Infuences these days

I started a very lazy Saturday morning by learning a few new tunes and writing some new ones for myself. 6 hours later I decided maybe I should shower, eat, and get myself the hell outta dodge. All in all, it's been a productive day, and probably even more so when I go out on the town tonight. But, at the end of all of this I started to think about what I am writing these days and what my influences are right now. So, I am posting my top ten influences of the month (they could easily change each week, but we don't need to go through that!!). Really, the top 2 in this category are: the city, and home. But, I am limiting this to albums...so in no particular order b/c I can't face trying that...

Jacksonsville City Nights - Ryan Adams & The Cardinals
home, longing, love...what more do you need to sustain on? I could probably put ALL of Ryan's albums on this list, but this is my most listened to in recent terms.
Choice Track: "Trains"

Another Country - Tift Merritt
There are many songs on this album that continually break my heart. And not because they're sad, but because Tift has such a way with words. ah...
Choice Track: "My Heart is Free"

Bonnie Raitt - Bonnie Raitt
Bow down to the queen. One day I may attempt to learn her guitar licks on this album...but I need a lot more practice to get there! Her first album, and my personal favorite - always.
Choice Track: "Finest Lovin' Man"

Layla & Other Assorted Love Songs - Derek & The Dominos
Whenever I really need to feel inspired I listen to this album. It has such a power over me. And no, Mr. Clapton is not, in fact, my favorite guitar player on this album (for those of you who know a bit about the Dominos). Even though I do love me some Eric Clapton...
Choice Track: "Bell Bottom Blues"

Acid Tongue - Jenny Lewis
I have just delved into this album, and it's so worth it. Jenny Lewis is one of my favorite songwriters right now and I love the honesty, sex and rawness she puts into her work (frontwoman of Rilo Kiley).
Choice Track: "Pretty Bird"

Gleam II - The Avett Brothers
This is a 6 song EP, with just the two Avetts and their stringed instruments. You all know that these boys make me cry, especially this album, so really, there's not much more to say.
Choice Track: "Tear Down the House"

Three More Days - Ray LaMontagne
Ray just put out his 3rd full length album, which is great, but I have been transfixed on this one lately. To listen to it in its entirety is just a bit much (I think it's the "divorce" album), but in parts it's pretty unbelievable.
Choice Track: "You Can Bring Me Flowers"

The West Was Burning - Martha Scanlan
Okay, another one of my favorite songwriters, in a slightly more country direction. Martha's voice is hauntingly good and her songs pull you in every time.
Choice Track: "Walkin"

Post-War - M. Ward
I recently discovered M. Ward and now feel like the biggest idiot at what I have missed the past few years. Great songs, great arrangements and some odds moments - just what I love.
Choice Track: "Right in the Head"

Toby's Song - Nicki Bluhm
I stumbled upon Nicki Bluhm and was really excited at what I found. She shares my love of Bonnie Raitt's first album, so I'm sure we would get along great. This album was released this year with appearances by Jackie Green and her husband, Tim Bluhm (The Mother Hips).
Choice Track: "I'm Your Woman"

Check some of these out...I will be sure to post more next month...