While we are still, without a lot of success, trying to stay away from the Christmas music scene, some fine musical nuggets are reaching our ears including the new album by The Who.
The Who – Who
With what, hopefully, will be their last record, the Who set the flag in the ground for a grand departure. The record is actually quite good with Daltry not overstepping his diminished vocals by not trying too hard to hit those high notes from days gone by. He is staying in his lane, letting Pete do the heavy lifting and the results are close to vintage Face Dances Who.
Pitbull – Libertad 548
Here, at Rock is the New Roll we have a few guilty pleasures. Along with The Bay City Rollers, The Sweet, and Eddie Murphy’s “Party All The Time,” another one of these is Pitbull. While we will stand on Snoop Dogg’s coffee table and proclaim “Fireball” as our number one party starter of all time, we don’t care how many bitches you have in the living room getting it on, there is always room for another Mr. Worldwide record to make it rain for us.
Hurt Valley – Glacial Pace
A somewhat appropriately monikered record, Hurt Valley’s Glacial Pace is a low-key gently paced pastoral adventure in hi-fi. There is a gentle psychedelic haze around this entire affair. Spark one up while you are listening to this one.
Chad Kostner – Highway 63
A newcomer to our ears, Chad Kostner has a voice that falls somewhere north of Steve Earle and South of Bryan Adams, and we think it’s cool. Born in Chicago and raised in Wisconsin, he has graduated from drinking and party songs to solidly introspective crafted John Prine inspired tunesmithing.
Los Colognes – From The Vault
Better musicos than us have tried and failed to genre identify Los Colognes. There is a definite hippy Laurel Canyon vibe weed-wafting in the air tonight essence going on with these guys, but there is more than meets the ear going on here. The twangy jam-oriented arrangements have a Grateful Dead meets Fleetwood Mac essence about them, and if you are deep into this band it is almost like you are in a secret society that revels in its underground status. Here, we have an abient scented E.P. that is best absorbed in a dark room with Tommy Chong.
Here it is, the long-awaited list of the best albums of 2019. It has been a really great year for music. We heard from a couple of deceased legends in Harry Nilsson and Leonard Cohen, were treated with new records from Texas Honky Tonk legends Jack Ingram, Corb Lund, and Dale Watson, and bright lights shone for the first time with a bevy of new artists to discover including the one name wonders Lizzo and Yola.
Rock is not dead with White Reaper, Drugdealer and Balck Country Communion all inviting us to a party like it’s 1979. And of course, the singer-songwriter is back. The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, is back and better than ever and Rock is the New Roll favorite Tom Russell gave us a history lesson in 11 songs with October in the Railroad Earth.
This year we will be releasing our top 100 list 10 tasty gems at a time, so sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy the ear-pleasing top 100 records of the year.
90. Jeremy Ivey – The Dream and the Dreamer
Mostly known for his work with Buffalo Clover as well as his role as Mr. Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey is stepping out on his own in fine fashion. Here, his 60’s County-Pop flag is flying as he carries his Laurel Canyon vibe to what should be the start of a terrific solo career. “Diamonds back to Coal” is the cream of a stellar crop.
89. Black Pumas – Black Pumas
Hard to classify this group of Austin musicians. Rock, Soul, R&B with a hint of Tex Mex? Yep, Yes, and sure. The best we can come up with is that if Marvin Gaye fronted The Black Keys, and was based out of Tijuana, they would sound like these guys. Check them out for yourself.
88. Camila Meza – Ambar
A bonafide triple threat Camila Meza Sings plays exquisite guitar and writes most of the songs on her latest release, Ambar. Singing in both her native Chilean tongue as well as English, her George Benson, and Pat Methany influenced soundscapes with full orchestral accompaniment are delicately nuanced wonders.
87. The Raconteurs – Help Us Stranger
And speaking of Jack White, The Raconteurs are back. This is notable mostly in that we get a Halleys Comet type appearance from the Power Pop genius Brendan Benson who inexplicably only shows up in Jack Whites’ side-piece band. The Ying to White’s Dirty Blues Yang. If you haven’t heard Benson’s 1996 album One Mississippi search it out.
86. Josh Ritter – Fever Breaks
Superbly backed by Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit, this record just might be Ritter’s best yet, easily his best in several releases. Every song is a cracker with Josh easing into each song like a hand in a glove.
85. Cody Jinks – After The Fire
With each successive record he releases Cody Jinks seems to channel Chris Stapleton more and more, and that is a very good thing. Now that he is back to being independent after a brief dance with Rounder Records, Cody delivers a solid set of Outlaw Country complete with Honky Tonk blazers and mellow ballads. Jinks blends the darkness with the light with a nimble touch and his Randy Travis Meets Garth Brooks croon is wearing very well on him.
84. BAILEN – Thrilled To Be Here
If you are a fan of the Laurel Canyon multiple harmony sound and groups like The Milk Carton Kids or the new Cactus Blossoms record then Thrilled To Be Here will be your new jam. Featuring fraternal twins Daniel and David Bailen along with their younger sister Julia, there is a First Aid Kit meets Dawes aura going on here with this impeccably produced record. There is even a dusting of Fleetwood Mac on “I Was Wrong.”
83. Janiva Magness – Janiva Magness Sings John Fogerty
As big fans of Janiva Magness when she plays it straight, and here where she covers some of our favorite John Fogerty songs we are all in as well. Thankfully no “Centerfield” here, but with such afternoon delights as “Lodi” with Sam Morrow, Rock is the New Roll favorite “A Hundred and Ten in the Shade,” and a sublime version of “Have You Ever Seen The Rain, this one is a stone-cold winner.
82. Jimmy “Duck” Holmes – Cypress
Another stellar and eclectic release from the Nashville based Dan Auerbach studio, Easy Eye Sound, the outfit that brought you Yola, Dee White, and Shannon Shaw just to name a few. Now, with Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, we are introduced to one of the last living bluesmen. Mixing a fuller sound than you would expect, drawing in a full band that includes Marcus King on a couple of songs with just Jimmy and his guitar on others, the essence of a real Mississippi juke joint is on full display with every guttural vocal and every greasy guitar lick.
81. Fontaines D.C. – Dogrel
This band hot fuzzes ferocious Post-Punk with a literate sensibility with a Clash, Meets The Waterboys, Meets The Pogues bombardier approach to their music. Dogrel is entirely listenable and firmly aligns itself in the Irish tradition that would make the Drop Kick Murphys proud.
Here it is, the long-awaited list of the best albums of 2019. It has been a really great year for music. We heard from a couple of deceased legends in Harry Nilsson and Leonard Cohen, were treated with new records from Texas Honky Tonk legends Jack Ingram, Corb Lund, and Dale Watson, and bright lights shone for the first time with a bevy of new artists to discover including the one name wonders Lizzo and Yola.
Rock is not dead with White Reaper, Drugdealer and Balck Country Communion all inviting us to a party like it’s 1979. And of course, the singer-songwriter is back. The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, is back and better than ever and Rock is the New Roll favorite Tom Russell gave us a history lesson in 11 songs with October in the Railroad Earth.
This year we will be releasing our top 100 list 10 tasty gems at a time, so sit back, grab your favorite beverage, and enjoy the ear-pleasing top 100 records of the year.
100. Pip Blom – Boat
Fervent fans of the Indie Rock scene of the ’90s, the Dutch band Pip Blom has released their most fully realized effort to date. Sonically excellent lead singer Pip Blom sounds a bit liked an escaped Runaway. The guitar pop on this one is the next level. If you are looking for a rambunctious romp through a 90’s Post Punk garden this is your jam.
99. Liz Brasher – Painted Image
This one is likely to be on the list of best debut albums of the year. With vintage Dusty Springfield, old school grooves mixed with contemporary Blues swirling throughout there is a definite new age feel to the record to complement the vintage sounds. “Cold Baby” sounds like Otis Redding’s long lost sister.
98. The Steel Woods – Old News
This Americana and Outlaw Country by way of Southern Rock band is the real deal. The opening couple of riffs on the lead-off song, “All of These Years” will have you digging out your old Lynyrd Skynyrd records, and if that’s not enough, their cover versions of “Whipping Post” along with Petty’s ” Southern Accents” will direct your attention to the music that these guys discovered when they were growing up.
97. Justin Townes Earle – The Saint of Lost Causes
Steve Earles’s Son Justin Townes Earle is back with another solid set of introspective songs. This time, turning to more expansive road themes instead of the deeply person familial portraits he shared on his last two records, the results are equally impressive.
96. Joan Shelley – Like The River Loves The Sea
This record is a slow burn. After one listen you will go, ok, Joni Mitchell for the new millennium. After a second listen you will think there is something a bit deep going on here. And, after a third listen, you will be putting this record on your own personal best of the year lists. This record is sensual, provocative and alarming all at the same time.
95. Madison Cunningham – Who Are They Now
It seems appropriate that Madison Cunningham would eventually land on the Verve record label. Her nuanced and sophisticated guitar playing, as well as her vocal delivery, will remind you of Joni Mitchell in her prime. The songwriting and pop sensibilities are pure Karla Bonoff.
94. Garrett T. Capps – All Right, All Night
If Townes Van Zant was just a little less screwed up and depressed, he might have been Garrett T. Capps. All killer, no filler the title track is great, and songs like “Sunday Sun” and “Babe, I’ve Got To Go” are quite possibly even better.
93. Samantha Fish – Kill or Be Kind
Six albums in, and her first on Rounder Records, Samantha Fish is still somewhat of an unknown quantity. Whether she is laying down a greasy blues riff or belting out a Soul screamer, Samantha is a Swiss Army knife of talent. And, and if there is a musical God, her new record should land her on the music radar right alongside Beth Hart and Bonnie Raitt.
92. Elles Bailey – Road I Call Home
Finally, Elles Baily has a proper release under her belt. Part Blues, some Country, all very cool, Elles Bailey is on the verge of stardom. After touring with Eric Gales and garnering high billing on several festival circuits this one just might be the breakthrough she so richly deserves.
91. Daddy Long Legs – Lowdown Ways
If Little Walter was in the Stray Cats you might get Daddy Long Legs. Just listen to “Mornin’ Noon & Night” and tell me I’m wrong. This record is a smasher from “Pink Lemonade” all the way to “Ding Dong Dang.” Old-School meets New-School in all the best of ways on this one.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 20-16
20. Weyes Blood – Everyday
Titanic Rising is one of the best records of 2019, and the single “Everyday” is sort of Bob Seger meets Enya.
19. Bill Callahan – What Comes After Certainty
If Neil Diamond and Leonard Cohen had a love child that was produced by Rick Rubin, this is the sort of beautiful noise that the offspring would share with the world. Willie’s guitar even makes an out of nowhere appearance on this one.
18. Rodney Crowell – Deep In The Heart of Uncertain Texas
We could have picked any number of tunes for this list from Rodney Crowell’s Texas L.P., but we are contractually obligated to mention Willie Nelson at least one time per post, and the more the better. Here, along with Ronnie Dunn, Willie is in perfect hippy form.
17. Elles Bailey – Road I Call Home
The heir apparent to Bonnie Rait who sounds like she could be the daughter of Melissa Etheridge with better chops, Elles Baily is really coming into her own with her new record, Road I Call Home. The title track shows an artist that, by all rights, should not be as good as she is.
16. Garret T. Capps – Sunday Sun
There is an old school outlaw troubadour ethos that generates through every pore of Garrett T. Capps that draws the line from Hank to Kris to Townes all the way to Garrett T. Capps without missing a beat.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 25-21
25. Sheer Mag – Hardly To Blame
A singalong chorus enhances the bounciness on this Rocker of a song from the Philly based group.
24. Leon Bridges and Khruangbin – Texas Sun
Two soon to be Texas legends, Leon Bridges from Fort Worth and Houston’s Khruangbin team up on a classic sounding single.
23. Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – When a Cowboy Trades His Spurs For Wings
The undeniable chemistry on this stand-alone (so far) single from Gillian Welch and David Rawlings makes for sweet harmony filled listening, courtesy of the San Saba Songbird from The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.
22. Yes Factory – Radio Waves
Some Matthew Sweet vintage Power Pop for the new age. The band is from Rockford Illinois and features Ian Zander, son of Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander. This apple falls not so far from the Rock tree.
21. DeWolff – It Ain’t Easy
One of our more pleasant Rock and Roll finds from 2018, it took us a bit to get used to the Jamiroquai vibes on this one from their latest two-song E.P. but after a few studious listens of this one, the mid-song guitar noodling sold us big time.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 30-26
30. The Highwomen – The Chain
This Fleetwood Mac classic comes alive again in the hands of the Highwomen, 2019 Supergroup of the year. This cover song is from the Melissa McCarthy movie, The Kitchen.
29. Lucy Dachus – Fools Gold
He’ll blame the alcohol and you’ll blame the full moon pretty well expresses this lovely ode to The New Year.
28. Laura Stevenson – Living Room, NY
Laura Stevenson was in Australia when she wrote this song to a flame she was missing. You can feel the longing in every breath she takes here, and you will find yourself longing for the sequel to this stunner of a song.
27. Drugdealer – Honey
From Raw Honey, Drugdealer’s highly excellent 2019 release. This one sounds like it could have been on side 2 of George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass.
26. Purple Mountains – That’s Just The Way I Feel
This is hands down the saddest song of the year given that Dave Berman took his own life shortly after recording his Purple Mountains album. There is a Harry Nilsson vibe to this one, but don’t let the bouncy tenor fool you. There is an underlying sense of despair running through the core of this poignant swan song.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 35-31
35. Cheap Trick – Gimme Some Truth
Pressed on red vinyl this 7″ pressing is Cheap Trick in their never wavering glory.
34. Cowboy Diplomacy – The Get Down
Their first single since 2017, they have a new record that is due next year, Cowboy Diplomacy has been kicking around Austin for some time know delivering country grizzled Rock & Roll. If Waylon Jennings fronted Lynyrd Skynyrd this is what the band would have sounded like.
33. Dori Freeman – That’s How I Fell
With an Americana tinged voice that whippoorwills between Linda and Joni, her calming vibrato “That’s How I Feel” from her highly excellent new record, Every Single Star, features a collaboration with British Folk-Rocker Teddy Thompson.
32. Hector Ward & The Big Time – Whiskey Pants
These guys have been around enough and are so diverse they have opened for the likes of Gary Clark Jr,. The Zombies, Christopher Cross, and Ian McLagan. Put on your whiskey pants and head-on into the night.
31. Lillie Mae – You’ve Got Other Girls For That
Touring with Robert Plant and The Raconteurs, there is no sophomore slump for Lillie Mae, her latest release, Other Girls, is one of the best Americana records of the year. “You’ve got other girls for that. I just came to play.”
Since we are contractually and philosophically obligated to steer away from covering any Christmas releases, the pickings are a bit slim this week. But, fear not fellow music aficionados, there are a couple of cool ones along with some spicy reissues that are deserving to be heard.
Mapache – Mapache
A stripped down version of their laid back Laurel Canyon ethos, this one is carries so much ’70s DNA it could be dating Linda Ronstadt.
If You’re Going To The City: A Tribute To Mose Allison
Mose Allison is one interesting dude. A unicorn of sorts, he plays well in the worlds of Jazz, Blues, Folk, and Americana. Here, Iggy Pop, Bonnie Raitt, Chrissie Hynde, and even Richard Thompson makes an appearance on this one. “Stop This World” and “Parchman Farm” are both pretty special, but the entire set is ear-worthy.
Shawn Lee – Rides Again
Shawn Lee has been around a bit, since the late 80,s and with his vibe of Pop, New-Soul, and 60’s Motown Groove, his latest effort has a distinct retro feel that is cleansing to the palate.
Willie Nile – Beautiful Wreck of a World
Willie Nile, the king of New York, has been creating pretty great music since the 70’s. Sort of a mix of Mink DeVille and Lou Reed, this reissue from 2004 is is a great primer to learn more about an artist that very much should be on your radar.
Jack Green – Humanesque
Known mostly for his work with The Pretty Things, Jack Green has reissued his first solo release, Humanesque, from way back in 1980. Power Pop in the Greg Kihn mold, “I Call No Answer” features Ritchie Blackmore before before he went all Renaissance crazy.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 40-36
40. Dirty Honey – Rolling 7s
If like most of us, you are sick and tired having just about every music critic this side of Cameron Crowe trying to jam Greta Van Fleet down your throat as the next great Rock and Roll band, we present to you, Dirty Honey. This L.A. band plays what they call “new-fashioned Rock and Roll.” With a sound that is some sort of devil hybrid between Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith, their 2019 six-song mini-album will rock your plimsoul.
39. The Stereophonics – Bust This Town
A bit maligned in their own U.K. The Stereophonics have been doing their thing for over 20 years now. The second single to be released from their 2019 Kind L.P., celebrates escapism in all its forms.
38. Garret T. Capps – All Right, All Night
Garret T. Capps is one of those stylistic and artistically hip Americana influenced artists along the lines of Tennessee Jet, Sturgill Simpson and Robert Ellis. “All Right, All Night” is only one of several terrific songs on his 2019 release of the same name.
37. Sir Woman – Highroad
Sir Woman is the newest project for Kelsey Wilson, co-founder of Wild Child. On “Sir Woman” she uses her singing and arranging skills on this string and horns laden stunner. With a snappy beat and a ’60s vibe, this one has a “feel good” feeling that demands to be on your year-end playlist.
36. Lucille Furs – Paint Euphrosyne Blue
Lucille Furs and their 2019 record, Another Land, have, and it’s not even close, released the Psychedelic album of the year. Full of Beatles, Monkees, and even 13th Floor elevators Austin Powers groovability, “Paint Euphrosyne Blue,” just one of stellar songs, could have been on a Monkees record back in the day.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 45-41.
45. Joanne Shaw Taylor – Reckless Heart
“Reckless Heart” the title track from her latest release is a clear step up in weight class for a Blues Rock Singer that combines the vocal prowess of Bonnie Raitt and the guitar chops of Susan Tedeschi.
44. Peter Bjorn and John – Reason To Be Reasonable
From the boys that brought you “Young Folks,” one of the top earworms of the last 20 years, they once again burrow their way into your ears with the anti-breakup song of the year. It is refreshing to hear a message that promotes trying to work things out instead of fleeing the scene when the first bit of adversity comes your way.
43. Brent Cowles – High To Low
L.A. Songwriter Brent Cowles decided full-force to write a song that wasn’t sad or negative. For this one, he decided he wanted to pen a tune that would make people dance and smile. With “High and Low” he has succeeded on all fronts in advance of a new record due early in 2020.
42. Trash Cat – Straw Girl
Trash Cat is one of those quirky bands that you will find very hard not to like once you give them a chance. The group features Mary Claxton playing the electric ukelele, Brian, her beardy jazz instructor husband, and, for good measure, you have a mohawked sax player. Hailing from Greely, Co,, this band of gypsies does not take themselves over-seriously but make no mistake, this is one talented trio as demonstrated on “Straw Girl” the lead-off single from their 2019 record, Welcome To Trash City.
41. Rufus Wainwright – Trouble In Paradise
If you are not on the Rufus Wainright bandwagon, jump on in. The water’s fine. As the son of musicians Louden Wainright III (The dead skunk in the road guy) and Kate McGarrigle, his own music is as eclectic as you can get including 7 albums and a note for note record rendition of Judy at Carnegie Hall. Here, Rufus demonstrates his Pop-Centric chops on “Trouble in Paradise” from his new record set to be released very soon.
There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 20-16
Rock Is The New Roll 