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The Americana Music Chart from CountryChart.com archives the top Americana music albums, EPs and songs playing right now on Americana radio, online in streaming services and purchased from internet music retailers like iTunes and Amazon.com. The Americana Music Chart is a snapshot of the current trends in Americana music this week. - UPDATED! The Americana Music Chart from Country Chart Magazine is published daily by 2 pm CST (Nashville/Austin time). CountryChart.com publishes the chart 365 times each year. Americana Music is a hybrid form of music developed from traditional music in the United States of America which blends folk, country, R&B, rock and other traditional sounds to form the roots music now known as Americana music. The purpose of the Americana Music Chart is to highlight the best online Americana music on iTunes and MP3 plus showcasing hot new physical Americana music products like CDs and Vinyl Records. The need for the Americana Music Chart comes from a w...

Here are the top new releases to iTunes this week PLUS a second chart of country music songs and albums just added to iTunes. Country music artists depend on fans to support their new music, and hard working country music artists put precious time and energy to create the perfect song with high production values. Let's support their efforts by discovering hidden gems along with new top country music hits. - The Brand New Country Music and Just Added to iTunes Country Music lists are published every day by 2 pm CST (Nashville/Austin time). These lists are therefore published 300+ times a year. CountryChart.com has many charts of country music, including one of the most popular country songs charts on the internet. CLICK HERE for the songs chart. If you would like to see what is happening in the country music record album chart right, now,. CLICK HERE for the REALTIME country album chart. Find out what is happening in country music right now. ............................

Listening to the 20-track anthology titled "The Best of Hot Club Of Cowtown" is like attending a western swing and jazz master class. This album more than proves why Hot Club Of Cowtown is a critical darling and a fan favorite. Yes, these talented musicians know how sing, play and entertain better than just about any artist working today. Hot Club Of Cowtown began as a duo when Elena James and Whit Smith discovered they had a mutual love of artists like Bob Wills, Joe Venuti, Stuff Smith, Eddie Lang, George Barnes and Django Reinhardt among others. So they moved from San Diego, California to Austin, Texas and added a base player to complete the group. One of the best tracks on the anthology is titled "I Can't Believe You're In Love With Me." The vocals have a casual elegance reminiscent of the popular music of the 1940s. The instrumentation perfectly compliments the carefully nuanced vocals. The upbeat "Forget-Me Nots" is another standout cut....

Stephanie Briggs "Birds Barely Know Us" is a uniquely wonderful, Texas folk-Americana album that never fails to surprise or impress from the first song to the last. Although the music of this New Braunfels, Texas native is difficult to categorize, Stephanie Briggs has more than her fair share of country fans, including Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed. "Don't Come Calling" is the album's most compelling track and has the feel of an indie-rock anthem with rock-solid vocals by Briggs in a song she wrote. The tough lyrics and passionate delivery combine to create a memorable musical experience. Briggs doesn't pull any punches: "Don't see me don't touch me / Don't act like you can fix this dear." One of the best tracks on the album is "Difficult Positions" which has a Tori Amos meets Bjork vibe that is refreshingly eclectic. Likewise, "Mix Tape" showcases Briggs as an artist wi...

Drew Landry's "BandryLand: Sharecropper's Whine" is a Cajun-influenced Americana masterwork that vividly illustrates the unadulterated passion of an authentic Southwest Louisiana country boy and storyteller who won't let rough times or hardships (like Hurricane Katrina) get in the way of his music. It's a good thing, because Drew Landry's "BandryLand: Sharecropper's Whine" is a personal and sometimes heart-wrenching mix of interesting, original tracks about politics, hard life choices and tough economic times. The favorite memory of Drew Landry's musical career is when he played the Angola Prison Rodeo with the prison band. After the performance, Landry promised his new friends that he would get them out of jail someday. To the surprise of the prisoners in the band, Drew Landry made good on the promise, and the Angola warden allowed the band to play with Landry at a fundraiser held in his hometown of Scott, Louisiana. "BandryLa...

If you ever wondered how Eric Clapton would have turned out if he grew up in West Texas, then meet Bob Simpson. This singer-songwriter is a triple threat: Guitar skill, vocals reminiscent of Marty Robbins mixed with a little Hayes Carll and, finally, a knack for writing heartfelt and penetrating lyrics. The combination makes this album a winner. Simpson's debut album has a folk/country/Americana groove that would allow it to be enjoyed by both country and mainstream fans. The mood of the album is a unique mixture that is sometimes melancholy but always earnest. But the feeling in Bob Simpson's vocals and instrumentation on the guitar is intense without being overbearing. However, it is the hopeful "Angel On My Shoulder" where Simpson gives his finest performance. Tracy Chapman had "Fast Car" and, now, Bob Simpson has "Angel On My Shoulder." The catchy melody, memorable lyrics and perfect harmonica interludes introduce a song that could be a h...

Tom Cheatham's debut album "Restless Soul" is the biggest surprise of the year so far. Although the country and Americana artist's project was released in December 2008, we suspect that 2009 will be the year country music fans discover Tom Cheatham. Fans of Wade Bowen, Chris Knight or Adam Carroll will find an instant bond with Tom Cheatham , whose lyrics reach deep into his soul and performance is smooth and remarkably polished for an indie debut. The most radio friendly song is either the title track "Restless Soul" or " Runnin ' Back To Texas" which should be released to Texas radio as soon as possible. But the best track on the album is the second to last song titled "Small Town Girl," This song has definite hit potential with its potent story and memorable melody. Plus, Cheatham's performance on "Small Town Girl" is a near-perfect country vocal. Tom Cheatham's distinctive voice should be a benefit as ra...

The album "Changing Horses" is a revelation and a major surprise, because Ben Kweller is known as a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and this is his first foray into country music. But "Changing Horses" proves that Kweller's first departure into country music should definitely not be his last. In fact, Ben Kweller's "Changing Horses" is an instant country classic. Growing up in a small East Texas town meant that Ben Kweller came naturally to country music because he he was surrounded by it. As a kid, Garth Brooks and Travis Tritt ruled the radio in Greenville, Texas. Kids in cowboy hats were as common in Greenville as taxis are in New York City. One of the finest songs on the album is the first single "Fight." Kweller's country vocals are perfect and the instrumentation rivals that of any country artist working today. One of the most unexpected elements of "Changing Horses" is the realization that Ben Kweller was ...

Terri Hendrix is no shrinking violet. She is a talent powerhouse and a mighty savvy businessperson as well. But in the end, it's all about the music. Thankfully, that's what Terri Hendrix does best, and her new album "Left Over Alls" is a testament to good country music vocals and skilled instrumentation. The 13 songs on the "Left Over Alls" collection are fully representative of the depths Terri Hendrix's soul and her passion for good music. This collection is so diverse for a reason: "Left Over Alls," as the title suggests, includes old and new songs Hendrix had been saving that had never made it onto one of her many albums. One of the most pleasing songs on "Left Over Alls" is the self-penned second cut, "Wallet" which perfectly blends her vocals with Henrix's always perfect instrumental skills. It must be said that Terri Hendrix is one of the best musicians working today. Her skill with the harmonica, acoustic gu...

Two major artists have combined to create a Western Swing tour de force with "Willie And The Wheel," which teams the legendary Asleep At The Wheel with Willie Nelson. The famed, late music executive Jerry Wexler had championed this project for 30 years, and thankfully he got to hear this new Western Swing classic before his death. Indeed, the genre of Western Swing gets a major shot in the arm with this crisp and original album that will introduce legions of new fans to a musical genre that is as American as apple pie but rarely gets enough attention. Jerry Wexler, known mostly for R&B, had been a personal fan of Western Swing classic artists such as Cliff Bruner, Bob Wills and Milton Brown who were popular when he studied journalism in Kansas City. His vision for this concept album was a masterful stroke of genius that we can all enjoy today. As an album, the 12 songs on "Willie And The Wheel" all work together to ensure that listeners once again rediscove...

Stevie Tombstone grew up in the New Hope, Georgia, but he was not your typical Deep South church kid. In fact, his earrings and hair were different from the other musicians in the church he attended. And, basically, he only played guitar in the church band to meet girls. Nevertheless, those church days paid off, and his early country and gospel influences shine through in the album "Devil's Game." This album is a collection/compilation of Stevie Tombstone's well received "Acoustica" and "Second Hand Sin" projects. These albums received significant airplay on US, European and Australian radio. Stevie Tombstone's style is hard to definitively describe. In some instances, his sound is vintage Mellencamp or Springsteen while other tracks have a country gospel and Texas country sound. The term Americana is probably the best way to describe Tombstone's slightly scratchy and highly emotive vocal style, and this artist truly sings with passion....

Meat Raffle Road's music really isn't alt-country. In fact, it's probably best described as "alt-alt-country" or post-punk Americana. Whatever you want to call it, Meat Raffle Road's debut album "Eaten By Crows" is "awful good eating" to borrow a country phrase. No, it's not exactly pot roast at Sunday lunch. Its more akin to fried frog legs at your second cousin's house. Delicious, but different. Reverend Horton Heat blazed the trail for punk and ska bands to more seriously embrace elements of country music, and the two members of Meat Raffle Road have taken their long background in punk and combined it with the roots and Americana music of their childhood to create a new genre of country - a punk-country fusion that is both trailblazing and startling with added elements of humor. The album begins with the dark, ethereal "Thunder God," and it's followed by the best song on the project, the title track "Eat...

The new millennium has been kind to Eric Hisaw. This talented singer-songwriter debuted in 2000 with "Thing About Trains," and he hasn't looked back since. Today, the number one thing you can say about Eric Hisaw's new album "Nature Of The Blues" is that the music and the artist are 100% authentic. That's rare these days. Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Hisaw moved to Louisiana at age 17 and settled in a condemned trailer for 80 bucks a month. From there, he took off to Memphis  (towards Millington on Highway 51) in a vintage Airstream. Needless to say, Eric Hisaw's country-blues lyrics draw on rich, and, yes, authentic, personal experiences. The style of "Nature Of The Blues" is earnest, yet laid-back. It's a good combination that makes this album a must-buy for fans of Steve Earle, Chris Knight and Stevie Ray Vaughn. In fact, subtle elements of each of the aforementioned artists can be detected in Hisaw's musical style. Eric...

Charlie Haden is known as one of the greatest jazz bassists in music, but he returns to the folk and bluegrass music of his childhood in his new Americana gem which is aptly titled "Rambling Boy." This album shines a bright light on Haden's musical heritage and is reminiscent of the sound and feel of the "O Brother Where Art Thou" projects. Like the aforementioned albums, "Rambling Boy" also brings to the forefront his illustrious set of friends, including Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs , Elvis Costello, Pat Metheny and Bruce Hornsby along with members of his prominent family such as The Decemberists ' Petra Haden and Tanya Hade and her husband, actor Jack Black. The album starts out strong with an irresistibly toe-tapping cut titled "Single Girl, Married Girl" and ends with one of the best versions of "Oh Shenandoah " ever recorded. Of course, with Haden's vast access to the world's best musical talent, the producti...

Singer-songwriter Matthew Ballard offers up a heaping pile of honky- tonk magic in his sterling sophomore release - "Midnight Drive." The album is a polished mixture of the best Americana and Alt-Country. Plus, "Midnight Drive" is one self-produced album that could be mistaken for a major label release. Ballard wrote all 11 songs on the album. The project starts out strong with the song "Run Away With Me" that should be getting major spins on Texas radio. But the best track on the album is titled "Chains." Any Chris Knight fan will immediately warm to this outstanding cut which blends a real-life story with a great melody and good vocals. The album itself is laid back and almost never over-reaches. But the real key to Ballard's success on "Midnight Drive" is that almost every cut has a memorable hook. For instance "Clear Blue Skies" would be instantly welcomed by any fan of the Randy Rogers Band or Wade Bowen. ...

Old Crow Medicine Show have relentlessly toured and made their name as a hardworking folk and old time-style country band with musicians who were influenced by the MTV generation. While "Tennessee Pusher" is a very good album, Old Crow Medicine Show's grueling tour schedule probably kept this album from actually being great. Although it didn't reach a level of greatness, the news is not all bad - quite the contrary. Famed producer Don Was (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan) ensures that OCMS shines brightly, and the performances rendered are often reminiscent of the band's very famous and rollicking live shows. However, the tight production may have taken away some of the spontaneity of the band's previous albums. Nevertheless, "Tennessee Pusher" is a very good album indeed, and the band's influences of 1980s and 1990s radio is readily evident - and even surprising at times. Old Crow Medicine Show is not your dad's folk or country band. Songs ...

Bleu Edmondson is a great live artist, and the limited edition CD/DVD combo of "Live At Billy Bob's" showcases the live performer in good form. And the DVD by itself is worth the full price of the 2 disc set. At his heart, Bleu Edmondson is a talented singer-songwriter who began writing songs at age 19 and later started a band when he was 22. His career was forever changed after he wrote a letter to Lloyd Maines who welcomed him into his country music family. Maines gave Bleu Edmondson the industry credibility he needed to start his career. Edmondson's first album " Southland " produced two of his signature tracks "50 Dollars And A Flask of Crown" and " Travelin ' Man" which are highlights of "Live At Billy Bob's Texas. Three other top tunes on the album are taken from Edmondson's "Lost Boy" album including "American Saint," "Jesus Is Crying" and "The Echo (Maybe Tonight)....

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Nicole Storto and Paul Knowles make up the duo known as Mars Arizona, and the musicians' new album "High Desert" is chock full of rich instrumentation and stellar vocals. In short, "High Desert" deserves "high" praise. The album begins with "Glad To Be Here," which has a cool Tom Petty meets Wade Bowen vibe that works on all levels. It's followed by the gospel-infused "Jesus Ain't Coming Back (That Way)" which offers beautiful harmonies and a powerful melody. The title track "High Desert" begins with a sparse and haunting vocal that builds to a rousing crescendo. The biggest surprise on the album is a heartfelt cover of Robert Hunter's "Must Have Been The Roses." Paul Knowles offers an award-worthy vocal performance that is perfectly complimented by Nicole Storto's beautiful vocal tone and the musicians' expert instrumentation. A cover of the Rolling Stones' "Sweet Virginia...