The Gaslight Anthem, “American Slang”
The best band out of New Jersey since those other guys. I fell in love with their previous release “The 59 Sound” and was certain it was a one-album wonder. I was wrong. Great straight ahead rock and roll with the words to match. See them in person, as I did this summer, and you will agree.

The Hold Steady, “Heaven is Whenever”
Speaking of straight ahead rock and roll, The Hold Steady is the real deal and each CD comes with more anthems than you can count. This is their best yet and it contains the line of the year, “St. Theresa came wearing a see through, it was standard issue.”

Buddy Guy, “Living Proof”
Buddy could easily just turn out one disc after another on his legacy alone. That is not Buddy and this CD is searing. Unlike many of his few remaining contemporaries he doesn’t cheat either. This is a long CD with enough guitar licks to embarrass Keith Richards. If his duet with BB King does not make you cry, then you do not have a heart

Ray Wylie Hubbard “Enlightenment/Endarkenment”
Speaking of old farts. RWH is one of the original Texas alt. country dudes and he ages like vinegar. He does some hard ass stuff here but it is mesmerizing. Really, you should go back a couple of years for his classic “Snake Farm.” Also go to itunes and get his live version of Red Neck Mother. He wrote it and he sings it here in a way that will split your gut laughing.

Justin Townes Earl, “Hudson River Blues.”
His daddy would be so proud, and Steve is if you listen to his radio show, and so should Woody Guthrie. This is wonderful and heartfelt. Heck, I’m proud of him too.

John Mellencamp, “No Better Than This.”
Speaking of Woody. JM did a great job with just one concept in mind. I really think he set out to do early Johnny Cash justice. That works for me.

Jenny and Johnny “I’m Having Fun Now”
My favorite pop album of the year. Brings you back to the great male/female duos of the past. “Hey, hey Paula.”

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs “God Willin & The Creek Don’t Rise.
If there is a better roof raising song this year than Devil’s in the Jukebox, please tell me and Repo Man ain’t far behind.

Paul Thorn, “Pimps and Preachers”
The former boxer from Mississippi jukes, jives, and darts to his best CD ever and he has turned out some great work over the years. Please support your hard working, but underappreciated artists.

Patty Griffin, “Downtown Church”
Every Patty Griffin release is a treasure and this might be her best. It is like going to church. She covers Hank Williams here and no one has covered him better. Exquisite is the best way to describe this CD and the help from Buddy and Julie Miller and Emmy Lou is a perfect match.

Release of the Year. “Darkness on the Edge of Town” box set.
More than four years of anticipation and it exceeds every expectation. Nearly every review you have read is based solely on “The Promise”, the outtakes from the never-ending Darkness recording session. That alone would be worth a standing ovation but the DVD’s are affirmation that this is the best live band in the history of rock and roll. All you need to do is first watch the Paramount Theatre DVD of Darkness from start to finish. I found myself saying it is like each song is as good as the best live version I have been blessed to see and hear in person. What is so amazing is how the band can replicate the past. So, watch “Prove it all Night” from the Phoenix show extras and follow up by watching “Prove it” from the Paramount show. Case closed.

Best Archive Release. Bob Dylan “The Original Mono Recordings.”
My original discs are in awful condition. I think one of them was used as an ashtray in Cavanaugh Hall at Notre Dame. Still they did not sound like this. Like a Rolling Stone sounds fresher than the day it was released.

Radio Show of the Year.
Bernie Taupin “American Roots Radio” on satellite radio (The Loft). If you think Dylan knows his shit, try this out. I was addicted right out of the chute then my wife fell in love with it. Must listening on Saturday nights.

Music DVD of the year. T.A.M.I Show.
The Holy Grail of unreleased concerts could have been a bust. Nope. James Brown actually does levitate across the stage. The Motown stars are at the top of their games. And the Beach Boys remind you of how good they were. As Keith Richards said, “I knew it was a big mistake to follow James Brown,” Still, The Stones held their ground.

Festival of thee Year.
Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, Chicago. Old dude made it through all 11 hours and only wishes it were longer. Too many highlights to mention so just give it up and buy the DVD.

Concert of the Year.
The Gaslight Anthem, House of Blues, Chicago. Bruce’s blessing was not a curse for these guys.

Book of the Year.
“Empire of the Summer Moon.” The story of the Comanche Indians and their last great chief. This is a well-balanced Red man/White man history. Did you know the nexus of John Ford’s The Searchers is based on real events? Mesmerizing.