I don’t really know anything about New Jersey born singer-songwriter Joseph West, but this guy seems to be a rather fabulous new americana/country/folk singer-songwriter. I found him from Brett Detar’s mailing list and I’ve been really enjoying Joseph’s new EP Three Thieves. Available as name-your-price download from his bandcamp. All three songs are gorgeous. This one is the opener Movin’ On.

Joseph West Website

The new Paul Otteson & Faux Fawn EP Prairie du Chien almost flew under my radar, but thankfully I was searching what other’s had bought from bandcamp and found this little treasure. It’s not as magical as last year’s Robin Red (#4 on my albums of the year list), but it’s certainly another great release. This one is The Battle of Prairie du Chien. Stream/buy the whole thing on his Bandcamp.

Paul Otteson at Bandcamp

I’ve also been very much into the new Jay Woodward album Letters We Told. Here’s one great example Garden In The Sun, but you really need to listen to the whole thing from first note to last word to fully understand the beauty of Letters We Told.

Jay Woodward Website

It’s soon time to start making those pointless but enjoyable year end lists. Therefore I’ve been trying to catch up on things that I haven’t listened to enough this year.

The one that first came to mind was this amazingly beautiful album by Baltimore-based band Small Sur. I did spend some time with it when it came out in June, but it certainly deserves a whole lot more. For example this song, Salt, is just magnificent.

Small Sur Website
 

I wasn’t even aware that these somewhat legendary Canadians were back in this hockey game and that there was a new The Grapes Of Wrath album until I stumbled on it a week or two ago. I should really get a copy of High Road, because this the kind of melodic pop music that I love dearly. This song below just sounds fantastic to me. Ok, maybe I’ve heard a similar kind of song million times before, but I don’t really care. This is just perfect pop music. Good to See You again The Grapes Of Wrath.

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The Grapes Of Wrath Website

The new Raina Rose album Caldera has also been on a heavy rotation lately. I think she is a great singer-songwriter from Portland, Oregon (nowadays Austin, Texas). After listening to this song Woodsmoke, you probably will agree with me.

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Raina Rose Website