Ricky Flake: Top picks from the past year of reviews

Merry Christmas! Here is a roundup of some of the Top 10 Plus items reviewed in 2015. Hope you find something that suits your taste!

1A. 'One Thing That's For Sure,' Colin Lake (Louisiana Red Hot Records)

This July 10 release comes from a New Orleans musician who immigrated from the Pacific Northwest after Hurricane Katrina. Lake plays guitars, lap steel, harmonica and of course, sings lead. Folks who enjoy blues-based Americana music with a touch of the Big Easy will enjoy this recording.

1B. 'Common-Law Wife,' Angela Easterling (De L'Est Music)

This Aug. 11 release was recorded in Nashville, and it contains wide sonic variety with imaginative lyrics. Highlights are nifty harmonies, cool steel guitar, mandolin, fiddle and the classic country feel on most songs. Americana and classic country fans will enjoy this recording.

1C. 'Not Here,' The Pollies (Single Lock Records/Thirty Tigers)

This Sept. 25 release marks a change away from alt-country for Jay Burgess (singer, songwriter and lead guitarist) and his band mates in The Pollies. There are drones and feedback, but things are extremely melodic. I recommend The Pollies heartily!

2. 'Outskirts Of Love,' Shemekia Copeland (Alligator Records)

This Sept. 11 CD is vocalist Shemekia Copeland's return to Alligator Records. It was produced by Oliver Wood of The Wood Brothers, who co-wrote some tasty tunes. Also tons of cool covers on this blues album with hints of country, rock 'n' roll and gospel.

3. 'Beautiful Things,' The Wet Darlings (Independent Release)

This Oct. 23 release is the first full-length album from The Wet Darlings, who have produced a hook-laden, powerful collection with mostly cynical lyrics and Jenny Lute's marvelous lead voice. Listeners will enjoy this dose of "better world hit" music.

4. 'Back To Steel,' Martin Barre (Garage Records)

Martin was Jethro Tull's lead guitarist from album 2 ("Stand Up") until Ian Anderson began organizing tours under his own banner. This 2015 recording seems like a lost Tull album. Two Anderson tunes (a heavier "Skating Away" and "Slow Marching Band") confirm Martin's importance in Tull's music.

5. 'Heavy Howl,' Moonsville Collective (Independent Release)

This Oct. 30 release comes from a seven-member band that plays a brand of Americana flavored with old-timey and modern influences. A great collection for broad-minded listeners.

6. 'Soundcheck,' Leslie West (Provogue/Mascot Label Group)

This guest-laden Nov. 20 CD/vinyl release is the 16th solo album from guitar hero Leslie West, who seems at least audibly recovered from his diabetes-related lower-leg amputation after a June 2011 Biloxi casino show. He still has that magical guitar tone; classic rock fans will dig this.

Ricky Flake, a former punk rocker and current music fan, lives in Biloxi. Reach him at flakericky@gmail.com

This story was originally published December 24, 2015 at 4:10 PM with the headline "Ricky Flake: Top picks from the past year of reviews ."