Tonight’s small round up starts with the 2 new EPs from the legendary Twain. Alternator has been available digitally before, but New Miami Sound is entirely new addition to his catalogue. New Miami Sound is also sort of a Side C for his magnificent Rare Feeling album. The songs are from the same sessions, but didn’t quite fit on that amazing album. If you are new to Twain, the album Rare Feeling is probably the place to start. That record is everything, but these lovely EPs don’t fall far behind. Even during their dark and devastating moments, Twain’s songs somehow manage to feel warmhearted and full of empathy. The two EPs came out on Keeled Scales on the 25th of January.
One of my most anticipated 2019 releases is the new Caroline Spence’s album Mint Condition that will be out on Rounder Records on the 3rd of May. I still have to wait a few months for the album, but an awesome two song digital single Long Haul / Mint Condition did surface a couple of weeks ago. Both songs are winners, but here’s the album closer and title track Mint Condition that also features Emmylou Harris.
Cale Tyson takes a new direction on his new EP Narcissist. He has written some gorgeous traditional country songs in the past and on the last full-length he explored country soul horizons. This time he wrote a fragile and honest EP and recorded it in his bedroom. It’s stripped-down and vulnerable, but leaves a strong impression on the listener. Bonus points for being able to use the word “instagram” and getting away with it. Just shows that everything can work, if you are a good songwriter. This is definitely more indie than country and therefore some old fans might struggle. I don’t mind at all. These labels are nonsense anyway. This is really good, maybe even the best thing he has done. And that’s all that matters.
Let’s wrap up tonight’s round up post with the new video from Charlie Whitten. If you followed this little back in 2017, you know that I absolute loved his Playwright EP. The Weather Station album and that EP were by far the most important releases of that year for me. There’s a new 4-song EP on the horizon and the first outtake is available as a magnificent music video. Out Of This was directed by Anthony Simpkins from the GemsOnVHS fame. Insanely good and I can’t wait to hear the new EP.