Reviews
Ben Lee (2009)
The Rebirth of Venus
Catchy, hook-filled pop rock on euphoric seventh album from Australian singer-songwriter Ben Lee
Buffalo Tom (2007)
Bad Phone Call
Underwhelming first new single in nine years from Boston-based hardcore band Buffalo Tom
Deslondes (2017)
Hurry Home
Versatile second album from New Orleans country/rhythm and blues band the Deslondes which finds them expanding into psychedelia and gospel
Drive By Truckers (2009)
Live From Austin TX
Excellent CD/DVD set, comprising together much acclaimed alt.country act Drive By Truckers's 2007 set, and recorded and filmed for the New West label's 'Live in Austin, Tx' series
Drive-By Truckers (2011)
Ugly Buildings, Whores and Politicians
Worthy, but flawed career retrospective from seminal Atlanta alt-country band, the Drive-By Truckers
Hamell on Trial (2014)
The Happiest Man in the World
Witty and abrasively satirical ninth album from New York-based singer-songwriter and stand-up comedian, Hamell on Trial
James McMurtry (2021)
The Horses and the Hounds
First new album in seven years from singer songwriter and guitarist James McMurtry which features killer stories and raucous guitar
Jason Isbell (2008)
Live at Twist and Shout
Subtle collision of southern rock, country and soul on highly impressive new six song live mini album from former Drive By Truckers guitarist, Jason Isbell.
John Hiatt (2008)
Same Old Man
Stunning latest album from 56 year old John Hiatt which, after a slightly shaky start, reveals itself to be what could arguably be the strongest set of songs he has recorded in his long career
John Hiatt (2010)
The Open Road
Excellent country rock on latest album from Indiana-based singer-songwriter, John Hiatt
John Hiatt (2012)
Mystic Pinball
Heartbreaking, but often witty examinations of life, love and failure on excellent latest album from acclaimed American singer-songwriter, John Hiatt
Jordan Zevon (2008)
Insides Out
Excellent debut album from Jordan Zevon, the son of cult artist Warren Zevon, whose music in contrast to his Dad's has a massive and commerical pop sound
Kacy and Clayton (2020)
Carrying On
Fine, potentially breakthrough album from young Saskatchewan country duo Kacy and Clayton
Lily and Madeleine (2019)
Canterbury Girls
Fourth album from Lily and Madeleine which is the sisters’ most diverse yet fascinating set of songs to date
Lily and Madeleine (2016)
Keep It Together
After two albums on Sufjan Stevens’ label, Indiana duo Lily and Madeleine move to New West Records for their third album where they take their sound in a slightly different direction
Old 97's (2008)
Blame It On Gravity
Often impressive seventh album from seasoned Americana band the Old 97's, which despite being not always totally successful, provides some fine moments
Steve Earle (2021)
J.T.
Thoughtful and emotive album from Steve Earle, in which he pays tribute to his son Justin Townes Earle who died of an accidental drugs overdose last year by covering a collection of Justin’s songs
Various (2012)
Lowe Country: The Songs of Nick Lowe
Fine tribute compilation from a collection of up-and-coming artists to British singer-songwriter, Nick Lowe
Various (2010)
The Best is Yet to Come: The Songs of Cy Coleman
Excellent compilation album which featuring contributions from a collection of female artists including Fiona Apple, Madeline Peyroux and Patty Griffin reworks thirteen of the songs of legendary New York songwriter Cy Coleman
Whigs (2013)
Enjoy the Company
Predictable and cliched Americana on fourth album from Athen, Georgia-basd one-time alternative rockers, the Whigs