Hal’s Favorites of 2013 (Your Mileage May Vary)
1-Jason Isbell “Southeastern”
It seems like a landslide based on the reader’s poll. It’s that good.
2-Michael Rank and Stag “Mermaids”
Rank cranks out two great discs in one year. This is my favorite. It features Emily Frantz who is also getting lots of love this year for her work on Mandolin Orange’s “This Side Of Jordan”.
3-Sam Baker “Say Grace”
Amazing album and Sam’s recorded my pick for song of the year: “Ditch”.
4-Michael Rank and Stag “In The Weeds”
Ranks first disc of 2013. And with it Rank claims two of my 2013 top ten spots.
5-Wynntown Marshals “The Long Haul”
If you miss Uncle Tupelo you need this album.
6-Peter Cooper “Opening Day”
Buried in the disc among some laugh out loud songs is the protest song of the year: “Quiet Little War”.
7-Tony Joe White “Hoodoo” Polk salad indeed!
8-The Backsliders “Hicktopia” I hope this EP is a sign of more to come from the guys.
9-Kenny Roby “Memories and Birds”
Roby’s comeback album. Kenny croons.
10- And finally the reissue of the year (for those of us who don’t need 37 alternate takes of “Into The Mystic”) is……
The Bottle Rockets/Brooklyn Side (Bloodshot Records)