Pew Playlist: 3 Albums That Should Be On Your Radar, 10/7/16

Shovels & Rope – Little Seeds

With their uniquely distinctive sound, intelligent songwriting, and energetic live performances, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent (a.k.a. Shovels & Rope)  have established themselves as glimmering threads in the Americana tapestry. Their third studio album, Little Seeds, out today via New West Records, is by far their most personal and socially conscious release yet. The record’s tracks explore personal issues ranging from racial unity in their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, to the couple’s life after the birth of their first child, and feature a deeper level of vulnerability that makes them even more relatable to us. Swoon.

Brent Cobb – Shine On Rainy Day
Nashville-by-way-of rural Georgia singer/songwriter Brent Cobb’s major label debut, Shine On Rainy Day, is out today via Low Country Sound/Elektra Records. Produced by his cousin, Dave Cobb, the album’s tracks have a relatable, down-home appeal that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in cozy blanket made by your favorite relative. Of the record, Cobb has said, “It’s not as good as it’s going to get. But if it’s the last thing that I ever do, if I died the day after it came out, then thank God I was able to record it because the songs and the production, it was everything I wanted to say. Finally.”

Hiss Golden Messenger – Heart Like A Levee

M.C. Taylor, the creative force behind North Carolina-based folk outfit Hiss Golden Messenger, wrote the songs on his highly anticipated album Heart Like A Levee, out today via Merge Records, during a time of transition and doubt. “The process was raw, but also joyous. In the end I learned more about myself making this record than any in the past, and that’s one important way for me to gauge whether an album was worth making. I want to make records that feel both minor and major key at the same time; maybe ‘bittersweet’ is a good word for it. Life is simultaneously happy and sad at once and that’s how I want my records to feel.” Mission accomplished.

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