Best of 2011
January 3rd, 2012 § Leave a Comment
Black Lips – Arabia Mountain
http://www.black-lips.com/
The 6th cd for this Atlanta, GA punk/garage combo explores a wide swath of retro styles. Melodic, yet rockin’ with a hint of psychedelia. Highly recommended.
John Paul Keith – The Man That Time Forgot
http://johnpaulkeith.net/main/
Described by a fellow touring musician has Memphis’ own Buddy Holly, JPK’s The Man That Time Forgot certainly does Buddy proud. I always feel like I have to acknowledge that my favorite bands are derivative but that’s what roots means isn’t it. JPK does what many others do but does it extremely well. Melodic roots rock. Lyrically clever and perfectly structured pop songs made to sound easy. But if it was, why don’t more people do it? Because it isn’t and JPK is damn good at it.
Lydia Loveless – Indestructible Machine
http://lydialoveless.com/
Just turned 21 and releasing your second full length cd on Bloodshot Records is not a bad start on the music biz resume. Part punk, part-country Lydia Loveless has schooled herself on Loretta Lynn, The Knitters and Neko Case (or at least it sounds like she has). She has a big voice and a band with a rough sound. Lyrically clever and melodically strong, Loveless has the kind of voice and delivery that may very well keep her recording for a long, long time.
