Texas Top 5: Week 40
This is the Texas Top 5 – where we bring you the week’s top five albums from Texas artists. Our friends at Waterloo Records compile a list of their top selling albums each week and we put our spin on it.
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5. Gary Clark Jr., Bright Lights
Gary Clark Jr. honed his skills as a blues guitarist right here in Austin at legendary club Antone’s. His latest EP Bright Lights is in the number five spot this week. The music video for the title track “Bright Lights” was just released last week. Check it out right here:
4. Robert Earl Keen, Ready for Confetti
Texas-countryman Robert Earl Keen’s latest release Ready for Confetti is in the number four position. He enlisted the help of legendary producer and close friend Lloyd Maines for this record. Confetti finds Keen relaxed and confident with the storytelling chops he is known for.
3. The Gourds, Old Mad Joy
One of Austin’s most beloved bands The Gourds are at number three with their newest release, Old Mad Joy. Recorded at Levon Helm’s studio in Woodstock, N.Y. and produced by Larry Campbell, The Gourds are at the top of their game on this record.
2. SPEAK, I Believe in Everything
Synth-pop rockers SPEAK just released their debut album, I Believe in Everything, which subsequently climbed to the number two position. The Austin-based band is set to play Fun Fun Fun Fest at Auditorium Shores in November. Check out this video for their song “Carrie”:
1. Carolyn Wonderland, Peace Meal
Carolyn Wonderland’s new album Peace Meal is the number one album in the Texas Top 5. Originally from Houston, Wonderland made it to Austin in 1999 and has made a name for herself as one of the strongest women in the local music scene. Comparisons to Janis Joplin are inevitable if you’re a blues singer in Texas. This time around Wonderland goes for it, opening the album with an obscure Janis tune called “What Good Can Drinkin’ Do?” Peace Meal is out on Ray Benson’s Bismeaux Records.
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