina and back. It took my breath away, brought tears to my eyes, and I fell in love instantly. I have loved "You Are the Everything" for years (it was on the first mix tape I made for my boyfriend, now of 12 years) and hearing Jeffrey Foucualt and his wife Kris Delmhorst sing it together fills me with dreamy teary happiness to the point where I think I actually prefer this version to the original. This is a song that I can say not only do I love but I am in love with. —April Walker Listen: Jeffrey Foucault >> "You Are The Everything"

2003 : 04 "Silver 2 Blue" by Peter Bernhard

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This song has the honor of being the most played song in my iTunes library. In fact, 12 of the top 20 most played songs are by Pete. Pete is one of the three lovely people that make up The Devil Makes Three; he's also a friend of mine. But I don't just listen to his music so much 'cause he's a friend (that's just how I'm lucky enough to have two early self distributed solo albums of his) I listen to his music 'cause he's amazing. Really. Amazing. This song is from one of those early solo albums. —April Walker Listen: Peter Bernhard >> "Silver 2 Blue"