Browse our takes on another roundup of new albums by Michigan artists, from blues to folk to indie-rock to ambient spaghetti Western, and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Continuing His Legacy: Bluesman Larry McCray (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
Saginaw/Bay City guitarist and singer Larry McCray long ago ascended into the ranks of Michigan blues legends.
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
But his latest release on Keeping the Blues Alive Records represents yet another major step in this much-admired musician’s career. Local Spins today takes a closer look at that album, as well as new releases from artists in Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lansing/Bay City.
Check out previous reviews of Michigan albums online here.
Larry McCray
“Heartbreak City”
What Stands Out: Larry McCray returns with a soul-infused blues album permeated with stellar musicianship — an already critically acclaimed follow-up to his 2022 release, “Without You.” Listeners are treated to 10 new songs that are a delight from start to finish, celebrating McCray’s masterful guitar work, storytelling, songwriting and his ability to curate the right talent to realize such electrifying music. The record is filled with memorable moments and choice guests who include Kirk Fletcher, Josh Smith and Joe Bonamassa, who also manages the label McCray is signed to.
Digging Deeper: To say Larry McCray has influenced the next generation of blues musicians is an understatement. He continues to climb higher on the back of such passionate music so effortlessly brought to life in the contemporary blues conversation. There isn’t a moment on this new record that is wasted, from the soulful singing to the tastefully layered arrangements and powerhouse guitar solos. The supporting cast of musicians follow in kind, as Larry McCray’s infectious music-making spills over to some wonderful performances throughout the record. “Heartbreak City” further cements Larry McCray among the many greats he has worked with over his career, and fans beyond the blues will find something to enjoy.
Perfect For: A cure to hard times made with soulful, masterful musicianship radiating with generational blues talent. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://larrymccraylive.com
Upcoming Shows: McCray currently is on tour nationally as part Devon Allman’s Blues Summit
Listen: “Bye Bye Blues”
Justin Avdek
“Songs for Cowboys (For People Who Aren’t Cowboys)”
What Stands Out: On his most recent solo album, interspersed with razor-sharp political commentary, the multi-instrumentalist and former Earth Radio bassist dips his toes further into the country genre than ever before, but stays firmly rooted in his rock compositions. The LP — recorded at Grand Rapids’ Goon Lagoon and mastered by Glenn Brown — is at times cinematic, especially during the instrumental intro and interlude; biting, heard on any of the Trump/Musk take downs, and emotional, like on the saccharine “You and I By the Fire.”
Digging Deeper: Avdek is pretty upset with the state of things, and it’s hard to blame him. “I hope the revolution will be televised,” the West Michigan artist announces on “River of Mindlessness,” combining elements of surf and even psychedelic rock to replicate the daze of a doomscroll: “You checked your device since I started singing this song.” He takes aim at technology’s adverse effects on “10 Down in Buffalo,” too, noting, “The bad publicity is good publicity, maybe we should all turn off the TV.” Elon Musk gets a song, and so does President Trump, filled with jabs that decry their wealth and duplicity. One gives the album its name, describing a pretend cowboy impressing people with a fake horse named the American Dream.
Perfect For: Commiserating on the state of the country. – By Parker Learman-Blaauw
Website: https://justinavdekmusic.bandcamp.com/
Upcoming Shows: Friday (Aug. 15) at Lakehouse Muskegon, Aug. 18 at Fetch in Whitehall, Aug. 22 at Off the Chain Brewstillery in Grand Haven, Aug. 23 for the Float-a-Palooza on White Lake and Ludington State Park (with Eric Engblade), Sept. 27 at The Stray in Grand Rapids (with Eric Engblade)
Listen: “River of Mindlessness”
The Fields
“The Fields”
What Stands Out: What begins as a sweeping, multi-layered homage to the group’s ’70s folk influences transforms into a seamless blend of classic folk and a more modern take on indie folk-rock. The members of Lansing and Bay City’s The Fields — Justin O’Kelly, Andy Jeglic, Connor Peil and Josh Sampson — have collaborated with one another on various projects for more than a decade according to their website, which explains the musical chemistry that seems to already be built into this debut project. Electric guitar solos and groovy basslines make appearances on plucky, mandolin-led tracks and folk-inspired vocal harmonies characterize rock-driven tracks, but none of it ever feels out of place. From the beachy vibe of tracks like “A Windsor Knot” to the thoughtful lyricism of tracks like “Rustbelt Meadows,” there’s something for everyone to love about this album.
Digging Deeper: With lyrics that include plenty of imagery related to water and the changing of seasons, The Fields’ self-titled project pays tribute to their home state of Michigan and its ever-changing landscapes, much like the way the band moves and shifts through various styles on the album. Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Andy Jeglic produced and recorded “The Fields” at his home studio, rounding out this album as a homegrown product on all fronts. Each track contains multitudes and nuances that allow the listener to pick up on something new with each listen, whether it’s a clever lyric or an instrumental melody tucked away and waiting to be discovered. “Song For a A Sailor” closes out the album on a powerful note with vivid storytelling and a message about self-discovery.
Perfect For: Those who share the band’s appreciation for the evolution of folk and folk-rock in all of its forms over the decades. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://thefields.band
Listen: “A Windsor Knot”
Mike Ward: Psychosongs
“The Time That Remains”
What Stands Out: Detroit folk artist Mike Ward, also known as Psychosongs, shares a collection of moments and anecdotes that reflect the lives of everyday people, yet also connect to broader life lessons. While some songs take an autobiographical approach, like “Instrument For Good” which details the story of a young artist receiving his first guitar, other songs – “Paul” and “Ride of Their Lives” — tell stories through the experiences of others. There are a lot of heavy topics covered on “The Time That Remains,” but a song such as “Pet Peeves,” in which Ward compiles of list of some of his least favorite things, adds humor to the project. In contrast, the song “Let the New Renew You,” immediately follows with a hopeful message about appreciating the small moments.
Digging Deeper: Produced by David Roof at Grand Blanc’s Rooftop Recordings, “The Time That Remains” is mixed in a way that every nuance of each instrument can be heard. Each guitar strum resonates and is left with space to breathe, and Jason Dennie’s mandolin plucking stands out prominently in each track. Added harmonies from female vocalists Annie Bacon, Kate Hinote, Emily Slomovits, Michelle Held, Emilia Ward, and Downtown Judy Brown add even more emotional layers throughout the album. Ward doesn’t shy away from addressing tough topics that are more relevant than ever: political division, financial battles, and struggling to find the positives in life. But Ward also highlights the silver linings of each of these struggles, bringing themes of empathy, unity, and kindness to the forefront of the album’s message. Ward’s personal thoughts and experiences help to frame these larger concepts in a digestible way for all audiences.
Perfect For: Reminding yourself that tomorrow is a new day when things don’t go as planned. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.psychosongs.com
Upcoming Shows: Friday (Aug. 15) for “Harbor Nights Concerts” in Harrisville; Saturday (Aug. 16) at 9 Live House Concerts in Ypsilanti; Aug. 23 at Max & Emily’s Bakery Cafe in Mount Pleasant, opening for Jeff Daniels; Aug. 30 for Thumbfest 2025 in Lexington
Listen: “Instrument for Good”
Copyright 2025, Spins on Music LLC
