Kris Kristofferson: Loving Her Was Easier

Here is a vintage 1972 performance of a song that should be on everyone's "all time greatest" list.

O'Death: Bugs

Alt-country from Brooklyn. Off the 2011 album, Outside.

Wilco: The Whole Love

We're at the end of another year. I'm going to post a smattering of songs that I never got around to posting this year and then take some time off until 2012. Let's start with one I didn't post because I figured everone already knew about it, but in case you didn't, Wilco's album this year was one of this band's best.

Polly and the Billets Doux: Head of Steam

When I first heard this band I thought it was great to hear some American artists dipping back into early Americana. Then I learned this band is from Winchester, England. No matter, it's still irresistible music and only proves that the special relationship is alive and well.



Buy it on Amazon: Lead Me On (EP Version)

HoneyHoney: Little Toy Gun

Here is a talented duo from Los Angeles that is writing some tremendous Americana-drenched music. I love the singer's earthy voice. Check out their recent album, Billy Jack.

Lefty Frizzell: Cigarettes and Coffee Blues

And while we're thinking about old school honky tonk, here's a classic tune straight out of the 1950's

Wanda Jackson & Jack White

I mentioned this collaboration a while back, here. Now hear it for yourself. Jackson hasn't slowed down a bit, which is fun to watch, but doesn't that brass get annoying after a couple of measures?

Bearfoot

Bluegrass from Alaska.

Check out their website here.

The Secret Sisters

Hailing from the music mecca Muscle Shoals, Alabama, this duo is creating music filled with beautiful harmonies that sound like something on the radio 60 years ago. They are currently on tour with Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs. Check out their website here.

Dinner Belles: Til the Dawn

Here's a band from Ontario, Canada that has a great roots rock meets country sound. There is a folksy warmth to the song / video below that most bands can't produce. Apparently they are working on their first album, and as far as I'm concerned that project can't get wrapped up soon enough so I can order it. Also check out the song Runnin' to Ravenna, among other information, here.

The Felice Brothers

I recently heard of this band and was blown away that they've got 7 albums out there.  I've now listened to most of those albums and heartily recommend this tremendously talented band from upstate New York.  I love the tongue-in-cheek lyrics of the song below, Love Me Tenderly, and it sounds like these guys are having a great time performing.

Steve Earle: Guitar Town

And here's another for the country music fans out there. Steve Earle's 1986 album Guitar Town topped the country charts when it was released, and the title track below was a top ten single. Rolling Stone magazine also listed Guitar Town as one of the top 500 albums of all time, a sentiment with which I heartily agree.

Marty Robbins: El Paso

I've received a few e-mails from followers of this blog asking why country music has been more or less ignored.  I couldn't come up with a good reason why, so if you're a fan of Country, Western, or Country Western you might enjoy this American original.

Marty Robbins (1925-1982) was a great writer and performer of ballads, which is something of a lost art these days.  He was also clearly a badass, hence the mustache, shirt, and diamond cross combination in the performance below.

Mississippi John Hurt

Those of you interested in the roots of modern rock music will enjoy this song by Mississippi John Hurt (1892-1966), whose compositions have influenced a number of musicians.

Alan Jackson: Chattahoochee

I'm not a huge fan of modern country, but I know a catchy guitar riff when I hear one and this song has got it. Ok, I'll admit that it gets old really fast, but such is the nature of pop music, right? Add a video filled with 1992 coolness like stonewashed jeans, Alan Jackson's mullet, and the girl dancing at about 2:48 with the tie-dye short and you've got a really entertaining four minutes. Anyone with me?