So disappointed in today's Americana


I make it a habit of getting the Grammy nominated Americana albums from the library each year. Past years have introduced me to much new music, some good, some bad, some treasures (TajMo for example). This year I just listened to Brandi Carlile's cd 'By the way I forgive you', nominated for best Americana roots album. OMG it is unlistenable! You would think singer / songwriters would strive for a pristine recording that highlights their lyrics and mostly acoustic arrangements. No - it is a sonic mess, compressed all to hell. To quote my wife "Turn that crap off". End of rant. 
mcondo
I can't think of a worse place to start to find good music.

Some good suggestions here for sure - Gillian Welch, Sarah Jarosz, Wood Brothers, Barr Brothers(more Canadiana maybe?), Jason Isbell, Kasy and Clayton, I'm With Her etc 

If you like the genre definitely check out Hiss Golden Messenger - his past few albums are really great and I would argue that Lateness of Dancers is one of the best albums to be released in the past bunch of years.  Great sound and songwriting 

The Americana roundup in Uncut magazine is a great resource - I've found a ton of great music through reading this publication in all genres.

Lots of great new music out there but you do often have to hunt a bit to find the good stuff...
@audiojedi , listening to Hiss Golden Messenger right now, Lateness of Dancers. Getting a Dylan vibe from the first two songs. I like it.

Just wondering where on earth the name comes from?
The Americana Music Association puts on its' own awards ceremony and show every year; that's the one to watch. Their relationship to The Grammys is very much like High End Audio's is to CES. A good source for info on Americana music and artists is the No Depression website.
The 2018 awards show is streaming now at the PBS website. Not sure if it will be broadcast over the air on my PBS station - WTTW.