(1)  Ike Reilly: Born On Fire

Ike Reilly's 'Born On Fire' is the latest in a string of fine albums, from 2009's 'Hard Luck Stories' (still my fave Reilly album) back to 2001's 'Salesmen & Racists'.  A wordy, occasionally profane but literate songwriter in a half-early-Springsteen-half-early-Dylan kind of way, he tends to favor scruffy songs about down-and-outers and life's losers, but there's frequently a fair bit of humor, and even joy, in his songs, and in his rock/r&b/pop/punk/blues stew of a delivery.  'Born On Fire' is no exception with highlights like "Upper Mississippi River Valley Girl", "A Job Like That", and "Two Weeks a Work, One Night a Love".  And "Paradise Lane" (featuring Tom Morello) makes for a fine album closer of a tune.

 

(2)  6 String Drag: Roots Rock n Roll

and

(3)  Brent Best: Your Dog, Champ

My #2 & 3 have stayed together in these two positions neck-and-neck for the past 6 months, and I could easily switch them up even now without any problem.  I probably played these two albums as much or more than any other this year – – both are melodic, rootsy pop/rock efforts with consistently interesting lyrics, and engaging, soulful vocals that have just enough grit and color to to keep either from becoming too smooth or pretty.  In other words, right in my wheelhouse.

 

(4)  Bottle Rockets: South Broadway Athletic Club

If I was going to vote for a "comeback" album of the year, this one would be it.  Of course, the BoRox never really went away, but this is easily their best since '24 Hours a Day' and 'The Brooklyn Side' back in the 90's.

 

(5)  James McMurtry: Complicated Game

One of the most consistently excellent songwriters going.  From 1989's 'Too Long In the Wasteland' to the present, just saying that he writes great story-songs damns him with faint praise.  

 

(6)  Jason Isbell: Something More Than Free

I actually like this album better than his celebrated 'Southeastern' release from a couple of years ago.  'Nuff said.

 

(7)  Kacey Musgraves: Pageant Material

I still recall hearing her "Merry Go 'Round" for the first time on the radio while driving and knowing that I had to go home and find out more about her as soon as I could.   That 'Same Trailer, Different Park' album finished as my #1 that year (2013), and while this one isn't my #1 this year, it's every bit as good.

 

(8)  Joe Ely: Panhandle Rambler

The old guy still has his songwriting chops.  He sounds much the same as he has since his Flatlanders days, with winds from Texas to Mexico still blowing thru his songs.  But he manages to keep things fresh and original.  Some good guests here, from the Latin/flamenco stylings of Teye, to the complementary guitar work of Lloyd Maines, to  Joel Guzman's accordion.  It all comes together to create a new highlight in Ely's long career.

 

(9)  Rhett Miller: The Traveler

His best effort in years, and my new fave solo album of his (nudging out 'The Instigator').  Working with Black Prairie seems to have rejuvenated him.  

 

(10)  Josh Ritter: Sermon On The Rock

A melodic, easy-on-the-ear album that's almost too pleasant for its own good because it makes it all too easy to underestimate the album.  There's a strong current of Paul Simon that runs thru some of the songs on this album, but it's pure Ritter.  A pop/rock album with real smarts and heart.

Garry, DJ