Music

Folkadelphia’s Fred Knittel Runs Down the Top Ten Americana Releases of 2014

Photo of Dom Flemons by Fred Knittel

Folk music thrives on its rich history and traditions perhaps more so than any other style. The past is very much alive and breathing in the present, and acts on musical genesis in different ways. It can prove to be a touchstone, a guiding light, a foundation to build upon, a mirror, and sometimes a common enemy to rally against. At its best, the past becomes a way to move forward, to be used as a template or tool to create a future folk music of new visions and sounds. At its worst, the past becomes a crutch, a safety net, and a stagnant pool musicians are constantly dredging from and rehashing.

Unfortunately, most released music exists firmly in the latter camp, and in the Age of Streaming, where pretty much all of mankind’s recorded musical works— from the invention of the Edison cylinder to this very second—are available for the cost of an internet-enabled device and connectivity (less if you steal your neighbor’s Wi-Fi), this toothless musical retread of Folk’s past raises the noise floor. It clouds the discovery of artists that are taking risks, and those who are releasing truly interesting and inspirational albums. As a radio programmer, I spent the year sifting through the endless barrage of albums, and have distilled it all down into a handful that I find past-influenced as well as forward-thinking. Here’s what rose above the noise.

Sam Amidon – Lily-O

Lily-O,

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The Gloaming – The Gloaming track-by-track look

Lydia Loveless – Somewhere Else

(no joke) Somewhere Else Somewhere Else
Dom Flemons – Prospect Hill and Leyla McCalla – Vari-Colored Songs: A Tribute to Langston Hughes The Music Maker Relief Foundation Prospect Hill Vari-Colored Songs : A Tribute to Langston Hughes
Sturgill Simpson – Metamodern Sounds in Country Music Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
Tom Brosseau – Grass Punks a Grass Punks album Perfect Abandon
The Haden Triplets – The Haden Triplets

If you liked what you heard, catch Folkadelphia on Philadelphia’s WXPN 88.5 each Wednesday from 10-11 PM EST and every Tuesday morning 7-9 AM EST on online and on WKDU Philadelphia 91.7 FM. Check out the Folkadelphia Sessions, too—the Chelsea Wolfe and Angel Olson recordings are especially lovely.

Folkies, be sure to follow Fred on Twitter.