Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for November 15th, 2024. 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.
Caleb Klauder & Reeb Wilms
Gold In Your Pocket (Free Dirt Records)
This talented duo originates from Washington State & yet, their “Appalachian” mountain sound of authenticity is evident in the warmth of these songs. Good lyrics & storytelling that are intriguing & sung with genuine purist dulcet tones. It has that wood-burning smoke & necessary obligatory bluegrass-folky euphoria. It’s a unique niche. The duo makes every tune sound contemporary without compromising the musical credibility. Recorded in both Tennessee & Louisiana the songs were produced by Joel Savoy, Chris Scruggs & Klauder. Gold in Your Pocket is a mix of mostly original songs by Klauder and Willms, with a handful of thoughtfully chosen covers thrown in. “I’m kind of new to songwriting, but when I have sat down to write songs, I just feel like our world needs joy and love. That’s really important for us to connect to that as humans. And the style of music we play, by nature it’s social music,” Willms says. “That feels super important in this time, too, that people gather in person and have a common experience, musical or if there’s dancing, all the better.” (edited from Americana Highways review and No Depression review)
Dwight Yoakam
Brighter Days (Via Records)
For the first time in nine years, Dwight Yoakam has returned with new material. Brighter Days includes 11 originals and three artfully made covers. It’s a showcase of his unique rock-country style and his songwriting ability. Written over the course of the last three years and self-produced, it’s a great showcase for everything that’s made him beloved. Yoakam has hung his hat on the L.A. cowpunk style of music for a long time, and he continues in that vein here. Rather than attempt to keep up with the ever-changing nature of popular country music, Dwight Yoakam does what makes him happy on Brighter Days. The record feels genuine and optimistic, and country music is short on artists like him. (edited from Riff Magazine review)
Also new this week…
Clover County – Porch Lights (Undercover Lover Records)
Ron Houston – R.O.A.M. (independent)
Dolly Parton – Dolly Parton & Family: Smoky Mountain DNA (Owepar Records)
Cris Williamson – Ravens and the Roses (Wolf Moon Records)
Coming out soon … Evie Ladin, The Milk Carton Kids, Lucinda Williams, Ringo Starr and more!
