(April 2025) Episode 641 is JASON ISBELL. I had conceived this episode within the “country” genre, but quickly realized Isbell performs in that big space variously called Americana, southern rock, root-rock, alt-country. It might conclude signing in a Southern twang (he’s from northern Alabama) is a reflexive signifier. Whatever the label, Isbell is a gifted songwriter for melody and turn of a phrase, and he has gained wide fame because of it. I tend to prefer his solo recordings to the ones with his band, the 400 Unit, especially his most recent, all-acoustic release, Foxes in the Snow.
Favorite album: Foxes in the Snow
Favorite song: Miles*
Compared to expectations: ↑
Recommendation: Something More than Free, Reunions, Weathervanes, Foxes in the Snow
* not characteristic of most his work, but the opening riff’s homage to Down By the River got me.
Opus Project 