So, yesterday monthly music and entertainment digital magazine, Paste, took on the tricky task of naming the top 50 alt-country albums of all time. Not easy for a number of reasons. Firstly, these things are entirely subjective and there’ll always be cries of “how could you forget this album?”, but even more difficult is the challenge of defining what alt-country actually is. As a member of a band often described as alt-country when we’ve always thought we were folk, I’m not too sure either. Does it refer to any music that fuses country with another genre? Does it mean country music that isn’t quite mainstream? Possibly both. In the end Paste decided on music that has strong country elements, is a little left of centre (no big shiny stars) and no folky Americana. Sure, let’s go with that.
We listened to one song from each of the top 10 albums. And it was a guitar twanging, harmony laden, sweet treat.

John Vella from Sydney band Tenderfoot treated us to a chat and a beautiful live performance of two songs from the band’s brand new EP ‘Beginnings’.

John Vella (Tenderfoot) and Georgia

We enjoyed wonderful local music from Darren Hanlon, Jen Cloher & The Endless Sea, Georgia Mulligan and a new collaboration between Caitlin Park and BANFF.

All in all, another lovely Tuesday afternoon!

The Last Waltz’ Weekly Sydney Folk Gig Guide (TLWWSFGG?):

THURSDAY 11th August
James Kenyon, Christine Jane, Happy Axe
Porch Light Sessions @ Petersham Bowling Club, 7pm
more info HERE

FRIDAY 12th August
Caitlin Park X BANFF
Oxford Circus, 7pm
more info HERE

FRIDAY 12th August
Punch Brothers (USA)
City Recital Hall, 8pm
more info HERE

SATURDAY 13th August
Tenderfoot – ‘Beginnings’ EP Release Party
Wayward Brewing Company
more info HERE

SATURDAY 13th August
Charm of Finches – Debut Album Launch
The Newsagency, 8pm
more info HERE