Lots of folks don\u2019t buy albums anymore.\u00a0 They download tracks.\u00a0 Being old-school, I still like to read the liner notes and \u00a0look at the pictures on the package while I\u2019m listening.\u00a0 So for me the choice is a physical cd; a full album of material.\u00a0 No snapshots.<\/p>\n
To be honest, I value silence as much as music, but when I\u2019m in the mood for listening, I\u2019m not looking for an emotional roller coaster.\u00a0 I want something that keeps me feeling happy, keeps my feet tapping, or reminds me of something I haven\u2019t thought about in a while.<\/p>\n
There are a lot of \u2018old\u2019 releases that fit the bill just fine for me, but, being a civilization that\u2019s always looking for \u2018new and better\u2019, I want to share my list of favorite new releases with you.\u00a0 I hope you will do the same, and leave me a comment about YOUR favorite listens!<\/p>\n
Here are my 2012 faves, in no particular order:<\/p>\n
TONY RICE:\u00a0 The Bill Monroe Collection.<\/span><\/strong> (Rounder)<\/strong><\/p>\n This is a compilation of recordings made over a 15-year period, featuring Bill Monroe favorites, played and sung by one of America\u2019s favorite bluegrass musicians.<\/p>\n BILL EVANS:\u00a0 Good Company <\/span><\/strong>(Native and Fine Records)<\/strong><\/p>\n Evans teamed up with Tim O\u2019Brien, Laurie Lewis, The Infamous Stringdusters, and many more to present this varied collection of original, traditional and contemporary collaborations.\u00a0 Mostly instrumental, with some great singing too, and a healthy dose of classic Beatles songs.<\/p>\n LIAM FITZGERALD and The Rainieros:\u00a0 Last Call!<\/span><\/strong> (www.therainieros.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n Full disclosure:\u00a0 I am a western swing\/honky tonk head.\u00a0 I LOVE this album.\u00a0 It\u2019s fun, ALL original, and so rhythmic you just can\u2019t keep your feet still \u2013 and the name \u2013 a chip off ol\u2019 Mt. Rainier!\u00a0 If I could hire one party band, this would be it.<\/p>\n NEW MULTITUDES:\u00a0 Music by Jay Farrar, Will Johnson, Anders Parker and Yim Yames.\u00a0 Lyrics by Woody Guthrie.<\/span><\/strong> (Rounder)<\/strong><\/p>\n At the invitation of Woody Guthrie\u2019s sister Nora, these four musicians set Woody Guthrie\u2019s unpublished lyrics to music and recorded them on this EP.\u00a0 To hear Guthrie\u2019s lyrics plugged into 21st<\/sup> century arrangements makes one realize how timeless they are, and what a lyrical genius he was.\u00a0 2012 is the 100th<\/sup> anniversary of Woody\u2019s birth, and this is a good way to remember him.<\/p>\n