For April’s playlist, we’ve gathered some of our favorite songs to share with you. These artists are on constant rotation at the studio (and in the store and café), and serve as daily inspiration for us as we work.
We believe these musicians are producing beautiful work and we know you will love them as much as we do:
St. Paul & the Broken Bones – “Call Me”
A new favorite, from their recently released (debut) album, Half the City. (In case you aren’t familiar, St. Paul and The Broken Bones is a soulful band, recalling the sounds that put Muscle Shoals on the map.)
Pine Hill Haints – “How Much Poison Does It Take”
Alabama “ghost music,” from one of the longest-running bands of the Shoals.
Rosanne Cash – “A Feather’s Not a Bird”
The beautifully- composed opening song on Rosanne’s latest record, which follows her from Florence, Alabama, to Arkansas. In it, she sings of “going down to Florence, just to learn to love the thread.” Read more about Rosanne and The River and The Thread here.
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – “Alabama Pines”
This song by Shoals native Jason Isbell has become an unofficial Alabama anthem.
Lauderdale – “Dressed Like the Devil”
Southern rock with strong Americana influences, Lauderdale has been making music in the Shoals for nearly a decade.
Dylan LeBlanc – “If The Creek Don’t Rise”
Singer/songwriter Dylan LeBlanc collaborated with music legend Emmylou Harris on this beautifully haunting track.
The Civil Wars – “Tell Mama”
A unique cover of a song that was originally recorded by Etta James at FAME Studio in Muscle Shoals. John Paul White, one-half of this duo, has since become one of the co-founders of Shoals-based Single Lock Records.
Doc Dailey & Magnolia Devil – “The Flame Beneath the Skin”
Doc Dailey and his band mates weave together music made with simple down-home instruments, as evident in this beautiful ballad from their first full-length album, Victims, Enemies & Old Friends.
Dillon Hodges – “Take These Hands”
Influenced by folk, bluegrass, and Americana, Dillon Hodges gives these traditional southern sounds a new voice.
Secret Sisters – “Tomorrow Will Be Kinder”
This song is sweet and simple in the best ways and was recently featured on The Hunger Games soundtrack.
Grace & Tony – “November”
Self-described “punkgrass” (the blending sounds of punk and bluegrass), this recently-married duo creates irresistibly addictive tunes with emotional connections.
Belle Adair – “Unwelcome Guest”
Mellow and dreamy music from Muscle Shoals.
Red Mouth – “Otherside of the World”
Musician Eric Gebhardt (known as “Red Mouth”) blends Delta blues, honky tonk, rock ‘n roll, and gospel to create his unique sound.
Elias Patriot – “Sing Alone Tonight”
Another Shoals-based singer/songwriter, Elias Patriot is the solo project of musician Daniel Crisler.
The Bear – “The Track”
The Bear is one of our favorite local bands, helmed by husband-and-wife team Louisa Murray and Nathan Pitts. They were most recently recognized as a 2014 South By Southwest Showcasing Artist.
The Pollies – “Little Birdie”
Melodic Southern indie rock with a story to tell.
Alabama Shakes – “I Found You”
Soulful rock ‘n roll from just a few towns over (Athens, Alabama). Sing along.
Thanks for curating this. So much talent in this playlist!
I’ve been listening to that Rosanne Cash CD recently and I was so proud of myself to make the connection to you in that song. What a great CD. Thanks for expanding my musical knowledge. 🙂
Great music to do along with my AC sewing !! Thank you!
Oh my! Oh my! Soooo good! I’ve had Alabama Shakes and St. Paul & The Broken Bones on automatic repeat ever since this was posted and it is seriously affecting my stitch quality! Kudos on being such a multifaceted company involved in sharing all of the creative aspects of your community! Cheers!