Here’s some the best Americana and roots-type music releases for October 4th, 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.
Kasey Chambers
Backbone (Essence Music)
Kasey Chambers has unveiled an interesting suite of new material – kicking off with the announcement of her book “Just Don’t Be A Dickhead”. The material has informed and inspired her new album Backbone. Chambers said: “I’ve just finished writing a book! I am beyond excited to be releasing it along with a brand-new album. [It] is a collection of stories and experiences from my life that I’ve learnt from over the years. Some from humorous, embarrassing moments, some from deep, heartfelt memories that taught me unlikely things to consistently draw on along the way.” Never one to shy away from home truths, introspective storytelling and unfiltered honesty, Chambers’ writing weaves through both Backbone and the similarly versatile book. This album promises to take listeners on a journey through not only where Chambers has been over the years, but where she’s at right now. (edited from Americana UK review)
Hayes & the Heathens
Hayes & the Heathens (BOH Records)
Native Texans Hayes Carll and members of The Band of Heathens have been friends for a long time and both play a distinct brand of Americana (Carll’s is more folk based and The Heathens more rock focused). They’ve even collaborated on and off over the years, but the self-titled Hayes & The Heathens is the first time they have all put out a full record together. “Our collaboration was so natural and easy,” says The Band of Heathens’ Ed Jurdi. “We’ve been great compadres for such a long time, and it was just the right time for this project to come to life. I think you can really hear all of that in the music. This is really that rare alliance where 1+1 = 3.” Across eight tracks, seven of which they wrote together, the group pulls together a fantastic collection that plays up the strength of each. “Nobody Dies From Weed,” one of the strongest songs, shows off Carll’s trademark witty lyrics and boasts some truly impressive harmonies. Hayes & The Heathens deliver the album we never knew we needed, but one you likely won’t be able to stop listening to this fall. (edited from Americana Highways review)
Also new this week…
Darrin Bradbury – Freeman’s T.V Repair Shop (Like You Mean It Records)
Peter Bruntnell – Houdini & The Sucker Punch (Domestico Records)
Jett Holden – The Phoenix (Black Opry Records) +
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Live from the Ryman, Vol. 2 (Southeastern Records) +
Mean Mary – Woman Creature (Portrait of a Woman, Part 2) (independent)
Dan Reeder – Smithereens (Oh Boy Records)
Joan Shelley – Mood Ring EP (No Quarter Records)
Mindy Smith – Quiet Town (Compass Records) +
Various Artists – Better Than Jail (Wyatt Road Records) +
Yasmin Williams – Acadia (Nonesuch Records)
Coming out soon … Gurf Morlix, Twisted Pine, Amy Speace, Eric Bibb, Wyatt Flores, Benjamin Tod, Caleb Klauder & Reeb Wilms, Paul Kelly, Willie Nelson, Amythyst Kiah, Jamey Johnson, Dwight Yoakam, and more!
