CD-Charts Position 71
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Washington Square Serenade

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Steve Earle

Release Date October 01, 2007
'washington square serenade' represents change on all fronts for Earle. There's a change in mood from the last few intensely political releases. This is a more personal album, reflecting his own life, a move to the big city, married life, more settled, more satisfied. Yet Earle has always been a liberal artist favoured by urban americana fans, rather than heartlands country. Musically there are changes too: electronic beats, world music. From Steve Earle, Mister Organic, Mister American Roots. Who'd have thought? Yet this too reflects Earle's move to New York, as kick off song 'Tennessee Blues' waves "Goodbye Guitar Town", in 'Down Here Below' a NY celebrity hawk whose position at the top of the food chain serves as a metaphor for the city's ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 72
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Just Us Kids

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: James McMurtry

Release Date May 26, 2008
Texas' James McMurtry doesn't mince his words and, when it comes to commenting on the state of his nation, doesn't feel the need to sugar coat it or hold back. All glued together with powerful country/blues/rock, his songs don't exist to make you feel better about the world, but somehow, by their very existence, they do. 'Just Us Kids' is McMurtry's seventh studio album and is perhaps a culmination of everything which makes the man great in terms of lyrics, music and performance. It is certainly as good as anything he has previously released. It's all so life-affirmingly human.

The highlights on this album are numerous and brilliant. The title track is an excellent piece of writing, describing the greying, parking lot stoners ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 73
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Pneumonia

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Whiskeytown

Release Date May 26, 2003
This is definitely my favorite CD to listen to when going to bed, and I mean that in a good way. These songs are so gentle, and it's hard to believe Ryan Adams was like, what, 24 when he put this album out?

CD-Charts Position 74
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Mermaid Avenue Vol.1

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Billy Bragg, Wilco

Release Date June 29, 1998
Others have reviewed this album already.
I need not add to them.

I'll take it that 'A Music Fan' is ignorant rather than malicious when they say that 'maybe there was a reason'
Woody never record them. Yeah I'll say there was.
Go read up on the man, and see why.
Okay you didn't like the album and everyone entitled to an opinion no problem but at least get the facts right about the man.

CD-Charts Position 75
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Separated By the Sea

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Findlay Brown

Release Date February 19, 2007
I agree with all the praise and some of the criticisms so far posted but I'm still going to give it 5 stars. I think the melodies are lovely and my wife likes it and she's a difficult person to please! The guitar is a bit "samey" and unsophisticated but you really don't notice that unless you're listening out for it. I also agree that the words in some songs do not seem to mean much but you can say the same for Bob Dylan. It's like good poetry - you can interpret it to suit your own imagination and that's what I do with this album. I think it's beautiful.

CD-Charts Position 76
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The Dirty South

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Drive By Truckers

Release Date August 30, 2004
To be honest, I bought this CD because I liked the cover (sad I know lol)I knew that this was a southern rock band, but this realy took me by surprise. This starts off in fine form with the track where the devil don't stay, and to be honest there isn't a single filler track on this great CD. Best tracks for me are the superb Sands of Iwo Jima, The Day John Henry Died, Carl Perkins Cadillac, and my fave Danko/Manuel, I cannot recomend this CD highly enough :)

CD-Charts Position 77
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Escondida

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Jolie Holland

Release Date April 26, 2004
I came across Jolie Holland via the Be Good Tanyas, being intrigued by the distinctive vocal style of the singer on 'The Lakes of Pontchartrain' in particular. Therefore it was a surpise and a delight to find she had several solo albums to her name, and buying this was an impulse well rewarded.

Her material, her arrangements and her delivery show real freshness and originality, and she resolutely avoids tired formulae, as her gloriously offbeat delivery of a song like 'Mad Tom Of Bedlam' demonstrates. Elsewhere she celebrates, tongue in cheek, the delights of 'Old-fashioned Morphine' and embraces extinction with cheerful enthusiasm in 'Goodbye California', an uplifting and catchy meditation on mortality delivered in her gorgeous trademark Texas drawl. ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 78
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Last Days of Wonder

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Handsome Family

Release Date May 29, 2006
First heard this band when maybe as long as 10 years ago "Weightless Again" appeared on a music magazines "New Country" compilation. Since that time I've bought their back catalogue and each new album. I now have all their recordings.

Where does this album rank? ..., well IMO it's their best to date & a triumphant return to form after the disappointing "Twilight".

The only Handsome Family albums that don't deserve 5 stars are Twilight, Odessa , Milk and Scissors. If it were possible to give 5+ stars (a platinum merit award) then "Last Days of Wonder" would get it.

CD-Charts Position 79
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The National

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: National

Release Date November 25, 2002
I explored the National's back catalogue because I enjoyed Alligator & Boxer so much. This album is truly excellent, and stands up well to their later work. I think one of the best things about the National's music is their amazing lyrics - complex, bittersweet, emotional without going anywhere near slushy. I thought this album was as accessible as Alligator & Boxer, so even if you're new to the National then give it a go.

By the way, they are great live. Nothing like I imagined from their albums - the lead singer is truly manic on stage. Catch them if you can.

CD-Charts Position 80
Average Rating:

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Gamblin' House

CD-Charts > Music > Alt.Country
by: Malcolm Holcombe

Release Date November 24, 2008
I explored the National's back catalogue because I enjoyed Alligator & Boxer so much. This album is truly excellent, and stands up well to their later work. I think one of the best things about the National's music is their amazing lyrics - complex, bittersweet, emotional without going anywhere near slushy. I thought this album was as accessible as Alligator & Boxer, so even if you're new to the National then give it a go.

By the way, they are great live. Nothing like I imagined from their albums - the lead singer is truly manic on stage. Catch them if you can.