Enough of that Best of 2012 nonsense, let’s get back to the roots rockin’ classics, including tributes to a couple of our faves, Matthew Ryan & Alejandro Escovedo. We also get some big concert news, which brings sadness to our host’s heart, we kill off Ted Nugent (#riptednugent) and then bring him back to life! A wild & wacky ride.
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One last look at the OFFICIAL Best of 2012 list. We play some of our favourites, some great new discoveries, some surprises, and more. Oh, and The Hockey Song, because, uh, you know.
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Continuing on with our exploration of the best music released in 2012 – and there was plenty. Some great roots rockin’ highlights on tonight’s show!
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It’s the end of 2012 as we know it, and I feel fine. Our last show of the year is a perfect time to look back at the year that was – highlights and letdowns, and look forward to things to come in the new year. Today’s show is full of all of that, as well as a little New Year celebration (and one leftover Christmas classic.)
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One last look at the OFFICIAL Best of 2012 list. We play some of our favourites, some great new discoveries, some surprises, and more. Oh, and The Hockey Song, because, uh, you know.
Artist – Song title – Album Title – CDN=Canadian – WPG=Winnipeg artist
2:00 – 2:30 pm
Stompin’ Tom Connors – The Hockey Song – Souvenirs: 25 of the Best
Del Barber – Everything Is Not Enough – Headwaters
Del Barber – Willie’s Diamond Joe – recorded live on UMFM
Christina Martin – I’m Gonna Die – recorded live on UMFM
Christina Martin – Falling For You – Sleeping with a Stranger
Dale Murray – The Wind Is Trying to Kill Me – Dream Mountain Dream
Dale Murray – My New World – recorded live on UMFM
2:30 – 3:00 pm
Shannon Lyon – Pleasing You Pleases Me – Broken Things
Matthew Ryan – It Always Rains When You Miss Her – In the Dusk of Everything
Kathleen Edwards – House Full of Empty Rooms – Voyageur
The Do Good Assassins – A Little Rain – Rome
Leeroy Stagger – Enough Love to Go Around – Radiant Land
John Antoniuk – Holding On (for Marlene) – Always With You
John Wort Hannam – Radiant Land – Brambles and Thorns
3:00 – 3:30 pm
Redgy Blackout – Lovely Lovely Day – Songs at 140 BPM
Jay Sparrow – Stronger – White
The Wilderness of Manitoba – Echoes – recorded live on UMFM
JP Hoe – Nothing’s Gonna Harm You – Mannequin
Rose Cousins – What I See – We Have Made a Spark
Keri Latimer – Here Comes Ted – Crowsfeet and Greyskull
3:30 – 4:00 pm
Drew Nelson – Lessons – Tilt-A-Whirl
Brian Dunn – Country – TVs and Radios
Jory Nash – An Old Invitation – Little Pilgrim
Carrie Elkin & Danny Schmidt – Company of Friends – Together
Lynn Miles – All Bitter Never Sweet – Black Flowers Vol. 3
Bahamas – Lost in the Light – Barchords
Christina Martin is always right near the top of our charts, but now, the CBC is catching on as well. She’s been doing great on the CBC Top 20 Countdown, starting off at #17 and moving up to #16 this week. She’s done a great job of getting the vote out as she’s received the most online votes both weeks. Your vote really does make a difference in this one, so if you’d be willing to cast a vote in her direction, I know she appreciates it.
Of course, there are plenty of other worthwhile artists on the list as well, so if someone else suits you a little better, feel free to vote with your heart and your ears.
http://music.cbc.ca/#/The-Radio-2-Top-20
OK, enough wasting time, let’s get this list out there. 2012 was another banner year for music with many of our favourites putting out some really strong albums, and some new discoveries that rocked our world, as well. So, I present to you, the OFFICIAL list of albums that mattered in 2012:
Old favourites who once again came in strong:
Del Barber – Headwaters (our boy Barber took some chances this year with an American producer and a bigger, fuller sound. For some, it took him a bit outside of their comfort zone, but for me, it’s challenging, fresh, and exciting. Job well done and another dynamite album that deserves to be heard by a much broader audience. Here’s hoping the fame will come soon. Watch this dynamite live video.)
Rose Cousins – We Have Made a Spark (Once again that powerful voice, combined with some heartbreaking songs makes for a magical product, but add in some of her talented friends from Boston – including a great visit by Mark Erelli on a beautiful Springsteen song, and you’ve got yourself something truly special.)
Keri Latimer – Crowsfeet and Greyskull (I admit, I’m a Nathan fan through and through, so I got worried when Keri went solo, but luckily, she doesn’t stray far and turns in some personal and powerful songs on an album that couldn’t disappoint any Nathan fan.)
Shannon Lyon – Broken Things (Shannon has been one of my favourite writers for almost a decade, and this is truly his most powerful and memorable album since Wandered first blew me away. Some truly stark, obviously personal songs here. Prepare to be moved by this one.)
Christina Martin – Sleeping with a Stranger (Another songwriter who deserves much more fame and fortune – hopefully this strong album with a great video will spread the word. CBC seems to be catching on, thankfully.)
Matthew Ryan – In the Dusk of Everything (This guy seems to keep popping up on my lists, and rightly so, but not all of his recent albums have been as immediately accessible as this one. As good a place as any to get in to the fanclub, songs don’t get much more raw and powerful than these.)
Can’t Help But Fall (further) In Love (folks we’ve known for a while, but really came through big this year):
Bahamas – Barchords (Lots of hipster acclaim this year, and rightly so. Some really remarkable songs here. Some of them worked much better live, but overall, this is a great album and should launch Afie real big.)
Dustin Bentall & The Smøkes – Orion EP (Barney’s boy keeps learning and growing and moving forward, and we’re along for the ride and loving it. Sometimes, a really strong EP is the way to go, as it gets you really hungry for more, without any throwaway songs. They don’t come much stronger than this, so I am indeed eager for more.)
Kathleen Edwards – Voyageur (Kathleen has been a favourite since her debut full-length almost a decade ago, but the last couple of discs haven’t hit me as hard. This one couldn’t be more powerful with some really personal songs and progressive production. This got lots of attention this year, and rightly so.)
JP Hoe – Mannequin (JP’s been a friend and a favourite for years, and he finally comes through with the stellar album we always knew he had in him. With a lot of touring and a really amazing video, this one seems to be moving him forward. Good on him. Don’t forget about us little folk when you’re a big star, eh?)
Danny Michel & The Benque Players – Black Birds Are Dancing Over Me (Such a great live performer, but his albums don’t generally have the same power for me. He teamed up with his friends in Belize and ended up with a really fun, upbeat album.)
Dale Murray – Dream Mountain Dream (More than just Christina Martin’s hubby, Dale has been a top-notch player with the likes of The Guthries, Matt Mays, Cuff the Duke, and more, but it turns out, he’s a great songwriter and performer on his own, too. This one took me by surprise and kept me coming back for more.)
Skydiggers – Northern Shore (Deluxe Edition) (not only is the new album a dandy, but the Deluxe Edition truly lives up to its name with THREE extra discs of great rarities, leftovers, and alternate versions. A true box set at a silly low price. If you missed out on this package, shame on you.)
Liam Titcomb – Cicada (Engaging my inner pop-child with some memorable melodies alongside some intelligent lyrics and great playing. This young guy continues to impress.)
Love at First Listen (Newcomers who had us at “Hello”):
Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires – There Is a Bomb in Gilead (I’m a Beatles man, never really got The Stones, but this band has me thinking twice. The most engaging example of Stones swagger I’ve heard. Really great stuff.)
Rayland Baxter – Feathers & Fishhooks (This guy looks like classic James Taylor and puts forth lots of the same charm, great lyrics, and melodies. Can’t wait to see where this guy goes – I’m along for the ride.)
Andrew Combs – Worried Man (One foot firmly planted in classic country and one standing alongside great Texas songwriters, Andrew Combs is without a doubt the new discovery of the year. An album that is solid as can be all the way through, and one that I can’t get enough of. Truly impressive debut.)
The Official Afterparty (not quite on the official list, but well worth an honourable mention):
Cory Chisel & The Wandering Sons – Old Believers
Delta Spirit – Delta Spirit
Dave Gunning – No More Pennies
Harper Blynn – Busy Hands
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit – Live from Alabama
Murdoch & Sparrow – Dominion Day (buy this album and support TTBTGH at the same time!)
Drew Nelson – Tilt-A-Whirl
Melissa Payne – Melissa Payne
Jay Sparrow – White (buy this album and support TTBTGH at the same time!)
Leeroy Stagger – Radiant Land
The Tallest Man on Earth – There’s No Leaving Now
Whitehorse – The Fate of the World Depends on this Kiss
Yukon Blonde – Tiger Talk
February 11 – Christina Martin & Dale Murray – Sunset Saloon (Christina stops by my living room regularly, and it’s always amazing, but having Dale along to accompany and play a few of his new songs made this one extra special. I’m a lucky dude.)
March 29 – The Wooden Sky w/ Sunparlour Players – WECC (A truly amazing double bill of Canada’s best live bands – oddly joined by one of only a few truly terrible opening bands I’ve ever seen – the name of which, fortunately, forgotten. Nothing could keep the headliners from saving the day, and joining up for the now customary encore in the lobby.)
April 20 – Whitehorse – WECC (I’ve seen Luke Doucet dozens of times in different incarnations, and his lovely wife Melissa McClelland a number of times as well, and I love them both, but when they teamed up as this new duo, it sparked something special in them both. Truly the best show I’ve seen either of them do, and a step in a great direction.)
May 26 – Skydiggers – WECC (A live band I’ve seen many times and loved dearly for a long time, and still putting on incredible shows. This time, they pulled out all of the stops with the full band and Jessy Bell Smith singing. Still inspiring after all these years.)
July 1 – Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – The Aquarium: Fargo, ND (Canadians like to party on Canada Day, but this year the real party happened south of the border at a little bar in Fargo, where a small gathering of lucky souls witnessed one of the greatest rock bands on the road today. The crowd was weird, the venue was small, but the band was on fire and put on a truly memorable show.) photos/videos/memories
July 18 – Shannon Lyon – Sunset Saloon (One of my favourite songwriters of all time stopped by my backyard for a show. Enough said, but he also turned out to be a pretty amazing and inspiring guy – a real breath of fresh air. I can’t wait to see him again.) photos/videos/audio
August 31 – Minnesota State Fair: Minnesota Music on a Stick (In truth, this whole trip was a highlight – getting to see the reunited Mavericks, Wanda Jackson, and Will Hoge, all the while eating all kinds of deep-fried and on-a-stick delights, pure magic, but the highlight was a chance to see Jeremy Messersmith and his band, as well as the best show I’ve ever seen by The Jayhawks. I’ll be back to the fair, for sure.) photos/videos
September 14 – Del Barber – Inglis (Sometimes, this show provides some amazing gifts for me, like an invitation to this exclusive TV taping inside of a decommissioned grain elevator with Del Barber and his band. An amazing show that I can’t wait for you to see on TV. Soon?) photos/memories
October 4 – Kathleen Edwards trio & Jenn Grant – Studio 222, Fargo (Kathleen and her band came back to Winnipeg and that show was plenty amazing, in spite of the venue, but this stripped down trio performance – complete with flawless Springsteen duet with Jenn Grant – was just a little bit more special.)
October 29 – Sunparlour Players – Sunset Saloon (this house concert featuring the best live band in Canada would have been special in any joker’s living room, but the fact that it happened in MY living room made this a truly mind-blowing experience. Our first “sold out” show at the Saloon, and an amazing one that will be hard to beat.) video1 video2
Amazing in their own right:
June 5 – Deer Tick – WECC (Everybody talks about how John played guitar with his weiner. Neat schtick, but when that steals the show – and when you do it at every other show on the tour – it kind of kills it. Plus, dude, that’s gotta hurt! Great show that was stolen by a well-waved-wang. Too bad.) weinerguitarsolovideo
July 23 – Gillian Welch & David Rawlings – Garrick Centre (A true folk music miracle – someone sounded good, GREAT, even, at the craphole Garrick Centre. That alone made this memorable, and if I hadn’t had my mind blown by these two a year ago in Minnesota, this would have been a show-of-the-year, if not of my life.)
July 25 – Joy Kills Sorrow – Sunset Saloon (Honestly, I didn’t know the band before this, and likely wouldn’t have taken the time to seek them out, but boy was I glad that this show ended up in my living room. Truly magical, and a wonderful experience for all in attendance.)
November 13 – Danny Michel – WECC (Danny is always a stellar live performer, so it takes a lot to make one of his shows special. This time, it happened to be a loudmouth heckler continually calling out for “Midnight Train;” Danny eventually relented and gave it a try, even though he didn’t remember it, even calling up Owl City on Songify to help out. It was hilarious and generous on his part, but I promise to never again bully an artist into doing a song he doesn’t want to do…)
Far & Away 2012
ALBUMS OF THE YEAR
1. Del Barber: Headwaters (Six Shooter)
2. Christina Martin: Sleeping with a Stranger (Come Undone)
3. Matthew Ryan: In The Dusk Of Everything (self)
4. Andrew Combs: Worried Man (self)
5. Rayland Baxter: Feathers & Fishhooks (ATO)
6. Rose Cousins: We Have Made A Spark (Outside)
DEBUT ALBUM (up to 3)
1. Andrew Combs: Worried Man (self)
2. Rayland Baxter: Feathers & Fishhooks (ATO)
3. Melissa Payne: Melissa Payne (Seventh Fire)
VARIOUS ARTISTS/TRIBUTE ALBUM (up to 3)
1. Kin: Songs by Mary Karr and Rodney Crowell (Vanguard)
2. Mercyland: Hymns for the Rest of Us (self)
3. We Walk The Line: A Celebration Of The Music Of Johnny Cash (Legacy)
REISSUE/HISTORIC ALBUM (up to 3)
1. Stan Rogers: Northwest Passage (Borealis)
2. Various: Have Not Been The Same: The CanRock Renaissance 1985-1995 (Pheromone)
3. JD McPherson: Signs & Signifiers (Hi-Style/Rounder)
LIVE ALBUM (up to 3)
1. Radney Foster: Del Rio Revisited – Unplugged & Lonesome (Devil’s River)
2. Kasey Anderson And The Honkies: Live Honkies (self)
3. We Walk The Line: A Celebration Of The Music Of Johnny Cash (Legacy)
FEMALE ARTIST (up to 3)
1. Christina Martin
2. Rose Cousins
3. Keri Latimer
MALE ARTIST (up to 3)
1. Del Barber
2. Matthew Ryan
3. Bruce Springsteen
DUO/GROUP (Up to 3)
1. Whitehorse
2. Skydiggers
3. Shovels & Rope
INSTRUMENTALIST (up to 3)
1. Jim Bryson
2. Buddy Miller
3. Gurf Morlix
SONGWRITER (up to 3)
1. Del Barber
2. Christina Martin
3. Matthew Ryan
BEST IN THE INDUSTRY (up to 3)
1. Ken Beattie (Killbeat Music)
2. Mark Logan (Busted Flat)
3. Ellen Stanley (Red House)
Artist: Album (Label) *JR
1. Tannis Slimmon: In and Out of Harmony (self) *JR
2. Lee Harvey Osmond: The Folk Sinner (Latent)
3. Barney Bentall: Flesh & Bone (True North)
4. Mary Gauthier: Live At Blue Rock (CD Baby)
5. Jonathan Byrd and Chris Kokesh: The Barn Birds (self)
6. Annie Lou: Grandma’s Rules For Drinking (self)