Recommend me some new (or old) Americana/country/heartland/singer-songwriter etc.

[sloppychops]

In 1986, when Baker was 31, he was on a train in Peru, traveling to Machu Picchu, when a bomb planted by the Peruvian terrorist group the Shining Path exploded in the luggage rack above him.

The people he was sitting with were killed. His body was torn apart. He suffered a brain injury, severe hearing loss and required over 15 reconstructive surgeries. And somehow during his long recovery, songs started coming to him. Several of his songs related directly to the attack and his near death. Many of his songs are like short stories, written in the voices of characters. Some of his most beautiful songs are like hymns.

 

[thunderbyrd]

i haven't read the thread. so excuse me if someoone has already mentioned CCR. Ground Zero. also Delany and Bonnie. and Loretta Lynn can teach you how to write songs.

 

[Mjark]

My friend Cliff.

 

[Sparky472]

Well I’m not gonna read through the whole list to see if anyone’s mentioned John Prine yet. I imagine I’m not the first… but just in case. John Prine.

 

[danielreid27]

 

[Dirk_Bagge]

Jaime Wyatt

 

[Peteurre]

Well I’m not gonna read through the whole list to see if anyone’s mentioned John Prine yet. I imagine I’m not the first… but just in case. John Prine.

Someone did indeed mention John Prine. He is one that I know I should be checking out, but just haven't done yet. But I will. He's on my list now!

 

[Peteurre]

He's a master! Might be the best lyricist around today, although Gillian Welch is also up there.

I gotta say, after a few front-to-back listens of James McMurtry's newest album, I find myself watching youtube videoes of him shooting guns at cans of beans. I guess I'm becoming a fan already! Great great album! Will be digging into his back catalog soon

 

[richiek65]

 

[Peteurre]

I've tried Ray LaMontagne... but for some reason he had the kind of voice, where at first I go "wow", but before long I get really tired of it... But I have that album (and a couple of others), and haven't listened to them in years. But I remember them as being good, so I will dig them out and give them another spin

 

[CCK1]

Check this Cd called rig rock truck stop. It is probably what you are looking for.
And most generally the diesel only record company.

Diesel Only Records

Brooklyn based country music label established in 1990 by musician-journalist Jeremy Tepper

www.discogs.com

I applaud the Tim Carroll content! (Blue Chieftans)

 

[MTPoteet]

check out CORB LUND

 

[Mjark]

This is a fantastic record.

 

[Bucster752]

In the late 1950s pop put together a Heathkit hi-fi system and bought a bunch of records, among them Jimmy Driftwood Newly Discovered American Folk Songs (I think that was the title). I'd lay on the floor in front of the big mono speaker cabinet and listen.....the soundtrack of my youth. (Chet Adkins on guitar!)

 

[wacolo]

I could list the entire James McMurtry catalog, but here are a few of my faves.

 

[Peteurre]

I could list the entire James McMurtry catalog, but here are a few of my faves.

I have started a dive into his back catalog, starting with the newest record, and will be moving backwards. Really really liking The Horses and The Hounds at the moment, and just gave Complicated Game a listen on my drive home from work. More acoustic sounding, but still very good! Can't believe I haven't heard of him before! I'm getting so many great suggestions in this thread, and McMurtry is really something special.