Tag: roots rock

641. Jason Isbell

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(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.

381. Bonnie Raitt

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(January 2022) Episode 381 is BONNIE RAITT. I don’t think anybody can dislike Bonnie Raitt. Her bluesy/soulful voice and slidey guitar make a wholesome blend of blues/rock/roots music. But it can also be kinda basic. The albums from her mainstream success years are my least favorite, and I like her later, more atmospheric and introspective, recordings the best.

Favorite album: Slipstream

Favorite song: God Was In The Water

Compared to expectations: same

Recommendation: enjoyable but it does not challenge you

145. Creedence Clearwater Revival

~ ernopepper ~ Leave a comment

(October 2017) I have completed episode 145 of my “opus project,” in which I listen to a band’s full discography. This edition: CREEDENCE CLEARWATER REVIVAL (plus The Golliwogs). Who doesn’t love CCR? Comfort food in musical form. Amazingly, they put out six albums in 2 1/2 years (plus one a couple years later).

Favorite album: Cosmo’s Factory

Favorite song: Bad Moon Rising

Best jam: I Heard It Through the Grapevine

Best song to get you out of bed in the morning: Travelin’ Band

Best soul: Long as I Can See the Light

Special sauce: Doug Clifford

Compared to expectations: same

creedence_clearwater_revival_-_cosmo's_factory