Angelo De Augustine: Angel in Plainclothes

Angelo De Augustine is back with an amazing new record called Angel in Plainclothes. The ten songs on this record delve deeply into the human psyche with love, fear and affection. A deeply introspective artist...

Opening track...

Robert Plant: Saving Grace

Robert Plant is back with a wonderful folk soaker called Saving Grace. Musical guests abound on this one and the record shines in its beauty. And the Americana on this one...very impressive for a Brit...

Opening track...

Alison Kraus & Union Station: Arcadia

It's always a good day when you have Alison Kraus & Union Station spinning away in your ears. Their latest is called Arcadia and it is truly diving. As they always do, the storytelling is finest kind. 

One of my faves...

The Gentle Spring: Looking Back At The World

Parisian pop outfit The Gentle Spring have just dropped Looking Back At The World, a simply gorgeous folk pop record. The vocal arrangements are out of this world beautiful. And the melodies...ah those stunning melodies...

Opening track....

Gillian Welch: Woodland

Gillian Welch is an American treasure. Her latest is called Woodland and it's the perfect fall album. It just slides over you like a cool breeze that demands snuggling with a loved one. With her partner David Rawlings, they have created a folk rock masterpiece.

Opening track...

The Felice Brothers: Valley of Abandoned Songs

The latest record from New York's The Felice Brothers is quite a gem. Valley of Abandoned Songs represents all of the best elements of this now three decades old band. Sidle up for some massive Americana!

The Decemberists: As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again

Holy crap do I heart the new record by The Decemberists. As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again is simply gorgeous. The style variety is broad and merrily intriguing. I mean, this track, actually made me stand up and sway my hips...

Angus & Julia Stone: Cape Forestier

Angus and Julia Stone are quite the treasures of the folk community. The Australian duo has a new record out called Cape Forestier which I feel is their best yet. Twelve tracks of heart warming goodness! 

Opening track...

Woods: Perennial

The soothing sounds of Woods are on my mind today and those Brooklyn indie folk vibes are hitting me just right. Their latest is called Perennial and it is mighty wonderful. 

Here is one of my faves

Becca Mancari: Left Hand

Indie folk darling Becca Mancari has a fab new record out called Left Hand. The State Island native has crafted twelve tracks of pure ethereal delight. She has managed to find that perfect balance between folk music and spacey alternative pop.

Here is one of my faves...

Mapeche: Swinging Stars

LA's own Mapeche has a delightful new record out called Swinging Stars. It's a pitch perfect blend of California breeze and folk rock. You can feel the sun and the ocean was over you as you listen. 

Here is the opening track...

Paul Simon: Seven Psalms

Paul Simon is a true gift to the universe and his latest record, Seven Psalms, is a big reminder why and how. It's a beautiful testament to his songwriting ability as well as his gifts with a simple acoustic guitar. Simon says the ideas for each of the seven pieces (which form one whole movement to be listened to in one sitting) came to him in a series of dreams.

Divine inspiration?

Josh Ritter: Spectral Lines

Some chill folk rock is on tap for today and Josh Ritter has delivered it with Spectral Lines. This is the Moscow, Idaho native's eleventh record and he continues to live up to his billing as a Top 100 songwriter. His grasp of the American landscape is truly mesmerizing. 

Mellow greetings, yukey-dukey...

First Aid Kit: Palomino

They might hail from Stockholm but they sound like they are from West Virginia. First Aid Kit is the very essence of great folk music. Their latest record is called Palomino and it's completely wonderful. I hear some Brill-building sound on it in addition to all the great folk tropes.

Here is one of my faves...

Joan Shelley: The Spur

Louisville's own Joan Shelley is a Kentucky treasure. For more than a decade, this amazing artist has made deeply Americana-themed music that gets right to the soul of this country. 

Her latest is called The Spur and it makes me feel like home...

Josephine Foster: Godmother

When I look at the thermometer outside my house these days, I find myself yearning for the fall. It's cool but not freezing! Thankfully, I have Josephine Foster's Godmother to evoke that autumnal feeling that warms my heart. The Colorado native has the psych-folk genre down pat!

Here is my favorite track on the record...

    

Calling All Dylan Fans

Fresh off the heels of his Nobel Prize for Literature, Bob Dylan is experiencing a renewed resurgence of interest. This recent piece in the Times discusses the early years of his time in New York City. As I read it, I felt as though I was right back there with him and Suze Rotolo as they took their famous stroll down the snow covered Jones Street in Manhattan's lower west side.

Perhaps a listen to the Freewheelin' Bob Dylan is in order today!