2008 In Music: Lucinda Williams

This woman rocks!
She just oozes cool and wisdom in every word.
What a great album.

I have admittedly not been following Lucinda Williams as long as most of her fans. I have instead worked myself backwards through her catalog; West was the first release that I listened to in the same year that it was released. West is a fantastic collection of songs, but it is one of those that you really have to be in the mood for.

Little Honey, on the other hand, suits almost every occasion. I have probably listened to it most while driving down the highway, and it is a perfect match for the open road. Each time I hear it, "Tears of Joy" really pulls at me - that bluesy guitar and the lyrics really speak to where I am in my life right now. Then there's "Honey Bee" which is just loud and raunchy and delicious. "Well Well Well" is a perfect "had-a-bad-day/fell-off-the-wagon" number. I've definitely been there, and the line "if you hang around trash, you can't come out clean" is just fantastic. "If Wishes Were Horses" is beautiful. "Jailhouse Tears", the one with Elvis Costello, amuses me endlessly.

As I'm writing this, I am realizing more & more just how much I love each of these songs. I could go on and on, but you should listen for yourself if you haven't. Five Stars.

2008 In Music: Foxboro Hot Tubs

My "beach read" album of 2008.


It is technically "Green Day"; but at the same time, it isn't quite Green Day. They're not blazing any new trails here - Stop Drop And Roll is definitely a throw-back to the 60's garage rock sound. Some critics rated this album poorly, saying it is just blatantly ripping off bands like the Kinks and Donovan. I personally don't care if they use recycled sounds. Stop Drop And Roll is light, lively and fun to listen to. Sometimes, that's just what the doctor ordered. Plus I've always been a fan of Billie Joe's voice, and I hear him doing some different things on this album. I dig it.

2008 In Music: Kings of Leon

These songs embed themselves in my soul more each time I listen, and in my book that's a damn fine album.



My next installment - Kings of Leon's Only By The Night. What can I add that hasn't already been written by others? This is one band where I definitely agree with the majority, popular opinion - they are fantastic (even though they were nominated for a Grammy :) Only By The Night is a real creeper. The first time I listened, I thought, "Eh, it's alright but not as good as the last one." Then it snuck up on me - BAM - and I wanted to hear it everyday. Even the massive amount of radio play hasn't turned me off yet, so that's saying something.

2008 In Music: North Mississippi Allstars

Even though I had a copy of this in '07, it wasn't officially released until 08 - so it still counts!

Hernando. Named after the trio's hometown, and without a doubt their best album for me. Of all the 2008 releases, I'm sure this one has gotten the most listens. Unfortunately, Luther took a break to play guitar with the Black Crowes, so I only caught one live performance after the album release. It was definitely one of the concert highlights of the year, though. Hard-hitting, bluesy, jazzy, funky - these guys can do it all. They're all vocalists. Very diverse group of gents. I love 'em.

Shake what yo mama gave you!