Featuring the very best of americana, alt.country and roots music
November 30, 2025
Scott Foley, purveyor of dust
Nov 30: Favorite Covers
Dec 7: State of Americana
Dec 14: Favorite Songs
Dec 21: Christmas Christmas
Dec 28: Favorite Albums
In years past we've outlined our loose criteria for what constitutes a worthy cover, focusing on the qualities of surprise, creativity, and perspective. Covers are by no means rare in our kind of music, though covers that check each of our boxes don't happen everyday. Beginning with a list of about 60 candidates, we've lovingly hacked it down to the thirty (30) below.
WHAT's SO GREAT ABOUT 2025: OUR FAVORiTE COVERS
^ Courtney Barnett, "Lotta Love" Heart of Gold: Songs of Neil Young Vol 1 (Killphonic, Apr 25)
There is no shortage of Neil Young covers. Nor is there a lack of appreciation for Neil's music, as attested to in a recent Stereogum piece where 80 artists spoke to their favorite song of his, in recognition of his 80th birthday. In 1978, Neil Young released his essential Comes a Time, which featured "Lotta Love". That very same day, Nicolette Larson shared her own self-titled LP, which also featured her own run through the song, a take that would become her signature tune. While Australia's Courtney Barnett drops the flute solo from Larson's arrangement (oh well), her own cover is unexpectedly melodic, respectfully straightforward. Who knew she could sing like this?!
- Trampled by Turtles, "For Emma (ft Sumbuck)" single (Banjodad, Jan 10)
The Turtles pushed against expectations this year, collaborating with fellow Minnesotan Alan Sparkhawk on a beautiful if idiosyncratic project. Here, they suggest a rootsier expression for an early Bon Iver single. We eagerly await Justin Vernon returning the favor with a run through "Wait So Long".
- Savannah Conley, "Dear Someone" Playing the Part of Them is Me EP (Good Boy Leo, Feb 8)
On this EP, Conley took on songs by the Killers, John Prine, Marcy Playground and more. Originally written by Ry Cooder, with lyrics from Gillian Welch, Conley's approach to "Dear Someone" is bruised and exquisite.
- Leif Vollebekk, "LOVE." single (Secret City, Feb 14)
Vollebekk will never be mistaken for Kendrick Lamar, but the Canadian troubadour's piano-based flow certainly check's our surprise box. With some help from Angie McMahon, Leif also released a closer-to-home cover of "Take It To the Limit" that figured into our longlist.
- Weyes Blood, "Shiloh" Good American Family Sndtrk (20th Television, Mar 21)
Here at R&B HQ we admire Neil Diamond more than you might think. Natalie Mering's airy "Shiloh" is gorgeous, taking Neil's 1967 single in a moving new direction. It influences our feelings neither way to know that the Hulu series from which the song is taken tells the true story of a family who adopts a little girl with dwarfism, only to abandon her later, suspecting she's actual much older than she seems. It's a real pretty song, though ...
- Noeline Hoffmann, "The Bullfighter" single (La Honda, Feb 21)
Hoffman's debut from last October earned a spot on our year-end favorites. Here she pays tribute to the late Luke Bell by ramping up the heartbreak. Bell's original is already a classic, but Hoffman's cover wrings even more pathos from the portrait.
- Lemonheads, "Sad Cinderella" single (Fire, May 14)
A genuinely concerning soul, Evan Dando might be the perfect candidate to cover this Townes Van Zandt underappreciated gem. Serving as the B-side for an advance single from Lemonheads' Love Chant LP, it's far better than anything on the proper record. See also Dando's unrivaled 1995 recitation of Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" alongside Kirsty MacColl.
- Kissing Other ppl, "Ashes of American Flags" Kissing Other ppl (Peacedale, Aug 8)
Rachel Baiman's album-length collaboration with Viv & Riley is full of this stuff, offering great covers of folks like Jason Molina, Dr Dog, and Joan Armatrading. While Wilco's essential "Ashes" has been covered by many others, the trio's arrangement establishes a great balance between folk and glitchy. Come for the aching fiddles, stay for the staticky feedback.
- Death Valley Girls, "Fire and Brimstone" single (Suicide Squeeze, Apr 8)
Answers the question, "What would it sound like if Bananarama tried their hand at a Link Wray tune?" The LA-based outfit already tends to sound like Bananarama stoned in a garage, which is actually a compliment. Their cover leans heavy into Wray's sticky guitar riffs.
- I'm With Her, "Espresso" single (Rounder, Jan 10)
Sabrina Carpenter's cheeky smash hit is so 2024, and we sorta feel Sara Watkins, Sarah Jarosz, and Aoife O'Donovan are a little late to the table. That said, their acoustic version demonstrates some impressive creativity that reminds us why we appreciate the super-talented super-trio. We imagine they could apply their heavenly harmonies and tight instrumentation to just about any song on Billboard's pop charts. Except Ed Sheeran's "Azizam", which would suck no matter who covered it.
- Kathleen Edwards, "Only Lie Worth Telling (ft Daniel Tashian)" Covers EP (Dualtone, Mar 28)
Now back in the fray after hiding in a coffee shop for a couple years, Edwards consistently exceeds our expectations. Lots to choose from on her Covers project, including some nice Tom Petty, REM, and Supertramp (Supertramp?!). But it's this take on Paul Westerberg's sorta deep 2002 cut that stands out. Even if we're ready for the 2-disc americana collection of Supertramp covers. Thinking maybe Lydia Loveless on "Bloody Well Right" ...
- Rachel Brooke, "Gentle On My Mind" Sings Sad Songs (Brooke, Mar 28)
We'll be honest that this year's covers playlist features quite a few entries that fall under the category of it's just pretty. Brooke's bare-bones project was overlooked by many, a very sweet bunch of songs that alternate between originals and borrowed bits. Did we need another "Gentle On My Mind"? No. No we didn't. But Rachel Brooke's version of the John Hartford standard is ... well, it's just pretty.
- Louisa Stancioff, "Strange Currencies" single (Yep Roc, Apr 16)
REM's mid-to-later-period production tends to be underappreciated. But not by us. Last year about this time we compiled our thirty (30) favorite REM songs which included this Monster single from 1994. Stancioff also produced a nice cover of Gillian Welch's "Miss Ohio" this year. And a couple of worthy Christmas standards late last year, though it might be tough to shake the cheese from "Last Christmas".
- Jake Xerxes Fussell, "Close My Eyes" single (Fat Possum, Mar 11)
It's almost a yearly tradition to include an Arthur Russell cover in our yearly round-up. JXF's is the perfect voice to sing about hearing the corn come out, as he continues to make folk music sorta safe for cool people. Joined by James Elkington and Ben Whiteley, it goes down so smooth and tasteful (not unlike corn itself). This would also be a good time to mention how many worthy covers point back to an original artist who deserves a wider listenership.
- Heather Maloney, "Just the Way You Are" single (Signature Sounds, Feb 14)
We were pleasantly surprised with how much we enjoyed Heather Maloney's vulnerable Exploding Star LP. The singer-guitarist followed it closely with this subtle run through of the tired Billy Joel chestnut that has also been recorded by Johnny Mathis, Kenny Rogers, and (checks notes) Maggie Gyllenhaal. Nevertheless, Maloney's edition persists with a lovely vocal and a hushed arrangement that almost makes "Just the Way" a calming lullaby.
- Lucinda Williams, "Release Me" Tribute to the King of Zydeco (Valcour, Jun 27)
The titular King of Zydeco would be Clifton Chenier, honored by Joel Savoy's label with a better-than-you'd-expect compilation. The record offers covers from John Hiatt, Charley Crockett, Shannon McNally, in addition to Lucinda Williams, who appears on every other tribute record ever made. Lucinda's ragtag ramble across "Release Me" pairs her with accordionist Keith Frank and the late Tommy McLain, as she sings so far behind the beat that it almost seems as though she's recording in another room. In all the best ways.
- Al Nicol & Ada Lea, "Four Strong Winds" single (Nicol, Feb 28)
Both Al Nicol and Ada Lea released very good solo records in 2025. They come together around this Ian Tyson classic that Nicol writes brings me to a time at the cabin in rural Quebec with family enjoying the great Canadian outdoors. The two-sided single also includes the duo's campfire version of Neil Young's "Out On the Weekend". As your time permits, you might want to track down Ian & Sylvia's sweetly earnest 1963 original, reportedly the first song Tyson ever wrote (!). The song is so beloved by Canada that it was presented by Ian Tyson and Gordon Lightfoot as part of the 1988 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Alberta. #thatssoCanadian
- Chaparelle, "Dance With Somebody" Western Pleasure (Mom + Pop, Apr 18)
The duo of Jesse Woods and Zella Day tacked their Whitney interpretation to the close of their fine Western Pleasure project, given such a countrypolitan turn you might be forgiven for not recognizing it at first. Maybe. Wrapped in echo, shining with bells and ringing with pedal steel, producer Beau Bedford gets his Phil Spector on for the arrangement.
- Little Mazarn, "Great Divide" Mustang Island (Dear Life, Jun 20)
We love this trio's skewed primitive folk. Fact is, we enjoy anything that includes the musical saw. Songwriter-vocalist Lindsey Verrill does justice to this Kate Wolf gem, one of two covers on their new project. The other is a Bob Wills standard that might be docked a point on account of our lack of appreciation for whistling. While covers of some artists are a dime a dozen (looks askance at Neil Young), we don't see enough tribute to Kate Wolf in our kind of music.
- Dean Johnson, "Lake Charles" single (Saddle Creek, Apr 11)
Dean Johnson pays tribute to the Queen of Tribute Albums, Lucinda Williams. "Lake Charles" hails from her classic 1998 Car Wheels album, pared back and torn open here by Seattle barkeep-turned-troubadour Johnson. Never seemingly eager to share his gift, Johnson apologizes unnecessarily: Sorry to anyone offended by my lyric alterations. This was recorded in my bedroom around 2011. I never intended you to hear this recording.
- Son of the Velvet Rat & Ghost and the Machine, "Day of the Dog" single (Rat Music, May 27)
One of a handful of 2025 singles that pairs the Joshua Tree duo with Andi Lechner, who performs under the Ghost and the Machine moniker. They also paired to carve up "Wagon Wheel". "Dog" is the wordy trio's cluttered and ominous run through a not-especially-known Ezra Furman cut. Previously, SotVR have taken on songs like "I Will Survive" and a remarkably effective "Love Will Tear Us Apart". We have largely neglected Velvet Rat over the past twenty years, but will resolve to pay better attention going forward.
- Harvest Thieves, "Cowboy Song" single (Harvest Thieves, Jun 27)
Neil Diamond aside, there were few artists more prevalent throughout our childhood than Thin Lizzy. This song was a bit of an outlier from the band's 1976 Jailbreak record, paid loving and straightforward tribute by this Austin outfit. While Cory Reinisch is no Phil Lynott, the guitars are crunchy and it's just nice to hear this song again.
- Drunken Prayer, "Long Ago Far Away" Thy Burdens (Dial Back Sound, Jun 6)
Morgan Geer's 2025 record takes inspiration from gospel-blues, featuring several trad hymns alongside early pieces traced back to names like Pee Wee King and Rev. Thomas Dorsey. "Long Ago" can be found on Bob Dylan's Whitmark Demos edition of his ongoing Bootleg Series, written during the early 60s. Geer delivers in an appropriately gritty growl, and Jay Gonzalez adds some great keys.
- MJ Lenderman, "Just Be Simple" I Will Swim to You: Tribute to Jason Molina (Run For Cover, Sep 5)
Run for Cover Records released one of our favorite tribute collections of the year, in honor of Jason Molina, among of our patron saints. In addition to contributors like Friendship and Sun June, MJ Lenderman added his voice to the mix with a song from Songs:Ohia's essential Magnolia Electric Co. From the label's write-up: Tenor guitar-toting misfit. Lovesick lo-fi indie rocker. Dirgey slowcore bard. 21st century roots-rock trailblazer. Canonical Midwestern songwriter.
- Shootouts, "Only You (ft Sam Bush, Lindsay Lou, Mickey Raphael)" Switchback (Transoceanic, May 30)
Here's a terrific instance of a bluegrass/country act reinterpreting a song from long ago and far away - something from Yaz in this case. With help from Sam Bush, Rob Ickes, Rhonda Vincent, and others, the Shootouts' version is simply a good-natured lark - replacing robotic keys with mandolin and deep melancholy with pure corn. We prefer the melancholy, but enjoy what they did here.
- Bright Eyes, "Sharp Cutting Wings (ft Leslie Stevens)" Kids Table EP (Dead Oceans, Sep 26)
Another Lucinda song, given the Conor Oberst treatment with an assist from Leslie Stevens. Oberst drags the arrangement just a bit, and adds a trademark love-it-or-leave-it warble to Williams' gorgeous ode to her father. The song was reportedly the first thing he recorded while recuperating from a 2024 medical emergency.
- Lankum, "Ghost Town" single (Rough Trade, Oct 30)
We love Lankum, the experimental dark Irish folk quartet. Released appropriately just prior to Halloween, this is their haunting cover of the Specials' 1980 single. Lankum's "Ghost Town" sounds nothing like the original, but is just recognizable enough to make it borderline brilliant. Plus, it's over eight minutes, disappearing into a smog of synths and percussion.
- Turnpike Troubadours, "Just Like Old Times" single (Bossier City, Nov 25)
The Troubadours assembled and released this tribute just days after Todd Snider's very unfortunate passing. They neither add nor subtract to Snider's original, but simply imbue it with heart and gratitude. There will doubtlessly follow a rush of similar tributes, but this is a good place to start. We included Snider's song in our own thirty favorites Lookback last year.
- Hudson Freeman, "Wild Horses" single (Freeman, Nov 14)
Freeman added his take on the Stones' "Wild Horses" as the B-side to his terrific "If You Know Me" single. Another song that's been smothered with covers, Freeman's features a satisfying guitar fuzz atop his unstable vocal keen for a mix that is both recognizable and original. We hereby predict that his inevitable follow-up with cause some waves.
- Valerie June, "Rollin' and Tumblin'" single (Concord, Nov 12)
This dirty, jittering Howlin' Wolf cover is Valerie June at her best, dragging the trad into unexpected new territory. Maintaining the old weird of Chester Burnett's acoustic original, she adds a sharp, ringing electric guitar and restless, racing drums for a complete and completely original outcome.
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