The fourth quarter technically stretches into December, but that’s mostly reissues and holiday tunes so I figured it’d be ok to post the list before then. Roughly divided into three sections, it contains new releases from October and November 2013 as well as a number of previously released tracks that I heard for the first time or heard anew this fall.
Bobby Womack gets the party started, a choice inspired when I saw “Jackie Brown” for the first time this fall. The opening sequence where Womack’s “Across 110th Street” walks, then runs Jackie across the airport terminal is great. A string of R&B greats and up-and-comers follows.
Next is Lucius, a group from New York that nails girl-group sing-alongs, bluesy strummers and should-be chart topping pop. Their 2013 debut, “Wildewoman”, has something for everybody. They kick-off a run of indie music’s retro-coolest rock and roll.
My list finishes up with country songs inspired by legends and country-ish songs inspired by everything. “Crown of Thorns” sounds like Cash. Sturgill Simpson’s outlaw inspired tunes bring back Waylon Jennings. Houndmouth and Truth and Salvage Company bring back every road-hardened “The” from The Band to The Eagles.
Enjoy and make sure to share your own favorites and playlists in the comments here and on Twitter (@pwolfgram).