Sounding like its come straight out of the hills, this album has established itself as one of the finest of its kind. DeMent sings with a down-home backwoods twang that disarms with its honesty and simplicity. Her prowess as a songwriter is equally impressive, shining through beautifully on the ballads. Charmingly old-fashioned.
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Elliott Smith Elliott Smith 1995 [Kill Rock Stars]
Folk-punk songster Elliot Smith charted a course for future efforts with this acoustic pastiche of a troubled mind. Unlike those to follow, however, here Smith is basically acoustic - the sheer beauty of the music sometimes obscuring its dark subject matter. Smith would go on to popular success, but this is his most revealing work by far.
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The Ghost of Tom Joad Bruce Springsteen 1995 [Columbia]
While the Boss is no stranger to sticking up for the working class, here he takes his socio-political commentary to new levels. Often compared to 1982's Nebraska, with its dark tones and sparse arrangements Tom Joad is nonetheless a unique entry in the Springsteen catalogue. A fine record, but certainly not one for fans of Bruce Springsteen the rocker.
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My True Name Carrie Newcomer 1998 [Philo]
Somehow when Carrie Newcomer sings a good line you know she means it. This late-90s effort just may be her toughest, with no punches pulled in the true conviction stakes. Although musically solid, it is Newcomer's heartland vocals that demand attention. From outright defiance to heartfelt tenderness, this one is a true gem.
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Covenant Greg Brown 2000 [Red House]
One of Iowa's favourite sons, Brown has recorded fairly prolifically since the early-80s when he founded Red House Records to promote his music. His best since 1996's Further In finds Brown's deep rich vocal tones blues-walking through a fine set of typically astute observations on life's journey through the modern world.
Jack Johnson surfs and plays infectious bluesy folk-influenced music that the masses love and the critics don't take too seriously. OK… so a lot of the songs, like the breezy 'Flake' and bouncy 'Bubbly Toes', are about girls and hardly D&M. Johnson's vocal style is soothing and relaxing, making this an all-time classic chillout record worth having.
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The Beauty of the Rain Dar Williams 2003 [Razor & Tie]
Following her 1996 breakthrough Mortal City Williams' music took on a decidedly commercial folk-pop hue. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but folk purists will certainly want to avoid later efforts like Beauty of the Rain. Most notable here is an impressive lineup of guest artists including John Medeski, Chris Botti, Alison Krauss and Bela Fleck.
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Josh Ritter Hello Starling 2003 [Signature]
Idaho native who ended up pursuing a folk career in Boston after abandoning his neuroscience studies. This outstanding folk-rock effort has plenty of more contemplative moments, with Ritter penning the all-original set from his life vignettes. Recorded over a 14-day stint in a rundown French farmhouse using Curtis Mayfield's old equipment.
