Although she lives in New York City now, Jennie Arnau grew up in South Carolina. Listening to her new album, the title of which refers to the coastal town where Arnau used to vacation, one is reminded of the old adage about being able to take the girl out of the country but not the [...]

Schnitzel’s music — call it indie roots rock for lack of a better slippery tag — is not as much for those of a certain age as it is for those of a certain record collection. “Broken Bottle” will make you think of, if only for a second or two, Violent Femmes, Uncle Tupelo, the [...]

North Carolina scenesters know Pat O’Connell: Prior to relocating to Massachusetts, he helmed Durham roots-pop combo the Flying Pigs, additionally collaborating with members of H-Bombs, the Woods and Flat Duo Jets. Now based near Cape Cod, he’s part of the extended NRBQ, Incredible Casuals and Chandler Travis clans. For his third solo album Careful, he’s [...]

It’s the achy twang in Jaimi Shuey’s inviting voice that immediately captures your attention. You feel her yearning for love in “How Long”, sympathize with her hurt in the “Wrong Girl”, and share her sense of adventure in “Wild Things”. That strong opening trio invites comparisons to a young Lucinda Williams. But just when you [...]

Dave Gleason’s heart has been stomped hard on honky-tonk hardwood floors covered with sawdust and whiskey. With ever-present twang, the California singer-songwriter-guitarist tells her to “Look At The Way You’ve Become” (with Albert Lee on guitar), ponders how “The Good’s Been Gone”, laments that he “Couldn’t Give You Anything”, and pleads “(Wine) Take Away My [...]

His engaging live shows have tended to eclipse his albums, but Matt Nathanson puts the two on equal footing with his latest. The San Francisco singer-songwriter traces the arc of a relationship on Some Mad Hope, and accordingly, the record takes some dark turns. But Nathanson is a skillful lyricist with a keen ear for [...]

Boasting a top rhythm section, a do-it-all keyboardist, a charismatic female/male fronting duo — powerhouse belter Cindy Wasserman and guitarist/vocalist/harmonicat Frank Lee Drennen — this well-met group of savvy road vets gelled into a remarkably distinct, cohesive unit right out of the gate. Honey And Salt is ‘Big Sky’ western rock with an inside-country draw [...]

A lot has changed in the world since Red Meat’s last effort, 2001’s Alameda County Line, but these San Francisco honky-tonkers haven’t changed a bit. Dave Alvin is even back on board as producer for Red Meat’s fourth, and finest, album. With enough goofiness, grit and hardcore guitar riffs to make a dive bar regular’s [...]

Benson Ramsey, half of the Pines, is the son of Bo Ramsey, longtime producer and sideman to Greg Brown, Red House’s most important act. This atmospheric second album and label debut, however, leaves no doubt that the duo didn’t need Dad’s help to get signed. Benson and partner David Huckfelt are talented singers and acoustic [...]

As the frontman of Atlanta band the Vidalias, Charles Walston established himself as both a talented vocalist, frequently drawing comparisons to Gram Parsons, and as a skilled songwriter. But after two critically acclaimed albums, the band decided to call it quits. Following an extended hiatus from the music industry, Walston is back with a new [...]