Saving Country Music’s 45 Essential Albums for 2013
Here they are folks, the 45 albums Saving Country Music deems essential for listening in 2013. I dramatically increased the amount of albums in this list from previous years in the spirit of trying to get more music out to more people. Similarly, I reviewed many more albums in 2013 than ever before. Please feel free to share your essential albums below in the comments section.
Also Possessed by Paul James’ There Will Be Nights When I’m Lonely has been excluded from this list and all of SCM’s year end lists and any other opinion-based coverage because I had a hand in the making of it. But I still encourage you to check it out and consider it one of the year’s best. Also EP’s and short-run albums like Lydia Loveless’s Boy Crazy and the Waylon Jennings / Old 97’s split are also excluded. But you’re encouraged to check out those projects as well.
PLEASE NOTE: This list only includes albums that have been reviewed so far. There are a more good and important albums in 2013 that have yet to be reviewed, and that will hopefully be reviewed shortly.
PLEASE NOTE: None of the Album of the Year Nominees are included on this list, so look over there before complaining about omissions. After the first 7 albums, they are listed in the order the albums were reviewed, not in order based on recommendation/quality/etc.
The White Buffalo – Shadows, Greys, & Evil Ways
Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways is a concept album, and this is a fact Jake Smith is happy to share with his audience, along with a more in-depth explanation of the narrative, instead of letting you stumble into that truth like some artists find sport in doing. It follows the characters Jolene and Joe, their falling in love, the struggles of life that separate them in both body and spirit, and the sinister things this separation and life does to a man who struggles between sin and redemption. (read full review)
JB Beverley – Stripped to the Root
“I was going through some really tumultuous personal stuff. My long-term girlfriend of several years and I had split up, a couple of my friends had passed away, my dad had taken ill, and I left Virginia and moved to North Carolina. But through all of this, what became Stripped to the Root basically was a collection of songs both that I had written, or either heroes or friends in some capacity had written that were helping me get through that time.” (read full interview)
Billie Joe & Norah Jones – Foreverly
Foreverly is not a tribute album in the traditional sense, it is a reboot of a specific album, a reinterpretation of the 1958 Everly Brothers’ Songs Our Daddy Taught Us, song by song, line by line, with virtually the same track list, ratcheting up the strange factor yet another notch. What this results in of all things is a stripped-down, old-time, primitive country record, referring back to the Ralph Peer era in country music; very rootsy, with murder ballads and Gothic American textures, and traditional, folksy themes and compositions. (read full review)
Cody Canada – Some Old, Some New, Maybe A Cover Or Two
Acoustic and live albums naturally get relegated in an artists’ discography, fair or not, because it takes less effort to create them. But almost with that sense, Canada puts every effort into making each take on this album something special. At the same time, the ease and comfort level of this record is magnanimous and magnetic, like you’re sharing in the music with Canada instead of listening to a star on a stage. (read full review)
Kellie Pickler – The Woman I Am
Though The Woman I Am sort of dashes any hopes for Kellie Pickler as an artist that could crash the Music Row party from the inside out and foster a new spring of substance and roots in mainstream country music, that doesn’t mean there isn’t some good songs, and good music here. “Kellie Country” is still much better than mainstream country, and though it may be a stretch to label her an Outlaw, she is certainly a rebel, and continues to be a refreshing choice. (read full review)
Copper & Coal – Copper & Coal
Some musical performers entertain, while others stun. With instincts for blending harmony normally only reserved for siblings, the stunning female vocal duo of Copper & Coal from Portland, Oregon breathe new life into an old-style of honky tonk music with their sultry original compositions of lost and found love, and wild adventures of the heart. Their name derived from the raven and red hair that crown these nearly six-foot beauties and the eternal rural themes of culling the earth of its resources that have lend so many stories and so much inspiration to the country music canon over the years, Copper & Coal’s Leslie Beia and Carra Stasney are something to behold, commanding attention with their Siren-like countenance, crafty lyrics, and seamless delivery. (review – album stream)
Devil Makes Three – I’m A Stranger Here
The Devil Makes Three can’t be denied, and after a few listens, you’re wearing out your repeat button. What The Devil Makes Three does so well is the same thing Pokey LaFarge does: they pick up on all the subtleties and nuances of vintage string music, not just the big, obvious flavors and modes. What then separates The Devil Makes Three from Pokey is that they pay that appreciation forward with a punk attitude. This one may take a few initial spins, but you very well may find your next favorite record. (read full review)
Brennen Leigh & Noel McKay – Before The World Was Made
Gone are the days of the legendary duet pairings in country music like George and Tammy, Loretta and Conway, right? Well they may not boast beehive doos or lamb chops, or grace the stage of the CMA Awards or come beaming into your home or buggy via the miracle of Clear Channel radio, but the Austin country scene’s power couple of Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay have revitalized the country duet concept album in a smart, brilliant, hilarious, and sweet offering. (read full review)
The Defibulators – Debt’ll Get ‘Em
There’s no doubt that in 20 years or so, roots revival bands in their vests and suspenders will be the laughing stock of popular culture just like hair metal bands are today, but the Defibulators ask why wait 20 years when you can make fun of them right now, and in some ways make fun of yourself by proxy? Being a country band from New York City is somewhat campy itself, so why not embrace your fate, own it, revel in it, and most importantly, not let it get in the way of making great music, or the music you want. (read full review)
Charlie Robison – High Life
High Life is sitting back nice and easy on a bench at Gruene Hall, with the warm Texas air tickling the senses, and a sense that all is right in the world. This album does an amazing job setting the mood of a time and place that you want to be in. For my money, the two can’t miss songs of High Life are “Out Of These Blues” and “Monte Carlo,” both written by sister Robyn Ludwick. (read full review)
Lindi Ortega – Tin Star
Lindi Ortega is a creature of the darkness. She highlights the beauty in the world not by shining a light on it, but painting the rest black until the beauty is all that is left. She cherishes life by celebrating death. She makes you feel joy by bringing you to tears. She is the antithesis to an obvious, transparent world, all freshly fallen snow and onyx biting, contrasting, revitalizing the attention to life and its many dark beauties simply by her presence. (read full review)
Alan Jackson – The Bluegrass Album
There’s so much else Alan Jackson could have done with his next release, and he chose to do this. And what has been the result so far? With the Alan Jackson name behind it, we’ve seen a 100% traditional bluegrass album chart at #3 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, and come in at #11 on the all-genre Billboard 200. So much for the idea that traditional country is no longer commercially viable. (read full review)
Hank3 – Brothers of the 4X4
Whether it is because the expectations are lowered, because the album is more country than his last, or because Hank3 has found a way to re-ignite his creative spark, Brothers of the 4×4 symbolizes a retrenching of Hank3 as a creative force in country, capable of generating inspiring moments in music. It’s just a shame you have to dig somewhat to find them. (read full review)
Sarah Jarosz – Build Me Up From Bones
Build Me Up From Bones is a bold work of progressive bluegrass that showcases young Jarosz’s developed songwriting and adeptness at composition, while not sacrificing the whimsy and fun an album from a 22-year-old must have to be genuine. Jarosz isn’t playing over her head or having to make up for anything. She’s deep in the pocket of her own original musical expression, built upon the roots of the bluegrass discipline, and inspired by its lore. (read full review)
Austin Lucas – Stay Reckless
“I wrote the song “Stay Reckless” about my brother. He has a saying, “Everything in moderation, including moderation.” I just re-entered the world of being single, and I was partying a lot. And it just really spoke to me, those two words put together. And the overarching theme of the record is really that. It is coming to terms with getting a divorce and being single again, and figuring out my limits.” (read full interview)
Davy Jay Sparrow – All Nite Long
No ladies and gentlemen, Western Swing is not dead; not when Davy Jay Sparrow is on the job, doing his level best to keep the distinguished country music sub-genre fresh and fun by forging ahead with his fast-paced and frolicking take on one of country music’s original modes. All Nite Long includes 11 all new original songs, and two delicious traditionals. Put it all together and you have one of the most entertaining albums released so far in 2013. (read full review)
Danny Kay & The Nightlifers – Crazy Lonesome Blue
Crazy Lonesome Blue comes at you with no frills, offering up a bevy of original songs, a few covers and traditionals, and an all-star cast comprising the Nightlifer’s lineup. It’d take a DNA test to convince me that Danny Kay isn’t a cousin of Lucky Tubb in the way his lonesome drawl with a rounded cadence really pulls the emotion out of the words to a song while pulling the listener’s ear right in. After laying down the foundation and setting the story of the song, Danny’s gets out of the way and lets the hillbilly maestros in the Nighlifers do their handiwork. (read full review)
Larry & His Flask – By The Lamplight
For the people that like to complain about the sameness of Mumford & Sons’ music, if you wanted to experience a mirror opposite of that, but a band in a similar stylistic direction, Larry & His Flask might be your best option. Just ask The Grateful Dead how tough it is as a notorious live band to translate that magic into the studio, but with Larry & His Flask’s latest album By The Lamplight, they accomplished this feat yet again. (read full review)
Valerie June – Pushin’ Against A Stone
What we get is a record that is easier defined by geography than genre. Pushin’ Against A Stone is the sound of Memphis if it could ever be defined by one album. It is the sound of the city expressed through this native Memphis girl in the form of sweaty horns and soul, mournful, bellowing lyrics, and a spirit of defiance. It is like the streets rising up in a blue collar orchestra, expressing pain and struggle, and a yearning for redemption and victory. (read full review)
Guy Clark – My Favorite Picture of You
Like a great sage that only speaks his wisdom once every few years, when Guy Clark releases an album, you stop down, and you listen. A Guy Clark album, and a Guy Clark song doesn’t need much. Once he’s written the words down and sketched the shape with an acoustic guitar (that Guy Clark the luthier likely built himself), his job is pretty much done. This lends to his compositions doing what they do best: going out into the world, influencing other songs and songwriters, melding to the personal narratives of his listeners, and being graced with enough ambiguity where other performers can take Guy’s spark of inspiration and make the songs their own. (read full review)
The Tillers – Hand on the Plow
Leave behind the world of nagging priority that is screaming at your for attention through various flashing doo dads streaming threads of bad news and worse entertainment choices, and go back to a time when people played songs on their back porches from the simple love of the music, and the only way to evoke entertainment was to breed fellowship with friends and family and sing and play along. (album stream-review)
Leo Rondeau – Take It And Break It
Take It And Break It affords nine new original tracks from Rondeau, and is produced by R.S. Field who has previously worked with folks like Billy Joe Shaver and Hayes Carll, and produced Justin Townes Earle’s first two LP’s. This album has a great spirit and is a worthy receptacle for these original songs that now get to go out into the world and find inviting hearts. (read full review)
Jackson Taylor – Crazy Again
Can I just go ahead and declare that Jackson Taylor & The Sinners are officially the funnest band in country music right now? Do I have the unilateral authority to do that? Can we somehow get that certified through oath and affirmation? Because hot damn, if their latest album Crazy Again doesn’t leave you in a good mood, then you’re one hell of a red ass. Where in the country music world does Jackson Taylor & The Sinners belong? If Crazy Again is any indication, they don’t need to belong anywhere specifically, they deserve to belong everywhere. (read full review)
Patty Griffin – American Kid
American Kid is a worthy specimen if someone asked you produce an album that exemplifies Americana’s influence and artistry. From the ultra-traditional “Mom & Dad’s Waltz” by Lefty Frizzell, to the progressive and airy “Highway Song” co-penned by Robert Plant, American Kid presents itself like a tree hanging heavy with fruit, with all but the two aforementioned songs written by Griffin solely. Though in no way a full-on collaboration with Patty and Plant, his presence here and there gives American Kid an additional layer of compelling character. (read full review)
The Carper Family – Old Fashioned Gal
With aptitude, The Carper Family girls can shift from Western Swing, old-school country, folk, covers and originals, embellishing it all with tasteful instrumentation and exquisite three-part harmony. Each player brings a unique skill set that blends so well with their counterparts. Melissa Carper’s voice has the auspicious, wise, vintage tone of a natural born storyteller, while Jenn Miori’s is the classic sweet and supple sound of the simple country life. Beth Chrisman can blend tone with anything, while providing the solo parts for the music on the fiddle. (read full review)
Eric Strickland – I’m Bad For You
Eric Strickland is Country with a capital ‘C’ and couldn’t make a bad album if he tried. He may be more locally-oriented than the other big names in honky tonk music, but gives up nothing to his more well-known comrades when it comes to cutting songs and records. At the heart of Strickland’s appeal is his ability to take what on the surface may seem like tired, clichè country themes, and give them a fresh, new feel. (read full review)
Carolina Still – The Color of Rust
If you gave me only one word to describe this album, it would be “Yes!” The Color of Rust will downright wear your country ass out. Carolina Still are not necessarily superpickers, and if they were, it might take away from the spirit of their music. Instead they rely on good ears to craft catchy elements to reel you in. (read full review)
The Dinosaur Truckers – The Dinosaur Truckers
Can four dudes from Germany make American roots music and still be authentic? Do they have the ear, the personal history, the DNA, the dirt under their fingernails to do what American-based string bands do, or will they be forever relegated to being once removed from the American musical experience? If The Dinosaur Truckers and their new self-titled LP are any indication, the answer would be “Ja! Natürlich!” (read full review)
Jason Boland & The Stragglers – Dark & Dirty Mile
Jason Boland & The Stragglers have benefited over the years from their consistency. You know what you’re going to get from a Jason Boland show and a Jason Boland song. Dark & Dirty Mile continues on with that consistency and strength, and assures that as Red Dirt grows and ages, Jason Boland & The Stragglers will still be one of the movement’s premier acts, and one preserving the country roots in the Red Dirt legacy. (read full review)
Jayke Orvis & The Broken Band – Bless This Mess
Whether its blazing instrumentals like “Murder of Crows,” or more singer/songwriter-style material like “West Wind,” and what may be the album’s legacy track “Crooked Smile,” Jayke Orvis shows himself as one of the premier purveyors of Gothic-infused American string music worth a wide ear and critical acclaim. Jayke Orvis & The Broken Band is a name that deserves to be ready on the tongue whenever folks query for names of top flight string bands to check out. (read full review)
Ten Foot Polecats – Undertow
The Ten Foot Polecats out of Boston bring the serious, full-tilt North Mississippi deep blues mojo on their new chest-pounding, groove-infested long player rightly entitled Undertow. As the name implies, this bad boy sucks you down and doesn’t quit tugging you asunder until you wholly submit to the deep muddy abyss of booty-shaking rhythms. (read full review)
Deadstring Brothers – Cannery Row
If you’re looking for superpickers to get your spine tingling or superlative poetic exorbitance, you’re sorely missing the point of the Deadstring’s Cannery Row. This album is an evocation of warm memory, burrowing deep into your brain matter to reprise moments that meant something in your life and allowing you to relive them. It tugs at your heart strings, but not in the traditional way. It does it from the inside outwith a familiarity of feeling that is customized to your personal ear and experience. (read full review)
Son Volt – Honky Tonk
As one of the original members of Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt frontman Jay Farrar is one of the forebearers of the alt-country sound that now has morphed into the all-encompassing Americana behemoth that here in 2013 is enjoying a meteoric rise in influence. But instead of trying to figure out how to ride that popularity wave, Farrar and Son Volt release an album that is so doggone country, you could almost call it conceptualized. (read full review)
Lonesome Wyatt – Ghost Ballads
Where Lonesome’s Those Poor Bastards material usually carries more anger, and angular, abrupt themes, Ghost Ballads is like a lost collection of Edgar Allan Poe poems written as if they were for children, but that were truly meant for adults. Then he sets it all to music. Lonesome Wyatt is a timeless artist, and I’m sure Ghost Ballads along with his entire discography will be haunting Gothic fans long after he’s in the grave.(read full review)
Kacey Musgraves – Same Trailer, Different Park
When you boil it all down, this is a quintessential Americana album, not a country one, with intelligent songs and sparse arrangements. There’s more drums in 30 seconds of any given Rush song than on this entire album. There’s really no solo parts, and the one’s there are stick very close to the melody. It’s not the best mainstream album to come out in years, but its probably the best album that will actually be represented on mainstream radio and awards shows. And with its authentic, inspiring, and intelligent content, this can only be a good thing. (read full review)
Holly Williams – The Highway
Produced by Holly and Charlie Peacock, and written mostly by Williams herself, The Highway puts Holly Williams smack dab in the middle of this revolutionary crop of young women that threatens to completely shake up the country music world and mindset. Holly Williams now has a career-caliber album that exemplifies the leadership and creativity coming from country’s young women. (read full review)
Ashley Monroe – Like A Rose
Like A Rose is a short and sweet, classic country album that encapsulates Ashley Monroe’s skills as a formidable traditional country songwriter with a sweet voice embellished with sincere pain. All the songs on Like A Rose were written by Monroe,but they all include collaborators as well, most notably Vince Gill who is also the executive producer of the album. Ashley Monroe is at the very top of that crop of beautiful, bold, and talented women. (read full review)
Nellie Wilson – Not This Time
Where Nellie rises and really makes Not This Time a remarkable work is in her vocal performances and writing. Knowing the Nellie Wilson story, and listening to this album, you can tell that Nellie fought for this music and really pushed herself to put all of her resolve in making an album that was a true refection of her talent, her instincts, and her abilities. (read full review)
Wayne Hancock – Ride
A new Wayne Hancock album is like a gift from the country music gods; the same gods that bestowed upon him the capacity to be the closest living thing you can find to Hank Williams today (according to Hank Williams III among others), yet still be a wholly unique artist who finds himself in the very exclusive ranks of true music originatorsthose rare musical souls who’ve germinated their own genres and genealogy trees full of new artists inspired by their work. (read full review)
Amber Digby – The World You’re Living In
It takes a certain amount of courage to make an album like The World You’re Living Inso unapologetically steeped in the traditions of country music, specifically many of the traditions that set Texas country apart from other classic sounds originating further east or west. Making an album that is so blind to trends or trade industry desires, without a care if 98.1 will show courtesy to it in their rotation is a sign of character from Amber. (read full review)
Olds Sleeper – Before & After The Here And Now
You tend to get so immersed in the artistry of Olds Sleeper’s music, it’s sometimes easy to overlook what a good musician he is. His guitar work and composition match the wit of the words in “Unpack Your Heart,” and the playful instrumental “Primitive” is another one of Before And After‘s preeminent tracks. (read full review)
Dale Watson – El Rancho Azul
You know what you’re going to get with a Dale Watson albumgood old-fashioned honest-to-goodness honky tonk country music. Bred for dancing, El Rancho Azul is taken straight out of the honky tonks Dale Watson plays 8 nights a week while home in Austin. Drinking and heartache are the prevailing themes, and maybe not just because this is a country album, but because Dale just recently went through a breakup and a divorce himself. (read full review)
Jimbo Mathus – White Buffalo
With White Buffalo, Jimbo Mathus captures more sweat in the recording than anything this side of Sticky Fingers.White Buffalo is a journey through the South. And no, not in Jason Aldean’s king cab with air conditioning and buckets seats, but in an old beater with panty hose and coat hangers procured for spare parts. With song titles like “Hatchie Bottom” and “Fake Hex,” you know you’re in for an interesting trip, and you’re glad to have a local as your guide. (read full review)
Daniel Romano – Come Cry With Me
Daniel Romano is not a neo-traditionalist in the traditional sense. He’s not trying to regale the modern ear with a new take on the classic country sound. Instead Daniel Romano is like the method actor of classic country, carving his niche by offering a strict interpretation of classic country’s modes with striking accuracy. It’s not a retro sound, it is a strict, methodical re-enactment. Everything fits the periodthe words, the instrumentation, the song structure. (read full review)
Ray Lawrence Jr. – More Raw Stuff
Like Chris Knight, Ray Lawrence Jr. is a simple man who has this sensational talent to be able to put defining moments of the human experience to words and music in a way that rekindles the feelings of those moments. Ray’s simplicity becomes his strength by imbibing his music with a blue collar, colloquial grace. Since Ray’s wisdom isn’t defined by a Master’s degree or a master vocabulary, it manifests itself in a cunning wit that takes themes and language culled from real life experiences, and weaves them into high art through honesty and authenticity of expression. (read full review)
December 10, 2013 @ 12:57 pm
Glad to see the Devil Makes 3 on the list. I it has become my favorite release of the past year.
On another note… any word on the Boomswagglers? I thought you had hinted a couple months back something new might be cooking with them.
December 10, 2013 @ 1:16 pm
As far as songs, I think Devil Makes Three is one of the best all year too, but I’m worried the poor recording quality is going to hold some from getting into it, which is really a shame.
My Boomswagglers contacts are telling me that the process has begun on making a new album, but it is still in its infant stages. But if what I’ve heard so far is any indication, it will be worth the wait.
December 10, 2013 @ 1:29 pm
I actually like the way it is recorded and wasn’t crazy about the eponymously titled album with its piezo direct to the board guitar sounds. Too brittle for my taste but still loved the songs and feel.
Last question about the Boomswagglers, will it involve both Spencer Cornett and Lawson Bennett? I thought one of them had split.
December 10, 2013 @ 4:00 pm
Spencer is the last remaining original Boomswaggler.
Lawson now goes by the name “Blood Master” and is a standup comedian.
December 11, 2013 @ 8:04 am
Just as an update, I emailed Hillgrass about a month ago about the Boomswagglers and they responded to me that Spencer was in the studio working on new Boomswagglers material as he was writing his response.
It is my understanding that Lawson wrote the vast majority of the “Bootleg Beginnings…”. Not that I don’t have faith in Spencer, but my expectations will be tempered with the next release. I LOVE their first album, but I’m not sure Spencer alone can recapture the magic that came to be with that first album.
December 11, 2013 @ 11:31 am
I can’t really speak on how good Spencer will be without Lawson because we don’t know yet. But I know that except for the song “Berry Creek Blues” that didn’t make it on the album, and “Mornin’ Pill” which did, Spencer did the majority of the writing on that first album. There may have been a couple of more co-writes in there, I’m not sure. That’s not a knock on Lawson. I loved Lawson and thought he was great. But he had to follow his heart.
December 11, 2013 @ 1:53 pm
If that’s the case, than perhaps I can look forward to another great album. I thought Mornin Pills was probably the best song on the album, but there isn’t a bad song on the album. Why I Sleep Alone is probably my favorite. I’ve never been able to get my hands on their CD (its been sold out since I discovered so I settled on the Amazon download) so I’ve never seen who actually writes the songs. I thought I remembered reading an article here that stated Lawson didn’t have those emotions from the first album anymore and thus couldn’t continue with the band. I’m hoping Spencer sticks with the tone from the first, I really liked it.
December 23, 2013 @ 6:32 pm
Hey Trig,
I was just wondering if you intentionally left Southeastern off, or if that was just one you forgot?
December 23, 2013 @ 7:21 pm
None of the Album of the Year candidates are included on this list in the spirit of giving other artists a chance to be featured.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/2013-saving-country-music-album-of-the-year-nominees
December 10, 2013 @ 1:10 pm
Wow when you look at that list and the album of the year list…All I can say is 2013 was on fire.
Also I know you had to leave out Possessed By Paul James album There Will Be Nights When I’m Lonely, but I thought I would mention it for anybody that hasn’t seen or heard it yet. It’s one of the best albums out there!
December 10, 2013 @ 1:18 pm
I just added a note up top about Possessed By Paul James. I hope nobody thinks I’m snubbing him and I encourage everyone to check out the album, but I don;t think it would be fair to include an album I was involved with in opinion-based coverage.
December 10, 2013 @ 1:18 pm
Love the list glad to see Amber Digby on it it does not get more Tonk than her.
December 10, 2013 @ 1:19 pm
‘Copper & Coal’ Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! These chicks are cool! (As Beavis would say :D)
Thanks, Mr. Triggerman, the rest of this list is cool. I’d also put here ‘Color of Rust’ by Carolina Still, but you made a very good gob, anyway! Thanks again!
December 10, 2013 @ 1:20 pm
Oh, stupid me! Carolina Still is here. Sorry… 😀
December 10, 2013 @ 1:30 pm
As far as lists go, that’s a pretty good one. However, my list would have also included the latest releases from Robbie Fulks and Eddie Spaghetti.
December 10, 2013 @ 4:02 pm
Robbie Fulks is an Album of the Year candidate.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/2013-saving-country-music-album-of-the-year-nominees
December 10, 2013 @ 1:34 pm
And glad to see Jayke Orvis on the list too. We were lucky enough to do Weber’s Deck with the Broken Band last summer and it was a lesson as to how it is done son.
December 10, 2013 @ 1:43 pm
Mikey Classic and his lonesome spur should be on this list and possibly nominated for album of the year! Its fantastic!
December 10, 2013 @ 4:55 pm
i’ll second that. i’m not sure i would give it album of the year, but it would certainly be on the essential list and the short list for album of the year.
December 10, 2013 @ 9:43 pm
I need to get a copy of this, which can sometimes be a challenge with Farmageddon releases. I knew it was released but honestly haven’t heard any of the music yet. Have always been a big supporter of Mikey’s songwriting so I’d be really interested to hear it.
December 10, 2013 @ 1:49 pm
I very much enjoyed DogBite Harris’s People Like You Hate People Like Me.. The other albums I knew what to expect.. With DogBites I was pleasantly surprised. You and everyone else should check it out.
December 10, 2013 @ 2:06 pm
Love this list — especially Isbell and Ortega. I think I’d add in The Lone Bellow’s self-titled debut and even Gary Allan’s Set You Free. As mainstream discs go, that was definitely my favorite.
December 10, 2013 @ 2:34 pm
no High Top Mountain?!?! no Southeastern?!?! no In the Throes?!?! you wrote an awful lot about those 3 to leave them out
December 10, 2013 @ 2:59 pm
read trigs, notes!
How could Fifth on the Floors Ashes and Angels not make this list? Going down to see them this sat.night in Lexington with Jayke Orvis, Carolina Still, and Dirt Daubers. Good list otherwise!
December 10, 2013 @ 4:07 pm
“Ashes & Angels” is a decent album, and I wouldn’t argue with anyone saying it was one of their favorites of the year. But I thought a few of the over-the-top guitar solos really took away from the project overall. In my review I graded it 1 1/4 of 2 guns up, and the albums included here had to at least grade 1 1/2. But again, there’s more good than bad there.
December 10, 2013 @ 3:09 pm
I know you haven’t reviewed it (so it cant get on yourlist) and I don’t know if this type of release even qualifies for your list but Townes Van Zandt – Sunshine Boy is an absolutely essential 2013 release. The sub-title “The Unheard Studio Sessions & Demos 1971-1972” should be enough to get anyone to sit up and take notice. The stripped down version of “Pancho & Lefty” on disc one, and all of disc two (acoustic demos) are revelatory. I predict that these versions are all going to become your favorite versions of these songs.
December 10, 2013 @ 3:15 pm
Great list.. I still have to check some of these out. I would most definitely add DREW KENNEDY – Wide Listener, AMANDA SHIRES – Down Fell The Doves, FIFTH ON THE FLOOR – Ashes and Angels and THE CIVIL WARS – Self Titled.
Thanks for introducing me to so many great artists year after year!
December 10, 2013 @ 3:35 pm
And Javi Garcia’s The Great Controversy!
December 10, 2013 @ 3:31 pm
Brandy Clark-12 stories
December 10, 2013 @ 4:04 pm
Brandy Clark is an Album of the Year candidate. I don’t include album of the year candidates here because I don’t want to take away interest from the other artists represented here.
https://savingcountrymusic.com/2013-saving-country-music-album-of-the-year-nominees
December 10, 2013 @ 4:20 pm
Wow this is an impressive list and seeing it all together like this makes me realize what a great year this was in music and I look forward to 2014. Thanks for all you do Trigger in terms of getting the word out and for helping many discover these greats bands.
One new artist’s album I really have enjoyed this year is Aoife O’Donovan’s Fossils. Another young woman from whom I’m sure we will hear more of.
December 10, 2013 @ 4:20 pm
Solid list. The only two my favorite 2013 albums I don’t see here are:
The Black Lillies: Runaway Freeway Blues
Kathryn Legendre: Old Soul
December 10, 2013 @ 4:33 pm
In case anyone needs it like I do, here’s a Spotify playlist of all the albums above that are available, which is most of them. I went ahead and threw in the 7 AOTY nominees, as well as the others mentioned above (Lydia Loveless, Possessed by Paul James, and Waylon/97s).
If you need just 7 nominees, look no further.
Trigger, I hope it was okay to share these.
December 10, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
PS – Listening to Possessed by Paul James right now, and it’s fantastic!
December 10, 2013 @ 4:51 pm
Thanks Derrick!
December 10, 2013 @ 6:52 pm
Thanks for doing the heavy lifting. I was wandering through the ones I hadnt heard before. You have a lot of playlists, but I noticed SteelDrivers and Tim O’Brien & Darrell Scott Memories and Moments (one of my personal favorites of 2013),
Good Taste.
Check This Out … Female Flat-Picking Guitar Virtuoso …
Rebecca Frazier – When We Fall
http://open.spotify.com/album/1zjMQ742icli1go5q8v2yr
Virginia Coastline, Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow, Clifftop & 40 Blues
December 10, 2013 @ 7:04 pm
Yeah, I am always saving things – especially when they’re recommended on sites like this one. Now if only I had time or focus to give them all the proper attention!
Thanks for the suggested album. I listened to about 30 seconds just now, and I think I am going to like it.
December 10, 2013 @ 4:42 pm
Not knocking the list or thinking anything else needed to be included, just throwing out some of the 2013 releases that I’ve enjoyed this year if anyone is interested in other artists
Kristofferson~Feeling Mortal
Willie~Lets Face the Music
Emmy Lou & Rodney~Old Yellow Moon
Dallas Moore~Blessed Be the Bad Ones
Black Lillies~Runaway Freeway Blues
John Moreland~In the Throes
Frank Foster~Southern Soul
Pistol Holler~self title
Dave Adkins~That’s Just the Way I Roll
Casey Donahew~Standoff
Roger Alan Wade~Southbound Train…..yes I know it came out at the end of 2012, still enjoyed it all of 2013
December 10, 2013 @ 5:21 pm
One of the reasons I post this list is the see what everyone else is listening to and thinking, and to see what maybe slipped through the cracks, so thanks for posting your selections.
December 10, 2013 @ 10:14 pm
I agree about Black Lillies. I had never heard of them until I saw the video for ‘Same Mistakes’ on CMT Edge so I checked out their last album and I really like them. More Americana than country I guess but still really good. Would definitely like to see a review here.
December 10, 2013 @ 5:50 pm
That Copper & Coal album was a fun one; glad to see AJ, Kacey, Ashley, Valerie and The Tillers on here, too. 🙂
December 10, 2013 @ 5:51 pm
Not sure about Kellie Pickler bein included on this list of greats…. How bout Lucky Tubb’s latest album “Del Gaucho”?
December 10, 2013 @ 6:17 pm
Del Gaucho came out in 2011, this is a 2013 list 😉
December 14, 2013 @ 12:05 pm
Kellie definitely belongs on this list because she is one of the greats. Last year her 100 Proof won SCM Album of the Year and her new album is even better. It also has better vocals, music, more country instrumentation/music, and more outstanding songs than some albums on this and the 2013 Album of the Year list. It’s a more fun and enjoyable listen and I’m listening to it more than 100 Proof. I’m not sure why Trigger thinks “The Woman I Am sort of dashes any hopes for Kellie Pickler as an artist that could crash the Music Row party from the inside out and foster a new spring of substance and roots in mainstream country music,” but who can if radio won’t play them?
Kacey was the new hope of some during 2013 and look how radio played her. Merry Go ‘Round peaked at #10 then Blowin’ Smoke didn’t even break top 20, peaking at #23. Follow Your Arrow is #45 and I hope it does well but I’ve already seen radio programmers predict it won’t because of the blunt, controversial lyrics and conservative listener base. The same is true for Ashley. Like a Rose had 2 singles that didn’t chart then Weed Instead of Roses peaked at #39 with programmers claiming it won’t work with their conservative listeners. Yet radio plays countless male songs about drinking and partying, including the same “smoke a little smoke” and “real good feel good stuff” these women sing about.
I don’t gather that Kellie wants to crash anyone’s party, she just wants to keep making great country music and radio to play it to #1 like they should. Her album is the best and has many radio-friendly songs with the best chance for airplay but we still have the huge problem of country radio playing just 3 women much. USA pop and Australia country radio has 4 solo females in the top 10
http://www.countrymusicradio.com.au/index.cfm?page_id=1011
That’s a huge improvement over 1 and sometimes none in the USA country top 10.
40% vs. 0-10%
When was the last time USA country radio had 4 solo females in the top 10? The sausage party needs crashing.
December 10, 2013 @ 5:56 pm
Trig, I never thought in a million years that I would have to say this, but where the hell is “High Top Mountain”?! It’s an album of the year candidate but not essential listening for 2013?
On another note, just out of curiosity, what role did you play in bringing the new Possessed By Paul James album to life?
December 10, 2013 @ 9:30 pm
The whole idea of the “essential -” lists is to celebrate the runner ups for the “- of the year” nominees list.
December 10, 2013 @ 11:52 pm
Ah. Thanks for clarifying. I was utterly dumbfounded when I didn’t see Sturgill Simpson or his debut album anywhere on this list, but I didn’t realize the nature of the article. I see now that Trigger added some disclaimers at the top that weren’t there when I posted my comment (or at least I don’t remember them being there).
December 10, 2013 @ 6:29 pm
Love the list.
I also enjoyed Pistol Annies – Annie Up and Vince Gill & Paul Franklin – Bakersfield. That Norah Jones and Amstrong’s collaboration was quite surprising to me in many ways
December 10, 2013 @ 6:44 pm
It’s going to take me all of 2014 to enjoy the music of 2013.
December 10, 2013 @ 7:15 pm
Trigger, It’s mentioned a couple of times above, but I’d love to hear your review of The Black Lillies’ Runaway Freeway Blues if you ever find the time.
December 10, 2013 @ 9:46 pm
That’s one I’ll make sure to check out more in depth. Seen a lot of recommendations for it. Thanks for the suggestion.
December 10, 2013 @ 8:57 pm
Amos Lee’s Mountains of Sorrow, Rivers of Song is a good one to check out too
December 10, 2013 @ 10:37 pm
Vince Gill and Paul Franklin’s Bakersfield was a great album this year.
December 11, 2013 @ 8:24 am
The Fifth On The Floor album belongs on this list. Hell, I thought “Wine” and “Angels in the Snow” both were deserving of being on the song of the year list.
December 11, 2013 @ 8:55 am
Jim Lauderdale released three, count ’em, three albums of new and original material this fall. My favorite of the three is Black Roses, where he is backed by the the North Mississippi Allstars (Luther Dickinson on guitar and brother Cody on drums) and Muscle Shoals musicians David Hood (bass) and Spooner Oldham (keyboards). It has a swampy, bluesy, old soul/r&b vibe and is just a lot of fun. Old Time Angels is another stellar straight bluegrass release from Lauderdale (his eighth such album, if you include the two he did with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys). Blue Moon Junction is his first ever solo acoustic album. This one isn’t as immediately satisfying as the first two, but is definitely a grower. The songs on Black Roses and Blue Moon Junction are co-written by Lauderdale and Robert Hunter (lyricist of Grategul Dead songwriting fame). Those would be the fifth and sixth such albums where he’s collaborated with Robert Hunter.
Other rootsy releases I’ve enjoyed this year that are not album of the year nominees or listed above are:
Richard Thompson – Electric
Tim O’Brien and Darrell Scott – Memories and Moments
Steve Earle – The Low Highway (best of his in quite a while)
Amanda Shires – Down Fell The Doves
J. D. Wilkes and Dirt Daubers – Wild Moon
Peter Rowan – The Old School
Sadies – Internal Sounds
Kelly Wills & Bruce Robison – Cheater’s Game
Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell – Old Yellow Moon
Scott Miller – Big, Big World
North Mississippi Allstars – Word Boogie Is Coming
Corey Harris – Fulton Blues
December 11, 2013 @ 9:50 am
Oh, man — LOVE ‘Electric’ and ‘Cheater’s Game.’ 😀 And I like ‘Old Yellow Moon,’ but I’m a little sorry to say I’d almost forgotten about it until Emmylou and Rodney’s recent appearance on ‘Austin City Limits’…
I would also like to mention Kim Richey’s ‘Thorn in My Heart’ — just a lovely piece of work (especially the guest vocals from Jason Isbell and Trisha Yearwood on “Break Away Speed” and “Come On,” respectively).
December 11, 2013 @ 9:28 am
Pretty good list, however I do not understand how Will Hoge’s new album, Never Give In, gets left out. It is a great album with 4 songs (Strong, Never Give In, Damn Spotlight and Bad Ol Days) that deserve song of the year consideration.
Other albums to consider
The Muse, The Wood Brothers
A Long Life of Living, Goodnight Texas
The Civil Wars, The Civil Wars
Good Light, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors
December 11, 2013 @ 11:15 am
Will Hoge and The Civil Wars were on a draft of this list at some point and both albums received favorable reviews here, and I won’t argue with anyone who thinks they’re some of the year’s best. But I added an additional 20 slots to this list year trying to feature more music, and you still have to cut it off at some point. Will Hoge and The Civil Wars will do just fine without their inclusion here, while some bands on this list, this will be the biggest recognition they will receive all year.
December 11, 2013 @ 9:41 am
I forgot about several of these so much music – my second listen to the Leo Rondeau album I think he’s got a lot of potential & a great band / sound
December 11, 2013 @ 10:57 am
Shooter Jennings “The Other Life” is missing from this list. It deserves to be an album of the year contender.
December 11, 2013 @ 11:08 am
Nothing is “missing” from this list. As explained above, this is only a recap of the albums reviewed so far this year, of which “The Other Life” is not one of. I would love to review that album, but the histrionics of Shooter and his fan base have made it impossible for this site and others to offer objective coverage for Shooter Jennings without the the situation descending into a shooting gallery. Carrie Underwood fans, eat your heart out.
December 11, 2013 @ 3:08 pm
“situation descending into a shooting gallery”
Sometimes the Shooter threads get so vicious that it feels like they may turn literally into a shooting gallery. Those discussions make any argument involving Carrie Underwood fans look like kumbaya in comparison.
December 11, 2013 @ 2:28 pm
Thanks for the list.
I have an Amazon.com gift card which has been burning a hole in my pocket.
December 11, 2013 @ 6:43 pm
……Random but I’ve been enjoying the bsojc new album New Old Story all day today
December 11, 2013 @ 6:49 pm
Glad to see Jackson Taylor and the Sinners up there! Currently my fav band and crazy again my fav album. Brothers of the 4×4 is an improvement to the last few of Sheltons album, hopefully he’ll come out with something even better in 2015! As for other new material I’d encourage folks to dig on Slaid Cleaves new album, either way it keep it country and keep it underground going into 2014
December 12, 2013 @ 1:10 pm
I will put in a vote in for, Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy and their 2013 release “Hatchetations” Great Band!!!
December 14, 2013 @ 12:44 pm
Has anyone heard Julie Roberts Good Wine and Bad Decisions? Real nice vocals, lyrics and music. I like more upbeat songs and the music leans jazz, blues, and soul and could be more country but is more than some here. Chris Stapleton wrote Daddy Doesn’t Pray and Steve Earle wrote I’m Not Getting Any Better at Goodbyes.
December 14, 2013 @ 8:30 pm
The only album on this years list I have is Guy Clarks My Favorite Picture of You. I personally would have also included High Cotton: A Tribute To Alabama.
December 14, 2013 @ 11:27 pm
I think my sister, Kandia Crazy Horse, has done something very original in country & Americana genre-bending with her new album Stampede:
http://www.othermusic.com/products/kandia-crazy-horse-stampede
It brings traditional country & western back to heralding its black roots. We’re from Georgia & never forget the Africana part of our homeboy Gram Parsons’ Cosmic American Music equation.
Also enjoyed in 2013: Kristofferson – Feeling Mortal, Brett Detar, Tompkins Square’s Nashboro gospel set, Mike Stinson, Skydog box set, Rod Melancon, Vince Gill, Chapin Sisters’ Everlys LP
December 15, 2013 @ 12:33 am
Hope to see you get around to reviewing Lincoln Durhams new album Exodus of the Deemed Unrighteous… Fucking amazing, this dude has a lot of soul. Reminds me of a more bluesy rock and roll version of PPJ in the way that he puts all he’s got into every song. Very unique and awesome artist
December 15, 2013 @ 9:02 am
That album and many others are albums I’ve listened to many times, I just need to write a review for.
December 17, 2013 @ 11:05 am
Much obliged Trigger and of course everything you do homey is appreciated. The good times continues with listings on American Songwriter, KUTX, Beat Magazine etc. Cheers homey we did a great job. Sincerely – Konrad/PPJ
January 18, 2014 @ 10:11 am
Della Mae: This World Can Oft Be. Brilliant all lady bluegrass band and nearly all original songs from Celia Woodsmith and Courtney Hartman. Gorgeous voices, incredibly strong musicians. Grammy nominated for Best Bluegrass album–deserves to win!