1. The Avett Brothers--"Four Thieves Gone: The Robbinsville Sessions"
The leader out of the gate, and it never looked back. When the only bad thing you can think to say about a CD is that it may be a little too long, you know you've got a good one. "Talk On Indolence" also wins Leadoff Track of the Year.
2. Todd Snider--"The Devil You Know"
My favorite Todd Snider album, since, well the one before it. But that last one ("East Nashville Skyline") and this one represent Todd at the peak of his powers.
3. The Yayhoos--"Put the Hammer Down"
The mightiest band around lays down a mighty fine CD. Rock and roll's supposed to be fun, and the Yayhoos sure do seem to be having a lot of fun.
4. Scott Miller and the Commonwealth--"Citation"
Another fine CD from Miller and the Commonwealth that sounds best played loud.
5. Ollabelle--"Riverside Battle Songs"
And here's one that maybe doesn't need to be played so loud. Took me awhile to really get into Ollabelle, but this CD clinched it. I'm sure they're excited about that.
6. Ray Wylie Hubbard--"Snake Farm"
Thanks to Sirius Outlaw Country's incessant playing of the title track, I decided to give Ray Wylie Hubbard another chance. The disc starts to fade toward the end, but the first half's real strong. And the title track can't be stopped.
7. Will Kimbrough--"Americanitis"
A good mix of the political and the personal from Mr. Kimbrough. Strongest top-to-bottom effort yet from one of my favorite guitarists and an all-around swell guy.
8. Trent Summar and the New Row Mob--"Horseshoes and Hand Grenades"
Sometimes I think Trent Summar's a little too corny for me. But then I listen to the songs and they're real damn good.. The cover of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" may have been better served as a concert-only treat (the original intent), but I'm damn happy to have a version to listen to over and over again.
9. Bobby Bare Jr.'s Young Criminals Starvation League--"The Longest Meow"
It's definitely not my favorite of his discs, but the bookends of "The Heart Bionic" and "Stop Crying" overshadow any missteps in between.
10. The Bottle Rockets--"Zoysia"
Best Bottle Rockets CD since "24 Hours A Day." And good late-night, bus/train ride music.
Want a CD with songs from these CDs, plus ten others (and a bonus)? Just ask. Send requests to the name of this blog (no spaces) at gmail(dot)com. (Spammers will not steal that e-mail address here!)
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