Joshua Wallace’s Top 50 Albums of 2020

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Dec 202020
 

By Joshua Wallace

By all measures, 2020 was an insane year, however it was an amazing year for country music releases.  I could have made a Top 100 list this year, but I stuck with tradition and did a Top 50.  With that in mind, some of your favorites might be left off here.  Don’t fret, they’re still good albums, it’s just that there were a ton of good releases this year.  It seemed like every band was releasing their best work even when they weren’t able to fully tour on it.  I could make a case for every record in my Top 10 to be my album of the year, however I went with American Aquarium’s Lamentations.  Lamentations was my most anticipated album going into 2020 and it’s still my favorite album here in December.  It’s no secret that American Aquarium is one of my favorite bands and when they release an album this good, it’s going to be hard to top.  I’ll give my thoughts on each of the Top 20 and provide links to listen to the rest of the list.  I encourage you to check out every record on this list as you might just find something new and that is my biggest goal in doing all of this.

 

**ALBUM OF THE YEAR** 01.  American Aquarium – Lamentations  **ALBUM OF THE YEAR**

When American Aquarium announced late 2019 that they were going into the studio with Shooter Jennings producing, I knew this album would be something special.  I just didn’t know how special it would turn out to be.  Songs like “The Long Haul”, “Starts With You”, “A Better South” and even the tear jerker “Six Years Come September” helped define my 2020.  It is worth noting here that their last album which was 2018’s Things Change was my favorite record of that year too.  I can only imagine that the next album they release will either top or come close to the top of this list in that year.  This band is very consistent in that they keep getting better with every release.  I can’t wait to hear what is next.

 

  1. Chris Stapleton – Starting Over

Chris Stapleton has quite possibly the best voice in modern country music.  This album further solidifies that with performances like “Cold”, “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice”, “Watch You Burn” and more.  This whole record is great top to bottom and it came very close to being my number one album of the year.  It features Stapleton’s signature mix of rock, blues and country anchored by his amazing guitar playing throughout.  This record features guests like former Heartbreaker Mike Campbell and the amazing pedal steel player Paul Franklin.  I highly recommend giving this album a good listen as Chris Stapleton is 4 records in and only shows signs of getting better.

 

  1. Charley Crockett – Welcome To Hard Times

There was a period this year where this album was slated as my #1 record of 2020.  It’s that good.  Charley Crockett put out the best record of his career with Welcome To Hard Times and it hit all the right buttons with the psychedelic bend to it’s sound and a neo-western theme.  The title track is one of my favorite jams of the year and I still love that piano riff that opens it.  Check out “Welcome To Hard Times”, “Run Horse Run” and “The Man That Time Forgot”.

 

  1. Muscadine Bloodline – Burn It At Both Ends

I have been a fan of Muscadine Bloodline since “WD40” was making the rounds as a single a few years ago.  This highly anticipated debut full length album delivers on all of the promise the band showed early on and then some.  As for their sound, they kind of straddle the line of being polished for country radio and rough around the edges for the independent country crowd.  It also helps to feature the likes of BJ Barham, Brent Cobb and Adam Hood on your debut record to give you a bit of a boost.  Check out “Ain’t Just A Van”, “Good Chunk Of Change”, “After Midnight” and “Drunk Tattoo” for a few choice cuts from this one.

 

  1. Mike and The Moonpies – Touch Of You : The Lost Songs Of Gary Stewart

Mike and The Moonpies have released another great album with this collection of lost Gary Stewart songs.  While you won’t get a cover of “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinking Doubles)” on this set, you will get some awesome Gary Stewart tunes that have never been recorded before.  You can hear Gary Stewart’s influence on Mike and The Moonpies music and when you do, you will know that they were the perfect band for a project such as this. The band worked closely with Stewart’s daughter, Shannon Stewart, and his best friend Tommy Schwartz to compile the tracks for this project. The finished product is a great Moonpies album that slides in at number five in our countdown.

 

  1. Sturgill Simpson – Cuttin’ Grass – Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions) & Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 2 (The Cowboy Arms Sessions)

   

I told you this was an insane year.  We got not one, but two great Sturgill Simpson albums this year.  I’m lumping them together here because they’re essentially one long piece split into two.  Sturgill promised fans that if they hit a certain goal on a charity drive he was doing that he would cut 2 albums this year.  He came through with two sets of bluegrass versions of practically every song in his solo catalog.  The only things missing are the covers from each album and “It Ain’t All Flowers”.  He also threw in some Sunday Valley tunes and a new song he wrote with the late Merle Haggard titled “Hobo Cartoon”.  I highly recommend giving these records a spin as a lot of these aren’t just re-recordings in a different genre.  There are some new arrangements of old favorites here that I think anyone would enjoy.

 

  1. Ward Davis – Black Cats And Crows

Ward Davis has finally given us the follow up to 15 Years In A 10 Year Town and it was well worth the wait.  This is a darker collection of songs with lots of heavy guitars setting the mood throughout.  There are a couple of murder ballads on this record that I highly recommend.  We also get Ward Davis’s version of Colorado a couple of years after Cody Jinks released his version on the album Lifers.  Give this album a listen and you won’t be disappointed.

 

  1. Colter Wall – Western Swing & Waltzes and Other Punchy Songs

Colter Wall is finally giving us a full band western swing record and I am here for this.  From amazing covers like “Big Iron” to originals like “Henry and Sam”, this record is all killer from top to bottom.  This record puts Colter Wall up there with some of the premier western acts going today.  Check it out.


 

  1. Ashley McBryde – Never Will

Ashley McBryde is back with her second major label album and another major hit with “One Night Standards”.  This album is full of great songs and I highly recommend the murder ballad “Martha Divine”.  Throw in some traditional country cuts like “First Thing I Reach For”, “Sparrow” and “Velvet Red” and you have one amazing album.  I can’t wait to hear what is coming next.


 

  1. Zach Bryan – Quiet, Heavy Dreams EP

I initially had Zach Bryan’s Elizabeth record in this spot, but this EP is Zach Bryan’s first professionally recorded music and I had to include it here.  With songs like “Birmingham”, “Crooked Teeth” and “November Air”, Zach Bryan is certainly going to be around for a long time.  I hope to be able to see him live sometime in the near future, and with albums like this, I have no doubt he’ll be able to tour widely once it is safe to do so again.


 

  1. Joshua Ray Walker – Glad You Made It

Joshua Ray Walker’s sophomore record Glad You Made it improves on the working formula he created with 2019’s Wish You Were Here.  Songs like “Voices” show off his incredible vocal range while deeper tracks like “D.B. Cooper” show a bit of experimentation with the soundscape Joshua Ray Walker is using on this record.  Give it a listen and see why it’s in at number 11 on this list.


 

  1. Hailey Whitters – The Dream

Hailey Whitters album The Dream took a bit to grow on me, honestly.  But it grew on me and I came to really enjoy a few tracks from this record.  Check out “Janice At The Hotel Bar”, “Loose Strings”, her version of Stapleton’s “Devil Always Made Me Think Twice” and her version of “Happy People” which was also recorded by co-writer Lori McKenna on her 2018 album The Tree.  This record is a fun album that deserves to be heard by more people.  I hope I get the chance to see her live very soon.


 

  1. Brent Cobb – Keep ‘Em On They Toes

Brent Cobb has released another great album in Keep ‘Em On They Toes.  I really love the title track and it quickly became one of my feel good favorites of 2020.  Other highlights include the timely “The World Is Ending”, “Soapbox w/ Nikki Lane” and “Good Times and Good Love”.  This album is a nice change in pace back to the slower country and folk songs of 2016’s Shine On Rainy Day.


 

  1. Kyle Nix – Lightning On The Mountain & Other Short Stories

While this year was rough for fans of Turnpike Troubadours, we got a bit of a reprieve in the form of a Kyle Nix solo album.  I had a feeling this one would be special from the moment it was announced and I was right.  Some favorites include “Graves”, “Shelby 65”, “If Ruby Ain’t Happy” and “Lightning On The Mountain”.  This album is highlighted by some great fiddle playing and good songwriting.  I really hope Kyle Nix gets to tour on this one soon as I would love to see these songs live.


 

  1. The Panhandlers – The Panhandlers

When I first heard about this super group of Texas Country talents, I knew we had something special coming.  All four of these men are great with their own bands, but together they are a force to be reckoned with.  “West Texas In My Eye” and “This Is My Life” are two highlights on this one for me.  Give this one a listen if you haven’t, you won’t be disappointed.


 

  1. Parker McCollum – Hollywood Gold EP

Parker McCollum had a strong 2020 with some great single releases leading up to this EP.  “Pretty Heart” actually got a lot of radio play and I really dig “Like A Cowboy”.  I knew Parker McCollum was one to watch after 2017’s strong Probably Wrong LP.  This EP is so good and it solidifies my opinion that he is destined for bigger things.  Be on the lookout for his next full length as I belive that one will go places.


 

  1. Josh Abbott Band – The Highway Kind

I have been a fan of Josh Abbott Band since 2012’s Small Town Family Dream album and it has been a fun ride watching this band grow.  They get better with every release and The Highway Kind is no different.  Highlights include the title track, “Settle Me Down”, “24-7-365” and “Real Damn Good”.  Give it a listen.


 

  1. Aubrie Sellers – Far From Home

While I wasn’t as much of a fan of Aubrie Sellers’s 2016 record New City Blues, this album blew me away.  I dig the mixing of grungy garage rock and country music and it works here.  Check out favorites like “Glad”, “Troublemaker”, “My Love Will Not Change w/ Steve Earle” and the title track.


 

  1. Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen – Hold My Beer, Vol. 2

With Hold My Beer, Vol. 2, Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen have put together two amazing country duo albums.  This record is full of solid country gold.  I love the comedy of “Rodeo Clown” and we finally get a title track for this collection with “Hold My Beer”.  Also check out “Mi Amigo” with Asleep At The Wheel and “Speak To Me Jukebox” for more highlights.

 

  1. David Adam Byrnes – Neon Town

This record from David Adam Byrnes was one of those unexpected gems that you hear about and when you finally get around to listening to, it blows you away.  Neon Town is just good Texas country and I can’t wait yi hear what is next.


 

  1. Corb Lund – Agricultural Tragic

 


 

  1. Waylon Payne – Blue Eyes, The Harlot, The Queer, The Pusher & Me

 


 

  1. Bella White – Just Like Leaving

 


 

  1. Jaime Wyatt – Neon Cross

 


 

  1. Scott H. Biram – Fever Dreams

 


 

  1. Jessi Alexander – Decatur County Red

 


 

  1. Brennen Leigh – Prairie Love Letter

 


 

  1. Lori McKenna – The Balladeer


 

  1. The Wilder Blue – Hill Country


 

  1. Tennessee Jet – The Country


 

  1. Elizabeth Cook – The Aftermath


 

  1. Margo Price – That’s How Rumors Get Started

 

  1. Ray Wylie Hubbard – Co-Starring


 

  1. Dalton Domino – Feverdreamer


 

  1. Zephania Ohora – Listening to the Music


 

  1. Marcus King – El Dorado


 

  1. Sunny Sweeney – Recorded Live at the Machine Shop Recording Studio


 

  1. Brandy Clark – Your Life Is A Record


 

  1. Chase Crawford – The Neon Lights Go On Forever EP


 

  1. Arlo McKinley – Die Midwestern


 

  1. Jesse Daniel – Rollin’ On


 

  1. Rachel Brooke – The Loneliness In Me


 

  1. Caleb Caudle – Better Hurry Up


 

  1. Kyle Keller – All It Does Is Rain


 

  1. Lilly Hiatt – Walking Proof


 

  1. John Baumann – Country Shade


 

  1. Daniel Donato – A Young Man’s Country


 

  1. S.G. Goodman – Old Time Feeling


 

  1. Kody West – Overgrown


 

  1. Katie Pruitt – Expectations


 

Top 20 Albums Of 2020 So Far

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Jul 022020
 

By Joshua Wallace

This has been a strange year to release a new record in, but that hasn’t stopped folks from releasing some great albums.  Here is a list of my Top 20 Albums of 2020 So Far.  I know I could have included more artists here, but I am working on a Top 50 list that will be published at the end of the year.  I have included links to previous coverage of albums when we have it.  Check these records out and support these bands while they cannot tour for their new records by buying merch or tipping during a livestream.

 

1. Kyle Nix – Lightning On The Mountain And Other Short Stories

Review

 

2. Mike and The Moonpies – Touch Of You : The Lost Songs Of Gary Stewart

Review

 

3. American Aquarium – Lamentations

10 More Albums We Are Looking Forward To In 2020

 

4. Hill Country – Hill Country

 

5. Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen – Hold My Beer Vol. 2

 

6. Jessi Alexander – Decatur County Red

Review

 

7. The Panhandlers – The Panhandlers

Review

 

8.  Ashley McBryde – Never Will

Review

 

9. Aubrie Sellers – Far From Home

Review

 

10. Jaime Wyatt – Neon Cross

10 Most Anticipated Country Albums Out This Summer

 

11. John Baumann – Country Shade

10 Most Anticipated Country Albums Out This Summer

 

12. ROOKIE – ROOKIE

 

13. Hailey Whitters – The Dream

 

14. Kyle Keller – All It Does Is Rain

10 Most Anticipated Country Albums Out This Summer

 

15. Zach Bryan – Elisabeth

 

16. Hellbound Glory – Pure Scum

10 Most Anticipated Country Albums Out This Summer

 

17. Sammy Brue – Crash Test Kid

 

18. Chancey Williams – 3rd Street

 

19. Jesse Daniel – Rollin’ On

 

20. Whitney Rose – We Still Go To Rodeos

 

Album Feature – Mike and The Moonpies – Touch Of You – The Lost Songs Of Gary Stewart

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May 262020
 

By Joshua Wallace

You might know the music of Gary Stewart from such hits as “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinking Doubles)” or “Drinkin’ Thing” which both appeared on the same album called Out Of Hand.  If you haven’t heard that one, I highly recommend checking it out.  You can hear Gary Stewart’s influence on Mike and The Moonpies music and when you do, you will know that they were the perfect band for a project such as this.  Here we have 10 unrecorded songs co-written by Gary Stewart during the late 70’s and 1980’s.  These were songs that for whatever reason, did not make it on any recorded albums.  The band worked closely with Stewart’s daughter, Shannon Stewart, and his best friend Tommy Schwartz to compile the tracks for this project.  This album was meant to be released later in the year, but the band was able to finish it remotely during the recent “stay-at-home” orders.  Let’s check out some of the tracks they came up with.

The album kicks off with a straight up honky tonk number in “Bottom Of The Pile”.  It’s a song about the rowdiest honky tonk you’ve ever been in and it’s sure to get some dance floors moving at your next live Moonpies show.  Switching things up, we have the duet of “Smooth Shot Of Whiskey”.  Mike trades lines and harmonizes with Mark Wystrach of Midland.  It’s a smooth (no pun intended) ballad.  This sounds like it would fit right in on an early 80’s country radio station.  Another favorite is “Dance With Barbara”.  Every bar has a Barbara, and all of the guys want to dance with her.  This one is sure to make the dance floors shuffle.  I love the interplay of the pedal steel and lead guitar on this one.  

Another great dance floor tune is “The Gold Barstool”.  It’s a great shuffle with more killer lead guitar work, however it is the songwriting that is the star here.  If you work at a company for a long time, you typically get a gold watch or something for working in a place for 20 years.  Well, at this bar you get a gold barstool for drinking there for 20 years.  How’s that for celebrating good times?  It’s songs like this that show how great of a songwriter Gary Stewart could be.  Slowing things down a bit, we have the bluesy number called “I’m Guilty”.  The guitar work is smooth and awesome here, but I love Mike’s vocal performance on this one as it’s one of his better tracks over the years.  Finally, we have “Heart At Home” which is a bit of a different style for Mike and The Moonpies.  Some slow piano work by Dave Perceful kicks off the track before it goes into a smooth easy listening country ballad.  It’s a great change of pace as you don’t often hear this style of country these days.

Mike and The Moonpies have put together a great tribute to the talent that is Gary Stewart.  It’s a treat for longtime Gary Stewart fans who have new songs to dig into.  It’s also a treat for newer Gary Stewart fans who are discovering his music through Mike and The Moonpies.  While it’s still very much a Moonpies record, the band also taps into sounds from Gary Stewart’s era of late 70’s and early 1980’s country that fans don’t get to hear much of these days. I cannot wait to hear some of these songs live as it sounds like a good live record.  Touch Of You – The Lost Songs Of Gary Stewart will be available everywhere at 12:01 AM on Thursday May 28th, 2020.  This record is only available digitally at first, however there will be physical items to pre-order in the future.  Check out the band’s website for more info soon.

Favorite Tracks : Bottom Of The Pile, Smooth Shot Of Whiskey, Dance With Barbara, The Gold Barstool, I’m Guilty, Heart At Home

Mike and The Moonpies – Touch Of You – The Lost Songs Of Gary Stewart (2020)

  1. Bottom Of The Pile
  2. Smooth Shot Of Whiskey (feat. Mark Wystrach of Midland)
  3. Touch Of You
  4. Life’s A Game
  5. Dance With Barbara (feat. Courtney Patton)
  6. The Gold Barstool (feat. Zac Wilkerson)
  7. That’s Life
  8. The Finished Product
  9. I’m Guilty
  10. Heart At Home (feat. Jamie Lin Wilson and Courtney Patton)

 

10 Most Anticipated Country Albums Out This Summer

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May 262020
 

By Joshua Wallace

As uncertainty becomes more and more a part of the new normal, it’s good to know that we can still count on some great country music albums coming up in the near future.   We’ve got some quality records coming out in 2020 and it’s shaping up to be a big release year.  COVID-19 has changed up the release schedule a bit, however, I have included albums with as solid of a release date as I can on this list.  Check out our 10 most anticipated country albums out this summer.

Mike & The Moonpies – Touch of You – The Lost Songs of Gary Stewart – May 28th

Mike and The Moonpies just announced this release last week.  It’s a collection of unreleased songs written by Gary Stewart and as soon as I heard about this record, it jumped to the top of my list.  The Moonpies are one of the best honky tonk bands around and I’m looking forward to what they can do with some lost Gary Stewart songs.  It’s a good thing we only have to wait a couple of days for this one.  It comes out Thursday May 28th.  This album is only available digitally at first, with physical items to come in the future.

 

 

Jaime Wyatt – Neon Cross – May 29th

Shooter Jennings has been on a tear lately as a producer and this new Jaime Wyatt album is looking to be no different.  This album features guest appearances by Shooter Jennings himself and his mother Jessi Colter.  I was a big fan of her 2017 album Felony Blues and cannot wait to see what she has as a follow up.  This one is out in a couple of days on May 29th.

 

John Baumann – Country Shade – June 5th

I first discovered John Baumann with his 2017 album Proving Grounds.  I was a huge fan of tracks like “Lonely In Bars” and “The Trouble With Drinking”.  Baumann was also a part of the Texas country super group The Panhandlers who released one of my favorite albums of 2020 so far.  I’m really looking forward to this solo record and if songs like “Next Ride Around The Sun” and “The Country Doesn’t Sound The Same” are any indication, Baumann has another big record here.  I’m looking forward to this one out in early June.

 

Hellbound Glory – Pure Scum – June 5th

I have been a fan of Hellbound Glory for a long time.  Their last album Pinball was a big favorite here at Gary Hayes Country and it sounds like Pure Scum will be the same.  Shooter Jennings is producing this record (his second on this list).  If singles like “Dial 9-1-1” and “Ragged But Alright” are any indication, this record will be high on our year end Top 50 lists.  This one is out in June.

 

Bryan James – Politics or Religion – June 11th

I first became a fan of Bryan James with his 2017 record “Between The Devil and The Angel”.  This album featured a pure country sound and had many great songs across it’s 19 tracks.  Fast forward to 2020 and we have his highly anticipated follow-up album Politics Or Religion coming up in June.  Check out a preview of the album here.

 

Kyle Nix – Lightning on the Mountain & Other Short Stories – June 26th

When I heard Kyle Nix of the Turnpike Troubadours was going solo, I knew this would be a good one even before I heard the first single.  If that’s not enough, when you hear that members of Turnpike Troubadours serve as his backing band, then you know this will be a good one.  That was all confirmed when “Lightning On The Mountain” was released as the first single.  Now I can’t wait for the end of June for this record to come out.

 

Kyle Keller – All It Does Is Rain – June 27th

I have been a fan of Kyle Keller for a while.  His 2017 EP was a collection of raw and real acoustic tracks.  You can expect more sparse instrumentation here on All It Does Is Rain as the sad songs and stories are at the forefront of Kyle Keller’s music.  If you’re a fan of good songwriting and slow acoustic sad country and folk songs, this album is for you.  Look for it everywhere you can stream music on June 27th.  I have also heard we might be getting a single released from this one soon.

 

Joshua Ray Walker – Glad You Made It – July 10th

Joshua Ray Walker blew me away with his 2019 debut album Wish You Were Here.  He’s got an amazing voice and great songwriting skills to match.  Earlier this year he released a new song called “Voices” that allows him to stretch his vocal chords out even further.  I can’t wait to hear this entire album and we will be able to in early July.

 

S.G. Goodman – Old Time Feeling – July 17th

I first came across the music of S.G. Goodman through Spotify’s Indigo playlist.  I was immediately drawn in by her voice which is very raw and unique.  Her music comes across like a mix of Kentucky influences and a blend of rocking Mississippi delta blues.  I’m looking forward to hearing the rest of the album as her early release singles have been very solid.  This one is out in July.

 

The Texas Gentlemen – Floor It!!! – July 17th

Finally, we have a new record from the Texas country funk outfit The Texas Gentlemen.  You have most likely heard The Texas Gentlemen serving as Paul Cauthen’s backing band on his albums like his 2019 release Room 41.  They also have a previous album out called TX Jelly from 2017 that you should check out.  This band is recommended if you like heavy doses of funk in your country.  Check out the single “Bare Maximum” and the album is out in July.

 

 

Be sure to check back here at Gary Hayes Country for coverage on all of these and more great albums coming out soon.

Live Review – Mike and The Moonpies In Macon, GA

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Jan 292020
 

By Joshua Wallace

Photography By Joshua Wallace

I was able to see Mike and The Moonpies live in Macon, GA on January 25th, 2020 which was a Saturday night.  This concert was at The Creek Stage at The Rookery which is a restaurant in Macon. They convert a dining room into a concert hall when they have concerts scheduled.  It’s a very intimate venue and a very unique setting. I hope to go back to The Rookery sometime soon to eat as it looked like a very good restaurant. I arrived at 09:30pm on a Saturday night and it was packed.  You can’t say that about many places these days. This show was actually billed as the after party for a show that was happening at the Hargray Capitol Theater which is down the street from The Rookery. That show was Robert Earl Keen with Aubrie Sellers as the opening act.  I was only here for Mike and The Moonpies though and they got things kicked off at 10:45 pm with no opener. The small room filled out pretty quickly. The Moonpies put on a great show as they always do. This band gets better every time I see them.

The band kicked things off with “Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em” and “Damn Strait”, the latter of which is my favorite track off The Hard Way album and is always fun to hear live.  When the band got into “Getting High At Home” and “Steak Night At The Prairie Rose”, you could tell this would be a fun crowd as they were singing along with both songs. In fact, this crowd favored pretty much everything from Steak Night At The Prairie Rose and the new album Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold.  The band still played through the older stuff and I especially loved hearing “El Camino” from their The Real Country album. We got a great Merle Haggard cover with “Working Man Blues” before the band got into material from the new record.  

I was happy to hear “Young In Love” and “Miss Fortune” live this time.  I feel like those are two underrated tracks from the stellar new album. “You Look Good In Neon” was another hit with the crowd as it turned into a sing-a-long.  This was amazing as the last time I had heard this song live, the record was barely out and no one knew the track. You could say the same for “Danger” too which is another mega popular track from the new album.  “Beaches Of Biloxi” is also always a popular live track with bass player Omar’s seemingly random crowd participation bits. The band then got to the title tracks of both 2012’s The Hard Way and the new album Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold.  The latter of which was another sing-along with the crowd. From there, they did “London Homesick Blues” and their cover of Fastball’s “The Way”. I used to love that song back in the 90’s and until Mike and The Moonpies did it, I had not heard it in a long time.

The band did a great version of “Bottled Beer” off their first album which concluded with Omar’s tease of the famous bass line from Metallica’s “For Whom The Bell Tolls”.  The fans that know that song always pop for it. They wrapped up the regular set with “We’re Gone” and “The Real Country”. The band played a great closing jam before coming back to the stage for covers of Townes Van Zandt’s “Pancho and Lefty” and Rusty Weir’s “Don’t It Make You Wanna Dance”.

I highly recommend seeing this band live in smaller venues while you have the chance.  I don’t think we will have that opportunity for very long. This band is a very tight live band and they have such a charismatic stage presence that not many have right now.  Omar Oyoque is one of the best bass players you can find in a country band and is a highlight of every show. Mike and The Moonpies are currently playing in Key West, FL as part of Mile 0 Fest.  If you’re in the southeast, your next chance to see them will be at the Standard Deluxe in Waverly, AL for the 20th Anniversary of the “Old 280” Boogie on April 18th. You can find details of that event here and check out the band’s website for more tour information and where you can find out when they are coming near you.

Muddy Roots 2019

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Oct 052019
 

It’s time once again for my annual visit to the almighty ultimate independent music festival that brought forth all of the Roots Music bands, of course I’m talking about the TENTH ANNUAL Muddy Roots Music Festival. A LOT has changed at this festival in the ten years I have been going to it, and to be honest a LOT has changed with my website in the ten years I have been operating it as well.

In those years, I have been to over 31 states and traveled MANY miles covering this local music I bring to you. I have taken on another writer Mr. Joshua Wallace, and NOW I have ANOTHER writer I’m trying out for this job. We shall see if he does well, I’m already pretty excited about him coming aboard to help because I think the world of him as a person and as a friend.

Miss Delaney Chavez and her husband Mr. Milton REALLY stepped up and designed ALL of the logistics of this event beginning with double port a potties and better stage placement for the BEST sound EVER. Most of the stage times flowed along nicely, and EVERY time I saw her she was working VERY HARD to give us ALL an awesome time. She and her husband are VERY approachable, and will take care of ANYTHING the guests need.

We are going to chat about EVERYTHING from the weather to the vendors here, the bands and THE PEOPLE. That’s right folks YOU MAKE MUDDY what it is, if YOU bought a ticket and bought merchandise, and enjoyed the music on behalf of Mr. Jason and his ENTIRE CREW I thank you from deep in the heart.

I have a new writer this week from Ohio trying his hand in the Muddy Roots article game, his name is Mr. Luther Center. He wrote up some of the first sets I missed as Mr. Joshua Wallace and Miss Marla Gibson of Marla Gibson Imagery who was on board to help me with photography this weekend.


Photo courtesy of Luther Center

My good festival buddy Mr. Luther Center is a new face to my website, and he is a music nut like I am. He goes to a TON of music festivals, and I enjoy his input on my articles. He made some comments that he saw some whole sets that I kind of saw partially, and I thought WHY NOT INVITE him to participate? So here is what he had to say about a few things.

The sun is high, the temperature is a warm but manageable 80 degrees, and the trees surrounding the stage are swaying with the breeze and providing just enough shade to accommodate the growing crowd as the Muddy Roots Music festival has started!

Not many bands are better suited for Muddy Roots than are Black Tarpoon. The band (Vocals/Acoustical pickin’- Jesse James, Bass/Dirty vocals- Oatmeal Reed, Resonator- Billy Mo, Washboard- Tasha the Don, Drums- Daniel Rangel) from Corpus Christie, TX, have long been top practitioners of punk acoustic/electric Americana roots music.

The band settles in onstage early and are joking with the crowd as all present anxiously await the High Noon start for their set. Suddenly we hear, “We are Black Tarpoon. 1-2-1234” and they are off, as the band kicks immediately into high energy “Fixin’ To Play”. For the next 55 minutes we are treated to a blistering set featuring much of their first two records (2016s EP “Creature from the Black Tarpoon” and 2017s full length “A Macing Grace”) as well as tracks from their recent 1332 Records split 45 EP with Black Irish Texas titled “Blacked Out at Muddy Roots”.

I know their set included “Little Irish Bird”, “Ghost On The Highway” and one that features the young lady on washboard a lot called “Love Songs Ain’t Easy”. One of my favorite songs of theirs was one called “Black Widows Waltz”. None of my crew got to catch the entire set of any of the bands this weekend, as we roamed around to evenly catch as many sets as humanly possible here.

What a way to begin my Muddy Roots weekend! Their set was energetic, they were fun to watch, and their punk-roots style kept the crowd engaged and moving throughout the show. Highly recommended to see live if they show up in your town. Their music is available for sale on Bandcamp and from 1332 Records.


Photo Courtesy of Marla Gibson

It’s approaching the hottest part of the day Friday as Sean K. Preston And The Loaded Pistols take the stage. Sean coolly appears, looking svelte in his matching black suit pants and vest with a bright red long sleeved shirt with the sleeves rolled up. He straps on that guitar, the Pistols lock in, and off they go with “Homeward Bound”.

“Last Call” was part of the set today as well as “The Decision” . He began with a really nice instrumental of his lead guitar talents before transitioning into “Ain’t A Dog”. Mr. Christopher “Sparky” Spiridigliozzi  on drums and Mr. Cory McGrath on upright bass makes up the Loaded Pistols right now, and as they played songs like “Get Thee Behind Me” they displayed why they deserved to be a part of this lineup.

Preston incorporates power blues, country, and rockabilly into his music, and adds a sometimes sinister edge. It’s all on display as he heavily features extended tracks from his 2018 album “Forgive” on the Rusty Knuckles label, which happens to be one of my favorite records released last year. His band is tight and steady as Sean controls the stage with his confident voice and wicked guitar licks on songs like “The Twister” and “The Widower”.


Photo courtesy of Marla Gibson

While Gary Hayes was unpacking his camper behind the showers with Mr. Joshua Wallace he got to hear him play “Barnburner” and more of his set before ending the show with his signature song, “Satan”, the crowd has now reached fever pitch and, if you can believe it, Sean and the boys have ratcheted up the heat even more. I’ve seen Sean and the Pistols numerous times in recent years, and they never disappoint. The same was true here, and I’ll be sure to buy the next record and see them the next time they’re in my town.

The next set Mr. Luther got to see was Moonshine Wagon  who hails from the Basque Country in Northern Spain. They brought their high energy show to Muddy Roots not once, but twice this year, playing the pre-party Thursday night at the Wood Stage, followed by a 1:30 set in the Big Tent on Friday. They describe their music as “Hellgrass” (as in “Hellgrass = Bluegrass + Heavy Metal”), and it’s a good description. They play their bluegrass fast, loud, and with an enthusiasm that is hard to match.


Photo courtesy of Luther Center

I had never seen Moonshine Wagon before, so I had no idea what I was in for. I enjoyed the Thursday evening set from the Camp Ohio area while visiting with friends, so I didn’t see them, but I did hear them, and man, I liked what I heard! I made a point to see their Friday set.

I walked into the Big Tent just as their Friday set began. Appropriately enough, they opened the show with the dirge-like strains of the title song from their new album “Straight From the Mud”. Midway through the song, it kicks in to the high energy punk metal bluegrass we’ll get to hear for the remainder of their set.

They play, sing, and perform expertly, and their energy throughout is infectious. The crowd is on their side and before long, it’s a party in the Big Tent! They went on to play the title track from their 2017 album “Porca Miseria”, followed by “Ghost” which opens with a great acoustic sound.

Goiatz Dutto, Joel Bruna, Lander Lourido and Victor Martin make up this trio that included songs like “Running And Hiding”, which was one of the more upbeat songs with the more Bluegrass sound.  ‘Everybody Lies” starts out with some GOOD finger picking and fiddle style, and was great to dance to.  “Days Go By” “You Yourself And You” , and “Ace Of Spades” wrapped up the set.

They leaned heavily on the new album, available at Roots Union, and they should, as it is excellent. With select songs from their two previous albums and a cover or two, Moonshine Wagon provided the perfect soundtrack for day one of Muddy Roots. I bought the album at their merch table and vowed to see them again as soon as I can.

Photo courtesy of Joshua Wallace

Mr. Joshua Wallace got to see Mr. James Hunnicutt whom always does a stand up job at Muddy Roots, and is one of the most positive and humble people I have ever met. So here is what he had to say about that.

James Hunnicutt was on the tent stage on Friday at 3:30pm – 4:30pm. He had already started by the time I entered the tent and had a huge crowd with the tent about half to three quarters full. He was sitting down for this year’s set but he still had the same amazing vocals and raw energy that he always brings to his regular acoustic Muddy Roots set.

Photo Courtesy of Joshua Wallace

I heard him do crowd favorites like “My Pain” and “99 Lives”. He did his amazing version of “Long Black Veil / My Wayward Bride” which always turns into a sing-a-long with the Muddy Roots crowd and this year was no exception. He also did a selection of tracks from his first album which included the Muddy Roots anthem “Risk The Fall”.

The last song I caught from James was the always popular “Don’t Let Teardrops Fill Your Eyes”. It is always interesting to watch the Muddy Roots veterans who know the hand signs for this song and the new fans looking around wondering what is going on. James Hunnicutt always delivers a highlight set of Muddy Roots and this year was no different.


Photo courtesy of Marla Gibson

Miss Marla Gibson was kind enough to take my own camera and take a few of me with others like my big buddy Mr. Brooke Blanche from the Calamity Cubes, whom we will touch on later. Right now, we will flip over to my account of the mighty Hillbilly Casino.

2017’s “Red White And Bruised” album brought up their opening song called “Give It All Up For You”, followed by the song “No Toll Taken” as their leader Mr. Nic Roulette violently swings the mic around while flailing about like a crazed madman. This stage show is not for the weak or daft souls, and they truly light up the tent ( literally) with a mechanics light, and oversized stuffed animals that end up crowd surfing.

“She’s Got Tricks” and “How Do You Think” were both taken from the new album as well. Now from a seasoned fan like me, I’m not sure they will ever be able to beat my favorites “Big Dan” or “Tennessee Stomp” which the later of the two was the closing song. Hillbilly Casino is ( I believe ) the only band that has played all 10 years of muddy Roots, I’m pretty sure that is correct.


Photo courtesy of Marla Gibson.

After you see these two pictures here, I’m quite sure you will agree that having her on board this time was a GREAT choice. I met her in Mississippi at another festival and when we talked I could tell that she “gets it”. I arranged for her to come with us, and she had a wonderful time here.

“PBR” was included in the set, as well as “The Hole” and “One Cup Beyond” from the iconic album “Three Step Windup”.  Mr. Ronnie got out the other guitar and started into the solo intro for “Violets In May”, which resonated through the entire tent with furious fever.

They closed with “Troubles” and “Jibber Jabber” and as usual and like I stated earlier their last song was indeed “Tennessee Stomp”. As always they left the entire festival stunned, and just going nuts. They are by far one of the many Muddy Roots favorites on the list.


Photo courtesy of Marla Gibson

Another Muddy Roots powerhouse duo is the mighty Left Lane Cruiser whom just recently released a new album called “Shake And Bake” on Alive Records!. I’m in the works of making them an article for the album feature, maybe I’ll come back and embed it here.

They went old school on one of their songs from the 2006 album “Gettin Down On It” called “Riverwalk”. This band is one of the older roots bands that I found out about on the mighty MySpace. I began discovering these bands in 2007 and 2008 myself, and they were one of them. I’ll be honest I have so much on festivals on my desk, I think I may have lost some of my notes.

Mr. Joe Evans and Mr. Pete Dio come from Fort Wayne Indiana, and blend Mississippi blues and rock and many other forms of roots music to formulate their own sound, and volume! There were a few bands I got to only check out one or two songs from before moving along, they were one of them.

I meandered down to the wooden stage to see Slim Cessna’s Auto Club. This is a Denver Colorado outfit that I have featured many times on here, and they have played Muddy roots many times. Munly Munly, Mr. Slim Cessna, Mr. David Edwards, Mr. Jeffery Paul, Lord Dwight Pentacost, Miss Rebecca Vera, Mr. Ian O’Dougherty, and Andrew Warne make up the current lineup.

“This Is How We Do Things In The Country” has the whole crowd dancing and going nuts into the night air. I went up into the media tower to take some pictures of the crowd as well as side stage. They also played “Children Of The Lord”, among others.

This year they played the wood stage and had a little more room to spread out, and it helped to see the stage show a little better. They played a rousing rendition of “Do You Know The Enemy”, that included one of Lord Pentacost’s trademark double neck guitars which I caught on camera here, before I called it a day. The first night is always the roughest for me, as I work third shift and travel here in the morning right after work.



I woke up for day 2 ready to go, and even though I got enough sleep I was still pretty sore. I ventured out onto vendor row to see some of the food and shopping choices this year, sadly I didn’t get the chance to visit the waterfall but I may go out there on my own to bring you a better story that way. I did get to write a really nice article a few weeks ago, and you can read it HERE.

I wandered down my familiar favorite vendor row, the one that I have loved and cherished for ten years. The gravel road where I have made many friends, and we remember ones we have lost to death. A gravel road where I have seen children born and gotten to watch them grow up. You see folks, Muddy Roots really is a family in many aspects.

Many of these people are so close to me as personal Friends, like Mr. Ralph Miller who heads up one of the biggest original roots music’s labels called Rusty Knuckles. That label has recorded some of the most iconic albums in all of roots music history. If I ever wrote a book on the history of roots music the role of Rusty Knuckles would be the most prominent of all of them.

Also pictured above is my good friend Miss Sarah Brown who operates the traveling store of original hand made goods called Stoned Beautiful Jewelry. This young lady travels all over the country and sells her wares to every music audience out there, and you need to check her out.

There were plenty of great food vendors like our friends G’zs BBQ from East Nashville. There were plenty of choices for every person’s lifestyle, however I’m not sure about vegan. I’m not as trained to look for vegan choices, and I need to look for more vendors that can cater to gluten free folks.

One of the first acts of the second day was none other than Country Rock artist Mr.Jason Charles Miller.  He is also the front man for the industrial rock band called Godhead, and I knew very little about him until now. His resume was indeed quite impressive from a Country and Metal lover’s standpoint, as he has opened for big names on both genres. Some of the pop country I wasn’t really impressed with, but to have worked with some of those names just shows me his versatility.

From his 2011 album called “Uncountry” he began with a song called “The River”, and went into a song called “No Bridge Left Unburned”. His songs were all pretty heavy and even though they did have a country influence they were pretty much good old fashioned rock and roll.

Cmon folks this is Muddy Roots you know damn well were going to have the entire spectrum of music at our fingertips! This man fit in really really well with Muddy Roots, in EVERY way and I enjoyed his songs. His album called “In The Wasteland” boasted a REALLY cool song called “Old Scarecrow” who sits in the sun and his work is never done…good line. “Trunk Full Of Bibles” was another good song included in his set today, along with other songs like “In The Wasteland”, and “You Get What You Pay For”.

He closed his set with his own version of the Hank Williams classic song “I Saw the Light”, and I got to sing along with him as I wandered off to the wood stage to listen to my Colorado area friends called the Tejon Street Corner Thieves.

They started with their song called “No Good” from their 2016 album called “Every Last Drop”, and with  the help of one of the members of the Bridge City Sinners (whom I’ll touch on next) they tore up the wood stage today. Now, they just released a live album out called Live At Western Jubilee which as many of these songs on it.  “All We Need” is a whiskey drinking song, and pretty much self explanatory.

Mr. Connor O’Neal – Banjo, Percussion, Lead and Backing Vocals, Mr. Shawn D’Amario – Washboard, Guitar, Lead and Backing Vocals, Mr. Spencer Mode – Washboard and Mr. Michael Flecha – Bass make up this band that glorifies the Westport Saloon on songs like “Goers”. Every community has an anthem and it has pillars of the scene, and the Westport Saloon is indeed an integral part of the Roots music scene.

The same can be said about Four Roses Bourbon, as they have been a longtime sponsor of this community and its wonderful bands and fans. I myself have been a Muddy Roots family member for over Ten years now. “Home” was next, a song about a man that thinks he is going be killed unless he spends the rest of his life on the road.

“Whiskey Shivers” and “.44″ were next, .44 being about a drunkard with a loaded .44. It’s a very poignant and dark song filled with their signature gravely harmonies that Roots music is noted for. It’s about poor choices and failure so how can it be a bad song? There has been a time in everyone’s life they have felt unworthy of the love of the Lord.

‘No Water” was next followed by a cover of “Minnie The Moocher”, and at that time I went up front to the merchandise area to shop and eat. The next band I had in mind to see was an amazing one I have never covered before called The Bridge City Sinners.

Part of the fun of festivals is running into so many friends on the roads from stage to stage as everyone goes and sees their favorite band all day and night. This afternoon I for one found a new favorite band in the Bridge City Sinners, who come from Portland Oregon and was formed in 2016.

They have a new album called “Here’s To The Devil” out now on Flail Records and from that album they opened with “Through And Through” which was full of suicidal innuendos and selling your soul to the devil, you know all that happy stuff. This band is choked full of wonderful scenes like holy water burning your fingertips.

This band was originally slated to play the Southern Gothic festival in October, but couldn’t play. I was disappointed, because songs like “Kreacher” are inventive and fitting for Halloween fun. Miss Libby Lux has her signature growl and evil laugh on songs like “Laugh While You Can”, where they display an absolute macabre sense of hilarity to the stage. It’s evil and it’s fun, it’s raw and edgy but at the same time it’s professional and contains complex music from the likes of Mr. Lightnin’ Luke Bespiel on fiddle whom also assisted the Tejon Street Corner Thieves.

The band also has Mr. Jesse Payne on acoustic guitar, Mr. Michael Flecha on the resonator AKA King Strang. Mr. Scott Michaud who owns Flail Records played upright bass today for them. Also they had Mr. Clyde McGee on the banjo for their set.

I was beyond impressed with the amount of people that this band drew here today. On the third day of any festival and this early in the day, to draw a crowd this size is indeed an impressive feat.

“Song Of The Siren” I cannot see how she performs that night after night without loosing her voice. It truly digs deep out of her chest to sing that song, and while it is well written for a Roots song it has that accompanying Gothic theme to it. “Pussy Cat” was pulled from their self titled 2016 album as was the song “St. John’s Infirmary” which gets covered by many. “Ashes” was next which had all the fine fiddling I needed to satisfy my palate and make me jump in joy.

“Virgin Sacrifice” was next followed by “Run From The Sun”, and the last song I caught by them was called “Witches Wrath”. And as the partying continued my crew and I parted ways into the musical abyss to capture so many different aspects of the festival, some of these photos may not be Country bands..but this website appreciates ALL KINDS of REAL MUSIC!


Photo Courtesy Of Marla Gibson.

Miss Marla took thousands of terrific photos and shared many of them on social media in groups and on pages. Many of the artists and bands were enjoying them and using them. Once again if you would like to hire her or purchase some of her photos her page is right HERE.

The next band I got to see was the Texas based Mike And The Moonpies whom also released a new album right on the time of the festival date here. There were so many great bands that released new music on this weekend it was uncanny. I am going to let Mr. Joshua Wallace write about them, but all of us were there for this one!

I’m going to focus some time on this band and then I’m going to share some photos for you that Miss Marla took, and ones I took of Punk Metal Legends The Dead Kennedys, and others like Hank Von Hell, and a BUNCH of others that played on the Saturday portion of this event.

Mike Harmeier was a local songwriter who, in 2007  recruited drummer Kyle Ponder, guitarist Catlin Rutherford, bassist Omar Oyoque, and steel guitarist Zachary Moulton to form a powerhouse band in Austin Texas called Mike And The Moonpies. This band also helped usher in the Red Dirt movement, and I hope that muddy Roots joins in that movement. See that’s what’s unique about Mr. Jason, he enjoys ALL KINDS of stuff and books what he enjoys. On one stage you may have GZA and another you may have this band.

Once again I wanted to thank Marla Gibson Imageryfor her contributions to my weekend of work on Muddy Roots, with these pictures of The Dead Kennedys and The Koffin Kats and Hank Von Hell. To be honest, I have always been more of a Country and Roots website that has strayed many times into different forms of music you cannot make a genre out of.

And that is honestly what Muddy Roots is all about. Mixing so many different kinds of music fans into one big field enjoying each other’s company. For the select few that actually ‘get it” and get what Muddy is all about we enjoy some beautiful company and life long friends. Hugs and smiles all around make Muddy Roots my HOME festival.

Mr. Charlie Overbey played the wood stage at the same time as Mike And The Moonpies, and we got to see him play “Slip Away”. I myself didn’t get to see him play much more than two songs today, because I was bouncing around so much this weekend.

This young man’s music has been impressing me, and I have been keeping an eye on him and the Broken Arrows, which is his band. He was born and raised in California, which actually has a rich history of West Coast Country Music that this young man carries into his present day stage act.

He has a similar past to many of us my age, to where we grew up with Country Music and it remained deep within our veins only to remain docile, but not until our Punk Rock or Metal years have been quenched that it shall surface. However, when that day does indeed emerge it triumphs any and all other passions in our souls.

Mr. Justin Boot ran a very nice open mic stage for the weekend outside of stage one, and it featured a wide array of talent from the festival patrons. The water park area was also in the same area, where kids played and cooled off all weekend while listening to the music.

The side stage tent called the Sweet Time Tent featured some good bands like this one called Sash The Bash. They had a hard rocking set with intense kick you in the balls songs like “Rock And Roll Orgy”. Which was just a hardcore party good old fashioned time. I mean let’s do it on the floor, let’s do it on the table…that gets a guys attention, HA.

Tonight she was just signing, but some of her videos she has a bitching double neck guitar, and her band is top notch up your ass metal.  Now I thought that the song “Bang Your Head” would be the Quiet Riot cover, however it was not, it was their own version of their own song.

Miss Sasha Valleley is the leader of this band of crazies that also consists of Miss Amy Epperley on the bass guitar, Mr. Cullen Curtis and also Mr. Ben Dairedow.

“I Don’t Like You” was their debut single and one of the only ones you’ll see on Spottily. That’s not really a bad thing to be honest, I enjoy YouTube and buying their music from the merch table. This stage was ran by good friend Mr. Chad, who always does a top notch job of managing his stage. He is always a nice friend to me and came to see my set Sunday ( which I may touch on a little). Mr. Chad is a VERY good friend that supports what I do vehemently.

“Hipster Douchebag” is another strong in your face song. This band is very strong lyrically and is an integral part of the presence of women in local music. “Mornin After” , and “Wild Man Child” were both also included in tonight’s set. I thought perhaps the song “Hotwired” was going to be a metal version of a Del McCourry cover song, but again NOPE. This young lady has her OWN style and songs, and fit in VERY WELL with the Muddy Roots way of doing things. I LOVED this set here!

Mr. Chad Martindale one of our yearly stage managers who dedicate their time to make sure we have a good time for ourselves. I think right now is ANOTHER TIME I need to take a few moments out to thank all of the fine folks that do so much for Mr. Jason, like my buddygirl Miss Cole that sells merch and takes tickets every year, Miss Delane Chavez and her husband Mr. Milton. Mr. Chris Cahill and Mr. Robert brown who does all kinds of jobs there.

Photos courtesy of Miss Marla Gibson.

Mr. Luther is going to be writing about this band The Goddamn Gallows whom have played many Muddy Roots festivals. First off, I have to admit that Goddamn Gallows is one of my favorite bands in the world. They are the definition and embodiment of the term “Muddy Roots”. The fact that they’ve played EVERY Muddy Roots Musical Festival should tell you everything you need to know about this band.

That said, their 2019 show at MR is one of the best sets I’ve ever seen them play. Mikey Classic (guitar, banjo), Jayke Orvis (banjo, mandolin), Fishgutzzz (Stand up bass), and Baby Genius (drums), rocked the Truck Stage for 75 minutes, until a stage tech reminded them they were 15 minutes over. They commanded the large stage with their hybrid brand of punk psychobilly hoedown roots metal (say that 3 times fast), or as I like to describe it, bluegrass you can slam dance to, keeping the crowd fully engaged the entire time.

Performing songs from throughout their discography, they were in top form as each member, expert musicians and colorful characters, took the spotlight at some point of the show. The appearance of Urban Pioneers Liz Sloan and Jared McGovern onstage for a few songs gave us a 3/4 Jayke Orvis Broken Band reunion. There were also guest appearances from Gary Lindsay (Black Vermillion) Jack Gibson (Exodus), and Tommy Koffin (Koffin Kats).

Overall, an outstanding set by one of the best bands out there touring and recording today. If they come to your town, go see them!

Grassmuncher
Heaven
What Was The High?
7 Devils
Down With The Ship
The Maker
City of Fools
Pass the Bottle (w/Gary Lindsey)
Raise The Moon (w/Liz Sloan and Jared McGovern)
Dreadful Sinner (w/Liz Sloan and Jared McGovern)
When No One’s Around (w/Liz Sloan)
Ol’ Dusty Trail (w/ Liz Sloan)
Waiting Around To Die (w/ Liz Sloan and Jack Gibson)
In League With Satan (w/ Liz Sloan and Jack Gibson)
Howlin’ Wind (w/ Liz Sloan and Tommy Koffin)

Metal Legends Municipal Waste closed out Saturday night with one hell of a set on the wood stage, that I watched from the media tower. Folks I’ll be honest I’m too damn old and wore out for stomping around in mosh pits, but I still enjoy my Heavy metal.

I don’t really mind including these photos in my articles in any way, and I still have a ton of stuff to tell you about as we move into Sunday’s shows. I played my own small set Sunday morning, and got to work with the sound guys on the big tent stage. This was Mr. Chris O Brien from Stage Rite Sound in Nashville.

Sunday ended up being an early departure for me as I had to get my photographer back to the airport very early in the morning so we left shortly before the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band performed. However I did indeed catch some of their set this weekend.

One of the first people I got to see was Mr. Todd Day Wait’s Pigpen on the wood stage, while I took part of the gospel hour in the tent before my own set. Yes folks you heard that correct I did indeed play a full half hour set, but my time was pushed back for scheduling discrepancies. I played a bunch of old timey classic three chord country music.

There was a plethora of good music VERY early today here, as also Mr.Josh Morningstar was on the wood stage and my good friends the Urban Pioneers were also on the big main stage after I played. I will be bringing you coverage of all of these sets from today, as well as some other things I wanted to touch on about Muddy Roots in general.

Mr. Todd Day Wait’s Pigpen plays that good old fashioned country Music that warms the heart and soul, and he possesses a powerfully smooth voice and a equally smooth guitar tone. He plays his own signature compositions and also plays obscure covers that the public doesn’t always pick on as being covers. That’s what I like to do when I play as well. I call it the “BR5-49 Formula” because in the early 90s they were doing it down on Broadway.

Mr. Josh Morningstar, man what can i say about him that hasn’t already been said? This young man is out burning up the highways and byways playing his shows for everyone. he has had a very good songwriting career, having many songs penned for Mr. Cody Jinks and others.

He opened with a song about quitting, and it was called something like “The Only Thing I Ever Quit Was Quitting”. It was one of his newer songs I had never heard before myself, and he also played his title song called ‘The Plea’. Many of his old albums are out of print and have become obscure, and I revel in that obscurity as a collector.

“Damn These Birds” is his anthem for the addicted and the struggling person to get clean. It is about the dealers that push their crap on people, and how they manipulate junkies into needing their stuff. He went into a fun and lengthy version of Roger Miller’s “Dang Me”, which features his passion for Country Music history. It’s always a treat to get to stop and talk to him about Legends that have passed on.

“Must Be The Whiskey” is the first song he had recorded by Mr. Cody Jinks for the Lifers album, and he always plays this on his set. He played a bunch more good cover songs until he got to my personal favorite song called “Jerry Lee”. This song is about Rock And Roll Legend Jerry Lee Lewis who is one of the most overlooked outlaws of any genre of music…period.

Black Irish Texas is a way cool band that played in the big tent stage. They opened with “Join The British Army” among other songs. They are a combination of so many types of music that it’s very hard to label songs like “To hell With The King” into a folder.

Mr. James Fitzsimmons, Mr. Mark Maughmer II, Miss Shannon McMillan , Mr. Michael Franklin, Mr. James Sheeran, Mr. Chad Fitzsimmons, Mr.  Bil Zarate, and Mr. Brian Blackwood make up this Austin Texas outfit here.

I got to catch up with my good friend Mr. John Howie Jr in the Sweet Time tent, now mind you I am catching many sets at one time. This was right before I hired Mr. Luther to help , so now I have more eyes and ears on the field.

He graced my TOP 50 of 2018 with a masterpiece of an album called “Not Tonight”, and blasted us with his first song off that album called “Wish My Heart”.  This song is a lonely lament of not knowing what to do, and wishing your heart would know what to do. Now he pulled some songs from his 2011 album called Leavin’ Yesterday. One was called “Handful Of Heartaches” and some of them were from the Two Dollar Pistols like “Getting Gone”…from way back in 2002 and 2003.

See folks, years ago when I started listening to underground music and Texas music I discovered a plethora of bands like his band, which he lead and people like Miss Tift Meritt and labels like Yep Rock Records. This man is in my opinion a local music Legend,  and I’ll stand on the damn rooftops and shout it out.

From his new album he played “Never Could Say Yes” and another one called “When I’m Not There With You”. Back in 2008 I discovered a BUNCH of GREAT Texas music like Red Meat and Eleven Hundred Springs…and THIS MAN TOO. So many of the songs he played today like “I’m Not There With You” I just stood back and enjoyed.

“So Doggone Lonesome” was another song in his set along with “Breakin Up With Me”, and others. I was rapidly moving around from place to place trying hard to retain everything before we had to leave for the weekend to return to life. His band is all from the Chapel Hill North Carolina area, and consisted of Mr. Mark Murphy on drums, Mr. Nathan Golub on pedal steel, Mr. Tim Shearer on guitar and Mr. Mark Connor on the bass.

My good friends, also from Texas and Tennessee ( and everywhere else)  called The Urban Pioneers is as always Miss Liz Sloan, Mr. Jared McGovern and Mr. Scott on the upright bass. Honestly they have self released some truly solid records in the last few years, only one being on a label which was Muddy roots Records.

Their sixth album was the 2019 release called “Come Out Swingin”, and I didn’t get to hear their entire set or any of the songs that were on this album here. I did indeed get to hear a bunch from their first album called “Addicted To the Road”.

This husband and wife duo are one of the many original people from the first Muddy Roots Festival here, back then they were both playing for Mr. Bob Wayne and The Outlaw Carnies. I remember admiring their musical abilities all those years ago, before they joined Mr. Jayke Orvis And The Broken Band to record two more albums.

The Broken Band disbanded soon afterwards, leaving them to release the 2014 iconic Roots music album that I mentioned just before called “Addicted To The Road”. The songs that I did get to hear from them were selected from this album. They aptly opened their set with “Muddy Roots”.

“Autumn Time” is one I really like to hear myself, and in fact I truly wish the damn weather would act like it was autumn time here. It’s October and it’s 100 damn degrees out! “High On A Mountain” is from their 2016 album called “Feast Or Famine”.

The last song they played that I got to hear was called “Please Give Me A Highway”, then I also got to catch some of the band called Gallows Bound. They played the song called “Broken Glass”, which opens with dark and poignant banjo picking. They are six childhood friends from Virginia that were involved in the local punk scene, and used to privately jam Bluegrass and other kinds of music. Miss Jordan has an absolutely BEAUTIFUL voice, and she is an energetic stage presence, in fact this whole band does!

Miss Jordan Joyes on vocals, guitar, Mr. Jesse Markle on vocals, guitar, Mr.Justin Carver – banjo, Mr. Aaron Blow on bass and finally Mr. Rob Shultz back on the drums make up the band. Their stage presence and demeanor is defiantly one that fits with our Muddy roots frame of mind.

 

They are a very talented outfit that I have had the opportunity to cover a few times. As soon as she sings take your finger off the trigger, the whole tent goes nuts. They have that punkgrass style mixed with rolling drums and fast picking banjo and mandolins.

“Empty Flask Empty Heart” was another great song here along with “Appalachian Witch” which was later on in the set today. “Black Widow Woman” was another great slow starting song that turns out to be a toe tapping rowdy song about running around the hills. She’s gonna kill you folks, this is pure mountain punk folk music folks.

“Guardian” and “Dogs A Howlin” were part of their set tonight as well as the song they closed with called “Del Fuego”, which is about a working man who is ready to party. This song is a complete jam with lines like when we get to where we’re going we’re going down.

Honestly, right now I am writing three different festival articles and this gal….this gal is involved in two of them. I got to hear some NEW SONGS from her at Americanafest during the fourth annual backyard bash for her label Bloodshot Records. Her band is a well oiled machine, and I get excited about every time I get to cover their set at festivals in ANY type of environment. Do I really need to introduce Miss Sarah Shook And The Disarmers?

She had Mr. Eric Peterson on electric guitar leads still and also Mr. Phil Sullivan on that pedal steel, and this time she had a different bass player, and drummer. The 2017 ( and older) album Sidelong boasted her opening song called ‘Heal Me’, as well as her third song called “Fuck Up”.


Photo Courtesy Of  Miss Marla Gibson

“Parting Words” is a hurtful song about breaking up and using condolences to say goodbye. Many of her songs are taken from the darker side of life and love, she is a modern day female version of Hank Williams in many ways. And that’s not a bad thing one bit, I’ll say this about the gals in 2019…they have outdone the guys in my opinion on music. I’m enjoying them at festivals much more than male artists, with this gal at the forefront.

“Road That Leads To You” was next from Sidelong as well as “Nothin Feels Right But Doing Wrong”. I LOVE this thumping beat song filled those pedal steel twangs that push the song along. One more upper in my hand, one more make it a double…one more…every addict can relate to one more.

I really REALLY enjoy studying Mr. Phil here and I like to zero in on him and just watch what he does. I hope I don’t get in his way or crowd his space on stage ever. “Lesson”, was next also “Good As Gold” was in this set. She included the title track “Sidelong” as well as what I think were some new ones.

“Over You” was another good one I love, as well as “Damned If I Do Damned If I Don’t”. I don’t wanna try this again I’m over you…once again this is just a give up song. Sometimes you just cannot keep retrying to have a good romance if it’s “not there” anymore.

“The Bottle Never Let’s Me Down” and another good one that turned me onto her is “Dwight Yoakam”. She closed her set with “New Ways To Fall” from the second album. I wandered off to catch other sets like The Calamity Cubes!

This was the initial band ever booked by Mr. Jason to play the inaugural Muddy Roots, and they started around 2007. They are Mr. Brooke Blanche, Mr. Joey Henry and Mr. Kody Oh. They were joined by many other musicians today that have played Muddy Roots in so many other years like Miss Liz Sloan.  I got to hear them play “Delia Rose” before I went onto other things for the day.

I did get to hear The Revered Peyton’s Big Damn Band play “Clap Your Hands”. We did have to leave early on Sunday for rest and getting back to daily order for us. I still had a wonderful time out at the Junebug Ranch and once again my thanks to Mr. Herbert And Miss Amber Lee Clark for hosting us.

All of the wonderful food at Scooters bar and the gorgeous property that this festival is held on is someones property and I want ALL OF YOU to PLEASE remember to respect that. Leave the wildlife alone and respect the bathrooms and the firewood.

MUDDY FAMILY FOREVER.

Album Feature – Mike and The Moonpies – Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold

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Aug 052019
 

By Joshua Wallace

This album came out of nowhere.  I was expecting a Mike and The Moonpies album this year, but not any time soon, especially not the same weekend as a big release from Tyler Childers.  This album is simply amazing. From start to finish, there is not a bad track here.  Mike and The Moonpies have been around for over a decade now and while last year’s Steak Night At The Prairie Rose was a good album, this is a country masterpiece.  This eight song album was recorded in London’s Abbey Road Studios with help from the London Symphony Orchestra. Yes you read that right, and yes it’s awesome. The result is a classic album in the style of the 60’s and 70’s countrypolitan hits.

The album kicks off with a heavy dose of the orchestra right in the first track.  “Cheap Silver” is perhaps the best use of the orchestra in the whole album. The band blends in well and the production creates an amazingly layered track with cool vibes that anyone will enjoy.  Listen to this one with headphones.  “You Look Good In Neon” takes us back to the honky tonks and I love the lyrical turns here. It’s a track about that girl that is still there at closing time and you’re trying to decide if she’s as hot as she looks underneath the neon lights.  That is followed by a great outlaw country track in “Danger” which features a guest vocalist spot by Shooter Jennings. This track probably makes the least use of the strings on this album and it sounds like one that could be a favorite in live sets.

I really dig the Sinatra vibes on the “Young In Love” cover and Mike Harmeier gets to test his crooning chops on this one.  “If You Want A Fool Around” is a killer Texas style honky tonk tune with a great double entendre for a title. They make a nice use of that in the phrasings in the song too.  Finally, my personal favorite track is “Fast As Lightning”. I can’t be the only one that hears elements of Willie Nelson’s “Bloody Mary Morning” here. The back-beat especially brings back good memories of that track.  I’m sure it’s going to be a dance hall classic for Mike and The Moonpies for many years.

This is one of those albums that surprises you with how good it is.  You wouldn’t think Texas honky tonk band and the London Symphony Orchestra would work well together, but it does. And boy does it.  8 tracks with 2 covers and all the good stuff. There’s variety here from Sinatra inspired crooning to outlaw country to Texas honky tonk.  You’ll find something to like here. If you have never been a fan of Mike and The Moonpies before, this is a good album to jump in on. Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold was surprise released Friday August 2nd and you can hear it anywhere you listen to good music.

Favorite Tracks : Cheap Silver, You Look Good In Neon, Danger, Young In Love, If You Want A Fool Around, Fast As Lightning

Mike and The Moonpies – Cheap Silver and Solid Country Gold (2019)

  1. Cheap Silver
  2. You Look Good In Neon
  3. Danger
  4. Young In Love
  5. Miss Fortune
  6. If You Want A Fool Around
  7. Fast As Lightning
  8. London Homesick Blues

Gary Hayes Country TOP 50 OF 2018.

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Dec 292018
 

Well it’s been one hell of a crazy 2018, with this past summer being one of the first jobs I ever had to cancel when I blew that car up! I had the opportunity to cover many great new events TWO NEW festivals Master Musicians Festival and for Day 1 click HERE. I was also fortunate enough to have been invited to cover Kickin It On The Creek for day 1 click HERE.

I was invited to cover Whitey Morgan At The Ryman on his first ever headlining show there. I had fun watching him grow as a national act, and you WILL SEE his album down there on the list. I covered Muddy Roots for both days of the event HERE is day 2 of the event. I also covered the Nashville Boogie on both days you can click HERE for day 1.

Mr. Joshua Wallace and I stay in constant communication and stay working to bring YOU THE BEST in Country Music, Red Dirt, Americana (which ain’t no part of nothin) Bluegrass, Newgrass, and many other communities of music like the Appalachian community and mid west K.C. and Denver area. Also, people like Mr. Dallas Moore are booming the Ohio community wide open while maintaining a Texas presence.

Now, I let Mr. Joshua RELEASE HIS TOP 50 before I release mine,and I do NOT impose any rules on him as far as what he prints. I allow him full creativity and control. Because I’ll be honest I HAVE NOTICED how mainstream Country radio has been omitting women from it’s forefront, and why not? It’s target market is women! Well folks I want to say there were SO MANY GREAT albums from Women in 2018 I could make a TOP 50 of JUST women, but I think your palate will be well satisfied with my list…

ONE THING AS ALWAYS I want to stress is that my number 50 and number 2 means NOTHING. If you made my TOP list your album spoke to me as a person, and I LOVED IT! I eagerly listened to over 500 albums this year, and I loved them all.

1. Joshua Hedley Mr. Jukebox

Oh yes by ALL MEANS this album was NUMBER ONE of 2018 for me! I mean it really does describe this man and his extensive plethora of songs he can perform live, you CANNOT stump him on classic Country Music. He knows the melodies and lyrics WORD FOR WORD, and will perform them with flawless precision.

It’s very unique to begin an album with a slow song like “Counting All My Tears”, however it’s such a well written tear jerker that it would be remiss to NOT have placed that song first. This man possesses an extensive arsenal of heartaches..get some Kleenex for this album.

This man deserves EVERY accolade he has earned in music, because he put in so many years playing the Honky Tonks of downtown Nashville. I got to cover him during the Nashville Boogie one year, and with his fiddle he entertained us readily. If you would like to read our review of this album click HERE.

He has the look, the attitude and demeanor to become a Country Music Legend like the ones I watched him perform with on Country’s Family Reunion. He has single hand-idly restored my faith in the future of Country Music with songs like “Weird Thought Thinker” which sounds like I took a time machine to the 60’s…and there isn’t a DAMN THING wrong with that.

2. Colter Wall Songs Of The Plains

My friends over at Young Mary Records outdid themselves on this project along with someone I shall mention several times on this article Mr. Dave Cobb ( I call him a modern day Mr. Owen Bradley). This album is easily his most believable album TO ME he has out now, simply because of his gritty baritone voice and his TRUE cowboy authenticity. He LOOKS like he came in off the range, and sounds like he just herded cattle.

He holds dear to his heart the likes of Mr. Wilf Carter and Legend Billy Don Burns which boasts a cut on this album called “Wild Dogs”. It also contains some GREAT story songs like “John Beyers (Camaro Song)” which I first heard on the square in Madisonville Kentucky. You can read about that HERE. Also he recruited the likes of steel guitar Legend Lloyd Green and MORE to play for him on this album.

You can read more about my thoughts on this album HERE. Now PLEASE don’t get me wrong his second album with Kate McCannon helped usher my father into heaven. My father had Dementia, and we used that album to ease him down the path of it. He LOVED the album and played it over and over.

3. Shooter Jennings Shooter

This album here was one of my favorite album Mr. Shooter ever put out! I had an ecstatic hunger for it ever since he played The Nashville Palace and I got to hear many of the new songs live. One thing I love about Mr. Shooter is that he holds dear many of the things I do from my youth like toys and Hee Haw, as he promoted the album with skits akin to the show. You can watch those HERE.

It begins like an 80’s Hank Williams Junior classic song, that reminded me of the old Jimmy Bowen produced albums he did. I thought “Bound Ta Git Down” was a great launch to an even better record, that I loved in every way. If you ask if you should buy this album it’s a NO BRAIN question like “Do You Love Texas”?

This album is a few songs shorter than his previous albums but I didn’t mind because I loved the direction this one went. One thing Mr. shooter isn’t afraid to do is share his creative desires with his fans, no matter who criticizes him. This album proves that very thing! I also love the closing song called “Denim And Diamonds”, the sound of the vocals were smooth and different, you can read our thoughts on the whole album HERE.

4. Whitey Morgan Hard Times And White Lines

Much like a few of these choices, this album is perhaps my favorite album this man has ever released.  His band to me is sort of like The Texas Troubadors back in the day, it has begun to spawn some mighty fine side musicians that have gone their own way with Mr. Whitey’s blessings. In fact one of them is ALSO on this list here!

You cannot take away the fact this outfit tours relentlessly and plays one of the best live acts in local America right now. He just recently (see above) earned some headlining spots at the Ryman, and I’m sure he will make many more.

“Carryin’ On” was a song that related to myself, I never realized how brutal the road was until I myself began following these bands around America, and many have families. Yet, night after night they are miles from home and they do it with seemingly easy power.

This album began with a poignant song called “Honky Tonk Hell” which explores the dark side of Country Music, and continues with “Fiddler’s Inn” which features some truly fine steel guitar work in the back from Mr. Brett Robinson, and tells some awesome stories about a motel that is….quite busy….

5. Craig Gerdes Smokin’ Drinkin’ And Gamblin’

My friends at Sol Records have created many fine albums for us through the years, and as a journalist (actually I’m just a shlub with a website) and as a music patron I myself LOVE old timey Honky Tonk stuff that sounds retro. I love hard sounding steel, and I love Legends, and I LOVE Mr. Jim Vest.  This album is choked full of all of those, along with a finely tuned vocal delivery from Mr. Craig.

HERE is my article from the album release party at the Nashville Palace from earlier this year. For Mr. Joshua’s review click HERE. From the opening song of the same title the fancy twisting steel guitar work dazzled my mind, as I listened to the background.

It’s also got that trademark foot stomping rhythm that you used to hear on those iconic Outlaw Country albums in the 70’s. It has well done covers like “Slide Off Of Your Satin Sheets” , which Vest makes sound just as beautiful as when Paycheck cut it in 1977.  I think Paycheck would be proud of the direction this young man is tasking his music!

6. Kayla Ray Yesterday And Me

Now here begins the point I was trying to illustrate to all of you, that 2018 was a STRONG YEAR for females that mainstream media ignores. They don’t want you to know about all of this fine music that is coming out of the woodwork on local levels, because it’s GOOD STUFF!

This woman’s background bears great evidence of her relevance within the Texas Country Music scene, and she has done more in her twenties than many artists I could name have done on their couch doing live feeds. In her young age, she managed Jason Eady WITH SUCCESS and also played with the Legendary Johnny Gimble Band.

This album is stuffed overflowing with shuffle melodies that ring true to the sawdust floor Honky Tonk of Texas and all across America. Including the fast paced KILLER SONG called “Pills”, it’s hilarious and probably one of the best songs I heard in 2018.

It has twelve songs on it, and all the songs are great length and accompany one another well. The listener is taken on a rocket ride of Honky Tonk bliss, with a twangy and unique vocal delivery that makes her distinguishable from her peers.

7. Brent Cobb Providence Canyon

This album would be a shame to omit off ANYBODY’S TOP lists of 2018, I mean honestly this man is one of the finest songwriters out there today. You can pick his voice out a HUGE GROUP of artists that exist today, and his music fits NO real genre to be honest. You can classify him as whatever you want as long as it’s good music.

The album is named after a nearby gully that he visited often as a young man, and is about life on the run. On the run is exactly what he spent 2017 doing touring with powerhouse Mr. Chris Stapleton and Miss Margo Price.

I think his cousin Mr. Dave Cobb is one of the most iconic producers of our time, and teamed up with Mr. Brent  Cobb’s fine musicianship and songwriting skills this man is unstoppable in every way.

It drops upbeat songs like the title track and sways over to funkier styles like “.30-06” as well nine other fine songs to accompany those two, to read Mr. Joshua’s review click HERE. Whatever you do make sure you go out and catch his live show in 2019, because he is steamrolling forward!

8. Ashley McBryde Girl Going Nowhere

This is a phenomenal album in every way,and I think it’s downright shameful the way that mainstream media overlooks her and a few other females out there doing some damn fine Country Music on a hardcore touring basis. It seems no matter how hard they get out and work, they get NO attention from radio.

The opening song “Girl Going Nowhere” is amazing, and well written. It grabbed me right away, and shared her personal struggles with me. She’s evidently had a LOT of doubters and negative people putting her down.

Another good song was “Livin Next To Leroy” which is pretty much a truthful song about rural drug America and how things are around town. However the greatest song on this album was “Little Dive Bar In Dahlonega” , this was truly a well written masterpiece and one of the best songs of 2018 in my opinion.

9. Loretta Lynn Wouldn’t It Be Great

Another album that could’ve easily been higher up on the list, but to be honest the numbers  on this list mean nothing for importance. In fact I could have easily made a TOP 100 but for GOD’S SAKE I couldn’t build one that big ( you have NO IDEA how long 50 takes).

The title track was the last song she ever wrote for her late husband before he passed away, and to have this album be nominated for a Grammy was heavenly. Followed by the great song called “Ruby’s Stool” which was one of my personal favorite songs of 2018 as well.

The re make of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” was vocally flawless and pure gold,  despite her age Miss Loretta is one of the finest singers around. True she has had some health issues, but she remains quite active and honors her Opry membership with pride.

At thirteen songs this album was one of the finest album she has released since Van Lear Rose, and it contained more new music than anything she has released in a while. “I’m Dying For Someone To Live For” is a beautiful two step song full of mournful craving for a new loved one.

10. Sarah Shook And The Disarmers Years

Another damn fine album released by a damn fine gal, and I enjoy her live show just as much as anybody’s.  Her band the Disarmers is an absolute well oiled machine, and once again we have an artist with a VERY distinct voice. Her style rivals nobody else but her own, and I loved the direction of this album here.

She played ONE HELL of a GREAT set at Muddy Roots this year, and IT WAS HOT, and she was RIGHT IN the sun. Regardless she banged it out and gave us one hundred percent, and one hell of a terrific show. Sometimes when I think of my past marriage I can flip things around and relate to “New Ways To Fail”. That’s a truly well written song of woe is me drama from a shit life. But I built myself back up now!

Another great song here was “Parting Words” even though many may regard her lyrics as negative and sad, I regard them as relatable and REAL. You know Miss Sarah isn’t afraid to speak her mind and support her passionate feelings, and that’s alright with me…it shows in her songs which makes her unique in a good way.

11. The Earls Of Leicester Live At The CMA Theater

I mean how can a Bluegrass super group like the Earls Of Leicester NOT get on the TOP 50? Not only a super group, but a super group modeled after a band like Lester Flatt And Earl Scruggs? See, this band is called The Earls Of Lester, just spelled like that.

From the very intro from the warm voice of Mr. Eddie Stubbs, they barrel right into “Salty Dog” and play many other well known Flatt And Scruggs songs. I just LOVE Mr. Jeff White who plays a few off of his solo album called “I Ain’t Gonna Work Tomorrow”, which features all of their individual talents like the dobro work of Jerry Douglass.

This album boasts a vibrant twenty three song set, well over an hour of music. You get a lot of bang for buck when you buy this album on vinyl, it’s a biggie. It’s also filled with classics like “Rollin In My Sweet Baby’s Arms” and “Black Eyed Suzy”..to read more click HERE.

12. Dallas Moore Mr.Honky Tonk

Although the initial title song here was actually a re make of his own song in a different tempo, many of his newer fans (including myself) didn’t know that at first. I sort of delved into his past to find that out, and then he told me more. To call him a local Ohio Legend would be a correct moniker here, he’s been at this for decades. To call him a road warrior would also be aptly correct, as he plays a whopping 340 shows a year. So when he sings “Home Is Where The Highway Is” he is correct.

This album also boasts songs like “Somewhere Between Bridges”, and my favorite on the album is easily ‘You Know The Rest” because I DO know the rest, he will melt your damn face off. The last time I went to see him, he surprised me with a rare Mr. Hoyt Axton song “Della And The Dealer”.

HERE is our review of this album, and HERE is an article from him opening for Mr Gene Watson.The only drawback was this was a short album, and I wanted a little more of Mr. Moore. Although the GOOD thing was I finally got to buy him on vinyl.  This album is spot on fantastic in every other way possible.

13. John Prine The Tree Of Forgiveness

What can I say about Mr. John Prine that nobody has yet? Well, this year we spoke with our wallets as consumers, because this album was his most commercially successful album in over twenty years for Mr. John.

He told us all a story during his performance at Master Musicians Festival about the song called “Egg And Daughter Night Lincoln Nebraska 1967 ( Crazy Bone)”. I cannot print the entire thing here, but I did within the link article there.

Everybody loves the song “When I Get To Heaven” and it could easily become his anthem song along with “Paradise”. this album was recorded and mastered so beautifully that it captured the very essence of Mr. John with dignity.

Despite this album only having ten songs, they are very lengthy and it makes the album enjoyable. He wrote the songs in a motel room that he rented for the duration of the time he needed to write. He said he ate, and slept when he wanted while writing the songs.

14. Laura Benitez And The Heartache With All It’s Thorns

This album almost flew under even my radar, had it not been for Miss Kim Grant, one of my PR people that enjoy sending me clients albums for my opinions. Well here’s my opinion of this one, FANTASTIC. It starts right out of the gate with a toe tapping song with Cajun influence akin to a Mavericks tune called “Something Better Than A Broken Heart”.

The steel guitar work on songs like “Easier Things To Do” bring out the honesty in her vocals with a very warm and Country tone, and follows right into “Our Remember Whens” that anybody that has entered into a relationship can relate. When a couple can get together and reminisce on the good times…that’s a treat. Everybody can’t wait to have special moments like that.

‘Ghost Ship” is a poignant and darker song with some mighty fine fiddle work, and I thought that song showcased her voice better than any on the album overall. Every song was well over three minutes here, which made this album stellar on every level. To read more about this album click HERE.

15. Mike And The Moonpies Steak Night At The Paradise Rose

I must agree with other websites out there featuring real music about this band, THEY ARE the best Country Music band out there right now. They are a hard working “Road Crew” type band, with mind blowing instrumentals and toe tapping beats that inspire alcohol consumption on copious levels. This is one of those instances that number 50 isn’t ANY WORSE than number 2.

The title track itself is one of the best songs on the album, with a slower two step tempo that tells stories about real life. My father used to take me to bars when I was little also, and it inspired me to chase musicians around and write articles about them like I do now!

This band misses NO notes, and in my opinion is a well oiled machine in every way, and boasts some of the finest written lyrics I could find on the Texas scene from any band. With songs like “Getting High At Home” you cannot find on a mainstream level anymore. I’m older now, and my major partying is done, I enjoy getting drunk at home by myself…with music like this! To read more about this album please go HERE.

16. Josh Card With A Heavy Heart

This former member of Whitey Morgan’s backup band the 78’s reminds me of the Texas Troubadors type deal from long ago. When solo acts emanated from backing bands, and became Legends like Mr. Jack Greene and Mr. Carl Smith. I was first exposed to his music as he opened for Whitey Morgan in 2018 on New Years…read that HERE.

This young man boasts more promise than anyone on this list as far as breakthrough acts as far as I am concerned. I sent my right arm to Florida to cover his release party, and got good reports. It starts out with a fiddle double stop, that right there should make you buy this album! I asked myself many times why do I “Suffer’ over you?

“Won’t Chase Your Your Love” is a classic well written Country song that I brought tears to my eyes from hunger for hearing one like it. Just a touch of late 80’s shuffle and some 70’s feel, one can easily ascertain this young man knows his shit. He is like ME, he eats, sleeps and breaths REAL country from many eras.

The BEST SONG is ‘Unknown Legend” I know a few of them myself, this is a terrific story telling song. VERY descriptive and vivid in the picture it paints into my head, I highly suggest this album and catch this man’s live show. To read more on this album click HERE.

17. The Wooks Glory Bound

This Bluegrass band is one of the Appalachian community staples, and I was introduced to them from my buddy Mr. JJ Waters and his Honky Tonk Hero page on Facebook (please go check them out). I finally got to see them live at Kickin It On the Creek. Now initially I did NOT like them, but I kept listening and found I was WRONG.

This band is TIGHT and very energetic on stage, even though they are Bluegrass, they have their own sound. Quite a different niche like Jamgrass has, I mean you could place them with Greensky or Pert Near Sandstone and pull off a GREAT show. The title track ‘Glory Bound” brings forth a noble sound with obvious traditional harmonies that brought me goosebumps.

The vocals on this album are beyond terrific on songs like “Union Pacific” but the album shifts over to funky shuffles like “Little Sandy Queen” that features terrific banjo picking of older style with a new style of tempo. I myself heavily support the new evolution of the Jamgrass tempo, I know many of the traditional people hate it.  This band truly has a bright and big future ahead of them.

18. John R Miller And The Engine Lights The Trouble You Follow

Here is another West Virginia, East Kentucky based member of that community that plays bass for another of my TOP list here Mr. Pat Reedy And The Longtime Goners, also he is a staple member of the Prison Book Club. The first song on this album is called “Holy Dirt” and is an absolute JAM, very uniquely written song with real meanings.

“Red Eyes” was another song I liked on this album with a good melody, to be honest every song on this album featured some mighty fine songwriting. Also, he delivers his lyrics with his own style of singing that differentiates him from his peers.

“How It Feels In The Light” is another cool toe tapping song with that steel sound I like as a fan, but when I got to “Whale Party” I found my favorite song on this album. That song just spoke to me as a person more than the rest, it was easily relatable to me. To read more on this album click HERE.

19. The Urban Pioneers Hillbilly Swing Music

This brings me to another mind blowing talented band The Urban Pioneers, one of the hardest working road warriors on the market today. This latest offering is by FAR their BEST album out to date, both songwriting wise and musically. Don’t get me wrong “Mary The Elephant” and other songs are good, and ALL their albums were good musically, however this one stood out like a rooster wearing socks.

This pairing of Miss Liz and Mr Jared was a blessing for local music like this, they understand each other and Mr. Martin on bass make this band even better. “Hillbilly Swing Music” launches this album right out of the gate at breakneck speed.

“Can’t Make You Love Me too” is a slow and sorrowful song about just what the title says, you can’t make someone love you. “Run Little Rabbit Run” is such a fast paces song I cannot even explain how they pick that fast! This band has garnered a plethora of success at many of the festivals I cover, it’s no surprise to see their names  on twenty or so. HERE is my review of the album.

20. Cody Jinks Lifers

First off let me stress once again just because this album looks to be low on the list MAKE NO MISTAKE it makes no difference WHERE any of these albums are I enjoyed them all just the same. Now, this album faced huge criticism from fans due to the level of production on it, and I had no real complaint on that. Cody Jinks is growing on an exponential level, but that didn’t come easily. He spent MANY YEARS playing gas stations and small bars for 10 people.

Mr. Josh Morningstar’s song “Must Be The Whiskey” was one of the high points on this album for me, along with Mr. Ward Davis’s song “Colorado”. All of the songs on this album were really good, but they didn’t speak to me personally until the title track “Lifers”. I been banging away on this website for almost ten years, I’m a lifer.

I also liked the song “Big Last Name” it was well written and had some 80s influence to it for sure. Mr. Cody is a prime example of what hard work and proper networking can do for yourself. He didn’t use radio and major media exposure to get to his echelon. He beat and banged the road and endured a lot of pain, and sweat to get here! HERE is Mr. Joshua’s review of the album.

21. Josh Ward More Than I Deserve

This album from a young man in the Texas Music community absolutely enthralled me with so much delight, I heard it ten times before I decided YES that’s on my TOP 50. He isn’t exactly Red Dirt, but I can easily see how he could fit in there. I just liked his tempos and melodies on songs like “Ain’t it Baby”.

The more Red Dirt sound emanates forth on this album when the song “The Devil Don’t Scare Me” This album has many lows and highs of life in the songs, with relatable meanings and three chord truths that define Country Music as a whole.

HERE is another article we made for him, as he recorded the fiftieth Live At Billy Bob’s series (which I collect on vinyl). “Another Heartache” was a good old shuffle that was another song that took me back in time to better days, and past relationships I have had.

22. Pistol Annies Interstate Gospel

I waited for this album at Wal Mart at midnight and I bought it as the guy pulled it from the tote to stock the shelf. It is an absolute SHAME the major media has ignored and lambasted this album, and these three gals. HELL Gals in general!

This album just blazes out with their signature trio harmonies, some of the best harmonies I have heard since the Cactus Brothers and before that Marty Robbins! “Stop Drop And Roll One” is a prime example of their snarky songwriting. Here on their third offering we have some of their best songwriting yet, mainly due to where they were in their personal lives.

“Got My Name Changed Back” was hopefully Miss Miranda’s message to her ex, because I loved it. However, “Sugar Daddy” was the energetic rowdy song I expected this album to contain, and then follow that with a song like “Leavers Lullaby” which was slower and you have a MUST have addition for your collection.  This album was exactly what Country Music needed! HERE is Mr. Joshua’s review of this album.

23. Jason Boland And The Stragglers Hard Times Are Relative

This album boasts what is most defiantly my favorite song of 2018, and it is the title track from the album “Hard Times Are Relative”. I mean, good Lord we NEED more of these story songs like this, ones that make you THINK and use your imagination. We do NOT have those good old time western tunes like that one anymore, and with Country Music it’s not always a happy ending like this one. That song is flawless masterpiece of perfection.

More of his master songwriting skills shine out with songs like “I Don’t Deserve You” featuring Miss Sunny Sweeney, and another good one called “Dee Dee Od’d” which was about the Ramones. Many of his albums have been features on my TOP 50 in the past, however this is by far his best album to date in every way…period.

The last few songs on the album were good, but more stellar songwriting shined out as the song “Grandfather’s Theme” came out of my speakers. As I previously said the writing on this album is exquisite, and this song was nothing short of amazing like the other ten songs. HERE is Mr. Joshua’s review of the album.

24. Jamie Lin Wilson Jumping Over Rocks

2018 was truly a year for the ladies in my opinion, as I stressed on here MANY TIMES. this album was also BY FAR better than her first album. Maaan that first note she sings just punched me right in the guts. Her vocal abilities exceed many of her peers, and reminds me of one of my favorite gal singers Miss Emmylou Harris.

“Oklahoma Stars” features Mr. Evan Felker a man who spent much of 2018 in the limelight, and despite that I truly admire his band and his voice as well.This album was produced VERY WELL and sounds perfect, and I didn’t want this album to end. “Everybody’s Moving Slow” was a good song on the middle portion of the album, and helped this album flow smoothly. If you need a good relaxing album after a shitty workday, spin this one.

The song “Death And Life” was a truly amazing song with realistic hard to swallow lyrics, that make  you stop and think about what it’s all about. Basically it’s about death and life in circles, but it has a few hidden meanings if you think about it. “Run” was a song about running from an abusive relationship, which many can easily relate to I’m sure. HERE is Mr. Joshua’s review of this album.

25. The Tillers The Tillers

I have always admired and liked this band’s music, and if HAD TO name a favorite album by them I could not. Their precise musicianship usually makes many of their songs enjoyable in every way, and it accompanies songs like “The Weald And The Wild” to make it a wonderful song to begin an album.

I related very well personally to the song “Like A Hole In My Head” , which I was hearing during all of my summer festivals I was covering like Muddy Roots. As well as the next song “The Old General Store Is Burning Down” , which features  some great fiddle.

Their signature sound can be heard vibrantly on the song called “Riverboat Dishwashing Song”, that beautiful string band flow paired with a story woven very eloquently within the lyrics of the song. The final song on this album called “Another Postcard” was another simple song that I enjoyed so much, I could sit back and enjoy this band all night. HERE is our full review of this album.

26. Blackberry Smoke Find A Light

There are many genres of music I support on this website, and the whole Southern Rock type movement is one I LOVE. I’ll tell you WHAT if there is one fantastic stage show it is Blackberry Smoke. “Flesh And Bone” is a steady gallop song with rocking beats, with an I don’t care message of being only human.

Thirteen songs make up this behemoth album with only “Let Me Down Easy” with Miss Amanda Shires the only one under three minutes. One of the high points of this one is the five minute toe tapper called “I’ll Keep Ramblin” with steel player Mr. Robert Randolph, and breaks into a choir in the background. It starts to sound like a true southern Gospel revival, complete with guitar licks from all directions. It breaks and makes you think it’s over..and starts again.

When I initially saw the song “Till The Wheels Fall Off” I thought it was a Mr. Bob Wayne song of the same name and album title. But it is their own song with a punishing beat. This album was produced very well, however it wasn’t their BEST album, STILL it was very deserving of being on my list.

27. Missy Raines Royal Traveller

This third record that Bluegrass bass wizard Miss Missy Raines has released was a true gem. The song “Fearless Love” with Mr. Tim O’ Brien was a good song, then it went into the fiddle and mandolin work of her peers Miss Sierra Hull, Miss Molly Tuttle and Miss Becky Buller. Just gorgeous harmonies and string punishing banjo rolling. Oh, the harmonies are just breathtaking and gave me goosebumps. If it’s ONE voice I LOVE it is Miss Missy Raines And The New Hip.

“Allegheny Town” was equally beautiful to me and described a quaint little escape I have up here in Kentucky when I want to go clear my head and relax. This album relaxes me and makes me STOP and take a deep breath and FOCUS, ALL Bluegrass does, however the slower more contemporary Bluegrass eases me more. “To Here From There” was another fine song on here, it makes you look in the mirror and say HEY SHE WROTE THAT SONG ABOUT ME!

Artists like Miss Missy make me answer the age old “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” adage for the Bluegrass community. You cannot retract the authenticity of people like her, or Miss Sierra Hull or ANY of her peers. Their musicianship and passion for tone make albums like this a favorite in my collection. “Goodbye Virginia” With Mr. Trent Wagler was a great throwback song with an Appalachian vibe that stood out apart from the others here, and that was a good thing.

28. Cliff Westfall Baby You Win

Every year I get what I call a “mail champion”on my TOP 50 list…please let me elaborate on this. I get albums mailed to me on a HEAVY BASIS, and I’ll admit sometimes THE COVER grabs my eye. As did THIS MAN, it just said STOP, PICK ME. Funny Story I was on my way to the Country Music Hall Of Fame for the Studio B movie that plays there, and other stories, when I got this in the mail. So I thought to hell with it and stuck it in my truck stereo. RIGHT OFF the first ten notes of the upright bass thump I had to STOP and take notes. This album has a touch of rockabilly influence with that J.P. Harris twang on the lyrics.

Tone wise and lyrically this man is all over the spectrum, and that’s what my palate has been STARVING FOR in 2018. I mean I love being thrown for a loop and Mr. Cliff left me amazed, the title track “Baby You Win” was amazing and had some classic pop and twang, and an amazing fuzzy guitar tone.

BUT the BEST songwriting on this album comes at the middle of the journey with a well written song called “Off The Wagon”. This had a toe tapping pop and twang tempo as well, but the lyrics…WOW. Probably one of my TOP 10 songs I heard all year, from a fellow Kentucky boy who was raised not far from me, but now resides in New York. The line ‘You know rock bottom sure looks good on you” was phenomenal word placement and is a terrific song about sobriety and lack of it. BUY THIS DAMN ALBUM!

29. American Aquarium Things Change

This album is aptly named for one reason, with this band things did change. In my honest opinion this album is BY FAR their best work, and it made NUMBER ONE with my trusty partner Mr. Joshua Wallace.  To read more about that please click HERE. “The World Is On Fire” was kind of political song in it’s own way however I related well with myself, I don’t believe this is the world my grandfather fought for either, and I worried about the world as my child grew also. It’s a VERY positive song about strength and honor.

It’s been a few years since their last offering 2015’s Wolves however it’s been well worth the wait because this album shined like a bright beacon to me. “Crooked Straight” spoke to me like many songs this year, I was not quite sure WHO I WAS in my twenties either. I developed into one hell of a good journalist, and “Work Conquers All” folks. The steel guitar tone accompanied this song SO GOOD, and the Oklahoma music community is awesome.

This band is absolutely tight and right now they are on the pinnacle of their success if they continue in this direction for albums. They have a LOT more to accomplish in their career before ‘Till the Final Curtain Falls” and trust me they WILL, out of anybody on this TOP 50 list, they have the brightest future.

30. Randall King Randall King

This album is another classic three chords and the truth Traditional Country album, and it was top notch in every way. I see him on SO MANY Texas Music scene festivals, and I love that community. Songs like “Mirror, Mirror” are the good old fashioned George Strait type songs WE NEED in today’s mish mash of crap. The opening song “Freightline” was a good Honky Tonk thumping song that raised my expectations of this album, and he did NOT disappoint me.

‘Tuggin On My Heartstrings” was a good song many single men can relate to, accept the truck clean line. Mine is ALWAYS clean, you gotta love them women that tug on the heartstrings. I do NOT like change in my personal life so this song spoke to me.

I thought perhaps “Reason To Quit” was a cover of Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson from the Pancho And Lefty album, however it was not. The closing song here was one full of heartbreak and sadness. HERE is our full review of this album.

31. Brandi Carlile By the Way I Forgive You

“Hold Out Your Hand” was a terrific song on this well recorded album.The production on this album captured her passion better than any of her previous albums in my opinion. The Devil don’t take a break indeed, and she hits the nail on the head here. I felt all of the songs accompanied one another quite well on this album, however most people would loose interest in the song length, I did not.

Even though this album only had ten songs on it the overall length of the those ten songs made it a good album, “Fulton County Jane Doe” is a GREAT song that I really liked a lot. You can read the full review of this album HERE.

“Harder To Forgive” was a good one to me I love a lot of the songs I hated as a kid too. I believe we all had wasted time in our youth, all souls are defiantly born kind in every way, innocent and pure. I had to stop and dwell on this song a while, and I loved it. I loved the concept and meaning of it, and I hope to catch her live in 2019.

32. Old Crow Medicine Show Volunteer

It’s not hard for me to dissect anything this band puts out, and it’s even more difficult for me to NOT like ANYTHING they do musically. I’ll be honest I LOVED Remedy the best out of any album BUT this album was absolutely AMAZING. These boys are like a modern day Nitty Gritty Dirt Band…they play EVERYTHING, you get a HUGE bang for your buck at live shows. You get FANTASTIC harmonies and LOVE of Country Music.

It starts out FAST and rowdy with “Flicker And Shine” which celebrates friendship, and showcases their harmonies they have as a band. This band is indeed a well oiled machine flawless in every way. This album has more of their signature harmonica playing on songs like “A World Away”, and goes into another epic song called “Child Of The Mississippi”, which has their signature dobro stomp and clap.

“Elzick’s Farewell” was one of my favorite songs here, with the swift Russian/ gypsy fiddle tempo and no lyrics. This type of musicianship is what I appreciate most from Old Crow than anything, however the song that follows “Whirlwind” was also fun. What a truly great story that paints a lovely picture in your mind, if you listen close enough, and care.

33. Dusty Rust Stolen Horse

This is one of my Kansas City scene friends, and he is a hard working artist, and a damn fine friend. This album starts out with the traditional sounding gallop song called “No One To Blame”, he could easily be placed on a lineup with Mr. Colter Wall or several others on this TOP list here. He has that baritone western voice that spins tales of the old west like many of his peers.

He is a staple presence at the beloved Westport Saloon, which if you love roots music as much as I do it is hallowed ground. YOU MUST watch their LIVE video feeds that take place EVERY NIGHT, you’ll eventually see this young man. “Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven” was another good point on this album, you will love the PARTY IN HELL lyrics.

It behooves me WHY more people in the Roots Music and Outlaw Music community cannot pay more attention to this man with songs like “Misery” it’s a complete NO BRAINER to put him on my TOP 50 list for the year. This album is perhaps one of the most underappreciated albums on my list…I hope this changes that, and it gets what it deserves.

34. Pat Reedy And The Longtime Goners That’s All There is And There Ain’t No More

Another album that I hope to bring more recognition to is this one Mr. Pat Reedy is a construction worker by day and Honky Tonker by night. He put on ONE HELL of a live show at Muddy Roots this year, and another man on this list Mr. John R. Miller plays bass for him.  First off this album has twelve songs, and they are all well written. “Bloodshot Heart” is the album’s opener, and it’s your typical Honky Tonk jam complete with proper push from that steel and hard beat.

This man personifies the working man like many of OUR heroes did, I say OUR because I think we ALL pretty much looked up to Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. I’m also just “Lucky I’m Alive”, the sound and the spin of the steel guitar make this a wonderful song. HELL there isn’t a bad song on this whole album!

HERE is my review of the whole album. “Conversation With Jesus”was one of the BEST songs I have heard this year as well. I feel the same way being a devout Christian myself, I think treating my fellow man with respect is setting a good example. I also had to laugh at the G Damn reference because I SURE THE HECK am guilty of doing it. “Funny Thing About A Hammer” hmmm it has a G Damn in it…I loved the lyrics on this album, and deem it an outstanding piece of music.

35. J P Harris Sometimes Dogs Bark At Nothing

What better to open a Honky Tonk Country album up with than a song about drugs and sweating the high out in a hotel room? “JP’s Florida Blues #1” and also “When I Quit Drinking” were full of good hooks I expect from this man’s songwriting style. I just LOVE his simple Honky Tonk slamming songs. When I quit drinking I start thinking about starting up again….what a DAMN GOOD line!

“Sometimes Dogs Bark At Nothing” is another complete masterpiece in my opinion, hoenstly if I did do a TOP 10 songs of the year, they would all be on here. That song would be on it for sure! “Hard Road” was a good rabble rousing song as well, it IS a hard road before you get back home for sure, I spent many a bloody nights broke to get where I am.

“I Only Drink Alone” was a good slow piano shuffle that I also relate to when I listen to Honky Tonk Country, and he followed that with another good drifter song called “Runaway”. He always gives off the perfect classic whiskey soaked hardcore hurt vibes on every song he sings, and that’s why I LOVE his music.

36. Adam Hood Somewhere In Between

This young man from Alabama was on my radar for quite some time before I finally got the chance to sit down with his album, and I REALLY enjoyed the writing on the opening song called “Heart Of A Queen”. Mr. Brent Cobb is also on this list, who appears on the song “She Don’t Love Me”.

However I stopped in my tracks when I heard the song “Alabama Moon” You know there are so many songs about Alabama now, but this song is such a different approach to his point here. It’s very descriptive and an overall good story about his youth, and if it’s a true story it’s a good one!

“Bayou Girl” was equally a good song about a Cajun gal, and I really enjoyed the dobro work on this song, it was well produced…probably one of the better produced albums on this list. HERE is Mr. Joshua’s review of his album.  The slower closing song called “Confederate Rose” was absolutely stunning and descriptive, and I eagerly await to hear it live.

37. Town Mountain New Freedom Blues

If there was one thing I learned at Kickin It On The Creek this year it was that the band Town Mountain doesn’t play around on stage. This new album was nothing more than eleven songs choked full of Bluegrass greatness with banjo craziness and more. The title track is the first song “New Freedom Blues”, which sets the pace with wonderful fiddle work. The banjo rings true on songs like “Lazy River”, and “Underdog”.

“Underdog” is a terrific song about getting knocked down on the gambling tables, you know you cannot win if you don’t play. “Witch Trials” was a good one about injustice in life. When I finally got to see them live I bought all of their albums, and I would have a huge problem choosing my favorite Town Mountain album.

The songs are very lengthy so you know what that means…the songs are packed full of blazing instrumentals and plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the fiddles. It begins to close with a song called “Pamlico” which is a slow and lazy song with good harmonies. This band is amazing live for one thing, to read the full review of this album click HERE.

38. Jason Eady I Travel On

So now let me re illustrate this, NUMBER 50 AND NUMBER 2 are just as good. Because this album was amazing in it’s own right.  Truthfully I enjoyed FM Country Hell as his best album overall, but this album DID have many high points on it for me. “I Lost My mind In Carolina” is a great song about life on the road, and a road warrior he is playing an amazing amount of road shows.

However one best songs I have ever heard him do was “Calaveras County” the melody and beat just grabbed my attention at first, and after I played it a few times, I loved the lyrics too. That fiddle break was also cool, it paints a really pretty picture for the listener.

A very self explanatory song is called “Always A Woman” I truly don’t have to illustrate any meaning here. “She Had to Run” was lyrically some damn fine trademark Jason Eady.A very dark and poignant song about an abuse victim finally getting free. Mr. Jason is one of those you can easily pick out of a plethora of other voices, and that makes him very unique and special. To read our full review of this album click HERE.

39. Nick Dittmeier And The Sawdusters All Damn Day

This Indiana band wowed me at Master Musician’s Festival this year, and was on my radar for months prior to that. Now, legitimately this really is their self proclaimed debut FULL album, but their previous one was long enough to be an album too. The opening song “Love Me like You Did” has a cool melody and just sounds great, it’s another song about a new girlfriend that just isn’t as good as the old one.

“I Can’t Go Home” was another vital song on this album that stood out to me, and was a good middle portion song. All of the songs here are upbeat and good to dance to, or just jam out on, or in MY case this is a good interstate driving song! The band itself is a strong unit, that has their own Honky Tonk twang, and this band brings that twang to many shows across America.

“O’ Bannon Woods” was a heavy rocking song towards the end, about making drugs. Time sure has a bad way of changing things sometimes, and I related with this one somewhat because the place I grew up is a war zone now. It just a downright shame what has happened to people in my past. You can go right HERE for our full review of this album.

40. Jason Sinkhorn Junction City, Kentucky

Don’t really care if I catch hell from my fellow media peers here about including acoustic albums on here, this album was amazing to me, as was this man’s vocals on this recording. From the very initial song “The Runaway Dorothy Gale” Mr. Jason had me at attention as a music fan. He is a great picture painter on my canvas mind with well woven tales of Wizard Of Oz references to another story..get it? BUY THIS ALBUM AND LISTEN CLOSE!

I first heard of this young man as he played for Mr. Coby Langham And The Citizen Band, and i was introduced to him further there. He is a prominent fixture in the West Virginia community of music, one that I usually keep a pretty close eye on, because you find many good albums there like this one. I had to go forward to “People Watching #42” just because the name intrigued me to delve into it, it made me giggle to hear him mention Milwaukee…I was raised there.

There are many good songwriting hooks and lines in these nine songs, delivered by a very unique voice and an even more unique style. “Flat Rate Heartbreak Blues” had me related as well, as I too work in a factory (ehh it’s a living).. I think all of us are Hank Williams fans. Thumping like a barn dance on Friday night was a VERY COOL line, I thought this song was the best of the album.

41. Hot Rize 40th Anniversary Bash

I LOVE Bluegrass, I LOVE LIVE Bluegrass albums, and I LOVE bluegrass Legends. Well on this album you have them all, I mean WHO DOESN’T love 40 years of Hot Rize? All of y’all who do not are worng. One of the interesting points of the album is the band introduction where they introduce Mr. Jerry Douglass, and they play Colleen Malone from the 1990 album called take It home.

On this album, you will learn some Bluegrass history as they invite Mr. Sam Bush out who previously played with Emmylou Harris to come out and play a Peter Kuykendall song called “Out On The Ocean”. Mr. Peter was the creator of Bluegrass Unlimited magazine, I have studied a LOT about him.  “Just Like You” features those well known Hot Rize harmonies, and note for note string discipline.

“Walk The Way The Wind Blows” was another high point on this album, as they played their 1986 hit song, that was also recorded by Miss Kathy Mattea. Toward the end the band appreciated the audiance for supporting live music, and the festivals. I STRESS supporting the festivals, because it’s a good resource to see multiple bands in one place.

42. John Howie Jr. Not Tonight

I love good old fashioned Honky Tonk albums like this one, I like steel guitar infused ballads full of feeling, and this album is bursting full of both of them. “Back When I Cared” is a well written song full of honesty that anyone can relate to. I am so excited to somehow find a way to see him play these songs live.

This man’s vocals are SO distinct and different it makes his album interesting to enjoy, and with songs like “When I’m Not There With You” that add some twang, you have a KILLER ALBUM THAT YOU MUST BUY. If you do not add this album to your collection you are WRONG!

There is so much feeling and soul in the song “Underground” that I had to stop at that track and listen about twenty times. This man poured out his heart to me, and I understood what he was going through as a man, and as a person.

43. Grassfed Moovin’ Down The Road

This Kansas City Bluegrass band was brought to my attention a few years ago, but I didn’t get to see them in full action until Muddy Roots this year. Not only did I enjoy their live set but their lightning fast dobro picking and picking overall just moved this album into my TOP 50. “Dear Lyla” was a good song off this album that I really liked.

“Gas Tank” was an awesome song that reminded me of a Split Lip Rayfield type jam, filled full of acoustic guitar solos and KILLER dobro work, the lyrics are pretty easy to understand and enjoy. You could EASILY dance and jam to these guys, and I can easily ascertain that they JUST HAVE FUN together. They understand one another musically, and they aren’t trying to be anything they are not.

“Little Maggie” is an old traditional cover tune, that they did a good job on, the album closes with a song called “Yard Work” which was nice to end the album with a toe tapper. If you like string bands filled with all kinds of harmonic solos you will LOVE this album.

44. Jesse Daniel Jesse Daniel

This young man is about to embark out on a short run with Country music Legend Mr. billy Don Burns, and by God he deserves it! ‘Big Fish” is a big song about small fish. It’s about paying dues and fake ass people, and it has a TON of good lines and hooks. This young man understands how to pay his dues and beat the road to get what he wants in life.

“Soft Spot (For The Hard Stuff)” was another good song on the album, and a good reassurance to me on the question “who’s gonna fill their shoes”, as this young man brings forth an mature older Honky Tonk sound while maintaining a younger approach to that sound.

“Killing Time Til Time Kills Me” was avery inventive title, and this song itself was filled with some damn fine Honky Tonk twang and shuffle. I liked the way this album was produced and the damaged goods vibe the songs gave off. Trust me, this young man will be garnering more attention form the underground community next year!

45. Dillon Carmichael Hell On An Angel

The song “Natural Disaster” on this album is beyond amazing, and at first I thought it was Mr. Jamey Johnson singing. This young man has been on the Opry, and upholds Traditional Country Music standards with songs like “Country Women” which is a total retro throwback type song.

Now if you have spotify I can tell you some interesting information about this album. There is commentary about each song from Mr. Dillon himself, on a seperate album you can listen to. With songs like “Dancing Away With My Heart” this album is even better with the suppliment commentary, where you can get an even better perspective on the songs and the artist.

” Hard On A Hangover” was another great old timey throwback song with that truly great melody and divorce lyrics, this song sounds like it was released in the late 80’s. Not that it’s a bad thing!  Hey when you listen to a Country song you loose your truck…well…yeah. To read our full review on this album click HERE.

46. Felix Thursday End Time Jubilee

OK Folks you can click up there to buy this one digitally BUT if you want a REAL COPY contact Mr. Aaron “Dogbite” Harris over at Ruckus In the Records label. This man is an old journalist friend of mine from the Myspace era, and he released a DAMN FINE album here. He enlisted the help of some more of my old friends like Miss Lucy B. Cochran on fiddle and my buddy Mr. James Hunnicutt.

“Remington” is an anti politically correct song about a lost time when we went to school with firearms in gun racks in our trucks. We didn’t have nutballs shooting up schools because we had respect for firearms, and knives. Another GREAT song on this album was “It’s Hard Stayin Sober In Heppner”, I love his vocal delivery on that song. He’s got a very convincing voice and you can tell he sings with conviction.

The songs on this album are shorter than most of the others, but by God they were so well done that I couldn’t pass up acknowledging this album for what it was worth. I promise you it will stay in my constant rotation for all times, and I strongly suggest you buy this album.

47. The Travelin McCourys The Travelin McCourys

This huge massive article has a lot of Bluegrass album on it I know, but it has been a really good year for Bluegrass. Bluegrass Legend Mr. Del McCoury and his crew has made this awesome side project going called The Travelin McCourys. Early this year we heard their first album self titled.  It kicks off with the toe tapping song called “Let Her Go” , about lost love.  This album has the song Mr. Waylon cut for Mr. Steve young called “Lonesome Onry And Mean”, it was interesting to hear as a Bluegrass tune.

Mr. Del’s iconic vocals assist the song “I live On A Battlefield” ring out as a focal point song on this album, and I loved the banjo work on “The Shaker”.  Like every one of the Bluegrass albums on this list, I chose this one because of the wonderful instrumental work.

“Days I Wish I Had” is a traditional sounding song with a steady melody, with good lyrics that make it a inspiring Bluegrass song, overall this whole album was a feel good Bluegrass album.

48. Trampled By Turtles Life Is Good On the Open Road

Trampled By Turtles is one of my favorite”Americana” bands…if you will…I just consider them good music and I don’t really fit anybody into genres. Not really Bluegrass but they do have a LOT of Bluegrass influence I found on songs like “Kelly’s Bar” which was a fast paced beginning to one of their best albums out yet.

These twelve songs here were enjoyable each in their own right, and I cannot wait to see them live once again. “Right Back Where We Started” is one of my favorite songs they have right now, as well as the title track ‘Life Is Good On The Open Road”. It’s been good to hear a new album from this band for the first time since 2014.

49. Cody Barnett

This album is one of my “last but not least” type deals, I mean if you want some DAMN FINE songwriting just go listen to ‘Cherokee Blood” it has a bunch of GREAT lines in the song. At first I wasn’t sure if I would have a short album of only seven songs on my list, but after I heard ‘Blood Moon” I found the importance of including this album.

This young man needs to be recognized and could be paired up with so many on this list, the possibilities were endless. His style and his songs are eloquently represented by his vocals on songs like “Back In Birmingham”. This song was fantastic and descriptive as hell…just what I like. He is from the Oklahoma music community, and is a nice local representation of his respected area out there.

This album closed with two fantastic songs one called “Mockingbird” which I was wondering if it was a cover of the James Hand song of the same name, but no it wasn’t. This was it’s own rocking song in his style that shows his more rock roots. The last song was a fast paced song laced with with fine steel called “Evil Woman”.

50. Bri Bagwell In my Defense

I knew this album would be on my TOP 50 list the second I got it in my hands. I LOVE the Red Dirt and Texas community, I love a good Country gallop, and I love female singers. You juxtapose all of those together and you have this album. It was produced terrifically and I love the band she has. “Asphalt And Concrete” was a good song about her being from the West Coast.

A slower song called “Cheat On Me” had a slower flow with tons of feeling, but accompanied the other songs on the album pretty well. “I Can’t Be Lonely ” was another good song with lots of twang, and her sultry and sassy vocals were captured really well on this song.

Another good song on this album was “Feel Like Home”, and it closes with a few other good ones. This album is by all means her best offering yet, and I see great things for her in the future. I have yet to see her play live yet, and I have to drive to Texas to see her play, I will.

Joshua Wallace’s Top 50 Albums of 2018

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Dec 232018
 

By Joshua Wallace

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s the time of year where all music journalists put out their best of lists.  Gary Hayes will have his own list coming up soon.  This is my personal Top 50 Country Albums of 2018. I could probably double this list to 100 with all of the awesome releases that have come out in the past year.  It has been that good of a year. However, that being said, I feel like these 50 albums represent the best of what I heard over this year. I reviewed many of these during the year and you can find every one of those reviews on this website.  I will link a few of them here in this article. Every record on this list is worth your time, from number 1 to number 50. Gary Hayes will have his own separate list published later this month, check it out too. Let’s kick things off with the album of the year and Top 10, and then immediately following that will be 11 – 50.

**ALBUM OF THE YEAR** 01.  American Aquarium – Things Change  **ALBUM OF THE YEAR**

This album stuck with me the most throughout the year and thus, it is my number one record of 2018.  From the heartland rock politically inspired tune “The World Is On Fire” all the way to the country balladry of “‘Till The Final Curtain Calls”, this is the best album American Aquarium has ever put together.  I doubt you can find another band that can weave in and out of heartland rock and roll and country with the skill and ease this band does. I look forward to whatever comes next from BJ Barham and company. Check out my full review of Things Change from earlier in the year.

02.  Ashley McBryde – Girl Going Nowhere

This album had me last year with the single “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega”.  That song was out well before the album and has stuck with me ever since. The album itself ads more great tracks to Ashley’s repertoire and there isn’t a bad cut on this one.  I predict big things for Ashley McBryde in 2019 and I’m looking forward to seeing her open for George Strait in Atlanta next year. Check out my review of this record here.

03.  Randall King – Randall King

Randall King is a throwback to an era of country we don’t have many throwbacks to.  He takes the best elements of 90’s country music and brings them to modern times. His songs “Mirror, Mirror”, “Tuggin’ On My Heartstrings” and “Cool Under Pressure” have stuck with me and this album is often played front to back when it comes on.  Check out my review of the record here.

04.  Josh Card – With A Heavy Heart

The sound on this record is perfect.  Everything is spot on and these are the best tracks Josh Card has ever put out.  Check out a couple of my favorites in “Suffer” and “Won’t Chase Your Love Anymore”.  Read my full review of the album here.

05.  Whitey Morgan & The 78s – Hard Times & White Lines

This is straight up the best live honky tonk band going right now.  This album is another great chapter of their music adding some killer new originals, some new Dale Watson and even ZZ Top to their live set.  Give this one a spin however you listen to music and read my review here.

06.  Sarah Shook & The Disarmers – Years

This album is punk rock outlaw country at its best.  Sarah Shook put out her best record yet with Years. It has been high on this list all year and lands at number six.  Do yourself a favor and read my review of the record here, and then go out and buy a copy and see her live when you get a chance to.

07.  Belle Plaine – Malice, Mercy, Grief & Wrath

Belle Plaine has released some solid country gold right here.  I’m still digging on “Taxes, Death and You” and “Is It Cheating” featuring Colter Wall.  Do yourself a favor and give this one a spin. My full review of this record is here.

08.  Colter Wall – Songs Of The Plains

Colter Wall does not disappoint on his sophomore full length release.  This album has some great tunes with “Plain To See Plainsmen”, “Thinkin’ On A Woman” and the Billy Don Burns cover “Wild Dogs”.  This album could have been number one if this year wasn’t so stacked with awesome releases. Check out my review of this one here.

09.  Jamie Lin Wilson – Jumping Over Rocks

In her follow-up to 2016’s Holidays and Wedding Rings, Jamie Lin Wilson has put out her best stuff yet with tracks like “The Being Gone”, “Everybody’s Moving Slow” and a cover of Guy Clark’s “Instant Coffee Blues” featuring Jack Ingram sticking with me in heavy rotation.  Do yourself a favor and give this record a spin, you won’t regret it. Check out my full review here.

10.  Dallas Moore – Mr. Honky Tonk

I knew when I first heard Dallas Moore’s track “Mr. Honky Tonk” that this would be a killer record.  This album represents a high mark in Dallas Moore’s career and there isn’t a bad track on it. I’m still digging on “Shoot Out The Lights”, “Killing Me Nice and Slow” and “You Know The Rest”.  Do yourself a favor, check out my review and pick up a copy of this one.

The Best Of The Rest:

11.  Shooter Jennings – Shooter

12.  Caitlyn Smith – Starfire

13.  Cody Jinks – Lifers

14.  Pistol Annies – Interstate Gospel

15.  Joshua Hedley – Mr. Jukebox

16.  Bri Bagwell – In My Defense

17.  Brent Cobb – Providence Canyon

18.  Dillon Carmichael – Hell On An Angel

19.  Kayla Ray – Yesterday And Me

20.  Josh Ward – More Than I Deserve

21.  Josh Grider – Good People

22.  Brandi Carlile – By The Way, I Forgive You

23.  Paul Cauthen – Have Mercy

24.  Blackberry Smoke – Find A Light

25.  Jason Boland & The Stragglers – Hard Times Are Relative

26.  T.J. Hernandez – Who I Am

27.  Courtney Marie Andrews – May Your Kindness Remain

28.  Old Crow Medicine Show – Volunteer

29.  The Brother Brothers – Some People I Know

30.  Ward Davis – Asunder

31.  Craig Gerdes – Smokin’, Drinkin’ & Gamblin’

32.  Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour

33.  Courtney Patton – What It’s Like To Fly Alone

34.  John Prine – The Tree Of Forgiveness

35.  Ashley Monroe – Sparrow

36.  Pat Reedy & The Longtime Goners – That’s All There Is (And There Ain’t No More)

37.  Kyle Park – Don’t Forget Where You Come From

38.  Lori McKenna – The Tree

39.  James Scott Bullard – Full Tilt Boogie

40.  Adam Hood – Somewhere In Between

41.  Kristina Murray – Southern Ambrosia

42.  Chelsea Nolan – Chelsea.

43.  Abe Partridge – Cotton Fields and Blood For Days

44.  Mike & The Moonpies – Steak Night At The Prairie Rose

45.  Sara Morgan – Average Jane

46.  Jason Sinkhorn – Junction City, Kentucky

47.  Urban Pioneers – Hillbilly Swing Music

48.  Joe’s Truck Stop – American Dreams

49.  JP Harris – Sometimes Dogs Bark At Nothing

50.  Darci Carlson – Darci Carlson

Music Festivals 2019: Steamboat Musicfest.

 News  Comments Off on Music Festivals 2019: Steamboat Musicfest.
Dec 232018
 

 SkinnerDelFest
Old Settler’s Music Festival
The John Hartford Music Festival
Merlefest
High Water festival
Mardi Gras Texas Style
Winter Wonder Grass Series
Moonrunners Music Festival
The Nashville Boogie
Master Musician’s Festival
Tumbleweed
Suwanee Spring Reunion

If it’s one thing I truly have been keeping my eyes on the Red Dirt world, and it’s west coast reach. Along with the Jamgrass community this is becoming a huge, massive community and quite the lucrative market even though it gets very little media attention. Let’s take a look at the lineup and other information I usually include into my festival series.

Amazingly for early on into 2019 there are tons of early festivals happening to satisfy to pickiest of festivals music lovers, for Red Dirt Music. With a lineup like THIS who wouldn’t want to go:

Adam Hood

American Aquairium

BJ Barham

Bri Bagwell

Bruce Robison

Casey Donahew

Charlie Shafter

Chris Colston

Chris Knight

Cleto Coredo

Cody Canada

Coley McCabe

Corb Lund

Courtney Patton

Dalton Domino

Dirty River Boys

Doug Moreland

Eleven Hundred Springs

Eric Middleton

Flatland Cavalry

Hayes Carll

Jack Ingram

Jade Patek

Jamie Lin Wilson

Jason Eady

John Bauman

John Evans

John Fullbright

Johnny Chops

Jonathan Tyler

Josh Abbott

Kaitlin Butts

Kevin Fowler

Kevin Galloway

Kimberly Dunn

Kody West

Kow Wetzel

Kyle Hutton

Kyle Park

Mark Chesnutt

Matt Hilleyer

Matt Skinner

Max Stalling

Micky And The Motorcars

Parker McCollum

Mike Ryan

Mike McClure

Mike And The Moonpies

Midnight River Choir

Dale Bisby

Randall King

Randy Rogers Band

Read Southall

Reckless Kelly

Red Shahan

Stoney Larue

Sum Brothers

Susan Gibson

Thom Sheperd

Trevor G. Potter

Turnpike Troubadors

Wade Bowen

Warren Hood

William Clark Green

Zac Wilkerson

First week in January – Six days, 200+ hours of live music, a world-class ski resort – does it really get any better than the MusicFest? The MusicFest draws thousands of ski-lovin’, music-lovin’ folks to the snow swept peaks of Colorado each January.

The largest group ski trip of its kind in the nation, the MusicFest brings the finest Texas and Americana music to the world-class ski resort of Steamboat, Colorado for a week full of sport and song. The festival boasts a stunning roster that includes both legends and rising talents alike.

Dickson Productions has over 30 years of experience as the premier travel package provider. With Dickson Productions working on your behalf, you can hit the slopes and also get tons of music favorites at wholesale prices. All lodging accommodations for the MusicFest are located ski-in/ski-out or within minutes of the mountain base, and participants personally choose all the options.


Want to walk out the front door onto the slopes? A hot tub on the back porch? A slope side luxury suite or a penthouse? A MusicFest stage in your lodge or steps away? No problem – it’s all part of building your exclusive MusicFest package, the vacation of a lifetime. And there’s every level to choose from to satisfy your taste in lodging, music, price and the ultimate Rocky Mountain vacation.

After a day on the slopes, what really happens at the MusicFest?

The MusicFest has long been heralded for its jam-packed schedule of events and concerts. Over 200 hours of live performances take place during the MusicFest, an amazing opportunity to see as many great Texas and Americana artists as you can handle (and those are the “planned” performances).

Shows are held in a multitude of diverse venues including a stage resembling an old barn/hunting lodge, a huge dancehall/tent, an intimate pub, an old saloon, two luxurious ballrooms, and an upscale country club setting complete with plush seating, and a fire place (a “must” experience)!

No matter your style of music or setting to experience it, there’s a venue for everyone’s likes. Whether you’ve come to kick up your heels and party all night, or prefer to soak up the music in a lower key and comfortable seated setting (or anything in-between), MusicFest has you covered. Drift from one venue to the next, or just sit back and enjoy that ONE special venue that fits your style with like minded friends – that’s the beauty of MusicFest – a truly unique and exceptional sporting and musical experience with one thing in common; a grounded and REAL experience with a community that embraces its lifestyle and state of mind.

MusicFest Package Price Includes:

  • 6 days/5 nights at Steamboat’s premier lodging – You choose location and amenities including ski-in/ski-out, fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, hot tubs, short stroll to MusicFest activities and more.
  • Four full day lift passes and one night skiing pass – World-class skiing and boarding on Steamboat’s five interconnected mountains.
  • Exclusive MusicFest credentials for over 200 hours of live performances in intimate venues, luxury ballroom, saloons, the Big MusicFest Tent, Outdoor Stage, Historic Theatre, participants’ “ON AIR” media lounge, and much more!
  • The highly acclaimed MusicFest Artists’ “Tribute to a Legend” – Grand Ballroom show,  past honorees include Robert Earl Keen, Jr., Gary P. Nunn, Doug Sahm & The Texas Tornados, Joe Ely, Dean Dillon, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Billy Joe Shaver, Lee Ann Womack, Guy Clark, Johnny Gimble and Family, Leon Russell, Kevin Welch, Rodney Crowell, Townes Van Zandt, Lost Gonzo Band and Radney Foster.
  • Official MusicFest information guide – MusicFest collectibles, credentials, pocket schedule, the Discount Savings Book including a “non-skier” guide, and additional discounts!
  • Complimentary MusicFest Magazine – While supplies last! Click here for free subscription.
  • Eleven MusicFest venues – Experience world-class music in eleven different venues. Dickson Productions is always taking this unique festival to the next level – comparable to no other.
  • Free Shuttle – Elaborate resort wide FREE shuttle system to lodges, grocery stores, dining, bars, concerts, the slopes and more!

Wide Variety of Venues

No matter your style of music and setting to experience it, there’s a venue for everyone’s likes. Whether you’ve come to kick up your heels and party all night, or prefer to soak up the music in a lower key and comfortable seated setting (or anything in-between), MusicFest has you covered. Drift from one venue to the next, or just sit back and enjoy that ONE special venue that fits your style with like-minded friends- That’s the beauty of MusicFest – A truly unique and exceptional sporting and musical experience with one thing in common; a grounded and REAL experience with a community that embraces its life style and state of mind.

 

NEW! The Strings Pavilion

The newest addition to the MusicFest family of stages, the Strings Pavilion is a state-of-the-art concert hall built for classical music, but The MusicFest ramps it up. Located at the “base of the base” of the mountain, this world-class stage is just steps away from…Read More

 

NEW! Timber & Torch

Turn the Page: Bear River Becomes The Timber & Torch The MusicFest hosts shows in many venues over the years, but the “Bear River” is where the magic began. A cozy bar nestled at the foot of Mt. Werner, the Bear River is a haven…Read More

 

The Big MusicFest Tent

One of the most iconic venues at the MusicFest, The Big MusicFest Tent is hard to miss. Known for being “the largest dance hall in the Rockies” this massive, climate-controlled tent hosts some of the most high-energy full band shows seen anywhere. With a state-of-the-art…Read More

 

The Dung Beetle Saloon

Named for the original “Dung Beetle Saloon” at an old convenience store in Hallettsville, Texas, this MusicFest venue keeps the good times rollin’. Featuring over twelve hours a day of intimate, acoustic music, this popular venue is the definition of what MusicFest is all about…Read More

 

The General Store

Not only a famous shopping experience, but a great meeting place where you may catch a special (unannounced) performance, autograph signing, or brand new, and never seen before merchandise! Conveniently located near the mountain base in the Grand Resort Hotel and next door to the…Read More

 

The MusicFest at Chief Theater

The Chief Theater may be a relatively new addition to the MusicFest, but this historic theater has been hosting live music in Steamboat for nearly 100 years. A vintage building with old fashioned, comfortable theater seating, this downtown venue is the perfect place for an…Read More

 

The MusicFest Media Lounge “ON AIR”

Get up-close and personal with your favorite artists in our all new Media Lounge open to the public. See artist interviews by a variety of media outlets including national and international radio hosts, television hosts, and social media personalities. With behind-the-scenes experiences like this, it…Read More

 

The Outdoor Stage

Mountain-Sized Bonus Concert Series One of the few venues open to the public at MusicFest, the one-of-a-kind Outdoor Mountain-Sized Bonus Concert Series has become a favorite tradition for festival-goers and locals alike. Located at the base of the slopes, with the majestic Rockies as a…Read More

 

The Steamboat Base Club

The Steamboat Base Club is the official “MusicFest Country Club.” With a gorgeous, up-scale setting this venue is the perfect combination of class and comfort. Featuring acoustic performances nightly, old-fashioned cocktails, appetizers and great company, this intimate club is the perfect place to cozy up…Read More

 

The Steamboat Grand Ballroom

Located at the heart of the mountain-base in the luxurious Steamboat Grand Ballroom, this venue has hosted many of MusicFest’s most popular shows. Home to the esteemed MusicFest Artists’ Tribute to a Legend each year, this venue has seen some of the rarest performances on…Read More

 

Thunderhead Gondola (Stargazer Series)

This lofty listening room is one of the festival’s signature venues. Only at MusicFest can you take a picturesque gondola ride up 3,000 feet for a high-altitude music experience like no other. These rare mountaintop concerts are a truly uplifting experience, both musically.

This music festival is so huge and there is so much to do I will have to put up more general links on here than I usually do to reduce the length of the article. So you can click HERE for a pretty conclusive listing of all the area hotels.

Music festivals 2018: Larry Joe Taylor Festival

 News  No Responses »
Apr 192018
 

Larry Joe Taylor Festival or LJT is one of the state of Texas’ most revered and beloved festivals within the Red Dirt community and the state of Texas. It’s been a staple feature of my festival series for some time now, with more focus on this scene as my website grows into what I’m doing for the community all over America.

I cover 175 festivals yearly and on the right hand side there is my guide you can hit the names and it will take you to their links for the festivals, I update them when the festival happens or just I put up the advance article for them. This is one of my first years writing an info article about this festival for them. This article will have my usual information about them (as you know I cover 175 yearly festivals), including maps, videos and ticket links.
This festival is one of the larger ones I cover with many options available please click HERE for ticket information.




Texas Music Festival Camping Information

~ HOW DO I GET A CAMPSITE ~
CLICK MAP TO ENL ARGE

-PLEASE READ-
Anyone trying to upgrade or acquire more sites to a previous reservation must call our office at (254) 968-8505 or (254) 968-6204 to make reservations.Online purchases – Once the order has been placed our office staff will assign you a campsite based on the criteria you provided in the purchased. The campsite assigned will be the best site available at the time of your purchase. You will receive an email within 24 hours with the assigned site.*All Camping Reservations Are Final And Non-Refundable*
All Camping decals purchases after April 2nd will be held at Will Call at the camping gate under the original purchasers name.

CAMPING PRICES
*Only one vehicle allowed per campsite*
Type of Campsite Advance Price Gate Upgrade
Price
Electric and Water
(3 night minimum)
Section D
sites are 28′ x 35′		 50 AMP $65.00
30 AMP $58.00
per day		 50 AMP $70.00
30 AMP $63.00
per day
Electric and Water
30 AMP (3 night minimum)
Section E
sites are 25′ x 35′		 $52.00
per day		 $57.00
per day
Preferred Camping
(3 night minimum)
Non-electric & Non-water
Preferred Section A, B, C, F
sites are 30′ x 32′
Shiner Group
sites are 25′ x 35′		 $35.00
per day		 $40.00
per day
Reserved Camping
(2 night minimum)
Non-electric & Non-water
Reserved Section A, F, G, H
sites are 30′ x 32′		 $29.00
per day
purchase		 $35.00
per day
Keystone Non-Reserved
(1st come, 1st serve upon arrival)
(2 night minimum)
sites are limited to 30′ x 32′		 $25.00
per day
purchase		 $30.00
per day
More Information Here! $318.00
up to
$727.00
purchase
General Open Camping Reservations
Sign Up for Email Updates

Sign up for Camping and Ticket Updates.


General open camping reservations begin February 5, 2018 @ 10:00 am Central Time

If you DID NOT HAVE a campsite last year, you may reserve site(s) during this period.
Sites not re-reserved will be available at 10:00 am on February 5th, 2018.

Also advance purchase of unmarked, primitive campsites will be available on January 15th, 2018. These sites are not marked and will be available on a first come first serve basis upon arrival.

By reserving these sites you will be guaranteed a camping spot at the festival.

 RESERVE YOUR CAMPSITE FOR 6 DAYS!
 6-Day Ticket holders WITH 6-Day Camping will have the ability to upgrade their
camping to 7-Days at the gate to come in early on Sunday, April 22nd (gates open at 12:00 noon)
NOTE: To reserve a 4, 5 or 6-Day campsite you must purchase a 4, 5 or 6-day ticket.
*Only one vehicle allowed per campsite*
 *All Camping Reservations Are Final And Non-Refundable*
Every campsite must be kept clean – any campsite found to be left unclean will result in a $30 charge applied to the purchaser’s credit card. It is the original purchasers responsibility to make sure campsites have been picked up and cleaned upon leaving the festival grounds. No household furniture or large items may be left behind. Please have all trash bagged and ready for pick up upon leaving the festival grounds.
There will be a FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE to and from the festival Wednesday through Sunday (donations accepted). Call Donnie Hill at (254) 300-7558 to schedule a ride.
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 12:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friday: Will start picking up at 12:00 pm and run around the clock thru 6:00 am Sunday morning.
You can call the day you need the ride but it helps if you call 24 hours in advance. You can bring your coolers on the van but NO open containers allowed.
~NEW~ All drop-offs and pick-ups will now be in the parking lot.
(a much closer walk to and from the stage)
Provided by Jesus Crew Ministry, BSM and Anytime Fitness
Need to Rent an RV?
 

3500 S Central Expy
McKinney, TX 75070
Local: (972) 562-1900
Reservations: (800) 367-6507
Fax: (972) 562-3990

CLICK HERE to view
El Monte RV pricing & packages!

CLICK HERE to view
El Monte RV Campsites!

  

5100 Airport Freeway
Ft. Worth, TX 76117
Phone: (817) 834-7141
Other Campsite Information
Dogs allowed on leash in campground, however NO DOGS ALLOWED in concert areas
Water & Electric Sites
These sites each have water and a 30 amp electrical plug (please make sure you have the appropriate adapter for a 30 amp receptacle) All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 days.
Shiner Group
These sites are a little larger than our normal sites and are located in “Shiner” Section on the map and are easy access to both the Bud Light Stage and the Allsups Stage. These sites will be sold in groups of 7,6,5,3,2 and a few singles will also be available. These sites have been carved out of a wooded area located next to section D & E. These sites have plenty of shade and are in a low traffic part of the ranch campground. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 days.
Preferred Camping Section A, B, C & F
These sites are located at the front of section F on the camping map. Section A rows A thru H, Section B, Section C & Section F sites 11-19 will be within 200 yards of the West Stage and adjacent to the parking area and The Tuesday night Campground Stage. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 3 days.
Reserved Non-Electric
These sites are marked sites in Section A rows I thru CC & all Tree Line sites, F sites 1-10, G, & H. By reserving these sites you will be guaranteed a marked off campsite in the section you choose. Sites are 32′ X 30′ in dimension. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 2 days.
Keystone Non-Reserved
By reserving a Keystone non-reserved campsite you will be guaranteed a campsite, however these sites are not marked off and the location of your campsite will be on a first come, first serve basis when you arrive. These sites will be located in the Keystone non-reserved camping area only. Please limit these sites to a 30′ X 30′ dimension. All sites must be reserved for a minimum of 2 days.
Vehicles
Only one motorized vehicle is allowed per campsite. All other vehicles must park in the designated parking area. Vehicles without a camping decal will not be allowed to enter the campground at any time. Please make sure all camping supplies are in the vehicle that has a camping decal. Motor homes will be allowed to have one additional vehicle, however, the additional vehicle must be attached or directly behind the motor home upon arrival.
Camping Decals
Camping decals will be mailed for each campsite purchased in advance. These decals should be place on the vehicle that will be parked at the campsite. The first set of camping decals will be mailed out at the end of March.
More Information
SHOWERS
We have built a permanent 22 stall shower house to provide the needs of festival-goers. There will be eleven men’s and eleven women’s showers each having a handicap accessible stall available on the camping grounds.

5-Day Shower Pass 4-Day Shower Pass 3-Day Shower Pass Single Shower Pass
$20.00 $17.00 $13.00 $5.00

Shower House Hours:
Open: 7:00 am – 1:00 pm
Closed for cleaning: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Open: 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm

There are ample porta-jons around the stage area as well as in the camping areas, however, if you would like to reserve a private porta-jon for your campsite please call (254) 968-2191.
Your camping decals will be sent to you in the mail along with your campsite numbers at the end of March.
Place this decal on the upper left windshield of your primary vehicle used for camping before you enter the festival grounds in April.
*Only one vehicle allowed per campsite*
 *All Camping Reservations Are Final And Non-Refundable*
Parking Decal Price & Gate Hours
Parking decals will grant your vehicle admission into the PARKING LOT, these decals WILL NOT give you any kind of of vehicle admission into the CAMPGROUND. These decals should be placed on the vehicle that will be parked in the parking lot. Parking decals are not transferable from one vehicle to another.
After you purchase your parking, You will receive an email within 24 hours with your parking barcode attached as a *pdf file for each decal. You must print and use these files to exchange for a decal to gain parking admission into the festival.
Parking Days Valid For Gate Hours Advance Price
+ Tax		 Gate Price
*Tax Included
6-day parking Monday – April 23rd
Tuesday – April 24th
Wednesday – April 25th
Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Monday – April 23rd
12:00 noon – 10:00 pm		 $25.00
(must have a 6-day ticket)
purchase		 $28.00*
(must have a 6-day ticket)
5-day parking Tuesday – April 24th
Wednesday – April 25th
Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Tuesday – April 24th
12:00 noon – 11:00 pm		 $23.00
(must have a 5-day ticket)
purchase		 $26.00*
(must have a 5-day ticket)
4-day parking Wednesday – April 25th
Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Wednesday – April 25th
9:00 am – 12:00 midnight		 $21.00
purchase		 $24.00*
3-day parking Thursday – April 26th
Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Thursday – April 26th
9:00 am – 12:00 midnight		 $18.00
purchase		 $20.00*
2-day parking Friday – April 27th
Saturday – April 28th		 Friday – April 27th
10:00 am – 12:00 midnight		 $13.00
purchase		 $15.00*
1-day parking Saturday – April 28th Saturday – April 28th
10:00 am – 11:00 pm		 $7.00
purchase		 $9.00*
ALL PARKING DECALS ARE FINAL AND NON-REFUNDABLE, NO ADMITTANCE AFTER MIDNIGHT
*Tax Included
Absolutely NO GLASS bottles or containers allowed at Melody Mountain Ranch
Privacy Policy / Terms & Conditions
© 1989-2018 Larry Joe Taylor

More information

 

 
LJT UPDATE
It’s almost time for LJT’s 30th Annual Texas Music Festival!  The gates open at noon on Sunday April 22.  T-Birds Garage Pub opens at 2pm . Justin Frazell’s Texas Red Dirt Roads will broadcast live beginning at 3pm. Larry Joe, Deryl Dodd, Mike Ryan and some surprise guests will be performing.  Folks who can only attend this show can park their cars at the front gate and ride a shuttle to and from T-Birds.
Plenty of tickets/camping will be available at the gate. Tickets are also available locally at Signs and Designs and Barefoot Athletics.   For those of you who prefer to stay in local motels we’ve called the following motels and found out they still have rooms available for some or all days of the fest….
La Quinta Inn & Suites (254) 918-2444
Holiday Inn Express (254) 965-8899
Rodeway Inn (254) 965-7162
Super 8 (254) 965-0888
America’s Best Value Inn (254) 968-211Royal Inn (254) 965-3807
Knights Inn (254) 968-5003
Caravan Interstate Inn (254) 965-5043
As always, there will be free rides sponsored by the Jesus Crew Ministry, BSM and Anytime Fitness.  Hours of operation are Wednesday and Thursday from noon to 1am. On Friday they will run around the clock beginning at noon thru 6am Sunday morning.  Please call in advance to schedule a ride (254) 300-7558.
In addition Stephenville has a new taxi service, Taxiville.  There number is (254) 434-8998.
We are very excited about #30 and hope to see you there! More details about discounted advance tickets, buying tickets/camping online here.

Folks here is some more quick information here.

 

Ticket update:
  • Last Call to Purchase Discounted Advance e-tickets!  Buy online thru Monday April 23 or call the office at 254-968-8505
  • Tickets available online all thru the festival at gate prices
  • Purchase locally from:
    Barefoot Athletics or Signs & Designs
  • Plenty of tickets available at the gate!
Camping Update:
  • Unlimited non-reserved camping available at the gate


Primitive Camping May be purchased online here.  Reserved sites can be purchased by calling the office at (254) 968-8505 thru Monday April 23.