Best Southern Albums of 2017

December 21, 2017 9:06 PM

Bitter Southerner's site has gotten a little wonky lately but their album list is very interesting anyhow. Scroll on down to find the list. There ought to be a picture and maybe a soundcloud sample beside each album but it didn't show up for me. However, just reading the list gives you a good idea of each album and recommends some rewarding listening.
posted by MovableBookLady (18 comments total)

This list does nothing to allow me to escape the inevitable Southerness of my Florida upbringing. (and yes, I grew up in a "properly Southern" part of Florida. So much of this just hits something for me that I can't explain. (also I'm so happy that Jason Isbell found his way forward. He's brilliant)
posted by drewbage1847 at 9:21 PM on December 21, 2017

Failed in not putting Isbell on top 5.

Nashville Sound is excellent. That it might not have lived up to Southeastern is a non issue. It’s still better than other’s music.

Anxiety on Nashville Sound is my favorite. It phenomenally captures what it is like to live with anxiety disorder.

Isbell is the best thing going.
posted by dios at 9:47 PM on December 21, 2017 [3 favorites]

Migos should be numbers 1-30
posted by R.F.Simpson at 10:10 PM on December 21, 2017 [1 favorite]

Agreed that the list is off for putting Isbell so low, but at the same time I think they're spot on with their criticism of Nashville Sound.
posted by not_the_water at 10:12 PM on December 21, 2017

I was going to make a Spotify playlist with the winners, but it looks like one has gotten started.

What defines the southern sound? I tend to like it but don't know why.
posted by batter_my_heart at 10:38 PM on December 21, 2017

I'm familiar with only four of those albums - Stapleton, Staples, Price & Giddens - but I can confirm that they're all excellent. Off to check out the other 26 now.
posted by Paul Slade at 2:26 AM on December 22, 2017

I love Goths, but it seems strange to describe an album that's pretty forcefully located on the west coast (primarily California), with a few detours to England, as a Southern album. So while it really is excellent and people should listen to it lots, I think people expecting a Southern album might get a bit confused by all the references to Pomona, Long Beach, West Covina and working at Lucasarts.
posted by howfar at 3:40 AM on December 22, 2017

I'm happy to see John Moreland showing up on that list. He's great.
posted by maurice at 4:22 AM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]

I'm happy to see John Moreland showing up on that list. He's great.
Weirdest thing about John Moreland is he is on 4AD records, home of past bands like the Breeders, Pixies, Lush, and Cocteau Twins, but now is the record company of several artists on this list.
posted by The_Vegetables at 6:54 AM on December 22, 2017

4AD releases a wide variety of stuff. So long as it’s brilliant lol. Like, you could just buy everything 4AD ever put out and you’d have an impressive and wide ranging catalogue.
posted by Annika Cicada at 7:30 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]

I have random thoughts about things!

Holy crap 2Chainz is 40 how did this happen

I like that Jason Isbell record but I do not love it and I'm still trying to figure out why

Lee Bains III will be the first Alabamian elected president in about 30 years and it will be the loudest, sweatiest inauguration ever

Margo Price is a fucking genius

I had no idea Big Boi put out a record this year. Huh.

Bully! Bully Bully Bully Bully Bully!

I saw The Hernies open for Drive-By Truckers last year and they were a ton of fun so I guess I need to give this album a listen

Why aren't you listening to Big K.R.I.T. right this second you should run do that
posted by BitterOldPunk at 7:44 AM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]

This is a bang-up list Chuck and the gang put together. Personally, that Lilly Hiatt record is one of my favs. "Imposter" is particularly good.
posted by Maaik at 8:57 AM on December 22, 2017

I love Goths, but it seems strange to describe an album that's pretty forcefully located on the west coast (primarily California), with a few detours to England, as a Southern album.

This would have been clearer if they'd thought to say "roots: Southern California." (Darnielle was born in Indiana but I don't think he lived there for long.)
posted by atoxyl at 9:02 AM on December 22, 2017

Hey now, I got one of my favorite albums off this list a few years back. This looks great!
posted by Oyéah at 10:00 AM on December 22, 2017

Everyone please listen to Julien Baker she is wonderful and gay (and from the south, which is relevant at this point in time).
posted by FirstMateKate at 10:56 AM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]

Yes. Really, seriously agreed. If you're in need of severe emotional catharsis, definitely spend some time exploring Julien Baker's work. She's magnificent.

Appointments

Audiotree live session
posted by MrVisible at 12:59 PM on December 22, 2017 [2 favorites]

Wow, Angaleena Presley is a revelation! I gotta dig into the rest of this list. Thanks!
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 2:42 PM on December 22, 2017 [1 favorite]

I've been slowly going through this list over the past few days and everything is amazing so far. Thanks for posting!
posted by capricorn at 6:29 AM on December 28, 2017