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

Doesn't Really Matter

 

Here's a Waylon-tastic taste from Dave Alvin's recent From An Old Guitar: Rare And Unreleased Recordings. "It's a measure of people who don't understand, the pleasures of life in a rock & roll band..." Indeed.

Dave Alvin - Amanda

Earlier this year, Alvin was clearly pining for the days when the Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service and the Allmans ruled the roost. With his Third Mind project he didn't mind going retro all the way with five covers from the psychedelic sixties and one original. Below, he takes on Bonnie Dobson's immortal post-apocalyptic lament Morning Dew, featuring Jesse Sykes on vocals. For some cool anecdotes from the master Blaster himself, disappear here.

The Third Mind - Morning Dew