Not necessarily in this order, and I’m sure I’ve left something out…but I really liked these records
Ray LaMontagne “God Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise”
Great songs, great sounds, great band. A very personal and thoughtful record, and a resoundingly successful debut in self-production for LaMontagne.
The Black Keys “Brothers”
Another great record from these guys, coming on the heals of last years solo Dan Auerbach masterpiece. More layers and production than some of their earlier efforts, but definitely not in a bad way. Saw them on this tour at The Pageant in St. Louis, and they delivered thoroughly.
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings “I Learned the Hard Way“
This record is just amazing. Dirty, filthy, soulful like old Hi Records, and damn real sounding.
Laura Marling “I Speak Because I Can”
Touching and thought-provoking both lyrically and musically…she is a modern mixture of Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos.
The Budos Band “The Budos Band III”
This band has released three albums to date, all of which I love. The horns are fat and the rhythm section is simply ridiculous.
Dave Rawlings Machine “A Friend of a Friend”
I didn’t know it till I got this record, but David Rawlings has written some of my favorite songs that other people have sung on their records. Rawlings is Gillian Welch’s guitar player, and on this solo effort she co- writes, plays acoustic guitar, and sings most all of the background vocals.
MGMT “Congratulations”
Much different than their debut release, more ambient and introspective. I actually like this record better than their first one.
Against Me “White Crosses”
I saw this band rip the faces off 500 kids in a dirty basement of an old building in Memphis, and while their faces were being ripped off they screamed back ALL the lyrics of every song. One anthem after another, and they made you believe it. This record is a continuation of those anthemic pop/punk lessons handed down by Tom Gabel, who is never afraid to call out what he sees as bullshit.
The City Champs “The Set-Up”
Second release from the Memphis instrumental powerhouse. Killer players mixed with an audibly friendly vibe in the studio (you can hear them having fun, seriously) make this a really great record. Lots of help from local luminaries on horns, bass and percussion…And man it sounds fat!
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin “Let It Sway”
I really like the power pop coming out of Springfield, MO nowadays with this newest release from SSLYBY. Produced by Chris Walla (guitarist for Death Cab For Cutie) and released on Polyvinyl Records…this band is not waiting around to get noticed.
Pete Matthews has been an engineer and producer at Ardent Studios since 1994. Among many others, Matthews has worked with the North Mississippi Allstars, Golden Smog, Honeytribe, Dust For Life, and Evanescence.
