Classic North Carolina Albums - Part 3

Flat Duo Jets - Flat Duo Jets (1990) 

As true a “garage band” as there ever was, Flat Duo Jets' eponymous debut was recorded directly to a two-track recorder in guitarist and chief songwriter Dex Romweber’s Carrboro garage. A mainstay of 1980s and ‘90s underground scenes in the Triangle and beyond, the sound, style, and ethos of Flat Duo Jets greatly influenced Jack White of the White Stripes, who adopted their appreciation for gritty but classic rock and roll.

Rapsody – Laila’s Wisdom (2017)

This recording from up-and-coming hip hop star Rapsody garnered national acclaim and two Grammy nominations. The Snow Hill, N.C. native’s flow and lyrical chops on this album, which features Kendrick Lamar, Busta Rhymes and Anderson.Paak are insightful, soulful and, at times, cocky. Catch a big North Carolina shout out on the jam “Chrome (Like Ooh) as well as production appearances from fellow North Carolinian and legendary hip-hop producer 9th Wonder.

Roberta Flack – First Take (1969)

This debut album from Black Mountain’s own Roberta Flack took some time to get off the ground, but when Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty For Me featured the track “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,” both the song and album skyrocketed to #1 on the Billboard charts. The song went on to win a Grammy for Record of the Year and Flack won a second Grammy the following year with “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” She remains the only performer to win consecutive awards in that category.

Gov’t Mule – Live at Roseland Ballroom (1995)

Asheville’s Warren Haynes might be the busiest man in music. When he has a break from playing guitar for The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, or any side project of the three, he is playing with his own group, Gov’t Mule. For a man always on the road, a live album might just be the best representation of his work. The second release from Gov’t Mule, and their first of many live releases, displays his talents and leaves no doubt as to why he is recruited to perform with Southern rock greats.

Sylvan Esso –  Sylvan Esso (2014)  

This debut from Durham-based synth pop duo sees Amelia Meath (Mountain Man) and Nick Sanborn (Megafaun, Made of Oak) utilizing little more than a laptop, a Moog synthesizer (made in Asheville, N.C.), and Meath’s voice to create lush landscapes, effectively translating their folk songwriting roots to an electronic palate.

Angel Olsen –  Burn Your Fire For No Witness (2014)  

Recorded at Echo Mountain Recording in her adopted hometown of Asheville, N.C. Angel Olsen’s release very much feels like the place it was written. Olsen’s equally somber and triumphant voice lends itself beautifully to a Blue Ridge Mountain backdrop.

Etta Baker – One Dime Blues (1990)

Though an active musician for all of her life, Morganton’s Etta Baker released her first solo album when she in her late seventies. Playing and singing beautifully at this stage of her life. One Dime Blues highlights her entire life of writing and playing. The 20 songs on this album showcase the musicianship and authenticity which earned her a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts and and crystalized her reputation as a master of Piedmont blues.