Just Go Away

Authentic garage rock with a surfy twist by Los Pekenikes, coming to you from swingin' sixties Madrid. Find it on Algo Salvage, a fun compilation chock-a-block with tasty Spanish beat nuggets.
Los Pekenikes - Vete Ya

Take It All In

Yet another reimagining of Gil Scott-Heron's landmark comeback album I'm New Here? Well, why not. Jamie xx already did such a thing the electro way back in 2011, a year after the original came out, and now it's Makaya McCraven's turn. The jazz drummer and band leader from the Windy City does a fine and subtle job here, jazzing things up in fine style. New again indeed. Listen and compare below if you please.
Makaya McCraven - New York Is Killing Me
Jamie xx - NY Is Killing Me
Gil Scott-Heron - New York Is Killing Me

Don't Be Fooled

Used to be a big Scuds fan back in the mid-nineties, but I only recently found out that the boys actually recorded a reunion album back in 2013. Bought it immediately of course, and wasn't disappointed at all. Still charmed by their elegance I guess...
Scud Mountain Boys - The Mendicant

Exhibit A

Elkhorn, minimal and magical string duo from New York, got snowed in and made the best of it. On the Storm Sessions, they deliver the psych-folk guitar goods with a helping hand from their pal Turner Williams on electric bouzouki. John Fahey, to name but one of their inspirations, would have loved this for sure. Oh, and don't forget to check out their equally cool Lagniappe Session here.
Elkhorn - Electric One (Part A)

Etched In Promise

"I’m searching for the mixture that could paint a pretty picture of the wind blowing through Rosemary’s hair..." Can the Truckers still pull it off? Of course they can, just listen to that fine track below. Don't expect a return to the glory days of The Dirty South or Southern Rock Opera though, as these are well in the past. Which is probably another way of saying that I still miss their classic line-up with Jason Isbell.
Drive-By Truckers - Rosemary With A Bible And A Gun

Coast To Coast

This new volume of Dave's Picks takes us back to 1977, a renaissance year for the Dead. And although this DeKalb university gig lacks the quality of near-mythical Cornell or even Binghamton, it's still solid all around. Hey now, you can't find a ride like that no more...
Grateful Dead - Might As Well (live DeKalb '77)

Thing Or Two

Picked up two old albums by the underrated Richard Buckner recently - Devotion + Doubt and Since - and they sure as hell don't disappoint. Lend him your ear, too.
Richard Buckner - A Goodbye Rye
Richard Buckner - Jewelbomb

Rough And Rocky

Just got the sad news that Paul English passed away yesterday. The longtime drummer for Willie Nelson, immortalized in the lovely Me And Paul, was 87. Miss him.
Willie Nelson - Me And Paul

Agitates The Soul

New sounds from the fair city of Dublin. Land Of No Junction by Aoife Nessa Frances proves a confident and adventurous chamber pop debut. All kinds of subtle sonic touches keep things interesting, which just may be the work of co-producer by Cian Nugent (how about a new album of yours too mate?). Give it a spin why don't you. You might get hooked.
Aoife Nessa Frances - Libra

Of This Age

The unique mr. Fay is back, and that's a good thing. What's more, Countless Branches may be his best album since the classic Time Of The Last Persecution from '71. Fragile, piano-based songs of wonder to soothe our weary souls. Don't forget to buy the deluxe version for some interesting bonus tracks, some with full band.
Bill Fay - In Human Hands

Well-Versed

Language hair extensions anyone? I more or less lost interest in Wire post 154, but some forty years later their new Mind Hive reeled me straight back in. Like time stood still maybe, but hey, that's ok. Pleasant surprises by childhood heroes are quite rare after all. I'm flying the pink flag again.
Wire - Cactused

Comes To Town

As he's busy in various other art forms as well, Terry Allen's recorded oeuvre is quite small, but it's always consistent in quality. Cue his fine new album Just Like Moby Dick, which sounds a tad less country than we're used to. On the earworm below the Texan even reaches rather unexpectedly for a Tom Waitsian vibe. "The clowns ain't so funny anymore..."
Terry Allen - City Of The Vampires

Hey Hey

Sparkling interpretations of ye olde folk songs featuring Anais Mitchell, Fruit Bat Eric D. Johnson and erstwhile Hiss sideman Josh Kaufman. Together they form Bonny Light Horseman and here's one for the itty bitty baby. Great stuff.
Bonny Light Horseman - Jane Jane

Great Expectations

Just got the sad news Andy Gill has passed away. The innovative guitarist of the Gang Of Four, largely responsible for their trademark angular postpunk sound, was only 64. I remember being totally blown away as a young lad when I saw the mighty Leeds foursome on stage back in 1979. Miss him.
Gang Of Four - Natural's Not In It