A ROUTES & BRANCHES GUiDE to FEEDiNG YOUR MONSTER (July 16, 2026)

A ROUTES & BRANCHES GUiDE to FEEDiNG YOUR MONSTER

good news about good noise

July 16, 2026

Scott Foley, purveyor of dust

If you're thinkin' that the Rolling Stones' new record is the biggest story of the week, boy have we got news for you! Our Routes & Branches Guide To Feeding Your Monster delivers a jawdropping calendar of new releases so you never miss a thing. Since we last spoke, we added a newly announced project from traditionalist Jake Xerxes Fussell. With a September 18 street date, The Old Beloved Path will appear courtesy of the Fat Possum label. That same day, it seems we'll be graced with a new Orville Peck record. You can thank Warner for the arrival of Mule. We're cautiously optimistic about Leon Bridges' Happiness Anytime album (Sep 25, Columbia), as long as it doesn't sound like Jimmy Buffett doing reggae. Jess Williamson's next LP, A Mile South Of Heaven, marks her debut with a new label. New West will release the collection on October 9. Finally, Willi Carlisle's next is a double-CD produced by Tyler Childers. Universal Bubba will bear a Signature Sounds imprimatur come November 6. 

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^ We meaningfully included Bella White's A Sign In the Weather among our favorites for the first half of the year. Bluegrass Situation chats with the songwriter about relocating to New Orleans, being unable to record at the Deslondes' studio so doing so in the house next door, and Muji pens. 

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Aaron Lee Tasjan's Get Over It Underdog appears wherever music matters this Friday. The songwriter speaks to Glide Magazine about the influence of Todd Snider. And also Mitch Hedberg. And Jonathan Winters ...

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News has spread that Amy Helm has been removed from the Board for Levon Helm Studios, and that any future Midnight Ramble plans are suspended. Hm. Showbiz 411 has a few details. 

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Here at R&B HQ, we're rumored to be allergic to bluegrass. While that's only situationally true, we're impressed with the news that Lindsay Lou will be releasing an album paying tribute to the women who helped lay the foundation of bluegrass. Co-conspirators are plenty, including Sarah Jarosz, Molly Tuttle, Sierra Hull, and many more. Grateful Web details the project, and also includes the trailer for a multi-part documentary about the sessions. 

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In the week's oddest story, Charley Crockett has booted satanic doo-wop act Twin Temple from his tour. Saving Country Music saves country music by exploring why they were there in the first place, and why there are there no longer. Also, we're hereby updating our byline to read featuring the very best of americana, alt.country, roots music, and satanic doo-wop. 

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Oh no: More bluegrass! The revolving door known as Old Crow Medicine Show has welcomed back Chance McCoy for their current tour. No doubt inspired by our recent Lookback Machine segment, Bluegrass Standard checks in with the multi-instrumentalist to see if he's up for the challenge. 

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Newport Folk Festival has released a series of videos called Sea To Shining Sea, talking to artists about the importance of music in the 250 years of our country. Sierra Ferrell, who seems to have been on the road for the past 8 years, offers some perspective around Mindy Smith's "Come To Jesus". Also, let's encourage more of our artists to wear grills and facial piercings. As a national treasure, Ferrell can pull it off. 

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When is it still legal to perform Grateful Dead covers? When you're Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Relix reports that the duo are continuing what they call their Acoustic Reckoning concert series. You can also read a fuller article for the small cost of your email address!

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Finally, we're impressed with River Shook's recent self-titled collection. Good Country shares our appreciation, and interviews Shook about building the album around their vocals, striking out with labels, and what was up with that Mightmare thing. 

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