Tony Trischka and Brit Taylor lead the pack this week.
Johnny Blue Skies & the Dark Clouds
Mutiny After Midnight
As a vibe, this record rips right out of the gate. But the bits that are underbaked– some of the prose-poem lyricism, attempts at agitprop that scan more like trolling– leave it as a lesser entry in a once (or is it twice?) in a generation catalog.
The Infamous Stringdusters
20/20
Unimpeachable as ever, it’s this venerable outfit’s commitment to their craft and continuous improvement that sustain them. They could so easily have settled for being predictable, but this set has plenty of surprises and verve. One of their best efforts.
Ward Davis
Here I Am
If you’re in the market for slightly diminished returns on a Cody Jinks album, well… There are certainly far worse things to be when it comes to the modern country scene.
Telander
This Rules
I wouldn’t go so far as to say that, but listen: For all of the obvs reasons, I was expecting more Wallen-style dirtbag country, not the kind of thoughtfully composed and well-performed rootscore that would have Tony Kamel show up as a guest. Judge ye not and all.
Tony Trischka
Earl Jam 2
Thanks to an utter murderer’s row of guests, this sequel to one of the finest bluegrass records in recent memory actually holds up to its predecessor. His collaborators rise to each of these moments, fully understanding the assignment Trischka set before them.
Vince Gill
50 Years From Home: What I Do (EP)
It’s fine. All of these are fine. Why would I reach for this specific EP over any of the others? I can’t answer that, and I’m wondering if Vince here could, either. Sir, I cannot miss you and think of you fondly if you never actually go away for a minute.
Brit Taylor
Land of the Forgotten
Already a generational talent, Taylor levels up on this new album. She’s twang- and empathy-forward, and these songs would make her a genre superstar in a better timeline. She leans into complexities of her E KY home, highlighting stories and people who matter.
Anna Tivel
Animal Poem: B-Sides
Understandable, thematically, why these didn’t make the album proper in 2025, but would that [insert any problematic fave]’s A-sides could touch Tivel’s scraps. Knotty and dense and, to a one, a marvel of construction, these make for a near-essential bonus.
Leave a Reply