Recent artists with good lyrics?

[barredowl]

Good suggestions all Brett yeah I thought Magnolia Electric company was very underrated even if he is ripping from Neil Young. I do like the freak folk stuff but wouldn't put it in a league with Dylan and Joni Mitchell and I say that as a person who very much wants to encourage new artists.

Lou Reed, been there done that, he's great of course but I was hoping to find people that started post Nirvana.

Lucinda Williams I know is a very talented singer but every time I try to listen to her I just don't get it, maybe it's her voice?

I will attempt to check out the many other suggestions given, thanks everyone!

 

[barredowl]

Smog +1 :tears: (in a good way)

 

[barredowl]

PM I shall try to run down the music you listed I think our musical tastes are pretty simpatico.

 

[barredowl]

Jayhawks have always left me cold even though all my friends love them, somehow their music just doesn't break any new ground for me, shrug.

 

[barredowl]

Sufjan has always struck me as too clever by half and I really WANT to like his music having lived in two of the towns mentioned in his Michigan album. Good lyrics IMO don't have to try as hard as Sufjan does, I respect his work, but I never find myself actually listening to it, shrug.

If I am going to listen to classical oriented chamber pop I'd rather hear Andrew Bird (who actually has really good lyrics IMO) or Abigail Washburn who has fair (but not outstanding lyrics) but who is a mind blowing muscian, Japanese banjo riffs anyone?

Anyway I'll keep digging thanks everyone.

 

[thilaseen]

Mark Germino and the Sluggers. Don't laugh until you've heard them.
Not current (early 1990s) as the OP wished but I've yet to meet anyone who has ever heard of them. Sort of Southern rock/protest stuff. :thmbsp:

 

[pmsummer]

Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist (Over the Rhine).

 

[barredowl]

Listening to Over the Rhine now "Films for the Radio" first impression is the music is REALLY nice and rich, I'll probably have to listen a couple more times to pick up all the lyrics. Thanks PM. It's amazing music this rich sounding is so obscure.