Artist:     Various Artists

Album:     The Next Waltz – Volume 3

Label:     The Next Waltz

Release Date:     3.5.21

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BUY DIGITAL

BUY PHYSICAL

“Death to digital tyranny” might make a good motto for Bruce Robison’s underdog Americana label The Next Waltz, although they seem to prefer “no digital shenanigans.” Every song on the 10-song compilation was recorded the old-fashioned, analog way—straight to tape, just as God intended, yielding some of the most authentically soulful roots-music of these here times.

On the marquee of The Next Waltz – Volume 3 are headliners like Charley Crockett, whose Texas drawl throws a warm blanket over his lurching, upbeat version of the Billy Swan classic “I Can Help.” Shinyribs’ name is lit up, too, as they pimp roll through a fun, sexy take on Rihanna’s hit single “Bitch Better Have My Money” all covered in dirty, glowing R&B ooze, before segueing into a vigorously strummed “Long Train Runnin’” by the Doobie Brothers. Jack Ingram gets equal billing, as he slowly pours out the rich, dark liquor of his yearning “Times Like These” in golden drams of nostalgia. The stately “I Must Be in a Good Place Now” places Robert Ellis up there, as well, navigating a slow-moving river of hope and drowsy, tumbling piano chords.

Further down the list, The Panhandlers’ delightfully rustic, old-timey “This Flatland Life,” swampy and grassy at the same time, just moseys along, while Flatland Cavalry’s world-weary “War with My Mind,” with its lonesome fiddle and a pedal steel sunset, sighs with resignation and Dan Dyer’s sunny western swing workout “Maiden’s Prayer” feels good jumping about excitedly. Unfolding in a more languorous fashion, David Ramirez’s sweeping cover of Loudon Wainwright’s “One Man Guy” wins the day, though. It’s not a competition. Everybody on The Next Waltz – Volume 3 gets a trophy, and not just for participating.

—Peter Lindblad