The Can Kickers - Mountain Dudes

New London, CT-based The Can Kickers combine a punk ethos with traditional mountain music instrumentation: banjo, guitar, fiddle, harmonica, and washboard. What they may not possess in instrumental virtuosity, they make up in frantic energy and excitement. This, their third album, features mostly standards. Check out this collage of traditional sources, incorporating a traditional melody I can't quite place, some words from "Blue Moon of Kentucky," and some original lyrics.

Listen:
The Can Kickers - Shenandoah X

Buy:
From The Can Kickers

Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours - Merry Christmas from the Trailer Park

If you're looking for a campy, white-trash Christmas, and if you're looking to experience it vicariously, this CD by Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours is the one to get. And the music's pretty good, too. Unlike some white trash send up records, which are more concerned with the broad comedy, this CD also features some nice country and rockabilly sounds. Lead singer Antsy McClain also happens to do "serious" work, so don't think that he's a one-note novelty act.

Listen:
Antsy McClain - Christmas at the Trailer Park
Antsy McClain - She's Underneath the Mistletoe Again

Buy:
From Antsy McClain

Sunny Sweeney - Heartbreaker's Hall of Fame

The first thing I noticed about Sunny Sweeny was her East Texas accent. It reminded me a bit of Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks. I’m glad I didn’t let my initial prejudice get in the way of listening to the whole album, though, as Sweeney puts out a compellingly sweet and swinging album of Texas-style honky tonk.

Read the rest of my review on Americana Roots.

Listen:
Sunny Sweeney - If I Could

Buy:
From CD Baby