1. “Acorn Tree”—Lyle Brewer
I love Lyle’s style. The melodies are so beautiful in this song; it makes me feel like it’s autumn in the woods.
2. “While I’m Waiting Here”—Billy Strings
Witnessing Billy come into his own as a writer has been such a pleasure. He’s one of the best flatpickers I’ve heard! He’s about as honest as music gets.
3. “Via Chicago”—Wilco (from Kicking Television: Live in Chicago)
I love the chaos that happens while simultaneously staying together; it’s absolutely masterful to me. It’s a raw, emotional tune that’s so musically unique.
4. “America Religious”—Caroline Rose
This song came out of nowhere for me. I love the way it drives along with incredible lyrics — true poetry. When I first heard it I wasn’t familiar with her music, but this song is just that good. I had to listen to it over and over!
5. “Tennessee Jed”—The Grateful Dead (from Europe ’72)
I wouldn’t be here if I’d never listened to the Grateful Dead. They were and are timeless and an important part of the fabric of American music.
“I liked that they were the underdogs. It was not the mainstream guitar. It was something that was hard to find”: Vox guitars deserve a second look – just ask L.A. Witch’s Sade Sanchez, who’s teaming hers with ugly pedals for nouveau garage rock thrills
“I suppose I felt that I deserved it for the amount of seriousness that I’d put into it. My head was huge!” “Clapton is God” graffiti made him a guitar legend when he was barely 20 – he says he was far from uncomfortable with the adulation at the time
