Rough Times

 

Alright alright, we're finally ready: presenting FTSOTS's best trappmusik of annus horribilis 2020. Fifteen highlights no amigo da musica should be without. From elder statesmen to postpunk heroes, from spiritual jazzcats to Americana masters, with masked freaks making a surprise appearance... Be prepared: we're travellin' from Texas to Stockholm to Taiwan and all the way back again, and boarding starts now. Voluminous artwork (what, no eleven?) by that mysterious shawoman called Tinca. A musical wish for 2021: the return of live music. Pretty please?

• Ak'chamel, The Giver Of Illness - The Totemist
• Bob Dylan - Rough And Rowdy Ways
• Bob Mould - Blue Hearts
• Bonny Light Horseman - s/t
• Coriky - s/t
• Gillian Welch & David Rawlings - All The Good Times
• Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids - Shaman!
• Jason Isbell - Reunions
• Jerry David DeCicca - The Unlikely Optimist
• Jerry Joseph - The Beautiful Madness
• Kungens Män - Trappmusik
• Mong Tong - Mystery
• Rose City Band - Summerlong
• The Third Mind - s/t
• Wire - Mind Hive

Bob Dylan - Key West (Philosopher Pirate)

Idris Ackamoor & The Pyramids - Eternity

Kungens Män - Senvägen

Tilt-A-Whirl

 

Been enjoying a pre-release copy of this warm and charming lil' record since the hot days of July, and as of now, you can all follow the ongoing adventures of Jerry David DeCicca. The musician and producer from the Midwest has been living in sunny Texas for a while now, and his third solo outing has a true lone star vibe to it, toads and all. Hell, he even managed to get Augie Meyers of Sir Doug fame to play along. Might as well dig in, y'all.

Jerry David DeCicca - Coffee Black

Ghost Train

A gritty beauty by singer/songwriter Chris Gantry. Comes from last year's Nashlantis, an album expertly produced by Jerry David DeCicca. Dude makes it a habit to bring out the best in ageing outlaws.

Chris Gantry - Life Well Lived

Reason Why

Another pair of interesting voices from the States. First up is erstwhile Black Swans foreman Jerry David DeCicca, who just released a strong second solo album called Burning Daylight. Honest and uplifting heartland rock from Texas with Lou Reed-like vocals, well worth your time. Next comes Israel Nash, who wants us to file his new record under 'hippie spiritual', and why wouldn't we? It's less Americana and more strings and stuff this time around, which takes some getting used to. Lifted is definitely worth a spin though.

Jerry David DeCicca - Cutting Down The Country
Israel Nash - Lucky Ones

Yellow & Blue

If this one doesn't remind you of vintage Lou Reed I don't know what will. From Time The Teacher, the stately new album by former Black Swans frontman Jerry David DeCicca. Wrinkled and true indeed.

Jerry David DeCicca - Grandma's Tattoo

And speaking of the Black Swans, here’s a couple of fine tunes from way back when to remember them by. Cock-a-doodle-doo!

The Black Swans - Rooster
The Black Swans - Joe Tex

Jive Five

Haven't heard that much exciting new tunage recently to be honest, but these babies struck me as pretty cool. Let's start off with Woods, who sound a lot more poppy all of a sudden on what is already album #8, With Light And With Love. A track like Shepherd proves they haven't lost that magic touch though. Tasty pedal steel, lads! Meanwhile up in Scotland, King Creosote composed a way interesting soundtrack to a documentary about his home country. It's titled From Scotland With Love, and I love it right back. After the demise of the mighty Black Swans, Jerry David DeCicca now goes it alone. If you like your folk real dark and moody, the resulting Understanding Land will be right up your alley. Amy and Dan from Village Of Spaces have been at it again, too. Welcome In is out on their own Turned World imprint, and if Wheels doesn't charm your socks off I don't know what will. And last but not least, let me present Alice Gerrard, a lady who's been playing folk and bluegrass for over fourty years. Her new offering Follow The Music was produced by none other than Hiss Golden Messenger's MC Taylor, which is a recommendation in itself methinks.

Woods - Shepherd
King Creosote - Cargill
Jerry David DeCicca - Before The Storm
Village Of Spaces - Wheels
Alice Gerrard - Boll Weevil