Country Mile Edition: Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Wes Youssi & The Country Champs & Caitlin Canty

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers: Years

So much good country music is out there these days, here are three new ones that have my attention recently. First up is Sarah Shook and the Disarmers who already follow up their RecommNed’d record Sidelong from just last year with a much-welcomed barn-burner. Out just last week, Years, picks up right where the last one left off, with a humorous, rocking, couple-whiskeys-into-your-night, slightly snarling set of instant country classics. I mean, only Sarah Shook can sing “I need this shit like I need a hole in the head” with such conviction. But, really, you do need this one.

Wes Youssi & The Country Champs: Down Low

Out earlier this past winter, Down Low, is the new record from Wes Youssi & The Country Champs. If you’re looking for some old-school country twang that’s best found in the honky tonks of Nashville, Youssi and his band deliver. Don’t let his Portland, Oregon address fool you, this is some real deal, vintage stuff. The voice, the band and especially the songwriting will definitely scratch that country itch you’ve got. Check it out and enjoy!

Caitlin Canty: Motel Bouquet

And finally, I’ve got the brand new one from one of my favorite songwriters of the past couple years. It’s been too long since her Reckless Skyline knocked me off my feet a couple years ago, so I’m glad that Caitlin Canty’s brand new record, Motel Bouquet is worthy of sitting alongside it on the shelf. Canty’s songs maybe transcend merely being called “country,” or really any genre really. No matter, these are songs to be listened to and savored, each one its own emotion-filled story. The record was produced by (and features) Punch Brothers banjo player Noam Pikelny whose influence is a nice subtle thread throughout. Highly recommended.