Dolly Parton: Pure and Simple review – toning down the schmaltz … a bit
The country legend’s latest isn’t quite the kind of back-to-basics project that gave Johnny Cash’s late career such a boost, but it’s a step in that direction
John Paul White: Beulah review – spectacularly gloomy and bitter
Following the very public disintegration of the Civil Wars in 2012, John Paul White returns with a set of beautifully composed, utterly self-absorbed modern country songs
Cyndi Lauper review – a comforting tonic in difficult times
The pop raconteur rides a stick pony around the stage, offers welcome ‘Cyndi-isms’ and embraces country music with curiosity, camp and utter sincerity
The Avett Brothers: True Sadness review – minor digressions from rootsy rockers
The Avett Brothers’ ninth album arrives with an open letter by Seth Avett, in which many words are written but very little is said: True Sadness, he explains, is a patchwork quilt, both thematically and stylistically, wherein “the roughest denim … Continue reading
Case/lang/veirs: Case/lang/veirs review – a record of depth and scope
This debut by a supergroup of female country stars is steeped in yearning and devastation
William Tyler: Modern Country review – Americana too sublime for words
The US guitarist draws on his Southern upbringing and on-the-road contemplation for an eloquent, unpredictable instrumental album
Dexys: Let the Record Show: Dexys Do Irish and Country Soul review – inspired
Kevin Rowland brings passion and empathy to these covers running the gamut from mournful reflection to ecstatic delirium
William Tyler: Modern Country review – a paean to the old, weird America
William Tyler manages to say a lot without ever uttering a word. Despite featuring little besides gentle strums and fingerpickings, the Nashville guitarist’s ruminative folk and country pieces speak eloquently to what the critic Greil Marcus called the “old weird … Continue reading
Dixie Chicks review – second coming of country music outlaws
The outspoken Texan band’s timely return spans covers of Beyoncé and the Weeknd, all with a country-bluegrass core
The Jayhawks: Paging Mr Proust review – an easy musical chemistry
Five years ago, the Jayhawks reunited, with original co-leader Mark Olson returning alongside Gary Louris, to release the delightful Mockingbird Time. Sadly, Olson is gone again for its follow-up, but Jayhawks fans need not fear, for album No 9 sounds … Continue reading
The Lumineers review – oak-aged folk without the frills
There’s nimble playing and harmonising from this popular trio, but their leading man has surprisingly little charisma
Margo Price: Midwest Farmer’s Daughter review – tears and triumphs in startling debut
Margo Price’s debut opens with Hands of Time, seemingly a compendium of country cliches. She leaves home just $57 from broke, tears in her eyes, leaving the daddy who lost the farm when she was two. She goes to the … Continue reading
