Favorite Albums of 2012

Everybody on the blogosphere is posting their best/favorites of 2012. I decided to post what I have listened to most this year. I rarely listen to an entire album all the way through, much less over and over and these seem to have the staying power it takes to make me listen and hold on.

These aren't in any particular order because even picking 5 was hard enough, ranking them would just be impossible.

K. Phillips  American Girls

I know I just said these aren't in order, but if they were, this one would be first. In all honesty, American Girls has only left the CD player in my car long enough for me to pop one CD in, give it half a listen, and switch back to Screamin' K. Can't get enough - it's one of those albums that always has what you need to hear for any mood or situation. Every time I listen I have a new favorite song because it's just what fits the moment. If you haven't heard this album, start with "Rambler" and go from there.


Dirty River Boys Science of Flight

After listening to two EPs over and over, snatching recordings off YouTube and doing anything I could to get my hand on new DRB material, the wait for Science of Flight was well worth it. I never had any doubt in my mind that it would be amazing, but this album blew me away. I reviewed it fully here and my opinions have only grown stronger as this one has stood the test of time in my rotation in the past several months.


Turnpike Troubadours Goodbye Normal Street

I am not alone in saying this is one of the best albums of the year. It has popped up on nearly every list I have read so far and with good reason. I think this all goes without saying. I have harped on the glories of Turnpike many times before. Each album is better than the the one before, but I can still sit down and listen to every song they've ever released from start to finish and never get bored. They're music speaks for itself, but the lyrics crafted mostly by Evan Felker are a breed of their own. He can make such an ordinary situation into something special that hits home and resonates with every listener.


Six Market Blvd. Shake It Down

One of the things that has made 6MB one of my favorite bands since I discovered them almost four years ago is their diversity. Their first album, Running on Seven is one of my all-time favorites for that very reason. I was nervous that Shake it Down couldn't compete, but I have been proven wrong. It opens with the hard-hitting, bitchy "Say It," then goes to the Jimmy Buffet-esque "White Goose," to the sad, reflective "Getting Older" and then hits every nerve in between. The only thing that makes this album better is seeing the band play it live. This is one of the best bands around and you'd be silly to miss a show. I've seen them several times this year and I still can't get enough.

Shovels and Rope O' Be Joyful

This one is kind of the odd-ball of the group. But give it one listen and you'll understand why I can't put it down. It is pure fun. This duo just makes me want to stomp my feet on the front porch with some moonshine. Look them up on YouTube and watch them play. Yeah, that's two people making all that noise. If I accidentally listen to one of the songs off O' Be Joyful, you can bet I'll be listening to the whole CD on repeat for about a week before I get my fill. This is the only band on this list I haven't seen live yet but I'm thinking a road trip may be in order soon.


Honorable mentions-

Josh Weathers. Even though Big Night in the City  was released just a few months back, I can't nail it down to just one album because when I "discovered" him in April at LJT, I was listening to ALL of his music all summer long, making up for lost time I guess.

The Departed - Adventus. This one isn't on the list solely because I haven't listened to it as much as the others. Not because it isn't as good, but because it hasn't been out as long. I'm projecting that I will listen to this one as much in 2013 as I did some of the above albums in 2012.

Pistol Annies. I realize this is weird of me to be so obsessed with a girl band, but seriously... I'm obsessed. I have listened to their debut album as much, if not more, than most of the ones above, but since it technically came out in August of 2011, it doesn't qualify. I can't explain to you why I like this band so much but they speak to my soul. Spunky, twangy, sassy - they tell it like it is and make it believable (all thanks to Angaleena Presley, I do believe.)

The Trishas - High, Wide & Handsome. It took me a long time to jump on the Trishas bandwagon. I honestly think it's because I hated their outfits in the first pictures I saw of them. But with their new popularity, they have gotten significantly cuter so I gave them another shot. (Yes, I am that shallow.) Their music is kind of like the Pistol Annies but with far fewer white trash references. It's still incredibly relatable - Jamie Wilson can put any woman's feelings on paper and set them to a guitar. Combine that with Evan Felker's songwriting ("Little Sweet Cigars") and I'm hooked. 

Dolly Shine - "Pretty Flowers"

Wednesday night I got to see a band for the first time - Dolly Shine. I had heard of them before in the past year or so and listened to a little music but it wasn't until I heard them on the Texas Red Dirt Road Show with Justin Frazell a few weeks ago that I realized how much I liked this band. They were awesome live too. Very true blue Texas Country, with a fiddle and everything. They mixed Honky-tonk with Southern Rock and reminded me a little of Kyle Bennett, Rob Baird and old Ragweed. I recognized a few of their songs from TXRDR and they did some awesome covers. (I know I talk about covers a lot, but I LOVE good covers). They played "Hurricane" (Leon Everette/Band of Heathens) and Lucero's "Slow Dancing" - two of my favorite bands... I'm sold.

I think Dolly Shine is headed places! Word on the street is they just recorded a new record and William Clark Green and some of the Six Market Blvd. guys contributed to it. I don't know when it will be out but I can't wait. In the meantime check out their self-titled EP on iTunes.

Pretty song... I think I remember him saying he wrote it with Clayton Landua from 6MB.


And here's another one just for kicks.

New Music Tuesday

*Rambling ahead.*

 You've been warned. But stick around. It's worth it.

There's not a whole lot going on in my little bubble of music. Evidently there's new Wiz Khalifa, Ke$ha and Florida Georgia Line music out today... don't ask me why I know this... but I don't care.

What I DO know is that this week sucks. My immune system is compromised and my allergies are starting to kick my ass. I have to go to a funeral in Dallas this weekend and next week is finals week/Hallie starts her new job while keeping her old one for a few weeks. Yes, I'm being dramatic. Moving on.

Life is good. I saw Six Market Blvd. AND the Damn Quails this past weekend and they both rocked. Two of my favorite bands in any form - live, recorded, acoustic - always a great time. I'm not going to review them because I feel like I've done that several times already. All I will say is I can.not.wait for a new album from the Damn Quails. Saturday night was the second or third time I've heard some of their new songs and their next project is going to be awesome.

Anyway... the only new music I could find today (not that I actually looked real hard) is from No Justice. I've never been a superfan of theirs, but I've never not liked a song of theirs either. If that makes sense. I've listened to it a few times on Spotify this morning and I like it all so far. There's a new, different version of "Red Dress" that's a little more laid back and simple than the original. They also re-did "Don't Walk Away" and I think I like the new version better. There's a girl singing on this one and I don't know who it is, but it's a really pretty song.

Check it out.


Also, I just found this on the tweeter. Some free music from Joe Pug. It's probably not for everybody, but, hey! it's free music. I don't think it's included in this EP, but go get his song "Speak Plainly, Diana" both the rock and the slow versions. You're welcome.

Annnnd finally. Let's talk about Christmas music. 'Tis the season, y'all.

I don't really care for Christmas music. I mean, I like it if I'm in the right mood, which happens for approximately 15 minutes on Christmas day and you better believe I have a playlist standing ready for when those 15 minutes attack. But I'm not the girl that listens to it from Thanksgiving day till New Years.

My sister, on the other hand... I'm pretty sure she would listen to it year round, but I know she starts regularly adding to her playlist about the week of Halloween. Not even kidding. She tried to force my family to listen to it while we decorated my mom's tree, but my dad and I won that battle with Six Market and Adventus.

But I must say, she comes up with some good music. I haven't been able to find this song anywhere that it can be purchased or downloaded, but how can you beat LeeAnn Womack, Cody Canada and Asleep at the Wheel??? Go here to listen to their version of "Mele Kalikimaka." If anyone has, or knows how to get this song - hook a sister up!

I'll keep trying to post the good Christmas music as I find it... if I can stand it.

Six Market Blvd. - "Getting Out Alive"

Yesterday morning I heard this song on the radio from one of my most favorite bands, Six Market Blvd., so I'm assuming it's safe to say it's their next single. Which is fantastic because I it's my favorite song, or at least in my top three favorites, from their album, Shake it Down. I'm ready for it to be played and requested on the radio 900 times a day. Bring it on.

These boys are in town this weekend and I hope I can catch them after JAB Fest Saturday because they are always a great time!

Six Market Blvd. - 5/19/12 & Shake It Down

Today is the day! Shake It Down is here. Six Markets Blvd.'s second album. I have been a big fan of theirs for years. I go months at a time with Running On Seven being the only CD I have in my pickup. I bought the new one at midnight and I have had it on repeat ever since. I'm not going to be one of those people who after listening to a CD three times will tell you it's life-changing, but it really is good and I think everyone should buy it.

I got to see them this past Saturday night at the Blue Light. I have only seen them once before at LJT but this time was way different. Different as in I was able to focus and take my position front and center. My dad is a huge 6MB fan too, so my parents met me and my friend Sydney there.

My friend Brandon Adams and the Sad Bastards opened and they were playing when I got there. He was awesome, as usual. Then 6MB started and the area in front of the stage started filling up. They kicked off with their newest single, 'Say It' from the new album. They played all my favorites from their first CD and then several new ones. The crowd sang along to 'Silence In Me,' danced to 'Ready To Throw' and everyone had a good time. Brandon and Red Shahan from Red and the Vityls (who wrote '14 Miles To Go' on Shake It Down) even got back up on stage for a few songs. I loved how they didn't take anything too serious and just went with the flow.

I've heard people say they don't like when bands play covers, but I absolutely love a good cover song. They started playing a song that I recognized and at first I thought it was because it was one of their songs I've listened to a million times. Then the further they got into it I realized it was Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights' song 'Young Love.' Seriously?!? That's like two of my favorite things in one. This completely made my night. I don't know if anyone else realized what was going on but I certainly did and I was floored. They did it perfectly. They also covered The Band's 'Cripple Creek' which was awesome too.

I adore lead singer Clayton Landau's voice and think it is so unique, but the new album has a few songs sung by bass player/songwriter Ben Hussey. He also has a distinct voice that fits the songs. He sang a few the other night too.

Their guitar player, Josh Serrato is a complete and total badass, which is evident from their recorded music but even more evident live. My dad is a guitar junkie so he camped out in front of him all night. He told me later that he's one of the best he's ever heard, but not THE best, because he's seen Clapton. Quite the complement. After the concert Brandon introduced me to part of the band (he got a little disctracted by somebody buying him shots and didn't finish) but he told me he thinks Josh is the next big thing and will be famous someday and I believe him. He also told me the drummer Dallas Neal is the sweetest, most down to earth guy which is clear in his stage-presence: all smiles.

New Slang interviewed Clayton here, which is much more in-depth than my nonsense so go read that.
Also, I'm not going to sit here and make a fool of myself reviewing albums because I don't know what to say other than, "huh, I really liked that," but the guys at New Slang know what they're doing. I'm working on it though. I like to listen to albums first and see what I think and then compare it to other reviews to see if I was "right," even though it's all totally opinion.... well I did that this time but this girl pretty much took the words out of my mouth so if you want to hear my review, just go read hers, I'm not here to reinvent the wheel.

I will tell you I love 'Say It,' 'Mailbox' (favorite), 'Santa Fe Train,' and 'Hey Mr. Indian Man' right off the bat, but if this is anything like their first album, every time I listen to it I'll have a new favorite.

But most importantly BUY Shake It Down and if you don't have Running On Seven, get it while you're at it, you won't regret it.

Josh Serrato and Clayton Landau

Brandon Adams, Clayton Landau and Red Shahan

Clayton and Ben

 

Dallas Neal

Red Shahan

Ben Hussey and Brandon Adams

Josh Serrato tearing it up.

LJT 2012 - What I Remember

Last week I attended my first ever, but the 24th Annual Larry Joe Taylor's Texas Music Festival. I have heard of it for years and been dying to go but this was the first year I got the balls to actually go. I wanted to go last year but didn't realize it until all my friends left down and I was stuck in Lubbock and they were all having the time of their life. I am not gunna lie, I was scared shitless, but I think the excitement was a little stronger. I didn't have a plan, I just rode down there with a friend who happened to be leaving the same time as me and just figured I knew enough people going that I would be fine, and I was right!

Here is a little recap of my favorite moments - the ones I remember anyway - of my days at LJT!

Wednesday:

Missed the acoustic stage that day, and I REALLY wanted to see the Dirty River Boys but I know I'll get many more chances. I also missed Thom Shepherd, who I just recently got in to, and Ray Wylie Hubbard which is a complete bummer because he is a legend and I've never had the chance to see him.

I also missed Johnny Cooper, and I actually like his bee-bopping little self. He's different and the kid's a genius. Missed Cory Morrow, nothing new there, I'll get another chance for both of those.

I'm kinda sad I missed Great Divide on their reunion tour for my second chance to actually see them, but I can't lie, I was kind of a late comer to jump on that bandwagon. Like, I didn't even listen to them till they were over, so really no hard feelings there.

Me and Corey got there right at Kevin Fowler took the stage. I have never seen the Redneck Messiah live, but I've always heard he puts on a helluva show. I am not the biggest fan of his music because every song is either about beer or redneck women - which are both things i identify with - I just have a higher IQ than that. I miss his old stuff. That being said, LJT is the place for songs about beer and rednecks, so I really did enjoy his entire show. He certainly does put on a hell of a show. The man's an entertainer! No wonder he gets away with re-writing the same old songs over and over. Oh, and HELL YEAH, I like beer.

The Redneck Messiah and Carter's Rita Ballou koozie

Next up, Josh Abbott. I've seen him a million times, ever since he was just "that boy from Idalou." I always claim to not be the biggest Josh Abbott fan, but his concerts are always good and his songs are always good. I really do like his brand new album that just came out and I scrame (past-tense for scream) Flatland Farmer at the top of my lungs. Everybody else sings about cows and this boy sings about cotton and I love that. That's my thang.

Thursday:

Missed the entire acoustic stage Thursday because some more people were showing up and we were just distracted. Didn't miss much. Didn't really know anybody playing except I'd heard of Zac Wilkerson since he won the Blue Light singer/songwriter competition, and of course Gary P. Nun, which I can do without.

We got to the main stage during mark McKinney's show. He's kind of like Kevin Fowler, his songs are all about beer, the river, and rednecks. Again, LJT is just the right place and time for that kind of music, so I enjoyed it. Nothing special though.

Next, one of my favorites, Turnpike Troubadours. They kicked off their set with their new song, Gin, Smoke and Lies, and I was pumped. They were fantastic, as always. I would mary Evan Felker in a heartbeat. My friends joke around about me having a Turnpike fetish, but that's another story.

Somehow I made it up to the very front of the stage for Aaron Watson. Not sure how that happened but I think it had something to do with my boss, who also had tattooed her campsite to my arm earlier int he day when i went to her camper to take a shower and a *glorious* nap. Aaron Watson kind of irritates me. He is corny and sappy, and he may mean it, but I think he found a goldmine in little girls who just like to swoon and he does everything he can to make them swoon and it works. He ain't stupid, but I'm not either. Not falling for it. Moving on. (But I WAS really close!)

Lady's Man!!

What a great boss!

After Aaron was Wade Bowen. I vaguely remember a few of his songs, but I also think I was taking a little capnap on a cooler at that point. He always sounds just like he does on the radio so it was a snoozer, so naturally I took advantage of that.

Randy Rogers was next, and I was just exhausted at that point. I hadn't slept hardly at all the night before and I was just over it. I tried to stick it out and listen to his whole set, but if I am not either as close to the stage as possible or completely have a "fetish" for the band, I find it very hard to pay attention, especially if I've been drinking. So somewhere in his set, I begged my friend Keely to put me to bed in her parents camper. They fed me fajitas and put me to bed and it was the best sleep I've ever gotten.


Friday:


I was so excited for the acoustic stage on Friday because I was FINALLY going to get to see the Damn Quails. I jumped on that bandwagon in the very beginning and I still haven't gotten to see them. Everyone else acted excited to see them too, but we had some more people show up that morning, so between everyone lollygagging, we didn't get there until their second to last song. So I had to hammer some beers to stay friendly. Don't judge.

Next up was Josh Weathers. I had heard of him and maybe listened to him a few times on Spotify, but didn't know much else. HOLY SHIT. He blew me away. I was sort of ignoring him at first because I was ticked about missing the DQs and some hot shirtless guys were nearby, but then I paid a little bit of attention and me and Carter decided he sounded a little like Uncle Lucius and Jonathan Tyler. *WINNING* He straight up took us to church. I've never seen anyone with so much soul in my life. He was sweating and running all over the stage and jamming like nothing I'd ever seen. But more on that later. In fact, an entire separate post on one particular song he sang. I'm waiting because I could go on for days about it and I'm hoping a video surfaces soon.

Whew, enough about him. Clay McClinton was next, and I didn't listen or care because I was in a Josh Weathers hangover. Max Stalling was next, and he was good, which I figured he would be, but then we left somewhere in the middle of his set to go get ready for the main stage and missed Radney Foster.

The opener at the main stage was the lovely Charla Corn. I have never seen her and I usually hate women but she is growing on me. She effortlessly belts out the songs she wrote, that aren't about beer and rednecks and I can identify with. She is a winner in my book. Even if I do want to steal her job at The Ranch.

Six Market Blvd. was next and I have been DYING to see them for YEARS. They kicked it off with their new single, Say It and it rocked. Being from Stephenville they had tons of fans there, so the energy of the crowd was unbeatable. They rocked. Can't wait to see them again. They played some new stuff from Shake It Down and left me longing for May 22nd so I can hear it all.

Mike McClue was next. A guy I work with got me and my best friend Lindsey up to the front of the stage again, but I just wasn't that into it. He is good and different and all, but I was a little very drunk then and not paying much attention.

Mike McClure

Roger Creager was the same deal, good, but nothing special. I was too busy having fun with Lindsey and I can see him any time.

Creager!

Then it was time for Reckless Kelly. Let me tell ya, Lindsey and I have a thing for Reckless Kelly, but I'm not going into that story now. Basically we were just so super pumped to be seeing them again together and we were having so much fun. They put on a great show despite what they've been through lately and it was great to see them in the shirts and ties for the occasion (6MB did that too, and maybe some other bands, sorry if I didn't notice). [Google Mark 'Gus' McCoy if you don't know what I'm talking about.]

Then, closing out the night was Pat Green. He was one of my very first Texas music loves and I have for some reason never gotten to see him live. I heard last year he got booed off the stage, but I think he's made a big comeback and he's back to his old self now. He played a great show and I am SO glad he's back. I have decided that Carry On is probably my all-time favorite song of all-time. Lindsey got some cute tall boy to put me on his shoulders so my short little self could actually see him sing it, then we danced for a few songs and it helped make my first Pat Green experience even better! That was probably my favorite day at LJT all around.

Saturday:


Saturday's acoustic stage wasn't near as good as the day before. I think I stayed for part of Tommy Alverson and went to rest in the shade with my friend Bailey and "refresh" for the mains stage later. I wish I could have seen Josh Grider who opened it, I've liked him ever since he won the Billy Bob's thing last year and the Galleywinter guys always make a big deal about him, but whatevs. I wish I could have heard Walt Wilkins too, but I'm not too crushed.

Now this was the day I have been waiting for for MONTHS. The main stage started with Lubbock-boy (I know he's not really from Lubbock, but he got his start here) William Clark Green. I love me some Will Green and he was awesome. I was up at the front of the stage with a tons of Lubbock people so the energy was awesome and they did great. We were passing around a bottle of American Honey (my FAVORITE) and slapping the bag, so I was getting pretty sloshed at this point. Not to mention it was day four of this and I was hot and hungover and exhausted. But I couldn't be bothered because....

Me, Will and my friend Skylar

COOOOOODDDDERRRR GRRAAWWW!!!!! They are my second favorite band of all time (second only to Ragweed of course) and they broke up when I was practically still a baby and I was so so so sad. I have said for years if I could see any band it would be them, but it would never happen. Well I guess I got my wish! They were incredible. They kicked off with my favorite song of theirs, State Line. They played all the best songs, Llano Estacado (yes, I was really born on the Llano Estacado), Dirty Little Hometown Girl, Whiskey Bent and Hellbound, New Dress,... I could go on and on. Definitely a memorable and once in a lifetime experience and if I didn't go to see any band but them, the entire trip was worth it.

Pretty damn close to the front, I'd say!

Best concert ever.

Now, after all the celebratory drinking with my Lubbock peeps, I needed a little catnap... there's a big chunk after the CG show that I don't remember, but I know I took a nap in a lawn chair, woke up, had a hot dog and a Diet Coke, and I was good to go! Sometimes I just need a little "break." And I'm sorry to any of my new friends who I scared the shit out of, but thankful for my friends who know that's just me.

I was a new woman after my nap and hot dog, and I missed most of the Tejas Brother and Brandon Rhyder. I vaguely remember hearing them, but that's about it. I heard the Tejas Brothers were awesome though! Brandon Rhyder always sounds the same and he is good and all, but not very captivating. He's radio music.

Daryl Dodd was playing about the time I rolled back around. Hearing his music on the radio, I thought he would be a hokey fat old man. Nope, he's hot. He was awesome. Very entertaining and I want to see him again soon. Carter said him and Josh Weathers were the two most surprising and impressive shows. Interesting.

See? Hot.

Jason Boland was next, and I'd seen him a few times before. I love Boland because he is constant and never changes, but again, unless I'm front and center (like I was the last two times I saw him and LOVED him), I just can't get into it. They could have been playing his CD over the stereo and I'd never know the difference.

Larry Joe Taylor closed the show, of course. You can't say no to Larry Joe, in the words of Double D (Deryl Dodd)!! He only played a few songs, and then called everyone back out on the stage. This was another one of my favorite moments. He took us to church with everyone taking turns singing lines of By and By. I think they were making stuff up that had to do with LJT, but I couldn't understand very well. All I know is it was awesome. And adorable little Kylie Rae Harris ended the song and let me tell ya, that girl's got some pipes on her. It was awesome. I swear that song went on for about 30 minutes, but it was alright with me because I didn't want the night to end!

All in all, LJT was a blast and truly the time of my life. I really thought I would not have fun camping out with a bunch of boys and be so done by the second day and find a ride home and never go back. It was kind of the other way around though. Carter was saying that we aren't going till Friday next year, and I want to go on Tuesday!! I could have stayed another week. I am all rested up and I want to drag everyone to Crude Fest in a few weeks for round 2! I have never had so much fun packed into 5 days. It was my kind of fun all the way around.

Red Dirt Randy. I LOVE him! Carter said, "Hallie, that's you in 40 years." I think he may be right!

I'm not the only one who takes power naps in the middle of a crowded concert. 

I love this. Ready to go back right.now.

Love these girls!!!

Lindsey and some co-workers and I front row!

Good times with some of my favorite people!

Thanks for the good times Larry Joe and see ya next year!!!!!

Yeah, that's Carter's 1961 Luxury Liner. Be jealous.

Song of the Day - Say It

I looooove me some Six Market Blvd. I've been a fan since the day I was handed a CD and ordered to listen because they're the next big thing. That was back when nobody had heard of them and now everyone loves them and they're fixing to release their second album in May. I heard the first single off "Shake It Down" yesterday morning called Say It, and let's just say, I am counting down the days till this CD is in my grimy little hands... May 22 come on!