Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for January 17th, 2025. Click the artist or album links to find out more. The artist’s names link to their websites and the CD title links go to either Amazon, iTunes, Bandcamp or the artist’s site for ordering or downloading. A + sign means although not a featured release, it’s a notable album that’s still worth checking out. Also, this page will be updated as I find out about other new releases so check back again.
Early James
Medium Raw (Easy Eye Sound)
Early James embraces jagged, moaning blues with a writing style that includes whip-smart wordplay, upended clichés, humor both light and dark. Instead of a typical studio setup, producer Dan Auerbach felt the album needed to be recorded in an old house, like many of his favorite Arhoolie records. Over 100 years old, the house has plaster on the walls, old wallpaper and big oak floors. They brought in all the recording gear themselves – including an old 50’s Universal Audio tube console which was originally built by FAME Studios’ Rick Hall. The album blends blues, rock and folk with an unfiltered edge, capturing Early James’ soulful storytelling and powerful vocals.
Also new this week…
Pam Linton – Songs Of The Carter Family (New Folk Records)
Olivia Wolf – Silver Rounds (independent)
Coming out soon … Larkin Poe, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, The Doohickies, Paul Thorn, Nefesh Mountain, JD Clayton, Patterson Hood, Sunny War, The Devil Makes Three, Jason Isbell, Kinky Friedman, Chip Taylor, The War and Treaty, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters and more!
