Tag: New West
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Sir Douglas Quintet, Live From Austin TX, 2006 on New West
Doug Sahm’s Sir Douglas Quintet recorded in 1981 but released in 2006 (on CD/DVD) / 2018 (vinyl) – live on Austin City Limits. (In 1981 that means the old Studio 6A at UT Austin, not the new Moody Theater). This was part of a reunion tour after the quintet split up in the early 70s…
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Sunny War, Anarchist Gospel, 2023 on New West
Sunny War, for me, came out of nowhere – I was not familiar with her earlier work though she’s put out 6 previous full length albums (one with Micah Nelson aka Particle Kid), but I will definitely be looking to pick up those older albums now that i’ve heard this one. Her bandcamp says: Sunny…
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Nikki Lane, Denim & Diamonds, 2022 on New West Records
Nikki Lane’s fourth full length – her third on New West – produced by Josh Homme. My copy is the purple vinyl edition purportedly limited to 300 units per the hype sticker, which I got directly from New West. From the title track: My boss called me up, said if you don’t tow the line…
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Steve Earle & The Dukes, Jerry Jeff, 2022 on New West Records
Earle’s made a number of “tribute” records: Guy (for Guy Clark), J.T. (for his son Justin Towns Earle), Townes (for Townes Van Zandt), and this one, for Jerry Jeff Walker, known to most of us as the writer of “Mr. Bojangles.” Bojangles is here, of course, but so are a number of lesser known Walker…
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Various Artists, Live Forever: A Tribute To Billy Joe Shaver, 2022 on New West Records
Fantastic collection of covers of the original outlaw country troubador. Standouts for me are Miranda Lambert and Margo Price but really all the tracks are wonderful. Produced by Charlie Sexton and Freddy Fletcher. My copy is the limited edition on “Old Chunk of Coal” grey vinyl via Vinyl Me Please.
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Steve Earle, Townes: The Basics, 2021 on New West
As the back cover explains, the album Townes (a collection of Townes Van Zandt covers) was released in 2009 – but this LP collects the solo guitar and vocal tracks Earle originally recorded. This was issued as a bonus CD – The Basics – along with the CD release of Townes, but then issued for…
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American Aquarium, Lamentations, 2020 on New West
How could you not love a band that takes its name from “I am trying to break your heart”? BJ Barham’s writing here is based on the book of Lamentations in the Bible, transposed to modern American life. My copy is a limited edition colored vinyl (gold with silver & red marble) that New West…
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Los Lobos, Native Sons, 2021 on New West
This is a three sided LP, with an etching on the fourth side. Los Lobos, proud Angelenos, covering songs by other Los Angeles bands, including folks like Stephen Stills, Jackson Browne, and the Beach Boys, but also Lalo Guerrero, Thee Midnighters, and Percy Mayfield. The band sounds great as ever, and I love hearing their…
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Sara Watkins, Under the Pepper Tree, 2021 on New West
I’ve been a big fan of Sara Watkins going back to Nickel Creek, I’m With Her, and her solo work. Great versions of “Pure Imagination” and “Tumbling Tumbleweeds.” Produced by Tyler Chester and with guests from I’m With Her and Nickel Creek My copy direct from New West
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Nikki Lane, Highway Queen, 2017 on New West
This was Nikki Lane‘s third studio album and her second on New West. Not sure where she first got called the “First Lady of Outlaw Country” (or whether she calls herself that), but love this album. Seven hundred thousand rednecks / That’s what it takes to get to the top / Seven hundred thousand rednecks…
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Buddy & Julie Miller, Breakdown on 20th Ave South, 2019 on New West
Buddy & Julie have been releasing great Americana/Roots music since the 90s (for Julie since the 80s), and as a duo since 2001. Buddy’s also been an active session and touring musician, working with the Down from the Mountain tour, Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, Linda Rondstat, Shawn Colvin, Jim Lauderdale…
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Shovels & Rope, Busted Jukebox Volume 2, 2018 on Shrimp / New West
I’m a sucker for a good cover/tribute album, perhaps especially with an Americana / Alt-Country / Folk twist. This volume 2 came out digitally in 2017 but on vinyl in 2018 – Volume One was released in 2015 digitally and on vinyl in 2016 – it’s still in my wishlist. There’s a third as well,…
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Pylon, Chomp, 1983 on DB Recs.
My copy is a 2020 reissue on New West Records. Pylon is one of the bands more felt by its influence than its direct fans – but definitely one you should know if you haven’t heard them. Happy to see New West bring out their back catalog.
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The Devil Makes Three, I’m a Stranger Here, 2013 on New West
The Devil Makes Three are an Americana trio from Santa Cruz (though all three have roots in Vermont / New Hampshire)- very interesting modern music rooted in roots music. I first found them via their album Chains Are Broken and have been picking up others by them as I find them in stores or direct…
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Neko Case, Live from Austin TX, 2007 on New West.
This was released on CD (and DVD) back in 2007, and discogs has an entry for a test pressing on vinyl back then, but I’m not sure it was actually released on vinyl before 2017. Either way, it’s a recording from Case’s first performance on Austin City Limits, August 9th, 2003. Includes a great version…
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Justin Townes Earle, The Saint of Lost Causes, 2019 on New West.
Three sided LP (fourth side is an etching) of Justin Townes Earle’s last LP, released before his death in August 2020. Adam Bednarik co-produced with Earle and plays bass, with Joe V. McMahan and Paul Niehaus on guitars, Jon Radford on drums, and Cory Younts on harmonica & keys. You know more folks that’s most…
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Caroline Rose, Loner, 2018 on New West
Rose’s third full length and first on New West. On red vinyl, packaged with a fold-out poster with lyrics on the reverse. Produced by Rose and Paul Butler with guests including Dan Davine, Brett Lanier, and John Lagone. Great songwriting – Rose builds on her earlier folksy Americana here with more synth-pop elements (lots of…
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Steve Earle, I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive, 2011 on New West
Earle’s 14 album, produced by T-Bone Burnett, and featuring folks like Dennis Crouch, Sara Watkins, Allison Moorer (to whom he was married a the time). Backing vocals on “This City” from Tim Robbins and horns arranged by Allen Toussaint. Album art, as on so many Earle albums, by Tony Fitzpatrick