BEST AMERICANA ALBUM
Rosanne Cash - The List
Los Lobos - Tin Can Trust
Willie Nelson - Country Music
Robert Plant - Band of Joy
Mavis Staples - You Are Not Alone
- Who will win: Mavis Staples. | compare prices
This category is a tough field this year, as it really captures the best artists at work in Americana music these days. But, Mavis Staples made a record that was not only one of the best Americana recordings of 2010, but also one of the best recordings in any category last year. Produced by Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, You Are Not Alone presents songs by Americana giants like Randy Newman, John Fogerty, and more, sung in Staples' trademark powerful, empowering tone.
Carolina Chocolate Drops - Genuine Negro Jig
Luther Dickinson & the Sons of Mudboy - Onward and Upward
The John Hartford Stringband - Memories of John
Maria Muldaur - Maria Muldaur & Her Garden of Joy
Ricky Skaggs - Ricky Skaggs Solo: Songs My Dad Loved
- Who will win: Carolina Chocolate Drops. | compare prices
It's always hard to say who the Academy will select in a category like Traditional Folk. More often than not, it seems they go with the album by the most well-known artist, rather than the one which most adequately represents the category. I'd almost guess that makes Ricky Skaggs most likely to win, but my vote would go with the Carolina Chocolate Drops. Their innovative approach to jugband music has invigorated the form, introducing it to a new generation of stringband fans. Granted, the inclusion of some more modern R&B tunes alongside older traditional folk songs makes it not an entirely "traditional" album, but I'd argue the Carolina Chocolate Drops are, hands down, the best group in the category right now.
Jackson Browne & David Lindley - Love Is Strange - En Vivo Con Tino
Mary Chapin Carpenter - The Age of Miracles
Guy Clark - Somedays the Song Writes You
Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs - God Willin' & the Creek Don't Rise
Richard Thompson - Dream Attic
- Who will win: Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs. | compare prices
Again, this is another difficult field. As an ardent folk music fan, I'd almost think Richard Thompson or Guy Clark would be most deserving of this Grammy. Ray LaMontagne made a fantastic record, but it's hard to hold it up to the impeccable songwriting of someone like Guy Clark. Still, I think Ray LaMontagne is most likely to get the vote from the Academy, who seem to go with the more mainstream-friendly option in this category.
