AUSTRALIAN ALBUMS OF 2024
1. More Life Jeff Lang
Jeff Lang’s most assured album to date with an array of excellent guests after a career that has seen him also establish a reputation as a respected producer. Lang’s guitar playing here is notable yet restrained and his songwriting and collaborations with some of the greats including Don Walker and John Butler elevate this album to another level.
2. Til My Song Is Done Emma Donovan
In another era this album would be a chart hit but that’s why Rhythms is here – to tell you about one of the best albums from anywhere this year. Donovan was one of the stars of Out On The Weekend at Williamstown and deserves kudos for this great album.
3. Wild God Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Was this a surprise entry into the Rhythms Readers Poll? We think not. After a series of acclaimed concerts Cave and band confirm their reputation as one of the nation’s most successful recording and touring outfits. Don’t just take our word for it, even Bob Dylan is a fan.
4. Fever Longing Still Paul Kelly
A back to basics rock album from Kelly with some fine songs (some of which are from the archives) and great playing. With his biggest tour to date coming up later in the year there are bound to be concert favourites added from the new album, including ‘Taught By Experts’. Kelly also makes a surprise appearance in the film How To Make Gravy, based on his song of the same name.
5. NQR&B Sarah Carroll
Known as the Queen of The Bellarine, Carroll should widen her audience with her best album to date. An institution on the Victorian music scene, with multiple projects on the go at any one time, Carroll focuses her songwriting to produce this fine solo recording which shows all of her writing and vocal talents.
6. Tropical Depression Jordie Lane
Now resident in Nashville, Lane made a brief visit home to promote this new album which is definitely his most accessible and appealing to date. There are some great songs here and you would have thought that this album would have gained a lot more exposure given that it is on ABC Music. If you get the vinyl copy you will find a collectors’ item package, the design of which harks back to the ’70s.
7. The Way We Do Business The Black Sorrows
Joe Camilleri is definitely the hardest working musician in Australia. He is the Energizer bunny of rock music. It seems he is doing a gig every other day. Not only that, but he is also a prolific recording artist with a great songwriting partner and ‘secret weapon’ in Nick Smith. Obviously, a favourite with Rhythms readers this also has a couple of songs destined to become classics. Stand by for a new album from Joe’s Bakelite Radio project.
8. Opelousafried Opelousas
Uneasy listening from a trio that is ostensibly blues but is so much more, as the name of the group suggests. Featuring Hall of Famer Kerri Simpson, this award winning group take a basic approach and, with the help of producer Jeff Lang, attacks the music with gusto. Also, a little finesse and Louisiana influence on the title song.
9. Backbone Kasey Chambers
With a new memoir out – which references songs from this album – Chambers returns to recording after a ‘hiatus’. One of the few Australian acts to really make a major impression in Nashville, Chambers shows that she can still mix it with the best and is our most recognised ‘Americana’ artist overseas. There is a lovely teaming up with former partner Shane Nicholson on ‘The Divorce Song.’
10.=Marlinchen In The Snow Charm of Finches
The duo of sisters Mabel and Ivy Windred-Wornes have already toured in Europe and have been getting acclaim there. This fourth album from the sisters was recorded in rural Nova Scotia with acclaimed Canadian producer Daniel Ledwell (Jenn Grant, Oh Pep!) and it is not only superb but should have gained a lot more notice. It also shows why they have a huge future, if not here then in the USA or Europe.
10.= Tender Heart Mia Dyson
It was great to see Mia Dyson getting some success for this latest album because it deserves it. Plus, it was probably a pivotal album for the singer/songwriter/guitarist. The album, the title of which refers to a crucial health incident in Dyson’s life, also features a number of autobiographical songs which outline her struggle. Now, nine albums into her career, Dyson has reached the perfect balance between voice and instrumentation on an album with many memorable songs.
INTERNATIONAL ALBUMS OF 2024
1. Woodland Gillian Welch & David Rawlings
What can you say about Gillian and Dave that hasn’t been already said? Five sold out concerts at Hamer Hall in Melbourne coming up this month illustrates the love of the Australian audience and Rhythms readers for their music. Every album is like a precious oil painting and this is no exception. Standout songs? Start with ‘North Country’ – another five minutes of glorious beauty.
2. Ship To Shore Richard Thompson
Obviously, our readers retain a massive affection for Thompson and his writing and guitar playing because this album hardly got the attention it deserved. The problem for Thompson is that he has recorded so many great songs in the past that his recent work sometimes gets overshadowed. But never fear, there are enough songs about heartbreak and odd characters here to please any fan, and his magical playing is as fluent as ever.
3. $10 Cowboy Charley Crockett
One of the sensations of the Americana scene over the past few years, Crockett enjoyed another hugely successful Australian tour in 2024. Crockett might be categorised as Americana but his influences draw from the classic country musicians of the past. He might wear a cowboy hat but he has almost nothing in common with the mainstream cookie cutter country singers that afflict the scene, apart from that hat. Plus, he has a mellifluous voice that invites immediate comparison with a few past legends. Crockett’s songwriting, praised by Willie Nelson, also puts him into another class.
4. Trail of Flowers Sierra Ferrell
Talk about a meteoric rise! Sierra Ferrell heads back our way in the wake of two Americana Awards in 2024 and now four, yes four, nominations in this year’s Grammys (to be held on February 2). One of the standout songs on the new album is ‘American Dreaming’, a co-write, that is one of the songs of 2024. After only 6 years of recordings Ferrell is now one one of the major stars in the Americana firmament.
5. Sings The Beatles At Abbey Road Lucinda Williams
The Rhythms readers’ affection for Lucinda remains undiminished as her career is revitalised after health problems. Although this album was only released towards the end of the year it received a late rush of votes from fans. With some interesting interpretations of Beatles classics, along with a couple of more ‘obscure’ songs, Williams is obviously involved in a labour of love and fits into previous, recent projects. Not surprisingly this works best on songs that are more country oriented.
6. Live At The Ryman Vol.2 Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit
The King of Americana releases another volume of formidable live recordings after appearing in Scorsese’s Killers of The Flower Moon. As you would expect this album has a lot of big guitar riffs and driving rhythms. We were lucky enough to see him here last year and in performance Isbell’s band is a juggernaut and suited to large venues so it is apt that they will be supporting Paul Kelly on his huge tour later this year.
7. Luck & Strange David Gilmour
Obviously, another favourite of the readers. Who would have thought that the ex-Pink Floyd guitarist would have an album out in 2024 that many critics have labelled as ‘brilliant’. Gilmour has even called it his best album since Pink Floyd. The album also features some vocals from his daughter Romany and lyrical contributions from his wife Polly. A family affair, so to speak. Nevertheless, Gilmour’s first major outing in nine years will please long-time fans and those curious as to what made Pink Floyd tick.
8. The Past Is Still Alive Hurray for The Riff Raff
We saw the US singer-songwriter Alynda Segarra during the Out On The Weekend series and the shows were impressive indeed. Here on Segarra’s ninth album there are reminisces about a vagabond past and the loss of a father which resonate, along with the socially conscious songs which have been apparent in recent albums as well.
9. Manning Fireworks MJ Lenderman
While he might have got attention playing on Waxahatchee’s recent album Tigers Blood, and the bands concerts, Lenderman is a formidable talent in his own right. He released a great live album late last year and this studio album furthers his reputation. Not only a great player he has the world-weary air of early Neil Young plus the guitar licks to match. Manning is touring here in March. Don’t miss him.
10. Texicali Dave Alvin & Jimmie Dale Gilmore
A couple of genuine legends get together for the second time on an album that should have Australian fans asking for them to be included on the Bluesfest lineup this year. Backed by The Guilty Ones, the eleven songs include six originals which the duo play and sing brilliantly, taking it in turns or singing together on an album of great roots music.
COMPILATION/BOXSET/REISSUE/TRIBUTE
1. The Live Recordings 1974 Bob Dylan & The Band
How could we not have a Bob Dylan box set as your main choice? While 27 CDs might be a bit much for even the most ardent fan there is a cut down version that requires less patience. One question that springs to mind is whether this is where Bob started messing with the arrangements of his own songs in a major way. Still, The Band is often fantastic.
2. Archives Vol.4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) Joni Mitchell
Maybe more satisfying than the Dylan box set for those who want to embark on a journey of musical discovery about the richness of Mitchell’s creativity in one of her most productive eras. Lots of great live takes with marvellous musicians such as Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorius, Wayne Shorter and Pat Metheny.
3. Smoke Dreams – Captain Matchbox Whoopee Band
Terrific to see Aztec re-release this album which everyone seemed to have back in the mid-’70s. Was there a party back in 1973/4 when you didn’t hear a track from this album? Maybe you sang along and danced to ‘My Canary Has Circles ULndfer Its Eyes’. Scary!
BEST GIG/CONCERT/FESTIVAL SHOW
Wilco, Forum, Melbourne
This outfit just seems to get better every year, thanks no doubt to the restless musical thirst of Jeff Tweedy (who also published a great book, World Within A Song, late last year).
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Bluesfest
A lot of people have been calling this the best live band in the world and if you are talking about roots music then who are we to disagree. With two amazing guitarists, one of whom is also a great singer, and a brace of backing vocalists who can also hold their own, this might just be the modern day incarnation of Delaney & Bonnie and Friends.
BEST MUSIC FESTIVAL
Bluesfest, Tyagarah
Did you really think that 2025 would be the last Bluesfest? Seriously? That would be like cancelling the AFL or NRL Grand Finals. We are glad it is going ahead into the distant future.
Out On The Weekend, Williamston, VIC
A really great boutique festival, matched in NSW by Dashville, this is ample demonstration of the strength of support here for Americana and all its offshoots.
BEST MUSIC BOOK
Just Don’t Be A Dickhead, Kasey Chambers
A straight shooting autobiography just like the author. Listen along to the songs on the new album.
The Silver River, Jim Moginie
Not your usual rock autobiography with a revelation that casts its shadow over the entire book, which also includes the story of an extraordinary career.
BEST MUSIC DOCUMENTARY
The Hardest Line, Midnight Oil
You can watch this on demand at the ABC and it is a must see. Watch the story of one of Australia’s greatest rock bands, idc not its greatest.