Pioneering Americana artists buck tradition

Swedish siblings First Aid Kit, legendary country singer Hank Williams and dynamic duo 7Horse expand their legacies via new releases.

Artist: First Aid Kit

Album: Stay Gold (Columbia)

You might like if you enjoy: Emmylou Harris, Fleet Foxes, the Civil Wars

Tell me more: Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg first burst on the global Americana music scene with their stunning full-length debut, 2012's The Lion's Roar, and have equaled the power of that country-mining folk effort on the pair's 2014 follow-up disc Stay Gold. There is a heavier real world feel across the lyrics this time around, as evidenced by the confessional lead-off track "My Silver Lining," the lovely "The Bell," tender "A Long Time Ago" and sparse "Shattered & Hollow." Information: thisisfirstaidkit.com.
Purchase 'Stay Gold'

Artist: Hank Williams

Album: The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Hank Williams, Michael and the Lonesome Playboys, David Serby

Tell me more: Unheard for more than six decades, the recently re-discovered and masterfully-restored performances from the legendary Hank Williams (1923-1953) featured on The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 certainly adds to the legacy of one of country music's greatest artists. A wonderful and truly unbelievable treasure-trove for fans of the late singer-songwriter, The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 features 24 performances from four known existing episodes of the 1950 radio show where Williams had the opportunity to play hits, standards and rarities. The spontaneous, in-between song banter is a large part of the fun. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.  
Buy 'The Garden Spot Programs, 1950' today

Artist: 7Horse

Album: Songs for a Voodoo Wedding (7Horse Music)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, the Strypes, the Doors

Tell me more: Crafting intelligent and astounding rock has been a trademark of dada over that trio's glorious 20-year history, so it should come as no surprise that 7Horse boasts that same kind of fiery and freewheeling spirit. Comprised of dada's Phil Leavitt and Joie Calio, 7Horse's newly-released LP Songs for a Voodoo Wedding is a worthy follow-up to the duo's 2011 debut Let the 7Horse Run. The sophomore effort kicks off with the rousing blues-minded folk rocker "Flying High (With No I.D.)," and includes the rollicking "Carousel Bar" and hypnotic "Please Come On Home." Information: 7horsemusic.com.

Purchase 'Songs for a Voodoo Wedding' [Explicit]