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Like a lot of rock writers, I’m asked to make top 10 lists every year. And every year I end up leaving a lot of excellent recordings on the cutting room floor. This is an attempt to call attention to albums I think deserve the end-of-year lists spotligh
10 GREAT 2013 AMERICANA RECORDS: The term “Americana” has always been frustrating to me. To my mind, it’s usually code for acoustic instruments, stripped-down arrangements and a country/folk/cowboy hat (read: white) bent. It seems to me that any music made with an American spirit – not jingoism, mind you – should qualify, whether it’s soul music or the Stooges’ auto factory-inspired pound. So this list is something of a compromise between what I think Americana should be and what the genre’s tastemakers claim it represents. Take it as you will.
Jason Isbell – Southeastern (Southeastern/Thirty Tigers)
Formerly of the Drive-By Truckers, Alabaman Isbell has quietly become a major songwriting force, equally at home with folk, country or loud rock & roll Believe the hype, folks – this record is indeed a killer.
Jimmer – The Would-Be Plans (Chief Injustice)
Jimmer Podrasky led the Pittsburgh band the Rave-Ups in the 80s and has been silent since that band’s breakup. His first solo record shows him in a rootsier light than the power-popping ‘Ups, which lets his smart, weather songs shine all the brighter.
Charles Bradley – Victim of Love (Dunham/Daptone)
Bradley has gone from being a James Brown impersonator to the heir to the soul pioneer’s legacy. The sheer power and energy on this LP outshines any punk and/or metal act’s you’d care to name.
The Howlin’ Brothers – Howl (Readymade)
God knows I’m as sick of fake bluegrass/string bands as anybody. But the Howlin’ Brothers blow that perception out of the water with a debut album full of loose playing, strong writing and a sense that its participants are having a blast.
John Paul Keith – Memphis 3 a.m. (Big Legal Mess)
The third record from a man for whom country, soul and power pop are three facets of the same diamond. This is what Buddy Holly might have done had he lived.
Willie Nelson – Let’s Face the Music and Dance (Legacy)
Nelson often veers between high concept albums (like the duets record To All the Girls, also released this year) and the ones he makes just for his own pleasure. This modestly presented set of showtunes, classic ballads and oldtime rock & roll sounds like it was cut casually, and the easygoing goodtime vibe is all the more potent for it.
Lady – s/t (Truth & Soul)
Soul revivalists tend to stick to the 60s, emulating Motown, James Brown and Stax. But I’m a sucker for the smooth 70s soul sound, and this silky duo does it with the style and class of the masters.
Michael Rank and Stag – Mermaids (Loud Hymn)
Rank led the late, lamented glam/trash rock & roll band Snatches of Pink, and while I’ll admit to missing the anarchic decadence of his old outfit, I’m happy that his reincarnation as a rootsy singer/songwriter hits a new peak with the lovely, melancholy Mermaids.
Otis Taylor – My World is Gone (Telarc)
Prolific blues singer and songwriter Taylor has put out a frighteningly consistent string of records for nearly two decades now. This one is just as powerful as usual, with a special emphasis on the injustices visited upon Native Americans.
Susan James – Driving Toward the Sun (SJM)
Susan James has somehow eluded major attention in the Americana and singer/songwriter worlds, but mark my words: if she keeps making records as smart, sensitive and melodic as this one, that will change in a big way.
