By The Beachwood Rock Local Affairs Desk
We received an e-mail a few days ago from Bloodshot HQ reminding us of all the label’s great releases this year, so we’ve taken that e-mail and added a little value with some additional links, tweaks, videos, etc.
“Boy, did this year just fly by! We released 11 albums in the last 12 months, and we have no plans for settling down next year. In fact, 2014 will mark the celebration of Bloodshot’s 20th Anniversary, so expect some special announcements and celebration plans in the coming months. Here is a reminder of what we’ve released throughout 2013 for your year-end list.”
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ROGER KNOX AND THE PINE VALLEY COSMONAUTS
Stranger In My Land
Released: February 12, 2013
“This album isn’t just a fascinating cultural artifact; it’s a powerfully moving musical statement that demands attention.” – Exclaim.ca
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MP3: “Stranger In My Country”
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At the Old Town School in 2012:
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WAYNE HANCOCK
Ride
Released: February 26
“No matter what the calendar says, it’s always a Saturday night when you’re listening to Wayne ‘The Train’ Hancock.” – Engine 145
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In Texas in November:
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DEADSTRING BROTHERS
Cannery Row
Released: April 9
“Their most varied, and rewarding album to date . . . offering tunes that span the spectrum between strum-driven Americana, to an ample dose of classic rock hooks, to tried and true singer-songwriter woven narratives.” – No Depression
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In Salt Lake City in July:
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LUKE WINSLOW-KING
The Coming Tide
Released: April 23
” . . . a boiled-down live, almost improvised, sound that seamlessly melds Delta blues, gospel and jazz themes with personal, simplified lyrics that speak to his personal and artistic evolution. It also makes for one heck of a road trip companion.” – New York Times T Magazine
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At FitzGerald’s in July:
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JC BROOKS & THE UPTOWN SOUND
Howl
Released: May 21
“Howl is soul with its jacket off.” – NPR Music
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In Philadelphia in November:
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EDDIE SPAGHETTI
The Value of Nothing
Released: June 18
” . . . approaches his rootsy solo project from the perspective of a punk rocker who grew up in a country town. The Value of Nothing shows off both influences plus all the wild-man energy of Spaghetti’s live shows.” – CMT Edge
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On KEXP in February:
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BARRENCE WHITFIELD AND THE SAVAGES
Dig Thy Savage Soul
Released: August 13
“Thrilling comeback by Boston belter with ire in his belly . . . a ferocious blast of distorted guitar riffs, skronking sax and explosive testifying. 4 out 5 stars.” – MOJO Magazine (UK)
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In St. Louis in November:
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ROBBIE FULKS
Gone Away Backward
Released: August 27
“Gone Away Backward is a work of great, accomplished craft about the pointlessness of crafting anything you care about, because the world is just going to ruin it on you. That is, if you don’t ruin it yourself by drinking it away.” – Fresh Air
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In Los Angeles earlier this month:
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HA HA TONKA
Lessons
Released: September 24
“At once gritty and delicate, owing as much to Paul Simon as Big Star; shaped by the sound of gospel as much as garage rock.” – WNYC
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In Kansas City in November:
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LYDIA LOVELESS
Boy Crazy
Released: November 5
“Love this woman. Love her. Is ‘Stevie Nicks singing lead on Born to Run‘ overstating it? Probably, but too bad. The cowpunk queen of Columbus, Ohio, softens up and de-emphasizes both the cow and the punk here, but she’s still more likely to throw the table at you than settle for drinking you under it.” – SPIN
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In Columbus, Ohio, in September:
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THE BOTTLE ROCKETS
Bottle Rockets and the Brooklyn Side Reissue
Released: November 19
“Craftsmanship and inspiration that defy genre, with choruses and bridges that seem eternal.” – LA Weekly
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In Germany in 2005:
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Comments welcome.
Posted on December 31, 2013