Popa's Top 2014 Releases

Been digging on the end of year lists compiled by those whose tastes I like and yowza, some good stuff came out in '14 many obvious choices for those with discerning tastes, though unfortunately there are omissions when wittleing down.  Here is an eclectic list that got my ears all a tingle this year. Hope you'll take some time and check out these up and coming movers and shakers and help them get on the lists that matter next year.

Miss Shevaughn and Yuma Wray - Lean Into The Wind


Mat D and the Profane Saints  - Holyoke


Angela Perley & The Howlin’ Moons’ - Hey Kid


Darrin Bradbury - True Love
Those Mockingbirds – Penny The Dreadful
The Everymen - Givin' Up On Free Jazz


The Harmonica Lewinskies - Dad Rock
Lara Hope & The Ark-Tones -  Luck Maker


The Lucky Jukebox Brigade - Familiar Fevers

Blackwater Jukebox
The Nuclears - This Is How We Party

Briana Layon & The Boys Debut LP Touch and Go


The Moonshine - And Now
Thomas Bryan Eaton - We All Want To Be Love
Deena – Rock River
Mud Rey – Lusi
Francie Moon – Glass House

Graveyard Train - Takes One To Know One

The Warren G. Hardings - Get A Life


Joe Sundell – The Hat Thief

Graveyard Train NEW Album Takes One To Know One

The follow up to one of my favorite 2012 releases, the excellent album ‘Hollow’ the latest release from Graveyard Train  'Takes One To Know One' is if possible darker and spookier, but with a tad more of R&R on the drumbeats, but thier trademark sound of dark country/bluegrass Dobros, Banjos, upright Bass, hammers, chains, foot stompin’ and hauntin harmonies are still there, along with the death, dying and afterlife themed lyrics. The album is full of thick ominous tragically romantic ballads that have a soothing effect like the calm before the storm.

All Aboard! - Graveyard Train

From the deep mysterious down under, Graveyard Train, a six piece collective mix a Sergio Leone spaghetti western sound with dark spookish themes. Banjos, Dobros, hammers and chains create a foot stompin’ thick ominous broody mood of train-yard campfire storytelling, and haunting visuals that will stick with you long after listening. As frequent readers of this blog will recognize, this is right up my dark alley. ‘Hollow’ released May ’12 picks up where 2010’s ‘The Drink, The Devil and the Dance’ left off, spiriting you away to the places of darkness and woe. If you’re a fan of The Peculiar Pretzelman, The Bailey Hounds and The Imperial Rooster this is a band you will defiantly want to add to your collection.
Free Download ‘I’m Gone’ from ‘Hollow’ With their new album “Hollow” dropping in May the band are proud to present the first single lifted there-from I’m Gone. A rollicking stab of wild west woe and stomping train-yard rhythms, I’m Gone bears all the hallmark Graveyard Train traits. That said, much like the upcoming album, the track also introduces a slightly wider approach than previous Graveyard Train releases. Remaining lyrically preoccupied with all things macabre, “Hollow” manages to capture the infamous live reputation and punchy story telling of the band but the Drums are bit fatter and the guitars and psychedelia turned up just a notch. released 20 March 2012

The Drink, The Devil and the Dance A whole bunch of bearded maniacs are coming to get you this year - brace yourself for all the foot stomping, chain smashing, man-choir, bellowing singalong bluster of Graveyard Train. Vampires, werewolves, mummies and the general macabre are song topics of choice, while old timey instruments like banjo, dobro and washboard help set the scene. Their latest album The Drink The Devil and The Dance received a huge lot of accolades in Australia, album of the week in both Beat Magazine and 3RRR-FM and Album of the year from 3PBS FM. The boys are generally voted Australia’s number 1 Horror Country band which has seen them tour Australia extensively over the last 3 years. Come see what the fuss is about and bring your stomping boots!
released 01 July 2010