Help me expand my music collection!

[Luke'sScreenName]

I'm always looking for new musicians to listen to and thought some of y'all might be able to help. Right now I'm mostly into good writing. Music with simple production and really good lyrics. Mostly with Americana/folk/country/rock influences.

Some points of reference might help you help me :

In my humble opinion Townes van Zandt is the greatest songwriter that ever lived (I have a soft spot for sad/tragic songs)
Townes Van Zandt - Pancho and Lefty. Heartworn Highways - YouTube
Townes Van Zandt - To Live Is To Fly - YouTube
Townes Van Zandt - Lungs - YouTube

My favorite band right now is probably Lucero.
lucero - tears don't matter much - YouTube
Lucero- "I'll Just Fall" - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9r8GRIYj68


I also really like the Decemberists, Jason Isbell, Drive By Truckers, Joe Pug, Ryan Bingam, old Robert Earl Keen, along with many others.

What led me to post this is I just found Frank Turner (who is awesome) and am wondering what other gems I am missing. Good writing is a must (I really hate bad pop music which includes most of modern "country" music). Also, if a musician can't write at least some songs in the third person they probably aren't very good. Great songwriters tell a story IMO.

Bring on the suggestions and thanks! :drink:

 

[teg]

I like Chris Knight, somewhat dark and depressing... I like his music.

 

[AchingBack]

Check out, singer/song writer/2016 winner of, The Voice, Sundance Head. Here he is, singing an original song: The Voice 216 Sundance Head - Finale: "Darlin' Don't Go" - YouTube
The Voice 2016 Sundance Head - Finale: "Darlin' Don't Go"

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I like Chris Knight, somewhat dark and depressing... I like his music.

oh yea, one of my favorites. :thumbsup: also Slaid Cleves. More of the same please.

 

[Rock knocker]

Van Halen

 

[Rock knocker]

Townes friend Steve Earle, Uncle Tupelo and Wilco, and Mudcrutch

 

[Egon]

For folk songs go back to the sixties and early seventies.

 

[DieselnHooters]

James McMurtry might be right up your alley, he has a way with words that is amazing .... between hitting the point dead-on and adding a bit of humor and sarcasm

 

[DieselnHooters]

So TBN doesn't allow more than one video per post ....

A tight electric version of the same song

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I like Chris Knight, somewhat dark and depressing... I like his music.

Also "Down the River" is one of my favorite songs.
Chris Knight - Down The River - YouTube