Believe it. The first quarter of 2015 is history.  These are not my Faves of the year so far.  Rather five albums that might have gone under your radar but have proven themselves on my player…

Bright Light Social Hour – Space Is Still The Place

Second album from wickedly smart  Austin, Texas-based psychedelic  band. Their first was a major event in town sweeping 6 Austin Music awards in 2011.   This is a completely satisfying psychedelic album covering lots of territory; From 60’s San Francisco to Austin’s own 13th Floor Elevators. As good as this album is, see them live. Track: “Infinite Cities”

Great Lake Swimmers- A Forest Of Arms

The Canadian folk rock band have an extremely satisfying new album.  Lead singer and writer Tony Dekker is coming off a solo album but there is a lot of energy in this band on their sixth album together. Track: “I Must Have Someone Else’s Blues.”

Ron Sexsmith – Carousel One

Another from Toronto! The world has been over-looking Ron for a while now and he keeps making very good records.  No exception here.  Sprightly underplayed melodies and perfect metaphors. Worth your while to give it multiple listens, he was never one for the easy hook.. Track; “Lord Knows”

The McCrary Sisters – Let’s Go

This third album by the gospel singing sisters from Nashville is a raw and soulful tribute to the gospel they grew up with around their father Rev Samuel McCrary who was an original member of The Fairfield Four.  That quartet would rehearse in the family living room while the sisters were growing up.  This album was produced by Buddy Miller and he plays on it some as well.  Track: “That’s Enough”

Lady Lamb – After

Second album from the folk punk multi-instrumentalist and songwriter. What a songwriter,  her song forms are not verse chorus constrained – and her lyrics…  There are celestial and perfectly mundane images fighting each other throughout this wonderful disc and they each make you smile.  For me she is in the same category as Annie Clark. Track: “Billions Of Eyes”