As summer transitions into autumn and the Labor Day weekend approaches, music fans have a fresh batch of country and Americana albums to explore. The end of August brings a rich selection of new releases, perfect for setting the mood for holiday gatherings or a relaxing weekend.
This week, bluegrass enthusiasts have much to celebrate with the arrival of a live album from the Steep Canyon Rangers and a bluegrass tribute to Tom Paxton. Additionally, Texas-based Grass Daddies offer a new release, further enriching the genre’s offerings.
Among the standout albums, Caleb Caudle’s “Sweet Critters” shines with its Appalachian-style country sound, showcasing his remarkable songwriting skills. Key tracks include “Great High Mountain,” “Mountain Laurel,” and “The Devil’s Voice.”
In the realm of bluegrass, the Steep Canyon Rangers’ “Live at Greenfield Lake” captures the band’s dynamic live performance across 16 tracks. Notable selections are “Pennies on the Tracks,” “Tell the Ones I Love > Chuck in the Bush > Tell the Ones I Love,” and “Fare Thee Well, Carolina Gals.”
Here’s a look at the new releases for the end of August
Sweet Critters — Caleb Caudle
Every Time I Think About You — The Cactus Blossoms
Chameleon — Jana Mila
Tennessee Songbird — Hannah Juanita
Every Kind of Uh-Oh — Charlie Peacock
Little Fires — Josh Mitcham
Live at Greenfield Lake — Steep Canyon Rangers
Bluegrass Sings Paxton — Various Artists
Love & Hate in Desperate Places — The Boxmasters
Blame It on Eve — Shemekia Copeland
More Fun — Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters
Missin’ That Drawl — The Grass Daddies
Dirt — Strung Like a Horse
Wild God — Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Firefly (EP) — Kara Cole
Live from Ear Studio — Uncle Lucius
These albums offer a diverse range of sounds and styles, ensuring there’s something for every music lover this weekend.