Keep Dreaming

Inexplicably, the opener of Chris Forsyth's new album proves nothing but a weak Television pastiche. I was just thinking that he could do so much better when things indeed picked up, culminating in the absolute highlight of the title track: an inventive and hypnotic stretched-out thing of beauty. Here goes.
Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel Band - Dreaming In The Non-Dream

Mark My Words

Luis Moneo Lara, younger brother of the more famous cantaor El Torta, is a rarity in flamenco circles, as he's not just a singer but an accomplished guitarist as well. On his first solo effort at 56, he's backed by his son Juan though. Great stuff con corazón from Jerez.
Luis Moneo - Mi Parecito Juan

Come On In Here

Mr. Young originally decided not to release Hitchhiker because he felt these David Briggs-produced, single night acoustic '76 recordings sounded too stoned somehow for his liking. The majority of this strong collection of songs, featuring such classics as Campaigner and Powderfinger, would eventually find its way to later albums of course, but to hear this stripped-down, mellow and intimate session after all these years is truly a joy.
Neil Young - Hawaii

Time Hurts

Just got the sad news that Grant Hart has passed away. Hüsker Dü's legendary singing drummer was only 56, way way too young. Miss him.
Hüsker Dü - Sorry Somehow
Hüsker Dü - Pink Turns To Blue
Grant Hart - 2541

Meet Me Here

"A falcon presses up against a birch tree in a thin white dress..." Bit late to the party, as this one came out last January already. Expertly produced by Iron & Wine's Sam Beam, Tift Merritt's Stitch Of The World is simply too strong to be overlooked though.
Tift Merritt - Proclamation Bones

So Far Away

Back with some killer psych from 1969 by Brazil's Os Brazões, who rose to fame as tropicália star Gal Costa's backing band. For some reason they only managed to make one sole album, which is well worth tracking down.
Os Brazões - Tão Longe De Mim

Castle Made Of Sand

"Me pongo mirando al mar, veo como las olas unas vienen y otras van..." Moving in a southwesterly direction for some rest & recreation. First up: a flying visit to Jerez de la Frontera flamenco city, to attend the jubilee edition of the famous Buleria festival. Back in a week or two, hasta luego!
El Camarón De La Isla -  Como Castillo De Arena

On My Own

The bearded one returns with an album that harks back to his earlier lofi efforts, and that's a good thing if you ask me. Welcome back, old buddy.
Iron & Wine - Bitter Truth

Kiss Your Boy

Gillian Welch must be struggling with one of her frequent writer's blocks, as it's up to her trusted sidekick David Rawlings to deliver the goods again. Which he does with verve, backed by a rootsy full band and Welch helping out on percussion and background vocals. If you're in need of a delicious and diverse collection of Americana, look no further.
David Rawlings - Cumberland Gap

Head 'Em Up

This one's for the freaks: a lavish 5 cd box full of bluegrass treasure, brought to you by Richard Weize, a guy who used to work for the acclaimed Bear Family reissue label. They contain all the songs legendary bluegrass maestro Bill Monroe recorded for the Decca label between 1950 and '51, including numerous outtakes. Flowers are blooming indeed.
Bill Monroe - The First Whippoorwill (take 7)
Bill Monroe - Rawhide (take 6)

Just Like Jack The Ripper

An intriguing, trippy take on a stone cold Dead classic. Settle down easy, why don't you.
Dead Rider - Ramble On Rose