Part Seven
Part Six
Part Five
Part Four
Part Three
Part Two
Part One

Maxwell Stern – Impossible Sum (Lauren Records)

Another chapter and kicking it off in Philadelphia with a brilliant album from Maxwell Stern. Totally my kind of record that would have fitted in also during the early days of this blog. Such a perfect pop record.

Ian Daniel Kehoe – Charging the Stone / Rock & Roll Illusion / Disco Body Buzz (Tin Angel Records)

Canadian songwriter Ian Daniel Kehoe released three albums on one Bandcamp day. They are all great and can share one spot on this little list. Tin Angel Records are putting them out more officially. At least Rock & Roll Illusion is already out there and rest will follor.

MAITA – Best Wishes (Kill Rock Stars)

Back in Portland, Oregon once again. MAITA was on the EP list few years back and now they have a great album out too. And on the legendary Kill Rock Stars label.

Talitha Ferri – Get Well Soon (Soulpod Collective)

The only visit to Denmark on this year-end galore. Talitha Ferri released a dazzlingly beautiful debut album.

Adam Selzer – Slow Decay (Jealous Butcher Records)

Then we return to Portland. I’m a long time fan of Adam Selzer. I loved those Norfolk & Western records in the early 00s. It was pleasant surprise that he released a great new solo record in 2020.

David Dondero – The Filter Bubble Blues (Fluff & Gravy Records)

David Dondero’s new record was one of the early highlights of the year. Powerful and important.

I’m Kingfisher – The Past Has Begun (Fading Trails Records)

This roundabout has already visited Denmark and Norway, so it’s about time to hit the Swedish shores as well. The new I’m Kingfisher album is gorgeous and a perfect follow-up to Transit. He is on a roll.

Will Johnson – El Capitan (Keeled Scales)

And well if Will Johnson puts out a record, I’m going to listen to it and I’m going to love it.

Possessed By Paul James – As We Go Wandering

Another from the early parts of the year. I’ve been following Possessed By Paul James (aka Konrad Wert) since the The Folk Singer movie and it was great to finally get a new album from him.

Skyway Man – The World Only Ends When You Die (Mama Bird Recording Co)

Next an extraordinary genre-hopping sonic adventure with Oakland’s Skyway Man.

Becky Warren – The Sick Season

And then some american countrified rock’n’roll from Becky Warren. Lots of gems here like Appointment with the Blues, Me and These Jeans and Birmingham.

Lydia Loveless – Daughter (Honey, You’re Gonna Be Late records)

Lydia Loveless also released a new album and a damn good one too.

Lucinda Williams – Good Souls, Better Angels (Highway 20 Records)

Well she definitely doesn’t need an introduction. Powerful songs again from Lucinda Williams.

Otis Gibbs – Hoosier National

Otis Gibbs, the master of podcasts and front porch videos also released a mighty good album.

Drive-By Truckers – The Unraveling / The New OK (ATO Records)

Drive-By Truckers can do the honors and wrap up this chapter of this saga. They released two excellent records this year. I have no idea, which one is better so these powerful albums can share this spot on the list. Here’s Thoughts and Prayers from Unraveling.

Part Seven
Part Six
Part Five
Part Four
Part Three
Part Two
Part One

Matthew ’Doc’ Dunn – Rain, Rain, Rain (Cosmic Range Records)

Onwards to the next chapter of the neverending virtual year-end journey. This one starts in Canada with cosmic cowboy Matthew Doc Dunn.

Matthew McNeal – Good Grief (Matte Black Sound Company)

Next up is another Matthew, this time from Fort Worth, Texas. Matthew McNeal has had more than his share of bad luck during the recent years, but made a really good album in the midst of it all.

Sam Burton – I Can Go With You (Tompkins Square)

Moving on to Los Angeles for this timeless beauty from Sam Burton. I fell for this when the first single arrived and the full-length lived up to the sky high expectations.

Kathleen Edwards – Total Freedom (Dualtone)

A bit of surprise return from Canadian songwriter Kathleen Edwards, but I couldn’t be happier about it. The new album is gorgeous.

Malin Pettersen – Wildhorse (Die With Your Boots On Records)

A brief visit to Norway in order to spend some time with country singer-songwriter Malin Pettersen and her beautiful new album Wildhorse.

Caleb Caudle – Better Hurry Up (Baldwin County Public Records)

Back across the pond for the new album from long time favorite Caleb Caudle.

Joshua Ray Walker – Glad You Made It (State Fair Records)

And continuing with great country singer-songwriters. Joshua Ray Walker’s sophomore album is excellent as a whole plus has this one hell of a song called Voices.

Justin Wells – United State (Singular Recordings)

Then off to Lexington, Kentucky to meet up with Justin Wells and his awesome new album United State. Bonus thanks to Justin for introducing Abby Hamilton to me.

Jaime Wyatt – Neon Cross (New West Records)

More country greats from Nashville, Tennessee. New Jaime Wyatt album is excellent.

Colter Wall – Western Swing & Waltzes and other Punchy Songs (La Honda Records)

This lovely Canadian man also released a new collection of songs. Some gorgeous originals mixed up with selected cuts from the previous eras of country music.

Brennen Leigh – Prairie Love Letter

Oh and here’s a real stunner from Brennen Leigh. A lot of remarkable songs on this album and it would have easily made the cut even on a much shorter year-end list.

Juliet McConkey – Disappearing Girl

A marvellous debut album from Austin-based Juliet McConkey. I had heard whispers about her somewhere and therefore I was ready when the first single arrived. I instantly loved it and the feeling only grew stronger when the album arrived a while later.

H.C. McEntire – Eno Axis (Merge Records)

Moving on to Durham, North Carolina for the second solo album from Mount Moriah’s H.C. McEntire. It’s mighty good of course.

Waxahatchee – Saint Cloud (Merge Records)

More gold from the Merge Records vaults. Quite a spectacular album from Waxahatchee that has deservably been the top pick (or one of them) on several aoty lists I’ve seen.

Samantha Crain – A Small Death (Real Kind Records)

And what about this beauty from Oklahoma-based Samantha Crain. I’ve been following since the debut and this might even be my favorite album from her. Wonderful record. Oh and this song called Joey. Oh my heart. Just wow. A perfect end to this part of the year-end story.