LUCERO - Tennessee

These guys are from Memphis, and the suitably-titled Tennessee was their sophomore album. It came out in 2002. I've been meaning to listen to Lucero for a few years now, ever since I heard their name being tossed around with bands you might like if you like The Hold Steady. While I can see why the comparison was made, Lucero has much more of a country influence. Their singer has a raspy voice that makes you think he might have smoked one too many cigarettes. The album has a warm feeling to it; it's straight-up roots rock. While I think the album could use a bit more variety throughout, I'll definitely be checking into Lucero's other stuff based on the sound of Tennessee.

www.myspace.com/lucero
www.luceromusic.com

DEFIANCE, OHIO - Midwestern Minutes

This is the fourth full-length from this Columbus, Ohio-based band. As it turns out, they release all of their music for free download on their website. Pretty cool, because if this album is an indication, all of those downloads are worth your bandwidth (and any donations to the band you can afford to make). Midwestern Minutes is acoustic punk rock. It definitely has a country bend to it thanks in part to the violin, cello, and upright bass they employ on their recordings. I'd go see this band if they played a show near me. Dig it.

www.myspace.com/defianceohio32
www.defianceohio.terrorware.com

THE MOONDOGGIES - You'll Find No Answers Here EP

New 5-song EP from this Seattle (technically, Everett, Washington, but who likes technicalities these days) band who released their debut album, Don't Be A Stranger, in 2008. Their sophomore album, Tidelands, comes out on September 14th. Until then, if you see the Moondoggies on their tour with Blitzen Trapper, you can pick this up. The songs on here won't be appearing on the new album so you don't even have to worry about overlap. This is indie folk-rock with a heavy dose of country injected into the mix. Very laid-back stuff. Check out the vocal harmonies. I'd recommend it if you like bands like the aforementioned Blitzen Trapper or Band of Horses, Fleet Foxes, and the like.

www.myspace.com/themoondoggies
http://moondoggiesmusic.com

DUSTY RHODES AND THE RIVER BAND - Palace and Stage

Second full-length for the Californian band. They might be on the Side One Dummy label, but they're far from your average punk band; they combine elements of folk, country, classic rock, punk, and more to create a highly enjoyable sound. They have toured with bands like Flogging Molly, Dirty Pretty Things, and Gogol Bordello. Their singer often made me think of what Aerosmith's Steven Tyler might sound like if he had grown up in the Southern United States. Cool stuff.

www.myspace.com/dustyrhodes
www.dustyrhodesmusic.com

CLEM SNIDE - Hungry Bird

This is the band's sixth studio album and first in four years. They are led by a man with one of the best names ever: Eef Barzelay. Their sound on this record is one of indie/folk/country/pop, and it's very mellow and easy-going. Eef has a unique voice that you will either adore or despise. I like it (he kind of reminds me of John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats with his vocal sound), so I found the album to be pretty good.

www.myspace.com/clemsnide
www.clemsnide.com

Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan - Sunday At Devil Dirt

Their second album together, following in the footsteps of 2006's Ballad Of The Broken Seas. Isobel Campbell is best known for her work with Belle and Sebastian and The Gentle Waves. Mark Lanegan is recognized for singing with Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Gutter Twins. Both have also released solo albums. Campbell wrote all of this album's songs, except for two ("Salvation," by Jim McCulloch, and "Who Built The Road," which she cowrote with McCulloch). Lanegan does the majority of the vocal work with Campbell adding background vocals and occasionally joining him for duets. He has a rough, deep and gravelly voice that is reminiscent of Tom Waits or Johnny Cash. Her voice is light and whispery; quite the opposite of his. The music is mostly sparse country/folk with some pop and blues influences at times. Decent stuff if you don't expect the same style of music Lanegan or Campbell is famous for.

www.myspace.com/isobelcampbell

Ryan Adams And The Cardinals - Cardinology

You've probably heard of Ryan Adams. The prolific songwriter returns for a new album with his band, The Cardinals. This will be their third official album together, though The Cardinals also played on Ryan's 2007 solo album, Easy Tiger, and an EP, Follow The Lights, in addition to their work on the full-length albums Cold Roses and Jacksonville City Nights. I know a lot of people that love to hate Ryan Adams, but I found this album to be a very enjoyable listen. For the most part, it is laid-back alt-country, though there is some rock thrown into the mix at points as well (example: the track "Magick"). It's very polished, but very listenable.

www.myspace.com/ryanadams
www.ryan-adams.com

Birdmonster - From The Mountain To The Sea

The second full-length for the San Francisco group. Their first album brought them many comparisons to Modest Mouse, but this album is full of melodic indie rock that now comes with country/Americana/outdoorsy overtones. Male vocals that are very nice. My favorite song off the disc is "The Iditarod"; Greg Crane's music video for the song is gorgeous as well. An overall pleasing listen. Recommended for Band of Horses fans.

www.myspace.com/birdmonster
www.birdmonstermusic.com

Grand Archives - Grand Archives

Mat Brooke fronts this band; you may remember him from his work with Band of Horses and Carissa's Wierd. This is quite similar to Band of Horses but a bit more pop-influenced; but the folk/country influences are retained. Not as immediately catchy, but the songs are nice and Mat has a very pleasant voice (I assume he is the main singer). If Miracle Fortress and Band of Horses had a child together, it might be named Grand Archives. Recommended if you like indie-ish country/folk rock that is well-produced and has pop influences.

www.myspace.com/grandarchives
www.grandarchives.com

Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across The Sea

This guy is opening for and playing with Band of Horses on their upcoming tour, and this choice seems logical. This is much slower than Band of Horses and is acoustic, country/folk, but his voice is reminiscent of the Band of Horses' lead singer. Very mellow. He also does a cover of Jackson Browne's "These Days." For fans of acousticness, Jackson Browne, Neil Young, Band of Horses.

www.myspace.com/tylerramseymusic
www.tylerramsey.com