Titus Andronicus "The Monitor" (2010)

For some bands seem to be in it for the chicks.  Or the drugs.  Or because the cool kids are doing it.  For others, there's a sense that they have this physical hunger to Rock.  That only through their music can they realize any sort of personal peace.  Their demons are too strong for them otherwise.

Titus Andronicus has to Rock.  They aren't afraid to be ambitious, to nod to their elders while at the same time playing with the tropes ("Tramps like us, baby we were born to die").  Don't be mistaken, this is not the irony heavy indie rock that has become so prevalent in the last decade or so.  Titus Andronicus don't distance themselves from the emotions powering their music.

Laura Veirs "Two Beers Veirs" (2008)

This is a charming indie folk take on traditional material.  While the arrangements have not been substantially changed, the modern instrumental touches & vocal style show it's contemporary nature.  (I would say that it's closer to Sufjan Stevens than Elizabeth Cotten).

Otis Gibbs "Joe Hill's Ashes" (2010)

In late 2011, when I listen to these Otis Gibbs records I'm struck by how he anticipates the Occupy movement.  Gibbs is writing songs for the 99%.  As the title indicates, he celebrates the working man & the history of the labor movement.  But the more personal songs speak to the same issues as well.  "No one choses to ride in a Greyhound, the only reason you're here is because you're too broke to fly".  The stories are sad, but honorable. 

Laura Gibson "Six White Horses" (2008)

There's something about relaxed versions of traditional songs that really appeals to me.  Perhaps it's that I feel like the music has in a way returned to its source, just good songs sung by and for people.  The enjoyment of the song itself then takes precedence over technique, or perfection. 

This is a loose collection of traditional songs originally recorded to be sold at merch tables.  It has that loose feeling, that you are hearing musicians play just for the joy of playing.  Highly recommended.

Ryan Adams "Heartbreaker" (2000)

Looking back on this record, it almost sounds like you can hear it engaging with The Canon (tm).  The consensus seems to be that Radiohead is the last entry into the canon (the exact album seems to be up for debate), but I would nominate this as one of the entries from the aughties.  Adams steps away from the garagey sounds found on the Whiskeytown records, focusing instead on his ballads.  They are more polished than before, & David Rawling's production smoothes out the rough edges.  Listening to "Heartbreaker" now, you hear the blueprint for the myriad singer-songwriters of the last few years (not all of them are named Josh, but sometimes it does seem that way).  Songs like "To Be Young", "Oh My Sweet Carolina" & "Damn, Sam" are among the best he's ever written.  The songwriting & track selection show an efficiency that were unfortunately soon abandoned.  But future rock enthusiasts will be looking back on this record as one of the better releases of its time.

Alasdair Roberts "The Crook of My Arm" (2001)

Once again we're encountering folk music from the UK.  And again, I feel like I should be more enthusiastic about this record than I actually am. 

Initially Roberts' Scottish accent is a bit off-putting, but after a track or two that distancing fades, & I'm left with beautiful traditional ballads sung with only simple acoustic guitar accompaniment.  This is absolutely a lovely record.

Otis Gibbs "Grandpa Walked a Picketline" (2008)

The Woody Guthrie comparison is all too often used.  It's a lazy music critic's shorthand for some vague socially conscious lyrics.  Woody, of course, is seen as a giant in American folk music, & the comparisons are most often a stretch at best.

Otis Gibbs' music seems to be firmly rooted in the working class experience.  Songs of people on the margins, who are working hard to get by, or in some cases unable to find work.

In this year of the Occupy protests, his songs seem even more topical & relevant.  It's a shame that more people aren't familiar with his music.  This is a fabulous album.