Tyler Childers - “Snipe Hunter”
A huge week at Sonic Middle Age headquarters with the release of the much anticipated Tyler Childers album “Snipe Hunter”. It’s a fantastic record and has been on constant rotation ever since release.
Childers continues to follow his muse wherever it may take him, from both an artistic and a career point of view - he’s a fascinating character, as this lengthy GQ interview illustrates. I love his singular approach to his career almost as much as I love his music - he is Kurt Cobain-like in his desire to challenge his audience. Sure, I don’t get the koala STD song on the new record, but the guy has written tributes to on-tour masturbation and his caravan, along with some of the most beautiful love songs of the last ten years, so nothing should surprise.
The man is a genius - unreservedly recommended [Apple Music] [Spotify]
Ryan Davis & The Roadhouse Band - New Threats From The Soul
Speaking of boundary-pushers, are you up for Bonnie “Prince” Billy / Silver Jews / Wilco style country-rock jams that go for 11 minutes? I am. This record is loose, melodic and poetic. It goes on long distance trips with its collection of cheats and losers through sprawling peaks and valleys of psychedelia, country and indie rock. Check it out [note: wacky video, non-wacky record]. [Apple Music] [Spotify]
Jeff Tweedy - Twilight Overdrive
The great man is releasing a triple album! Only a few songs so far but all sounding excellent. This is shaping up very well indeed. [Apple Music] [Spotify]
Crime Fiction Detour
Crime fiction recommendations? Why the hell not. SA Cosby’s “Razorblade Tears” is one of my favourite crime fiction reads - a righteous revenge thriller worthy of the great George Pelecanos. The subsequent “All The Sinners Bleed” didn’t quite get there for me but now we have the “King Of Ashes” - it’s brutal, dark and compelling. Loved it. I was late to it, but I also loved “California Bear” by Duane Swierczynski - clever and funny right up to the point where it’s not funny at all.
I hope you enjoy something here - until next time
Brett