The Best of Americana 2006
It's hard to believe that we are 8 and a half years into the new millennium. But it has been a great decade so far for music, and 2006 is one that stands out for me, especially for roots and Americana music.
The definition of Americana music has expanded in recent years as many songwriters return to their roots. It can be identified as acoustic based, song-focused roots music that has sprouted from Country, Bluegrass, Folk, Blues or even other native forms like Zydeco. Today, Americana sees musicians blending these styles into a unique blend of cross-over genres. 2006 was a fantastic year for Americana music with great releases from mainstays like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, Bruce Springsteen and Linda Ronstadt as well as a super-talented younger generation.
Newer bands like The Duhks, Hem, Slaid Cleaves, Tres Chicas, Old Crow Medicine Show and Chatham County Line are taking roots music to a new generation and ensuring its continuation and expansion. If you like any of the bands I’ve listed above, be sure to check out this playlist in full when you have 5 hours to spare. It’ll help you catch up with the very best 2006 had to offer.
The Best of Americana 2006 Playlist
1. “Thunder On The Mountain“ - Bob Dylan
2. “God’s Gonna Cut You Down“ - Johnny Cash
3. “Speed Of The Whippoorwill“ - Chatham County Line
4. “He Came To Meet Me“ - Hem
5. “Racecar Joe“ - Slaid Cleaves
6. “Black Cadillac“ - Rosanne Cash
7. “Drop Me Down“ - Tres Chicas
8. “Cocaine Habit“ - Old Crow Medicine Show
9. “Hold On“ - Los Lobos
10. “Barfly“ - Ray Lamontagne
11. “Adieu False Heart“ - Linda Ronstadt
12. “John Henry“ - Bruce Springsteen
13. “This Old Road“ - Kris Kristofferson
14. “Break It Down Baby“ - RobinElla
15. “That’s How I Got To Memphis“ - Solomon Burke
16. “Louisiana“ - The Walkmen
17. “Star Witness“ - Neko Case
18. “Ol’ Cook Pot“ - The Duhks
19. “See Line Woman“ - Ollabelle
20. “Scattered Leaves“ - The Be Good Tanyas
21. “Crow’s Nest“ - Kelly Joe Phelps
22. “Cold Black Heart“ - Shawn Mullins
23. “Moon Over The Freeway“ - The Ditty Bops
23. “Feb 14“ - Drive-By Truckers
25. “Town“ - Richard Buckner
26. “Looking For A Job“ - Todd Snider
27. “Matchbook Song“ - Graham Lindsey
28. “Can’t You Hear Me Callin’“ - Crooked Still
29. “This Is Us“ - Mark Knopfler
30. “You Make It Easy“ - Golden Smog
31. “Autumn Leaves“ - Willie Nelson
32. “Lillian, Egypt“ - Josh Ritter
33. “My Valentine“ - Rhett Miller
34. “On Your Way Down“ - Elvis Costello
35. “Keep Your Hands Off Her“ - The Black Keys
36. “Seven Angels On A Bicycle“ - Carrie Rodriguez
37. “After The Garden“ - Neil Young
38. “Alright“ - Stoll Vaughan
39. “Strawberry Wine“ - Ryan Adams
40. “Not Ready To Make Nice“ - Dixie Chicks
41. “A Fool In Love“ - Delbert McClinton
42. “I Don’t Believe In That“ - Chip Taylor
43. “Walking Man“ - Guy Clark
44. “Leave The Light On“ - Chris Smither
45. “Snake Farm“ - Ray Wylie Hubbard
46. “This Loving Thing“ - John Doe
47. “The River’s Gonna Run“ - Sam Bush
48. “I Lie“ - Will Kimbrough
49. “Run For Cover“ - Tony Joe White
50. “One Foot Down“ - Peter Bradley Adams
51. “Fill Me Up“ - Shawn Colvin
52. “Sidewalk Stars“ - The Yonder Mountain String Band
53. “Shout Out Loud“ - Amos Lee
54. “Every Waking Moment“ - Citizen Cope
55. “Big Weekend“ - Tom Petty
56. “1952 Vincent Black Lightning“ - Reckless Kelly
57. “You’re Only Lonely“ - Raul Malo
58. “Our Day Trip“ - Nina Nastasia
59. “Waiting On The World To Change” - John Mayer
60. “Gone To Carolina“ - Shooter Jennings
61. “Mighty Lonesome“ - Jim Lauderdale
62. “Driving Nails In My Coffin“ - Ramblin’ Jack Elliott
63. “Home“ - The Grascals
64. “Little Bit Of Help“ - Jon Langford
65. “Where Is The Love“ - Michelle Malone
66. “Grind My Bones“ - Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
67. “I Believe In Love“ - Indigo Girls
68. “Arizona“ - Alejandro Escovedo
69. “Heartbreaker’s Alibi“ - Rhonda Vincent
“70. Jerusalem“ - Steve Earle
71. “Before The Night Is Over“ - Jerry Lee Lewis
72. “Cross Road Blues“ - Rory Block
73. “Here“ - Judith Owen
74. “Stranger Things“ - Edie Brickell & The New Bohemians
75. “Outlaws“ - Los Lonely Boys
