25. Jack White – Blunderbuss – Jack White is back with his first solo record since “the breakup” and he’s back to true form in only the way that he can be. Its a freaked out, rocked out, album with a funky new band. The record is totally solid, gritty, twangy and a million other -y’s you can add. It’s Jack White, need I say more? Listen: Jack White – Sixteen Saltines| Buy: Blunderbuss
24. Field Report – Field Report – Born of a pedigree that we’ve talked about ad nauseum (Bon Iver) Chris Porterfield released a record full of beautiful airy folk songs that prove just how good of a songwriter he is. The quiet guitar plucking, Porterfield’s gritty voice, and the ethereal sounds of the keys and electronic samples really make this one stick out. Listen: Field Report – Taking Alcatraz | Buy: Field Report
23. River City Extension – Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Your Anger – This record is the coalescence of folk sensibilities and the blast of punk energy that few bands can match. On their second record now, RCE seems to be finding their voice behind the maturing songwriting of Joe Michelini. River City Extension has built a new record with poignant songs of remorse, love and redemption. It’s a well crafted record that tugs at the heart, cranks the volume at points, and brings to light a budding songsmith in Michelini. It’s definitely a more mature, album that shows a band growing into their own. Listen: River City Extension – Welcome To Pittsburgh | Buy: Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Your Anger
22. JEFF the Brotherhood – Hypnotic Nights – The Nashvillian brothers Jake and Jamin Orrall blast us again with heavy heavy rock riffs, tunes that bring to mind loud music in a t-top firebird. Hypnotic Nights is that record you play loud and proud. It’s the garage rock album you’ve got to listen to, with all the fuzz, pop and smash you are expecting and honestly, need. Listen: JEFF the Brotherhood – Sixpack | Buy: Hypnotic Nights
21. Justin Townes Earle – Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now – Another fantastic record from the Americana and Folk heir Justin Townes Earle, as he released another well written (understatement) record of introspective songs that span topics from personal demons to relationships. The record’s title is too perfect, as this record is more of a business as usual, but that might cheapen just how good it is. It’s the kind of record you can play, and it seems as though he’s sitting in your living room, or in your passenger seat, playing the songs just for you. It’s special, it reaches you just in the right way, and it adds to the lore of one of the best songwriters in music today. Listen: Justin Townes Earle – Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now | Buy: Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now
For some reason I always thought Jamin was in Turbo Fruits, but evidently I had him confused with Jonas Stein. I dunno how I never picked up the JEFF/Be Your Own PET connection, if for no other reason than the odd capitalizations, or even the Queen connection. Either way, such a great record. One of my favorites of the year.
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