Murder Ballads

Seven years have passed since Oldham-born, Nashville-based Karen Elson released critically acclaimed debut album "The Ghost Who Walks", a work that was notable less for its solid collection of murder ballads and blues jams than the person who produced it: the model and singer-songwriter’s then-husband Jack White. In the time since, the pair have undergone a not terribly amicable separation (though are reportedly now friends), and Elson’s musical tastes seem to have drifted away from White’s bluesy leanings and towards something more luscious and Laurel Canyon-esque. This set includes collaborations with Patrick Carney (The Black Keys), Father John Misty, Pat Sansone (Wilco), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Laura Marling, Nate Wolcott, Paul Cartwright, and Dhani Harrison.

Concrete and Mud is the career-defining third album from Sam Morrow, sure to cement his place as a member of Los Angeles' country elite. It's rooted in Texas twang, southern stomp, and old-school funky-tonk. Recorded largely live in the studio on a vintage Neve 8068 console, it also shines a light on Morrow's strength as a songwriter, frontman, and bandleader. Musically, this is Morrow at his electrified, energetic peak. The sad-eyed sounds of Ephemeral and its 2015 follow-up, There Is No Map – both written during the early years of Morrow's sobriety – have been replaced by something more representative of Morrow's live show, in which he fronts a band of plugged-in roots-rockers.

The sophomore album from Early James, Strange Time To Be Alive is the sound of an artist sublimely out of step with the world. With all the charmed eccentricity of a true poet, the Alabama-bred singer/songwriter takes in the endless absurdity he sees around him, then alchemizes his unease into a glorious patchwork of musical idioms: forsaken blues and contemplative folk songs, brooding murder ballads and lovestruck piano tunes.

The Dead South grow more adventurous and assured with each new album. For their fourth full-length record, they brought producer Jimmy Nutt to Mexico City, where they recorded 13 songs full of plot twists, family trees, grudges, insurance scams, bacon, burials, banjo riffs and more. The Dead South flawlessly execute banjo rolls and lightning fast mandolin tremolos, 3-part harmonies and songs of classic themes -murder ballads, disloyalty, ghosts and the like, with a wink and a smile. Where Bluegrass meets Bach meets Billy Talent, for fans of Frank Sinatra and Tool alike, you’ll find The Dead South’s Chains & Stakes. Chains & Stakes is truly a “Dead South” collection in the balance of darkness and levity that has come to define their unmistakable style.

Bristol's country, soul and beyond band Phantom Limb return with their sophomore album 'The Pines.' Exquisitely produced and the perfect vehicle for lead singer Yolanda Quartey's imperious golden throated tones. The group sound stronger than ever but as the first album was more or less all about burgeoning love, this one's about love degenerating. Double angst here from one of the most talented singers and robust but underrated bands out there.Title track 'The Pines' sees the lass just wanting to get away from the mess and fine some peace in them there hills. A gut bucket rolling rocker with divine backing vocals and some pure emotional conviction. The stark 'Tumbling Down' hits a similar resonance too.

Long acknowledged as Americas premiere folk guitarist, Arthel Lane Doc Watson was born in what was then the tiny rural community of Deep Gap, North Carolina in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains on March 3, 1923. Surrounded by music and musicians, Doc and his siblings grew up listening to hymns, murder ballads and down home string band music, all of which would later find places in his own repertoire. In 1953, Doc formed a honky tonk dance band with pianist Jack Williams called Jack Williams and his Country Gentlemen.

One of the most impressive and successful debut albums of all time, "August And Everything After" spent a remarkable 93 weeks on the charts and is certified 7 times platinum. Even before the album was released Counting Crows had filled in for Van Morrison at his induction to the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame, and before the album charted, they played on “Saturday Night Live”.

One of the most impressive and successful debut albums of all time, "August And Everything After" spent a remarkable 93 weeks on the charts and is certified 7 times platinum. Even before the album was released Counting Crows had filled in for Van Morrison at his induction to the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame, and before the album charted, they played on “Saturday Night Live”.