Top 10 of 2007

I guess it's my duty as a music blogger to post a top album list at this time of year, so enjoy.


1. Jason Isbell – Sirens of the Ditch

An album recorded over a number of years during down time from the Drive-By Truckers, Sirens showcases Isbell's song writing talent and a diversity only hinted on while with the Truckers.
Standout Track: The Magician
homepage, myspace


2. Two Cow Garage – Three

The third album by Two Cow Garage brings the rock while not being afraid to show some heart. Total package of great songwriting and kick ass rock and roll.
Standout Track: Shoulda California
homepage, myspace


3. Glossary – The Better Angles of Our Nature

See my full review posted earlier.


4. Ryan Bingham – Mescalito

Ryan Bingham's debut album is proof that good country music is still being made, just not in Nashville. The guy's a great talent who's songs tell tales of the hard life on the road. Mescalito was produced by former Black Crowes' guitarist Marc Ford who also plays on the album.
Standout Track: Southside of Heaven
homepage, myspace


5. J.J. Grey & Mofro – Country Ghetto

Swampy, bluesy, and ever so soulful, Country Ghetto features the vocals of the most soulful singer in the business today, J.J. Grey.
Standout Track: Country Ghetto
homepage, myspace


6. Avett Brothers – Emotionalism

The Avetts' folky and bluegrassey approach results in an album that sounds familiar yet fresh. New, yet old in a way. Maybe its all the simplicity of it all, the songs are mainly just a guitar, bass, and banjo with some great harmonies. Whatever it is, it's good. Very good.
Standout Track:Paranoia in B-Flat Major
homepage, myspace


7. Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

Wilco's seventh album is a departure from the experimental nature of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot and A Ghost Is Born and more of a return to form to their countryish roots. SBS is relaxed and open feeling like a warm summer day and yet Tweedy and Co. manage to work still rock out in places.
Standout Track: What Light
homepage, myspace


8. Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond

So a band reunites and put of the inevitable 'reunion' album. You've heard this story before right? Doesn't usually work out of the best either. Not so with Dino Jr.'s Beyond. I can't say I'm all that familiar the Dino Jr.'s earlier works but Beyond is a breath of fresh air in today's stagnate cesspool of rock music. Guitar solos that are actually worth listening to and songs that don't sound like they're trying to be more important than the are, it's only rock and roll after all. And I like it.
Standout Track: We're Not Alone
homepage, myspace


9. Levon Helm – Dirt Farmer

You should know Levon Helm from his days in The Band (if you don't, WHY NOT?). Since The Band called it a day Levon has put out numerous albums and survived a bout with throat cancer in the late '90's. This is he first album since his fight with cancer and while his voice sounds a little rougher, it still has that tone you came to love on classics like The Weight or The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Dirt Farmer may not be a "Band" album, but it's the closest we're probably gonna get. A collection of traditional songs backed up by Larry Campbell and Levon's daughter Amy among others. A must for fans of The Band.
Standout Track: Poor Old Dirt Farmer
homepage, myspace


10. Neil Young – Live at Massey Hall 1971

A great archive album & dvd showcasing Neil Young solo with just his guitar, harmonica, and at times, behind the piano. Features a number of songs from Harvest prior to that album's release. A must for any Neil fan.
Standout Track: Helpless
homepage, myspace

Chuck Prophet does Waylon Jennings

So back in the early of this year Chuck Prophet & friends recorded their version of Waylon Jennings' 1975 album "Dreaming My Dreams" in it's entirety. Check out the link below to read more about the recording session and to stream the results.

Dreaming Waylon's Dream

Right click the track names below and save as to download each track.

1. Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way
2. Waymore's Blues
3. I Recall a Gypsy Woman
4. High Time (You Quit Your Low Down Ways)
5. I've Been a Long Time Leaving (I'll Be a Long Time Gone)
6. Let's All Help The Cowboys (Sing The Blues)
7. The Door Is Always Open
8. Let's Turn Back The Years
9. She's Looking Good
10. Dreaming My Dreams With You
11. Bob Wills Is Still The King

Also be sure to check out Chuck's new album "Soap & Water" out on Yep Rock Records