Finest New Music from the Blue Ridge and Past
Each month our editors curate a playlist of latest music, primarily specializing in unbiased artists from the South. In December, we’re highlighting new tunes from Steep Canyon Rangers and Langhorne Slim, in addition to a particular collaboration between the Avett Brothers and Mike Patton of Religion No Extra.
Steep Canyon Rangers
“Circling the Drain”
Graham Sharp, banjo wiz of the North Carolina bluegrass heroes Steep Canyon Rangers, penned the lyrics and takes lead vocals on this new standalone single, an uplifting acoustic anthem about resilience within the face of adversity. “I’m a survivor,” Sharp sings within the refrain, whereas his bandmates’ nimble choosing helps elevate the message. – J.F.
Langhorne Slim
“Rock N Roll”
“We’re gonna rock and roll tonight,” sings Langhorne Slim, on this standout from his new album “The Dreamin’ Form.” And the folks revivalist isn’t kidding, as he makes a pivot to energy pop on this propulsive tune that options loads of fuzz and distortion. To seek out that rock edge, Slim enlisted Greta Van Fleet’s Sam F. Kiszka to provide his newest report, which comes out January 16. – J.F.
The Barons
“Spider Track”
In an ever-increasing technological world, life’s little pleasures too usually slip by unnoticed as we focus so intently on the make-believe life shared with us on our screens. On “Spider Track,” Peyton Alley, of Richmond, Va., rockers The Barons, notes this disparity, lamenting the disharmony between the fantastic thing about the pure world and the anxieties of cyber-insecurity over a playful groove punctuated by silky sax highlights and acoustic guitar runs. – D.S.
Kate & Brendan
“Goodbye Ruby”
A songwriter’s inspiration usually comes from essentially the most uncommon of locations. Kate Gregory, the fiddling half of the acoustic duo Kate & Brendan, started crafting the fiddle components to what would develop into “Goodbye Ruby” after bidding farewell to her cherished Subaru. An excellent instrumental carried out together with her musical accomplice Brendan Hearn on cello, “Goodbye Ruby” ruminates on the fleeting nature of fabric issues and the enjoyment to be present in abiding recollections. – D.S.
The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton
“Everlasting Love”
Laborious rock influences are ever current within the roots-leaning sound of the Avett Brothers, so it’s not an enormous stretch for Scott and Seth to workforce up a hero from their youth—Mike Patton of Religion No Extra. Collectively they only launched a self-titled album beneath the title AVTT/PTTN, and the lead single is an enticingly woozy country-folk ballad that ponders the bumpy however rewarding aspects of true long-term dedication. – J.F.
Snocaps
“Cherry Laborious Sweet”
Music followers obtained a deal with on Halloween, when Snocaps, a brand new supergroup that includes Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield, alongside her twin sister Allison, MJ Lenderman, and Brad Prepare dinner, dropped a shock debut album. This standout from the self-titled effort has a candy, jangly rock association and a big-hearted singalong refrain, however the lyrics supply clever reflection on how love can finally flip bitter. – J.F.
Bob Dylan
“A Laborious Rain’s A-Gonna Fall”
Clocking in at a bit greater than two and half hours, the deluxe version of “Via the Open Window: The Bootleg Collection Vol. 18, 1956-1963” is a should have for any Bob Dylan fan. Spanning eight discs, the gathering chronicles Dylan’s adolescence and accommodates beforehand unreleased recordings from studio classes, coffeehouse gigs, and home concert events. Included within the compilation is the whole lot of Dylan’s legendary 1963 efficiency at Carnegie Corridor, combined from the unique recordings and that includes this rendition of his iconic “A Laborious Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.” – D.S.
Clay Road Unit
“Choctaw County”
On “Choctaw County,” Clay Road Unit’s Sam Walker swaps vocals with Lindsay Lou, his raspy baritone and her sultry alto sharing a memory of a love that has waned. Collectively they provide pleasant harmonies over echoes of pedal metal and banjo, remaining imprecise over who left and who was left behind however leaving little doubt that each lovers look again with remorse over a love that has run its course. – D.S.
