Some good stuff this year, but not such a great strike rate of americana icons as 2011. Surprisingly (to me) my list includes some Brits, or should I say Europeans, this year.
1. Phantom Limb – The Pines: like the Alabama Shakes, only way, way better
2. Dayna Kurtz – Secret Cannon Vol. 1: like the Little Willies, only with balls
3. Chris Robinson Brotherhood – Silver Arrow: ‘let your chariot swing low’
4. Sean Taylor – Love Against Death: Britfolk guitarist thrives in Austin, Texas
5. Sacri Cuori – Rosario: the best Italian contender (ever?)
6. V/A – This One’s For Him: the perfect Christmas present for anyone who hasn’t already got it
7. The Staves – Dead & Born & Grown: like the Be Good Tanyas, only from Watford
8. Lyle Lovett – Release Me: a mixed year for Englebert Humperdink
9. Eyvand Kang – Narrow Garden: interesting, but not as good as his great Virginal Coordinates (2003)
10.Dave Alvin – Eleven: because Alvin is a genius and a treasure
