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If somebody sings that "Bitches" song around me...

When one of Farce the Music's jokes gets a negative reaction

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American Aquarium songs:

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Matthew's Top 10 Albums of 2018

by Matthew Martin

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1- Brandi Carlile - By The Way, I Forgive You

Brandi Carlile's album this year was by far and away the album I listened to the most and the one that had the most emotional punch.  Brandi's voice is perfectly suited to the songs of heartbreak, being a new mother, and being a touring musician.  The production is immaculate and if Hold Out Your Hand doesn't get you moving, you're clearly a lost hope. This is a perfect, timeless album.

2- American Aquarium - Things Change

When BJ lost his band a couple of years ago due to whatever reasons, I thought the American Aquarium name would be retired.  Instead, BJ found a new backing band and came back stronger than ever.  These are some BJ's strongest songs he's written since Burn. Flicker. Die. And, the band!  I'll be damned if this band doesn't seem even tighter.  When BJ has been at his lowest point, band-wise, he's given us masterpieces and this album is no exception.  

3- Lucero - Among The Ghosts

To follow Lucero's career has been an amazing transition from country/punk 4 piece to a straight-up Memphis rock and roll band complete with a horns section.  For their 9th (or 10th if you count The Attic Tapes) studio album, the guys took it back to their roots and left the horns out for the most part.  What they gave us was their best album since 1372 Overton Park.  It's a musically concise album cutting away any fat and letting the songs and band speak for themselves.  Ben Nichols has written some of his most interesting songs to date about Civil War battles, touring, and shoot-outs.  In a catalog full of incredible albums, this one is certainly at the top.

4- Cody Jinks - Lifers

I remember when I first heard Cody Jinks a few years ago, I wasn't immediately a fan.  I don't remember what made me think that- maybe just wasn't in the right headspace or something.  But, that has completely changed.  Jinks released the album that will likely (and seems to already have) boost him to the ranks of Simpson or, potentially even Stapleton.  Jinks's voice is velvety smooth and his band is right on the mark.  The songs are a perfect mix of hard-life livers, hard-night havers, and hard-love lovers.  It's incredibly relatable to those listening and it's the kind of tunes we've come to expect out of Jinks over the last few years.  Yet another very good album in Jinks's short, but incredibly respectable output.

5- Ryan Culwell - The Last American

This album hit me harder than any other album on this list.  Just by sheer surprise and being completely blown away by Culwell's voice and music composition.  This is the album it takes folks quite a few albums into their career to get to.  But, this is Culwell's 3rd.  And it's a masterpiece.  The songs are barnburners and gut-wrenchers.  It's a perfect mix.  This is perfect Southern American music.  It sounds like Tom Petty channeling Mark Knopfler.  There's going to be a lot to hear from Culwell in the future, so I definitely suggest you go ahead and hop on the bandwagon now. 

6- Great Peacock - Gran Pavo Real

I've been a fan of Great Peacock for a few years now and after their last album, I was excited to see where they would go.  As I would go to shows over the next few years, it became clear they were going to go in a more electric direction.  And, they absolutely did.  This album is a rocker full of the harmonies and introspective lyrics you've come to expect.  This is the one you reach for on Saturday night around midnight.  

7- Caleb Caudle - Crushed Coins

Caudle has been pumping out perfect country songs for a while now.  On Crushed Coins, Caudle hit his full stride.  The songs are his best set of songs he's put out.  The music and production are absolutely perfectly suited for his voice and his songs.  NYC In The Rain is a perfect song and a perfect Caleb Caudle song.  I don't think there's anyone else I can imagine singing this song other than Caudle.  If you haven't checked out Caudle, this album is the one to start with.  It's Caudle at his best.

8- Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears - The Difference Between Me and You

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears have been making music for over 10 years now and let me tell you, they haven't lost a step.  If anything the music has grown more electric, more biting, and louder.  2018 Black Joe Lewis is still writing those 2008 funky party songs, but now he's writing songs about issues he sees going on in this country.  If you like The Stooges, James Brown, and pissed off Steve Earle, this is the album for you.

9- The Pollies - Transmissions

I'm a sucker for any album The Pollies put out.  In my mind, they're one of the best bands out there and it's a complete shame that more people don't know them.  On Transmissions, The Pollies have written a perfect set of Southern pop rock songs.  It's hard not to bob your head along to these songs.  If you've been looking for our generations answer to Big Star, you have no need to look any further.  Keep an eye on The Pollies and do yourself a favor and buy this album.

10- Whitey Morgan and the .78s - Hard Times and White Lines

When it comes to straight-up, hard-edged country, there's not a single person doing it better than Whitey Morgan.  He and his band have again written a damn incredible country album.  You can always bet the bank on Morgan to only release the best of the best.  You will not get filler or cheap songs.  You're going to get songs about living out on the road, the things that does to relationships, and ways to pass the time when out on the road.  It ain't a pretty life, but when Morgan sings about it, it sure makes you wanna try it out for a while.

Farce the Music's Top 10 Albums of 2018

Like numbers 11-25, these were voted on by all Farce the Music contributors.

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10. Dallas Moore - Mr. Honky Tonk

This is the album where Dallas Moore took a huge step forward. He's always been good, but on Mr. Honky Tonk, the songwriting, vocals, and especially the production all came together. Normally I'd not even consider voting for an album with only 8 tunes, but when the material is this strong, there's nothing wrong with delivering a short, powerful punch. Moore knows for damn sure who he is and on Mr. Honky Tonk, that comes through loud and clear. Check out "You Know the Rest" and "Somewhere Between Bridges." ~Trailer

9. Whitey Morgan & The 78s - Hard Times & White Lines

When it comes to straight-up, hard-edged country, there's not a single person doing it better than Whitey Morgan.  He and his band have again written a damn incredible country album.  You can always bet the bank on Morgan to only release the best of the best.  You will not get filler or cheap songs.  You're going to get songs about living out on the road, the things that does to relationships, and ways to pass the time when out on the road.  It ain't a pretty life, but when Morgan sings about it, it sure makes you wanna try it out for a while. ~Matthew Martin

8. Ruston Kelly - Dying Star

One for the misfits, but who among us isn’t one? At times depressing, funny and hopeful, and with a dash of redemptive potential. And it’s oh, so very pleasing to the ear. Comparisons to Ryan Adams are inevitable. So far, though, Mr. Kelly doesn’t seem to be a full-of-himself douche. ~Kevin Broughton

7. American Aquarium - Things Change

When BJ lost his band a couple of years ago due to whatever reasons, I thought the American Aquarium name would be retired.  Instead, BJ found a new backing band and came back stronger than ever.  These are some BJ's strongest songs he's written since Burn. Flicker. Die. And, the band!  I'll be damned if this band doesn't seem even tighter.  When BJ has been at his lowest point, band-wise, he's given us masterpieces and this album is no exception.  ~MM

6. Joshua Hedley - Mr. Jukebox

The soul of Mr. Jukebox is decidedly unhip by mainstream Nashville standards, but the songs are glorious throwbacks to guys like Ernest Tubb, George Jones or Buck Owens. The reason Mr. Jukebox succeeds is his backbone of traditionalism, not only in character, but also because of Ole’ Hed’s dedication to the heart of real country music. Hedley’s fiddle furiously battles his smooth vocal runs with a multi-disciplined attack that's just damned good music. Joshua Hedley can strum a guitar, sing with a clean, clear harmonious range, and write lyrics that are not only witty, but also painstakingly crafted so that the words on some of the record’s tracks land like guy punches. ~Robert Dean

5. Cody Jinks - Lifers

Cody is just taunting the Satanists running Nashville now, showing these soulless, undead beings what a country record could be on their radio stations. ~KB

I remember when I first heard Cody Jinks a few years ago, I wasn't immediately a fan.  I don't remember what made me think that- maybe just wasn't in the right headspace or something.  But, that has completely changed.  Jinks released the album that will likely (and seems to already have) boost him to the ranks of Simpson or, potentially even Stapleton.  Jinks's voice is velvety smooth and his band is right on the mark.  The songs are a perfect mix of hard-life livers, hard-night havers, and hard-love lovers.  It's incredibly relatable to those listening and it's the kind of tunes we've come to expect out of Jinks over the last few years.  Yet another very good album in Jinks's short, but incredibly respectable output. ~MM

4. Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour

An album chock full of beautifully arranged, damn-near perfectly delivered, radio-ready singles that for some reason didn't find their way to Country Radio. It's a shame that format has bent over backwards to completely ignore and ostracize women because Musgraves made the best Country record of the year by a wide margin. I guess the Country Radio folks need to make sure there's always enough room on the charts for any dude named Luke who might decide to release a single at some point. ~Kasey Anderson

3. Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You

Brandi’s finest album since The Story (which will always be in my Top 10 of all-time). “The Joke” is simply gorgeous and a song of the year contender. This Dave Cobb produced platter got some serious Grammy nom love and for good reason. ~Scott Colvin

2. Jamie Lin Wilson - Jumping Over Rocks

I’ll be honest, this album is so beautifully understated in its delivery that I almost had it around number 12. Then I sat down & listened again. What Jamie Lin Wilson has done is monumental. She covers perhaps the greatest song Guy Clark ever wrote, and it fits the album. If you’re looking for who’s going to fill those shoes, the answer is still “nobody”, but this album is a tour de force. Jamie Lin Wilson is a generational talent who deserves every bit of acclaim she receives, and then some.  ~Kelcy Salisbury

I love this freaking album. So classy and classic sounding. "The Being Gone" and "Death and Life" are amazing songs. ~Trailer

1. Lucero - Among the Ghosts

To follow Lucero's career has been an amazing transition from country/punk 4 piece to a straight-up Memphis rock and roll band complete with a horns section. For their 9th (or 10th if you count The Attic Tapes) studio album, the guys took it back to their roots and left the horns out for the most part.  What they gave us was their best album since 1372 Overton Park.  It's a musically concise album cutting away any fat and letting the songs and band speak for themselves.  Ben Nichols has written some of his most interesting songs to date about Civil War battles, touring, and shoot-outs.  In a catalog full of incredible albums, this one is certainly at the top. ~MM

Good to see Farce the Music's unofficial house band finally make our top spot! ~Trailer

What Your Favorite 2018 Album Says About You 2

Post Malone - Beerbongs & Bentleys

You never use the "hard R." Your dad pays for college, but has threatened to cut you off if you come home with a face tattoo.

American Aquarium - Things Change

You haven't written a humorous tweet since November 2016. You drive a Nissan Leaf but keep your hidden away Harley tuned up for when it's okay to have fun again.

Whitey Morgan & the .78s - Hard Times and White Lines

You wear shirts with curse words on them to family reunions. When you type "Luke Bryan, never heard of her" on Facebook, your co-workers in the maintenance department all click "like." 

Brandi Carlile - By the Way, I Forgive You

You picked an apartment to rent based on its walking proximity to a Whole Foods. You have broken up with someone based on their bad recycling habits.

Sleep - The Sciences

You aren't really patient, you just smoke a shit ton of weed. You spend more money on eye drops than you do body wash. 

Ashley Monroe - Sparrow

You are horny like 24/7.

Keith Urban - Graffiti U

You're still living pretty comfortably off the divorce settlement, but you sell LulaRoe and essential oils on Facebook for extra cash.

Ashley McBryde - Girl Going Nowhere

You are a thoughtful and passionate connoisseur of music. You have definitely punched a man in the face before.

Godsmack - When Legends Rise

You didn't know they put out an album in 2018, but it must be the best album of the year because they kick ass man! You have punched a woman before.

Father John Misty - God's Favorite Customer

You have had your feces tested, and no, it does not stink. You won't date a woman who's prettier than you. 

American Aquarium / "Crooked + Straight" / Americanafest

What Musical Region Do You Claim?

Album Review / American Aquarium / Things Change

by Matthew Martin

When I heard the news last year that American Aquarium was experiencing a mass exodus of all members except for singer-songwriter BJ Barham, I wondered what form Barham would continue on in.  I knew that he'd continue.  The songwriter in him showed no signs of quit, of having that hard-earned time out on the road be for nothing.  I will admit that I was shocked to hear that the name American Aquarium would continue on with all new members.  But, at the end of the day, Barham's earnest lyrics and dedicated-to-the-craft workmanship is what made American Aquarium truly work.  So, it should be no surprise that the latest output from Barham and new mates is just as impressive as ever.

Barham seems to find that muse of his when his back's against the wall.  When he feels like he's been backed into a corner and the only way to get himself out is to fight like hell.  It's what we saw with 2012's stellar Burn. Flicker. Die.   And now we see it here on Things Change.  I think that muse was burning from both ends of the same candle on this latest output as Barham saw not only the end of his band, but a change in the U.S. that was hard for many to grapple with.

I'll get that political upheaval out of the way first because I think that may turn some folks off.  It shouldn't.  Barham writes from his personal worldview.  You might disagree, but he isn't wrong either.  When he sings of seeing the hate his grandfather fought against being alive and well, it's there.  And, regardless of who won the election of 2016, it was still going to be there.  So, before getting mad at yet another artist who should just "shut up and sing," just listen.  Try understanding that there are folks out there that are worried- on both sides.  We are scared of each other, but we can change that.  Music is one of the things that can, and does, bring us together.  

As far as the other subjects on the album, there is a mighty heavy dose of regret and hope when it comes to losing friends you've had for years.  There's always sadness when you lose someone- whether it be by choice or, god forbid, death.  But, there is always hope and happiness in what that change can bring.  Barham doesn't shirk responsibility for those relationships failing.  He meets them head-on and tries to learn lessons from those failures.  He addresses the man he used to be when he would blame every trouble he had on every woman who did him wrong ("One Day At A Time").  He addresses the booze that always led him astray and towards self-destruction ("I Gave Up The Drinking").  Barham knows he isn't perfect, but his ability to stare his demons in the face with hope is what makes the album so incredibly stunning.  And, that's just the words...

The music on this album is a synthesis of every single American Aquarium album up until now.  There are hard-driving rockers ("Crooked+Straight"), acoustic self-reflective songs ("One Day At A Time"), and straight up country songs ("Work Conquers All").  While the band prior to this iteration was a pretty damn good band, this new band has absolutely crushed any expectations one could have had going into this album.  Barham is the glue holding the band together, sure.  But, the band takes his bare bones songs and kicks them up countless notches.  I don't think Barham could have chosen a better group of musicians for this new era of American Aquarium and I can't wait to hear where this band goes from here.  

So, give these songs a listen.  Take time with them.  Don't get turned off because he says something that might not be what you want to hear.  Hear it from his point of view.  Music is the great equalizer and as always, hope springs eternal.   And don't forget to go see Barham and crew as they come to your town!

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Things Change is available everywhere you enjoy good music.

New Video / American Aquarium / "The World is on Fire"

From the forthcoming album, Things Change.

New Video / American Aquarium / "Tough Folks"

From their forthcoming album, Things Change.

Exclusive Single Premiere: Whiskey in the Pines "Sixteen"

Today we offer you the exclusive single premiere from Florida alt-country outfit Whiskey in the Pines. "Sixteen" is a bass line driven slice of anthemic Americana in the vein of American Aquarium and Ryan Adams. It may take you back to the 90s heyday of alt-country music, when Son Volt was being played on MTV, The Jayhawks were on fire, and Wilco wasn't dad rock. It did me.

There's a bit more bio information and the band's thoughts on "Sixteen" below the player.

Their new EP, Sunshine From the Blue Cactus is available February 2, 2018 from Amazon, iTunes, etc.

What is "Sixteen" about? 

This is one of those songs that just fell out of the sky. To break it down simplistically the song was my way of expressing that in the end, it all works out. There is no doubt that the song is the most personal on the record and it encapsulates this strange emotion I was feeling at the time. My mom had passed, my son had just been born, and in the middle of it all was this feeling of retrospect of what in the hell just happened. We move so fast in life we don’t process what we feel. This was me simply looking back saying to myself “If you would have told me that in one year from now this is where you will be, sitting on this bed, writing this song, I would have called you a bold face liar.” I don’t know if it’s because I am more aware these days or just more grateful but I am still astonished at how unpredictable life can be and how good it really all is.

Who/what were some influences when it came to writing "Sixteen?" 

Oh, it was so long ago it’s tough for me to remember what I may have been listening to at the time. But I remember distinctively watching an interview with Ryan Adams and he was discussing how he knew what kind of song he would be writing based on where he placed his capo. I never really purposely thought of it like that, even though I love using a capo. On “Sixteen” the capo on the guitar is on the 4th fret which brings a bit of a brighter feeling to it. I remember when I was coming up with the melody in my head that I wanted it to be a bit brighter and the best way to do that was to bring the capo to a higher register. So to answer the question I suppose I would tip my hat to Mr. Adams for at least making me realize how powerful the capo can be when tapping into the emotional feel of a song.

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Photo by Pat McDonnel

WHISKEY IN THE PINES - SUNSHINE FROM THE BLUE CACTUS

While Whiskey in the Pines’ hails from Florida, synonymous with endless sunshine

and miles of beaches, the ocean is still a long way from the band’s hometown

Tallahassee. “It’s about a two-hour drive,” says David Lareau, Whiskey in the Pines’

plainspoken singer and principal songwriter. The band’s unmistakably Southern

moniker—a perfect fit for its brand of heartfelt, no-frills Americana—was inspired by

their frequent excursions down US-319 south to the languid shores of the Gulf.

“You’re traveling miles of road surrounded by nothing but pine trees,” he says. “And

a good friend of mine always called me ‘Whiskey.’ I drove out to the beach so often

that when it came time to name the band, it was a pretty straightforward choice.”

For Lareau, Whiskey In The Pines has been at once a new beginning and a much-

needed salve to heal the wounds of a tumultuous year. As the band prepares to

release its new EP, Sunshine From The Blue Cactus (named for drummer Erik

Wutz's admired waitress, Sunshine, who worked the lunch shift at the band’s favorite

haunt), Lareau has been reflecting back on the pothole-filled road that led him to this

point.

 

“When I was writing the songs for Sunshine, My mom had recently passed away,

and I’d also just had my first kid,” Lareau says. “There were all sorts of conflicting

emotions pouring out through the songs. It’s been a journey, for sure.”

 

Lareau’s Florida roots provide the EP’s alt-country songs with a gentle warmth and

sense of connectedness. This is heartland rock & roll, shot through with an ambling,

country-tinged flourishes. There are songs that would perfectly score a backyard

day-drinking session and others that work as peaceful codas to soundtrack the

after-party cleanup. Which makes perfect sense after everything Lareau has

experienced in recent years. On the autobiographical “Sixteen” and shifty love paean

“Do You Believe in Hell,” Lareau ruefully examines his life’s circumstances,

pondering how past decisions have influenced his present state. Elsewhere on the

EP, “Roses” chugs forward with a driving melody reminiscent of Jason Isbell or Ryan

Adams’ earlier work in Whiskeytown. “It’s times like these when you’re driving

through this town / And you’re playing Tom Petty with the windows down,” Lareau

sings on the chorus, delivering his lines with the authenticity of someone, who—like

the rock legend he name-checks—knows small-town Southern life firsthand.  

 

Inspiration comes to Lareau in many forms. An avid distance runner, he often works

up melodic ideas as he pounds the pavement, reveling in the solitary miles. And, of

course, life in Tallahassee is inseparable from college football and the Florida State

Seminoles—it was at a tailgate where Lareau came up with the framework for what

would become the somber “Drunk with My Friends.” Sometimes, though, the tunes

come together until the pressure is on to record, which was the case with “Roses.”

“My first stab at writing that song came out really dark, which wasn’t a great fit for the

upbeat melody,” Lareau says. “I was stuck on it for a while but ended up pulling out

some new lyrics the night before we cut it. Everyone loved the spontaneity, so we

went with it.”

 

Lareau writes quickly and trusts his instincts. He may edit things later upon further

reflection or after hearing input from his bandmates, but he knows he’s at his best

when he strikes while the iron is hot. “For ‘Sixteen,’ I literally picked up the guitar with

the melody in my head laid down with my wife and son beside me, and wrote the

lyrics on my phone in ten minutes,” he says. “I luckily found the right words that

rhyme at 3:30 in the morning.”

 

Though Lareau anchors the band as frontman and songwriter, Whiskey In the Pines

is a collaborative affair and his bandmates have the chops to make these tunes

really hum. Bassist Aaron Halford and guitarist Kelly Chavers are longtime pals. Noel

Hartough produced the band’s new EP while Erik Wutz handled drums on the

recordings, and ace session musician Barrett Williams soars on pedal steel. The

band dynamic and this new set of songs have energized Lareau as he prepares to hit

the road in support of Sunshine From The Blue Cactus. 

 

“We’re really proud of this one,” he says. “We want people to remember these

songs, to sing them in the shower, or when they’re taking their kids to school—to

have them become a part of their life.”

In Living Color: Country Reaction Gifs

When someone disrespects Waylon to your face

When your friend won't go see American Aquarium with you

because they never heard of them

When somebody needs schooling on country music history

"Country singer" Chris Lane rehearsing for his upcoming tour

Those new Charlie Worsham songs

 When somebody calls radio DJ Homey 

to request Cole Swindell

How did you feel about country media anointing 

Kelsea Ballerini the new 'country' queen

 What would it take to get Cody Jinks played 

on mainstream country stations?

BJ Barham Covers Guy Clark

Recorded by Trailer

Live Review: BJ Barham at Jammin' Java

Live Review: BJ Barham, Jammin' Java, 12/3/2016
By Matthew Martin

If you don't know who BJ Barham is, I'll go ahead and get that out of the way.  He's the frontman of longtime, hard-working band, American Aquarium out of Raleigh, NC.  His debut solo album, Rockingham, is something else and I highly recommend it.  If there's one thing that I don't like about the album it's that it is a short album at only 8 songs.  But, that's unfair.  Many great albums contain 8 songs- both Japandroids albums, Led Zeppelin's IV, Metallica's Master of Puppets, etc.  The album doesn't contain a blemish.  It's the work of a determined man with stories to get out.  For those that don't know the story- Barham and band were overseas when the Paris attacks occurred and the band was put up in a hotel for three days where Barham felt isolated and anxious, and wrote songs to deal with his situation.

With that said, BJ is a showman and live is the best way to experience these songs.  I've seen American Aquarium play somewhere around 10 times, I believe.  Hell, my dad has had the guys play in our front yard out in my hometown of Pulaski, TN.  But I'd never seen a BJ solo show.  Seeing him sing and play these songs live with only his guitar as accompaniment is a treat.  I'll also go ahead and get it out of the way that it was a hell of an evening with about an hour and a half of music and stories in between.

BJ played all the songs off the solo album plus a few American Aquarium songs that really benefited from the solo setting.  One such song was "Man I'm Supposed to Be."  The song is already pretty minimal on the album Wolves but seeing it with just BJ and his guitar was really more of a punch to the gut than I had been ready for.  Maybe it was the coupling with touching songs off the solo album, but it was quite a song to hear in that setting.

The solo songs were the real winners here, though, and the song "Unfortunate Kind" was the most effective.  With the lines, "Do you remember that first week?/When you burnt that pecan pie/And I ate the whole damn thing/I couldn't stand to see you cry," you could hear the crowd nearly gasp.  It's a simple statement filled with so many different emotions.  It's a case-in-point of what makes BJ such an affecting and clever songwriter.  The ability to take a mundane situation and make it into a moment with much more gravity – it's not something just any songwriter can do.

There isn't much more I can say about BJ or the show.  If you get a chance to go see American Aquarium, go do so.  But, if you get a chance to see BJ play a solo show, drop what you're doing and do it.  He doesn't play as many solo shows as he does with the band and you need to see these songs played this way.  So, go see him as soon as you can, and until then go buy Rockingham wherever it is you buy music.  Support these artists so they'll continue doing these things that bring us so much joy.

New Video: BJ Barham (American Aquarium) - Rockingham

Farce the Music's Top 13 Albums of 2015

For the first time, our best albums list is a composite voted on by Trailer and FTM's 4 most frequent contributors (Kelcy Salisbury, Kevin Broughton, Jeremy Harris, and Matthew Martin) along with a tiebreaker vote from Trailer's concert buddy/friend with good taste in music, Chad. We hope this will add validity and weight to the results. It was another great year for music, as you'll see clearly below. 

11. (Tie) Jason Boland and the Stragglers - Squelch

Boland & a slightly reworked Stragglers lineup provide proof that country music can evolve without sacrificing its identity. Not many artists are turning out this kind of work nearly two decades into their career, but the proof is in the pudding as The Stragglers have put out a rollicking rock-tinged album with a subversive, punk rock type aesthetic throughout. If you like smart, socially conscious lyrics with a bite, this is the country album for you. -Kelcy

11. (Tie) William Clark Green - Ringling Road

It may head towards the pop country direction a few times. I don’t care. It may contain a few songs that are catchy but don’t contain much substance. I don’t care. It may be from someone that a lot of you had never heard of. I don’t care. I chose this as my top album because it’s my top album. How can you argue with that logic? I don’t know or care. All I know is this is by far my favorite album of this year and it wasn’t even something that required much thought. -Jeremy

11. (Tie) Father John Misty - I Love You, Honeybear

Indie-pop is a sub-genre I usually avoid due to the twee nature of its typical fare. Father John Misty doesn't do twee. He infuses his catchy pop tunes and lounge rollers with a strong dose of balls. His lyrics are clever, biting, and frequently downright asshole-ish. These songs comfort, provoke, enlighten, and annoy, often at the same time. Our narrator is a jerk, but a jerk that you have to stick around to see what he'll do or say next. This is a record that will gnaw at you and stick with you, each song taking its turn being an earworm or soundtrack to some odd moment. -Trailer

10. Jonathan Tyler - Holy Smokes

It’s astounding when you realize all the things this guy has accomplished by his 30th year. Out of a contract with the suits at Atlantic Records, Tyler combines songwriting chops and a top-flight vocal range to express his newfound independence in impressive fashion. Expect more great things from this prodigy. -Kevin

9. John Moreland - High on Tulsa Heat

It's not an album you may want to listen to over and over because it's so heavy. But, whether you want to or not, you'll be compelled to continue to listen. It's catchy. It's a bummer. But John Moreland sings with the conviction of a man who has no choice but tell you about the pains of life. Moreland's voice is so powerful and strong. If you don't own this album, stop everything you're doing and get this album. Listen to it. Then, listen to it again regardless of your gut feeling. This album will hit you, and hit you hard. By the time you get to "Cherokee" on the last half of the album, you'll realize how special Moreland, and this album, is. -Matthew

8. Ray Wylie Hubbard - The Ruffian's Misfortune

The Wylie Lama has released his best album in years, and we are lucky enough to witness it. "Stone Blind Horses" is as good a lyric as anything released all year, "Bad On Fords" is about as much fun as anything Hubbard has ever put out, the whole vibe is great & the results are fantastic. -Kelcy

This seasoned, wry songwriter really can’t make a bad record. “Chick singer, Badass Rocking” has the kind of driving, tribal feel as a RWH standard, “Snake Farm.” And the record closes with “Stone Blind Horses,” which would make my top 5 list of singles from 2015. -Kevin

7. The Yawpers - American Man

If this were a list of the top rock albums, Nate Cook and his band would be at the summit. The songs confront a range of social/societal issues head on, but what blows you away is how much sound the Yawpers get from two acoustics and a drum kit. Buckle up; this one gets you by the throat. -Kevin

Rock & Roll isn't dead, you just can't see it from the highway or hear it on corporate radio, but there are still some bands keeping it alive. This album is at once sprawling, messy, smart, cynical, homesick & rebellious. It's a good thing. -Kelcy

6. American Aquarium - Wolves

To say the musical arrangements are daring & a departure from past albums is true. Yes, the same basic structure is there, the skeleton is intact enough to keep the loyal fans sated. But BJ Barham & the boys take risks here. The lush "Man I'm Supposed To Be" could be something Chet Atkins produced, but the darkness that lurks in this most honest of love songs somehow makes the song even more powerful. -Kelcy

5. Whitey Morgan - Sonic Ranch

How does an album with a bunch of covers make a year end list? By making you forget they’re cover songs. Whitey hits a home-run with this one and his vocals should’ve made this album more talked about than it already was in 2015. -Jeremy

As strong a "real country album" as you'll hear in 2015. It's refreshing to hear such unfiltered honky-tonk music in this day and age of contrived edge and softened edges. Morgan and the 78s' version of modern outlaw country is a comparable sound to what Sturgill Simpson is doing, but with a blue collar approach and a more pronounced low-end. This album may not drive Morgan to acceptance/hype in the same circles as Jason Isbell and Sturgill, but it's a big statement album that will bring in new fans and make old ones very happy. -Trailer

4. Chris Stapleton - Traveller

Chris Stapleton has been around the scene for a long time and I think many folks have had 

a feeling that one day he'd get the recognition due him. I'm glad that day has come, and this 

album is completely worthy of all the praise it has garnered. Stapleton's voice is as strong as 

ever and the songs are perfect showcases for his style. The slower, sadder tunes on the 

album are the real highlights though and the song "Fire Away" is far and away my favorite 

track on the album. -Matthew

3. Jason Isbell - Something More Than Free

The only thing keeping this one out of my top spot is the fact that it was just a year since his last tour-de-force, Southeastern.  As I wrote here, this record lets your emotions off the mat a little bit, and allows you to breathe. I think it’s his best to date, but the dude keeps raising the bar. -Kevin

2. James McMurtry - Complicated Game

The first studio album in six years from the dean of Texas songwriting. McMurtry turns a phrase better than most, and injects an extraordinary pathos into his everyman characters. He didn’t miss a beat during the half-dozen year delay, and this one is well worth the wait. -Kevin

I'm not sure there is anyone out there today who can write songs about everyday scenarios as perfectly as James McMurtry. On his latest effort, McMurtry strips down his songs to their basics and lets the focus be on the stories within each song. The incredibly heartbreaking song "You Got To Me" will leave you missing something- whether that be home, a past relationship, or just earlier years will be up to you. The song and the album stuck with me for weeks after listening to it. -Matthew

1. Turnpike Troubadours - Turnpike Troubadours

On this record, the Troubadours let a little color and light in, and it's just enough to fully realize the absurd potential of this group. There's space, separation, and vividness in the sound. The slower songs soar, the rockers punch, and there's fiddle and steel galore. On a good set of speakers, this thing is stunning. Their writing was already excellent, but they've even upped their game in that department. "The Bird Hunters" tells the tale of a man coming to terms with an ended relationship over the course of a quail hunt. This could come across as hokey or forced in the hands of a lesser act. The Troubadours make it a song-of-the-year candidate, epic, cinematic, and immersive. -Trailer

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Other popular selections:

The Pollies - Not Here

Lindi Ortega - Faded Gloryville
Baroness - Purple

Kacey Musgraves - Pageant Material

Randy Rogers & Wade Bowen - Hold My Beer

Allison Moorer - Down to Believing

Lucero - All a Man Should Do

Courtney Patton - So This is Life

Benton Leachman - Bury the Hatchet

Ashley Monroe - The Blade

The Honeycutters - Me Oh My

The Deslondes - s/t

Eric Church - Mr. Misunderstood

Will Hoge - Small Town Dreams