February Podcast Picks

Canada’s finest: The Sadies’ new record, “Northern Passages,” features a cameo from indie-rocker Kurt Vile.

Stream or Download February Podcast Picks:  February ’17 Podcast Picks

It was Episode #65 of That Much Further West Podcast when Portland’s alt-country laureate, Willy Vlautin of Richmond Fontaine, was asked what was the most impressive band he had shared a bill with over his 20-or-so years of gigging.

Without hesitation, Vlautin responded, “The Sadies.”

While Richmond Fontaine celebrated a memorable farewell in 2016, The Sadies continue to bring it to the people. Renowned for their mix of country, rock and psychedelia, the Canadian quartet have released their 10th studio album, “Northern Passages,” and we kick off our February Podcast Picks with “The Elements Song,” a big slice of what makes them great. The record is a joyous mix of big soundscapes and smaller, ear-catching buzzes that have been hallmarks of the band’s finest work. The album also features a lead vocal cameo by indie-rocker Kurt Vile, so be sure to make time to give the whole thing a good listen.

Also featured on this month’s podcast picks are brand-new songs from a number of our genre-leading favorites, including Son Volt, Nikki Lane, Two Cow Garage, Dr. Dog and Tift Merritt. You’ll also recognize the unmistakable voice of Chris Stapleton from his days of fronting blue grass kingpins The SteelDrivers. Also, a song from podcast-team favorite Karen Jonas, who knocked ’em dead at the Ameripolitan Awards in Austin this past week.

Included as well are plenty of new voices to the podcast, including Roger Hoover, Whitney Rose, Derek Hoke, Justin Wells and Shawn James. We also share a fun tune from the new record by Dale Watson and Ray Benson, legends in their own right who came together for a new record called “Under The Influence” under the moniker “Dale & Ray.”

And we close out with a song from Hip Hatchet, who has our new president squarely in his sights with the title cut from his new EP, “Hellhound In The House.” You can read podcast co-host Mike Lee’s 100-word review of the EP and stream all three of the songs here.

In the meantime, give this month’s podcast picks a listen! Here’s the playlist:

The Elements Song, The Sadies
You Put The Hurt On Me, The SteelDrivers
Oh, How Times Have Changed, Roger Hoover
Analog, Whitney Rose
Sinking Down, Son Volt
Shadows Through A Canyon, Fort Defiance
Southern Moon, Derek Hoke
Whiskey And Dandelions, Karen Jonas
The Same, Cody Jinks
Brand New Flag, Two Cow Garage
Going Down Grinnin’, Justin Wells
Jackpot, Nikki Lane
Both Sides Of The Line, Dr. Dog
The Ballad of Dale and Ray, Dale & Ray
Delilah, Shawn James
It’s Alright If You Sleep Around (Featuring Kate Mann), Joshua James and the Runaway Trains
Heartache Is An Uphill Climb, Tift Merritt
Hellhound In The House, Hip Hatchet