Record Rack

*** The Damnations TX, “Half Mad Moon,” Sire. Think of harmonizing sisters Amy Boone and Deborah Kelly as the Dixie Chicks’ evil twins. Well, they’re not really evil, but although they also have roots in traditional country and bluegrass, those roots churn through muddier soil. Songs from the Carter Family and Lucinda Williams complement Boone-Kelly originals, mostly melancholy in tone, clearly influenced by the alt-rock sound and attitude of the likes of the Minutemen and Rank & File.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.