April Featured Review:

Sarah Shook & the Disarmers
Years
Review Date: April 10, 2018

With a twangy rock sound and punk attitude, Sarah Shook & the Disarmers step up to the bar and raise it, too, in new album Years

March Featured Review:

White Buffalo Woman
Foolish Hearts
Review Date: March 5, 2018

White Buffalo Woman's Foolish Hearts is a hard-hitting throwback to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll

December Featured Review:

Jaime Wyatt
Felony Blues
Review Date: December 5, 2017

With an emotive voice, a rebellious soul & a pocketful of hard-luck stories, Jaime Wyatt paints an outlaw country masterpiece in Felony Blues.

November Featured Review:

Ha Ha Tonka
Heart-Shaped Mountain
Review Date: November 7, 2017

Alt country stalwarts Ha Ha Tonka take on the complexity of life in your 30s and get philosophical about parties in a rich rocker of an album.

February Featured Review:

Roger Hoover
Pastures
Review Date: February 22, 2017

Veteran Americana songwriter Roger Hoover’s Pastures a rich, cerebral take on modern folk and the modern world.

November Featured Review:

Demos Papadimas
Waiting
Review Date: November 28, 2016

With Waiting, Youngstown’s Demos Papadimas brings his Greco-Americana style into new territory where wistful, philosophical lyrics dominate.

February Featured Review:

Angela Perley & the Howlin' Moons
Homemade Vision
Review Date: February 25, 2016

With new album Homemade Vision, Angela Perley & the Howlin’ Moons step out from their alt country roots to create dreamier, more ethereal rock.

January Featured Review:

Daphne Lee Martin
Fall On Your Sword
Review Date: January 6, 2016

Mixing eclectic literary inspiration & genre-spanning music, Daphne Lee Martin’s latest album is a head-turning work of art. But will Fall On Your Sword make you feel heroic or like committing seppuku?

September Featured Review:

Harpeth Rising
Shifted
Review Date: September 22, 2015

Previous Surfy winners Harpeth Rising uniquely combine highly literary lyrics with a sound drawing from folk, bluegrass, rock & classical roots. But does Shifted live up to their high standards or represent an unfortunate deviation?

August Featured Review:

Brent Kirby and His Luck
Patience Worth
Review Date: August 4, 2015

North Coast music scene stalwart Brent Kirby is back with a talent-packed new band & an album full of Heartland rock tunes, but is Patience Worth a stroke of luck for his fans or not worth their time?

Review in Brief:

Ray Flanagan & the Authorities
A Hard Shell to Break
Review Date: August 18, 2015

Ray Flanagan has quickly gained a reputation as a great guitarist on the North Coast scene, but does his band’s latest release rock with authority, or is A Hard Shell to Break a hard pill to swallow?

May Featured Review:

James McMurtry
Complicated Game
Review Date: May 5, 2015

Lyrical master James McMurtry’s Complicated Game is his first studio effort since last time cicadas chirped, but after all that time does he still have game or was it too long in the wasteland?

January Featured Review:

The Hello Strangers
The Hello Strangers
Review Date: January 6, 2015

With their trademark noir lyrics and beautifully intertwined harmonies, the Hello Strangers look to break out with a self-titled debut LP featuring Nashville production and folky Pennsyltucky twang.

January Review in Brief:

Kate Kooser
A Little More
Review Date: January 27, 2015

In our first Review in Brief we examine A Little More, the debut EP from Kate Kooser, a young singer-songwriter who has quickly gained the respect of many on the North Coast music scene.

September Featured Review:

Diana Chittester
Find My Way Home
Review Date: September 2, 2014

Diana Chittester is a progressive folk artist whose album Find My Way Home examines her personal struggle for self-acceptance and understanding in a universally relatable way that demands to be heard.

August Featured Review:

The Womacks
WFB
Review Date: August 5, 2014

Known as captivating live performers who rock hard but sink their roots into a broad range of Americana soils, the Womacks seek to capture their onstage energy in studio with WFB.

July Featured Review:

G.S. Harper
Sixteen Winters
Review Date: July 22, 2014

Texas-born Cleveland transplant G.S. Harper, known locally as a top-notch songwriter & guitar player, is ready to take his show on the road. But will Sixteen Winters have you running hot or snowed in?

June Featured Review:

Old 97's
Most Messed Up
Review Date: June 3, 2014

After two decades at the top of the alt country world, Old 97's new album explores dark themes absent their trademark whimsy. But will Most Messed Up drag you up too far to care or wreck your life?

March Featured Review:

Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons
Hey Kid
Review Date: March 11, 2014

Columbus roots rockers Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons power their way through jet-fueled debut album Hey Kid. But will it leave you exclaiming in joy or crying like a baby?

January/February Featured Review:

Hard Working Americans
Hard Working Americans
Review Date: January 21, 2013

The Todd Snider-led supergroup combines Americana songwriting & jam band musicality to synthesize more than your average cover songs. But will their hard work have you pledging allegiance or seceding?

December Featured Review:

Alice Wallace
A Thousand Miles From Home
Review Date: December 3, 2013

Alice Wallace's unique blend of country, folk & blues combines her shining voice with deep, personal songwriting. But will A Thousand Miles From Home leave you cozy or have you running far, far away?

November Featured Review:

Those Darlins
Blur the Line
Review Date: November 7, 2013

Those Darlins’ last album propelled them toward capturing several Surfy awards. Now they're back with a more ambitious, mature project. But will Blur the Line leave your vision foggy with joy or rage?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Harpeth Rising
Tales From Jackson Bridge
Review Date: October 29, 2013

Harpeth Rising made an impression with their last string folk album, capturing a Surfy for Song of the Year. But will Tales From Jackson Bridge be a page-turner or leave you ready to take a leap?

October Featured Review:

Ha Ha Tonka
Lessons
Review Date: September 26, 2013

High-energy alt.country envelope pushers Ha Ha Tonka boldly thrust their sound into new territory with their new album. But will Lessons have you eager to learn or just leave you waiting for the bell?

September Featured Review:
Robbie Fulks
Gone Away Backward
Review Date: September 10, 2013

Witty, rocking alt.country musician Robbie Fulks' new album shows his serious side & goes back to his bluegrass roots. But will Gone Away Backward have you tagging along or just wishing he'd go away?

July Featured Review:
Bill Kirchen
Seeds and Stems
Review Date: July 9, 2013

Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen's Titan of the Telecaster Bill Kirchen has released a new album of audio highlights spanning his entire career. But will Seeds and Stems leave you high or dry?

June Featured Review:
Demos Papadimas
Wanderin' Through the Wilderness
Review Date: June 4, 2013

Blend American folk and country with Greek Rembetiko and you get the style of Demos Papadimas. But will his new album make you stop your musical wanderings or leave you feeling wild and unsatisfied?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Steve Earle & The Dukes (& Duchesses)
The Low Highway
Review Date: May 9, 2013

Steve Earle spent many long hours on the road to become an Americana legend. The Low Highway is born of those travels, but will it leave you riding high or will you want to leave it in your rear view?

May Featured Review:
Deadstring Brothers
Cannery Row
Review Date: May 2, 2013

Detroit rockers Deadstring Brothers infused Nashville into their sound to produce an album evocative of classic country rock. But will Cannery Row become a classic itself or just end up in the can?

March Featured Review:
Roger Knox and the Pine Valley Cosmonauts
Stranger in My Land
Review Date: February 21, 2013

Roger Knox brings to life the country music tradition of his aboriginal roots in Stranger in My Land. But will the album leave you wanting to book passage Down Under or just leave you feeling strange?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Old Man Markley
Down Side Up
Review Date: March 14, 2013

Los Angeles-based Old Man Markley combines influences from both punk rock and bluegrass into something they call banjo punk or simply newgrass. But will Down Side Up leave you feeling high or dry?

Valentine's Day Special

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Rachel Brooke
A Killer's Dream
Review Date: February 14, 2013

Rachel Brooke is something of a lo-fi underground country sensation, and now she's back with a full band behind her. But will A Killer's Dream have you on cloud nine, or just wishing you were dead?

February Featured Review:
David Greenberg and Harpeth Rising
The End of the World
Review Date: February 7, 2013

Take one obscure master lyricist, add a masterful four-piece string band, and the result is The End of the World. Already rated the #2 album of 2012 and featuring our Surfy winner for Song of the Year, there's no mystery how this one ends.

Brand Spankin' New Review:
The Womack Family Band
The Blue Room
Review Date: September 27, 2012

Ohio-based favorites The Womack Family Band bring back their eclectically influenced brand of Americana for their third release in as many years, letting the lighter, jazzier side of their music come to the fore. But will The Blue Room have you painting the town red or leave you singing the blues?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Murder By Death
Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon
Review Date: September 25, 2012

With cult-like fans devoted completely to their dark, brooding and operatic music, indie rock veterans Murder By Death are releasing their sixth, and perhaps most complex, album. But will Bitter Drink, Bitter Moon have you raising a toast every night or just leave you with a bad taste in your mouth?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Kelley McRae
Brighter Than the Blues
Review Date: September 18, 2012

We've previously called Kelley McRae the best songwriter you've probably never heard of, but her latest release shows a sunnier side to this often-dark poetess. Brighter than the Blues may well make you cry, but will they be tears of sorrow, joy, or just plain disappointment?

September Featured Review:
David Wax Museum
Knock Knock Get Up
Review Date: September 4, 2012

David Wax Museum is known for their Mexo-Americana style and powerful, energy-packed live performances, but their new album adds layers of sound unlike anything they've produced before. But will Knock Knock Get Up have you pounding down doors with excitement or leave you hitting snooze?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Kasey Chambers
Storybook
Review Date: August 28, 2012

Australian alt.country master Kasey Chambers' collection of covers from artists who have influenced her career has finally made it to American shores. But will Storybook have you begging for just one more chapter or put you right to sleep?

August Featured Review:
Old Crow Medicine Show
Carry Me Back
Review Date: August 7, 2012

Old Crow Medicine Show is one of the best bluegrass bands you'll ever hear, blending a fiery, fast-fiddlin' style with both traditional and more modern themes. It's been way too long since they released an album, but will Carry Me Back have you cominging back for more or ready to head for home?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Ray Wylie Hubbard
The Grifter's Hymnal
Review Date: July 19, 2012

Ray Wylie Hubbard has been combining country, rock, blues and a whole lot of attitude since the 70's, and doing it well. But will his new album have you singing on high or turning to a life of crime?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Billy Joe Shaver
Live at Billy Bob's Texas
Review Date: July 17, 2012

Outlaw country legend Billy Joe Shaver's first album in half a decade captures him live in the heart of Texas. Is the wacko from Waco still a honky tonk hero or will you just want to git up and go?

July Featured Review:
Justin Townes Earle
Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now
Review Date: June 20, 2012

The new collection from Justin Townes Earle is filled with stripped down songs that bite to the core. But will this album have you singing his praises or change the way you feel about him entirely?

June Featured Review:
Todd Snider
Agnostic Hymns & Stoner Fables
Review Date: May 24, 2012

Todd Snider has long been regarded as a genius by those who like their music both lyrically brilliant and a bit crazy. But will his new album have you joining the choir or ready to throw stones?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Joe Pug
The Great Despiser
Review Date: May 22, 2012

Joe Pug's lyrical prowess has been touted from every quarter, but will his sophomore effort leave you enthralled by his greatness or just despising the critics?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
The Spring Standards
yellow//gold
Review Date: May 17, 2012

With their double EP yellow//gold the Spring Standards add more layers than ever before to their folk rock base. But does their new direction strike pay dirt or will it just leave you seeing red?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Carolann Ames
Laurel Canyon Road
Review Date: January 26, 2012

Carolann Ames is an Americana singer/songwriter based in San Diego with a charged voice who blends snippets of rock into more traditional acoustic country. But will Laurel Canyon Road leave you high on the mountain or stuck down in the rut?

May Featured Review:
Chris Castle
Last Bird Home
Review Date: January 19, 2012

Chris Castle has been writing songs professionally since age fifteen, but only recently struck out on his own to create the kind of music Nashville just doesn't cotton. Last Bird Home is meant to be his introduction to the world, but does it soar or should this one have just stayed in the nest?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Kathleen Edwards
Voyageur
Review Date: January 18, 2012

Kathleen Edwards is a truly wonderful songstress who decided to go a new direction with her latest album, enlisting Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon as producer. But did the voyage into new territory yield untold treasure or just leave Edwards lost in the musical wilderness?

Indie Pulse Review:
El Jezel
The Warm Frequency
Review Date: December 28, 2011

For our final review of 2011, No Surf takes a look at an album from Diesel's favorite New York indie rockers. El Jezel's signature dreamscape sound is unique and compelling, and while the album may be a couple years old now, if you haven't heard it, it's new to you!

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Ryan Adams
Ashes & Fire
Review Date: December 27, 2011

Alt.country crossover darling Ryan Adams' new release is the first since the breakup of his backing band the Cardinals, and has been eagerly anticipated by many. But does Ashes & Fire burn brightly or is it all just smoke and mirrors?

January Featured Review:
Alice Wallace
Sweet Madness
Review Date: December 14, 2011

On the strength of a powerful set of pipes and songwriting flair, Southern Californian Alice Wallace has just released her debut album, a genre-spanning collection with folk, country and rock influences. But will Sweet Madness satisfy your craving or just drive you crazy?

December Featured Review:
Lennon P. Bone
Lost/Accolades
Review Date: November 17, 2011

Lennon Bone is not only the drummer for alt.country band Ha Ha Tonka, but a multi-instrumentalist, singer and songwriter who breaks out of the mold with his new solo album. But will the project gain universal accolades or just leave its listeners feeling lost?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
They Might Be Giants
Album Raises New and Troubling Questions
Review Date: November 9, 2011

Almost 25 years to the day since the release of their debut album and just three months after their last, They Might Be Giants are back with a rarities collection chock full of covers, remixes, live cuts and unheard material. Question is, does it satisfy your hunger for TMBG or just leave you troubled?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Joe Henry
Reverie
Review Date: October 11, 2011

Longtime musician and producer Joe Henry is known for an eclectic blending of styles that changes from album to album, but his newest release skews towards piano-led blues rock much like labelmate Tom Waits. Is this truly a reverie you can revel in, or will you just be begging for the dream to end?

November Featured Review:
Feist
Metals
Review Date: October 6, 2011

Canadian indie rocker Feist exploded onto the scene with a catchy hit featured in an Apple commercial, but for her fourth album she takes a step back and returns to dreamier, less poppy roots. Is Metals as compelling as her previous work or will you have to steel yourself just to listen to it?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Wagons
Rumble, Shake and Tumble
Review Date: September 8, 2011

These Australian roots rockers are making their American debut with an album that brings together so many different styles it'll make your head spin. Question is, after all the rumbling, shaking and tumbling, will you want another ride?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Robert Earl Keen
Ready For Confetti
Review Date: September 5, 2011

Robert Earl Keen is a legend to many country music fans, an extraordinary storyteller whose songs are often enthralling yet fun. But will his new album have you ready to party or just leave you stuck out on a never-ending road?

October Featured Review:
Slaid Cleaves
Sorrow & Smoke
Review Date: September 7, 2011

Slaid Cleaves is a master songwriter whose songs weave together complex stories filled with great characters and lyrics. Will his new album leave you full of real emotion or will you just tell your friends that smoke got in your eyes?

Brand Spankin' New Review:
Tom Morello - The Nightwatchman
World Wide Rebel Songs
Review Date: August 30, 2011

After finding fame with Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Tom Morello took an acoustic turn, putting his revolutionary political ideals into a folk framework. With his third Nightwatchman album he adds a full electric band, but will this help propel it worldwide or make his fans rebel?

September Featured Review:
Bottle Rockets
Not So Loud
Review Date: August 16, 2011

These pioneers of alt.country are known for their literate music and loud, rollicking concerts, but for this live album they abandoned the rock for a toned-down acoustic vibe. Will it have you bending your ear or just screaming louder, louder, LOUDER?

Indie Pulse Review:
The Hello Strangers
Introducing Max Schmidt
Review Date: August 10, 2011

This Pennsylvania sister act features a Texas alt.country sound and distinctive vocal harmonies, but once you make Max Schmidt's acquaintance will you shout hello to a new friend or prefer to remain strangers?

John Hiatt
Dirty Jeans and Mudslide Hymns
Review Date: August 3, 2011

John Hiatt has long been regarded as a master poet in the alt.country and roots rock genres and now he's back with a new offering. But are these dirty hymns up to his usual standards or does this album just need a wash?

Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Here We Rest
Review Date: July 27, 2011

After cutting his teeth as a member of Drive-By Truckers Jason Isbell went his own way and recently released his second album with new band The 400 Unit. Question is does it keep your attention primed or is it here you'll end up resting your drinks when you run out of coasters?

Indie Pulse Review:
Two Seconds to Midnight
Architecture
Review Date: July 25, 2011

With their music featured in a national promo campaign for HBO's Boardwalk Empire, New York indie rockers Two Seconds to Midnight have a lot of buzz swirling around them. But is their debut album more like an Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece or a Levittown cookie-cutter monstrosity?

Foster and Lloyd
It's Already Tomorrow
Review Date: July 21, 2011

Country duo Foster and Lloyd took a twenty-year break between albums. Should you run out and buy this one tomorrow?

Tom Morello: The Nightwatchman
Union Town
Review Date: July 20, 2011

After tours of duty as guitarist for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, Tom Morello created the persona of The Nightwatchman to produce his own brand of charged political music. But does his new EP prove that even with workers' rights under siege every town is still a union town?

August Featured Review:
Kasey Chambers
Little Bird
Review Date: July 12, 2011

Despite being relatively unknown in the States, Kasey Chambers, the queen of Australian alt.country, has written some of the most powerful songs in the genre. But just how high does this little bird fly?

They Might Be Giants
Join Us
Review Date: July 19, 2011

They Might Be Giants have long been the masters of geek rock, spinning out whimsical songs full of obscure references and light, poppy sounds. But will their new album have you joining the cult of TMBG or, like Sancho Panza, will you remain a non-believer?

David Bromberg
Use Me
Review Date: July 13, 2011

For his new album David Bromberg decided to ask old friends like Levon Helm, Dr. John, Keb' Mo' and Vince Gill to collaborate on songs of their own choosing. Sounds cool, but will Use Me be a great addition to your collection or will you end up using it as a coaster?

Indie Pulse Review:
JKR70 presents Clay Hughes
The Whether Machine
Review Date: July 11, 2011

Marrying hip-hop producer JKR70 with up-and-coming talent Clay Hughes, this album turns the genre on its head, mixing a variety of different musical styles. The question is whether this machine runs smoothly or if it's time to call a mechanic.

Old 97's
The Grand Theatre, Vol. 2
Review Date: July 6, 2011

The Old 97's follow up last year's The Grand Theatre, Volume One with a collection that came out of the same sessions, but is very different. Does Vol. 2 match its grand predecessor or is it just another sequel that doesn't live up to the original?

Gary Nicholson
Texas Songbook
Review Date: June 30, 2011

Gary Nicholson may not be a name you know, but you've heard his music performed by a ton of country and rock legends and featured in movies such as "Crazy Heart." Here Nicholson pays tribute to his Texas roots, but does the man known mostly for his writing do his own songs justice?"

Jolie Holland & The Grand Chandeliers
Pint of Blood
Review Date: June 29, 2011

Jolie Holland may be one of the most underrated lyricists in music today. Breaking away from the folk label, her new album combines a diverse array of influences to create a very unique sound. But will it give you a transfusion of great music or leave you dry?

July Featured Review:
Gillian Welch
The Harrow & the Harvest
Review Date: June 28, 2011

It's been almost a decade since Gillian Welch last released an album. Here at last, does The Harrow & the Harvest reap the benefits of its long season of growth?

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Speed of Life
Review Date: June 27, 2011

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is known for classic recordings with an old-time feel, a sound they worked to recreate on their newest release. In case you missed it, here's a look at the 2009 album to go along with NGDB's Burning River Fireside Chat. Did the band have enough life left in them for another album that will go your speed?

The Greencards
The Brick Album
Review Date: June 21, 2011

This progressive bluegrass group is known for their laid-back sounds and their instrumental mastery. But will the magic continue on their new self-released album or will it sink like a ton of bricks?

Bon Iver
Bon Iver
Review Date: June 22, 2011

Music Critisism for Dummies says we're suppossed to fawn all over Bon Iver and proclaim their sophomore album as a sign of the second coming. Well, we don't write music critisism for dummies.

Hot Club of Cowtown
What Makes Bob Holler
Review Date: June 20, 2011

This talented trio blends a mix of classic jazz and Western swing standards with originals. This time around, they decided to pay homage to Bob Wills with an entire album of his songs. Will you want to throw a big ball FOR Cowtown, or will it just make you holler?

Indie Pulse Review:
Kelley McRae
Highrises in Brooklyn
Review Date: June 9, 2011

Kelley McRae may just be the best singer-songwriter you've never heard of, combining beautiful, emotional writing with powerful, soulful vocals to produce music that is truly compelling. We examine her second album in preparation for her Burning River Fireside Chat.

Hayes Carll
KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories)
Review Date: June 8, 2011

After years of scraping by Hayes Carll gained critical sucess with 2008's Trouble in Mind. Now he's back with the oddly named KMAG YOYO. Does he continue his winning ways, or when it comes to this album are you left on your own?

Nick 13
Nick 13
Review Date: June 7, 2011

After a decade as guitarist, singer, songwriter and frontman of psychobilly band Tiger Army, Nick 13 has gone a completely different direction with his self-titled solo debut. But is the new formula good luck or does number 13 spell doom for his listeners?

Indie Pulse Review:
Alexa Woodward
It's a Good Life, Honey, If You Don't Grow Weary
Review Date: June 2, 2011

Alexa Woodward is a law-bookin', banjo-pickin', folk-singin' songstress from Greenville, SC. Her new album's title might leave you breathless, but is it sweet as honey or will it just make you weary?

Death Cab For Cutie
Codes and Keys
Review Date: May 31, 2011

After building a career on making melancholia sound poppy, Death Cab For Cutie has taken a turn for the contented. But is this new, happier framework a key to continued success or a code suggesting their downfall?

My Morning Jacket
Circuital
Review Date: May 30, 2011

Everyone seems to recommend My Morning Jacket, whether you want them to or not. Now they're back with another highly hyped album. But will Circuital have you spinning around with joy, or is it just circling the drain?

Hank III
Hillbilly Joker
Review Date: May 26, 2011

Hank III doesn't want you to buy this album. That's because the label he just left is releasing it without his consent (after refusing to for years) and he's not seeing a dime. Question is, if you do buy it, is the joke on him or you?

June Featured Review:

Those Darlins
Screws Get Loose
Review Date: May 25, 2011

This girl-dominated group's self-titled cowpunk debut turned some heads. Now they come back with a rock-based release with even more attitude. Does Screws Get Loose bust some heads, or should you just say "Screw it, it's a bust"?

David Wax Museum
Everything Is Saved
Review Date: May 18, 2011

David Wax Museum combines Mexican and Midwestern folk influences with a little bit of rock 'n roll to create a sound like nothing you've ever heard. Sure they're unique, but after their last powerhouse album was anything saved for their latest release?

Sarah Jarosz
Follow Me Down
Review Date: May 16, 2011

This talented youngster busted onto the scene with 2009's Song Up in Her Head and earned a Grammy nom for her troubles. She's got a voice from heaven (or at least Austin) and picks a mean mandolin, but will you want to follow her down into her sophmore release?

Todd Snider
Live: The Storyteller
Review Date: May 7, 2011

Todd Snider puts on one of the most unique shows in the music business, filled with great lyrics, crazy stories, and all sorts of hippie insanity. But does this atmosphere translate onto his new live album?

Alison Krauss & Union Station
Paper Airplane
Review Date: May 1, 2011

Alison Krauss has won more Grammy awards than any other woman in history. In this new album her heavenly voice is reunited with her longtime backup band for the first time in seven years. But is AKUS still a winning combination?

Lucinda Williams
Blessed
Review Date: April 28, 2011

Lucinda Williams is a powerful writer who has several of the greatest Americana albums of all time to her name. Unfortunately, her last release was not one of them. Has she recovered and blessed us all with another masterpiece?

Steve Earle
I'll Never Get Out of This World Alive
Review Date: April 26, 2011

The Americana legend releases his umpteenth album. Sure, these last years have been productive, but does he just keep getting better, or are they all starting to sound the same? Will you ever get out of this music alive?

Drive-By Truckers
Go-Go Boots
Review Date: April 22, 2011

Drive-By Truckers have been known to destroy a stage (figuratively and literally), but they have a history of uneven studio albums. The last one was their highest charter ever, so did they top themselves this time?

Old 97's
The Grand Theatre, Volume 1
Review Date: April 19, 2011

Old 97's have been at the forefront of alt country so long they've influenced everyone who followed. How does the Grand Theatre stack up against their powerful past?

May Featured Review

Ha Ha Tonka
Death of a Decade
Review Date: April 16, 2011

These Ozark Mountain rockers take their sound in a whole new direction with their third release from Bloodshot Records. Is it time everyone stood up and noticed, or is it the death of an alt country band?