Israel Nash AND all the dudes in his band picked some of their favorite tracks from Pickathon artists this year! They shared stories about playing at Willie Nelson’s ranch with Langhorne Slim, as well as catching King Tuff on KUTX and Viet Cong on KEXP. Many thanks to ALL Y’ALL and check out their picks here.
ISRAEL NASH
Langhorne Slim, “The Way We Move”
When the Pickathon lineup was announced recently, I was excited to see the addition of Langhorne Slim. We both played at Willie Nelson’s ranch during SXSW for the Heart Breakers’ Banquet but I missed him! That can’t happen twice…
William Tyler, “Country of Illusion”
I was a fan of William Tyler’s work with the Silver Jews long before I was familiar with his solo work. His own music invites the company of many unknown visages with it; all playing upon vastly open spaces and blankets of nature. It’s beautifully cinematic and possesses these Morricone strides that I really dig. Listen up. Here is the beautiful and sprawling, “Country of Illusion” from his LP Impossible Truth.
ERIC SWANSON
King Tuff, “Eyes of the Muse”
I first heard this song on KUTX in Austin and immediately drove to the record store to buy the album. First time I’ve done that in probably a decade. I wish that happened more often. Love the ’70s pop sensibility of this song a la Todd Rundgren and Big Star.
Wolf People, “All Returns”
These guys go full psych-prog and it reminds me of the music that I used to get made fun of for listening to in college. Can’t wait to see this live.
JOSH FLEISCHMANN
Viet Cong, “Silhouettes”
I saw their performance of this song on KEXP and have been blown away by them ever since. Relentless, powerful and driving, right til the end.
Ryley Walker, “Summer Dress”
I really like the jazz and improvisational vibe of this music, and how it builds in intensity the whole song through. 5:10 of exploration and experimentation.
JOEY MCCLELLAN
Tinariwen, “Tenere Taqhim Tossam”
I first heard about Tinariwen in 2011 when I was playing the End of The Road Festival in UK with Midlake. Tinariwen was the band everyone was talking about seeing that year and they were playing the same stage as us. It’s a rare thing for a band to have such a mystique about them today with all of the constant feed of information via social media. I was amazed that I hadn’t heard about them and was completely entranced by their live show. The track “Tenere Taqhim Tossam” to me perfectly embodies the essence of this band.
Heartless Bastards, “Gates of Dawn”
When I heard that Heartless Bastards were making their new record with John Congleton I couldn’t wait to hear it. John has worked on some of the most interesting and important records of the last decade with names including St. Vincent, Bill Callahan, The Walkmen, and David Byrne to name a few. Heartless Bastards’ new album Restless Ones is a dark and melodic record that grooves while Erika Wennerstrom’s unique and explosive vocals tug at your heartstrings. Gates of Dawn is my favorite track but the entire record is worthy of constant rotation.
AARON MCCLELLAN
Ty Segall, “Mr Face”
This is a band I’ve wanted to see live for a while know so I’m super stoked about their show. I really dig the production style and reverby/distorted vocals.
Leon Bridges, “Lisa Sawyer”
I’ve been lucky to have caught Leon and his band a couple of times and each time I was totally blown away. Such a cool and timeless energy and vibe.
