I spend a lot of time conflicted with my music. I receive so much of it and can never do it justice by listening it properly. Do you remember when you were younger and when you bought an LP or CD you nearly wore it out? Now with the availability of music through the radio, podcasts, streaming, downloads, CD’s and vinyl it’s hard not to become buried by it all.

I must have received around 80 albums of country music or americana to download from my editor at Country Music People (CMP), various monthly emails from PR agencies promoting their artists and then the occasional album I buy myself. The Mighty Jessney of Vixen 101 gifts me another 40 or 50 blues albums and then I see the odd CD in a charity shop and then there’s vinyl…

As part of a return to being a teenager I’m slowly acquiring a lot of vinyl released between 1970 and 1980. Happiness is a record store in a holiday destination. In Malaga I found a new release of 60s ‘golden era’ country music from a Swedish band, the awesome Country Sound Of Harmonica Sam! Such a discovery seems spooky in Spain but if you search you can find all sorts. In the bargain bin in Auckland I found the second album by Zephaniah Ohora, a fabulous New York based country artist in the bargain bin! There’s no way I’d ever find this in the UK.  Providing your luggage has a large flat space you can bring quite a bit of this stuff back! Generally new vinyl is a deplorable price with most new releases well over £25 and then considerably more for the major artists. I’m more of a second hand vinyl guy and over £15 makes me start to feel faint. However, I’m childishly pleased to have snaffled lots of second hand Wishbone Ash, Santana, Steely Dan, Average White Band, Wilson Picket, Buck Owens and Be Bop Deluxe in the year.

So a top 10?

1. Stephen Wilson Junior – Søn Of Dad

his came via Country Music People and I’d never heard of the artist before. It’s a showstopper of a raw boned wham of an outing veering between country and americana with a lot of rock thrown in. Great lyrics, arrangements and thoughtful lyrics captivated me. His videos on YouTube were the final seal on my thinking I’d discovered a future star.

2. Jaimee Harris – Boomerang Town

At The Crescent in York she was supporting Mary Gauthier and her set was wonderful. Her singer songwriter album displays her siren of a voice. When coupled to some great melodies and often dark lyrics there’s a maturity and authenticity that make me think she’ll one day get a big break.

3. The Country Side Of Harmonica Sam – Back To The Blue Side

This unpromising band name is the country vehicle for Sweden’s Harmonica Sam (Samuel Andersson) who plays ‘golden era’ country. I found this album in a Malaga record shop (Sleazy Records), this shop also had a record label and this was one of their releases! The shop was fully of rockabilly, early 50s rock n’ roll, country, surf and other 60s sounds. After finding this place I’d thought I’d gone to heaven or was having an out of body experience! This album is early 60s country with original compositions and covers. We’re planning to get to Malmö now!

4. Jon Byrd – All Your Mistakes

This nearly escaped my attention amongst all the music I receive but on the first play this selection of originals and covers captivated me and became a ‘go to’. It’s traditional country oozing with pathos, sincerity and drenched in pedal steel. What’s not to love?

5. Ashley McBryde – The Devil I Know

Now riding high in Nashville and the charts she’s a big star. However her ascent has been a long climb and now at forty her talent has won through. This is her third release that has consecutively made my end of year lists. Straight country with tunes, humour, sentimentality and no little verve

6. Brennen Leigh – Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin’ Yet

This long time female troubadour sings a batch of honky tonkers and ballads with the comforting themes of cheatin’, drinkin’ and lyin’! Slightly care worn but she’s still battling. Fabulous, the real thing.

7. Cody Johnson – Leather

It’s never too early to go back to the 90s and he’s leading the charge with this quality song packed album beautifully played and produced. There’s a variety of sounds and always an interesting lyric. He’s near the top of the Nashville pile at the moment. No wonder why.

8. Elle King – Come Get Your Wife

Take a voice with a lot of personality and experience of singing many genres then couple it to some fabulous contemporary country songs and the production of a top producer and you have a gem.

9. Steely Dan – Two Against Nature

Back to over 20 years! I discovered this lurking on my shelves and played it a lot. This was the last Steely Dan release and it’s passed over as it follows they’re golden period by 20 years when their classic albums were released. So it was great to hear some sophisticated rock, jazz, funk with arresting lyrics. A great band.

10. Wishbone Ash – Live Dates 2

Another retro pick from 1980. I came across the vinyl at a record shop in Beverley, East Yorkshire and loved it from start to finish. Live Dates One had the hits and no doubt spawned the idea to release a second volume. This a truly great rock album.

So 2024 will mean listening to lots of new music including a comforting dose (of hunted down) old rock and soul. Bring it on!