Jon Latham’s debut full-length has been a big fave during the past few weeks. The big man from Nashville delivers some Real Bad News in real good fashion. You can’t go wrong with any one the songs, but I go with Waitressing Sucks this time around. That title might not sound like world class poetry, but Jon is actually a very good storyteller and the album is filled with stories, lines and melodies that will easily find the core of your heart. Extremely highly recommended.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=KR9osBg7H38]

Jon Latham at Facebook

Next we have some real ALT Country and ALT Rock. That’s horribly bad and way-too-obvious joke, but it doesn’t change the fact that ALT aka Aaron Lee Tasjan recently released a new album that is real and true and carries the title In The Blazes. I haven’t learned to love the cover art, but what really counts are the songs and Aaron Lee Tasjan knows how to write killer ones. Aaron gallops around American songwriting tradition and creates his own refreshing blend of folk, country, blues and alternative rock. Sometimes the album is on the edge of my comfort zone, because I’m not that much into the bluesy rockers in general. But being on the edge is better than being boring and there’s also a lot here that I really love. I’m especially fond of Lucinda’s Room, Judee Was A Punk and this one below called E.N.S.A.A.T.

Aaron Lee Tasjan Website

Kent Eugene Goolsby is a prolific songwriter. Last summer he released a mighty good album No Substitute for Handsome that was filled with great songs and old-fashioned charm. Now few months later he is back with a new EP titled Minor Wear. This one sounds a bit more modern, but equally convincing. Vocal harmonies are still the greatest in music as far as I’m concerned and therefore I really like these female backing vocals by Anna Leigh Goolsby. Certainly adds another level to the songs. I really like these lyrics as well. I can perfectly relate to several lines. Not sure should I be worried about that. Anyway, this is Better Angels from Kent’s new Minor Wear EP. It’s name-your-price deal over at bandcamp.

Kent Eugene Goolsby Website

Today I found a treasure. Today I found the songs of Ben Bullington. This pretty set the tone for my day and I’ve been listening him all day long. And well most likely will continue to listen for months and years to come.

Ben Bullington was a doctor who lived in Montana and self-released several beautiful & poetic singer-songwriter albums. I’m not sure should anyone ever compare anyone to Townes Van Zandt who sure was one of a kind, but Townes definitely comes to my mind while listening to Ben. Ok, he is not that great. Nobody in the world has ever been that great. Still, oh my. This is world class songwriting and most of those Nashville professionals would struggle to match the level and the sincere beauty of these folk songs. This is mesmerizing and deeply moving. Unfortunately Ben passed away in late 2013, but he left behind something real and true that will keep on shining on forever.

Here are a couple of songs by Ben Bullington that I already hold dear.

I’ve Got To Leave You Now

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=EtKTr60vZok]

White Sulphur Springs

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=P2DYVjNNaac]

Here’s To Hopin

“Here’s to Hopin we come together
in the short run
on the third one from the sun”

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=el-QUmiYSW0]

Ben Bullington Website

Stepping out of my comfort zone for a while. It’s time to head on to bluesier surroundings. I stumbled upon Denver-based songwriter R.L.Cole a while back and I think he masters this old-fashioned blues storytelling exceptionally well. He has a couple of releases out over at Bandcamp for name-your-price deal. Those are filled with rather awesome blues songs. This is one of my biggest favourites, Abel Johnson’s Baby Blues.

R.L. Cole at Facebook

A long time favourite Patrick Sweany also dropped a new album Daytime Turned To Nighttime a couple of months ago. This new one is definitely a bit more beautiful and subtle than some of his earlier material. So if you are looking for that intense blues rock side of Patrick, you might be slightly disappointed. There’s no need to worry about the quality though. That remains equally high as before and the album contains a bunch of gorgeous songs. I’m especially fond of Afraid Of You and this wonderful song called Mansfield Street.

Patrick Sweany Website