Ryan Adams
Ok, I'd like to thank The Who, George Harrison, The Rolling Stones, etc. for making this album possible. It is a good album, but needs some tweaking and a little less mimicry of other bands. Still in my top ten for the year, but I wish Ryan could edit himself.
What can I say? I am so impressed. Although his album sounds a lot like Gillian Welch (who helped produce and plays on this album) and Gram Parsons in some places, it is still great. I can truthfully and with great confidence say Ryan Adams is the most talent ever to come out of Jacksonville, North Carolina.
Whiskeytown
I consider this the best of all the Whiskeytown albums. Seems heavily influenced by Fleetwoord Mac but still has its own distinctive sound.
It is obvious the band was not all of the same mind here. A little shaky in places but still incredible. Some good songs about J'ville. Good to hear Ryan is not neglecting his roots.
Patty Griffin
This is the best break-up album ever. It has replaced The Cowboy Junkies' The Caution Horses after its ten years in first place. Patty Griffin is not afraid of telling us how she really feels.
An incredible album, much different than Living with Ghosts.
Tift Merritt
This album is a little too top 40. Does not take advantage of Tift's voice. Still good though, but I am biased.
Gram Parsons
This was gift from someone with really good taste. Everyone on this album rocks. Highly recommended.
Most of these songs are over 20 years old, but you can hear Gram Parsons in almost all current alt. country so it is a must-buy for aspiring alt. country cowpeople.
Gillian Welch
I had already downloaded a few live versions of the title track over a year ago, so I knew this album would be good. I was really impressed with Revival and somewhat disappointed in the uneven nature of Hell Among the Yearlings. Of course, it could have been the fact that "My Morphine" was on every Alt. Country compilation of the past three years that made me start to lose my faith. However, with this album my faith is renewed. After only a few listens, I can tell this album has taken Gillian Welch to a new level. She is no longer copying the old bluegrass classics, but building on and creating a new bluegrass/americana/alt-country/whatever sound. This recording is currently #1 on my list for 2001.
Lucinda Williams
These songs almost require you to have a beer to cry into. Lucinda Williams has to be heard rather than described. This is the blues for white girls.
A lot different from previous albums. I miss the narrative songs. A little too touchy-feely, but after a few listens I came to appreciate it musically rather than lyrically. Especially after hearing most of these songs live.
Questions? Complaints? Write me.
