The Allman Brothers Band - One Way Out
Recorded during their Beacon Theater residency, it is a chronicle of a band that despite tragic loss and many personnel changes is still at the top of their game. The guitar duo of Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks is incendiary. For a band famous for their live performances and their classic Fillmore East recording, the bar is set pretty high. They prove here that they are more than up to the task. The version of Whipping Post here is quite possibly the strongest one I've ever heard.
Wilco - A Ghost Is Born
I have always really enjoyed this album, probably more so than Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. I love how it was basically out there and available before release, yet was still a big seller as fans made good and made it official. I can't choose a standout track - this is one that should be listened to in its entirety.
Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush - Real Live
This was probably the biggest surprise of the year for me. I wasn't surprised that it was good - but that it was released at all. Frank Marino was off my radar until I heard a track from this on XM Radio. A quick online search and I found this outstanding collection featuring some of the most incredible guitar playing I have ever heard. We saw Frank a couple years back and the show was just stellar. Buy this, and go see Frank if you ever get the chance.
Warren Haynes - Live at Bonnaroo
A really great set from Warren at the 2003 Bonnaroo festival. Starting off a Sunday with a great rendition of Radiohead's Lucky, he follows up with a full solo set of cool covers and Mule tunes. Sounds like a great way to have spent a Sunday morning, wish I had been there. Highlights include Glory Road, Stella Blue and a fantastic version of U2's One.
Gov't Mule - DÉJÀ VOODOO
We were in New York at the Roseland for the album release party when they did the live debut of this material. I loved it then and I love it now. My Separate Reality and New World Blues are standout tracks but the whole album is pretty strong.
Honorable Mention:
Cowboy Junkies - One Soul Now
The Finn Brothers - Everyone Is Here
Thanks Nat for reminding me of the Finn Brothers - love that one.
Thanks
SB
SB
LOVED that Wilco release, and now I feel compelled to listen to Frank Marino!
I love the Top 5, and I always find something new that I want to hear. Smiles!
Agreed on the new discoveries. I have a whole bunch of stuff that I need to check out from the lists that other folks posted.
I highly recommend the Frank Marino - the version of Poppy there is unbelievable, jaw droppingly good actually.
Thanks as always,
SB