Tunesday with George: Triple Play

triple tunesday this week...and that doesn't even begin to cover all of the exciting recent releases.


Alabama Shakes -- Boys & Girls

This group certainly doesn't need the significant "publicity boost" of a Tunesday selection, never before have I seen such a swift and meteoric rise from small town anonymity to super-media-hype-press-darlings. Their debut album just came out on the 10th, but nearly their entire tour of 1000+ seat venues was sold out in advance. But hey, it's not often that something organic and honest breaks through the clutter and into the semi-mainstream conscience. Plus, Brittany and the boys are good folks, and easy to root for. There is nothing really groundbreaking at all with this band and album, but what we have is a very solid, old-school R&B/Soul record with a great vocal force and very solid musicianship. It comes as no surprise that this group comes from the talent-rich nook of the Northern Alabama Muscle Shoals area (Fame Studios, Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell, Secret Sisters, 1/2 of the Civil Wars, and so on), but for me the deal is sweetened because they come from the nearby town of Athens, AL....made famous in my family circles by a certain clan known as "The Garths", lead by the great Juan (somewhat of a musical force himself). FREE LISTEN

Trampled By Turtles -- Stars & Satellites

This fish got away from us at New West twice, but there's no love lost here! Stars And Satellites is a beautiful album, with great singing, moving ballads, masterful instrumentation, and a few blistering bluegrass numbers to let you know they are still kings in that world. The Turtles may never get as big as the Avett Bros., but they've certainly carved out a place at the table.

M. Ward -- A Wasteland Companion

This one I haven't had much of a chance to listen to yet. But it's M. Ward, so I'm sure it's great...or at least really good.