The West Michigan folk-rock band’s latest release topped the May chart ahead of recordings from Earth Radio, The Bootstrap Boys, Chance Jones and RyneShyne. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Grateful for A Devoted Fan Base: Michael Crittenden & Troll for Trout at their album-release show. (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
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Fittingly, Troll for Trout frontman Michael Crittenden got word of the group’s latest milestone while fly fishing with bandmates as part of their annual “Troutcamp” adventure in northern Michigan.
The Grand Rapids-based band’s latest album, “North Downriver Road,” had just gone straight to No. 1 on the Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart, representing the local or regional release earning the most radio airplay in May at Grand Rapids’ WYCE (88.1 FM).
The recognition comes after Troll for Trout commemorated its 30th anniversary as a Michigan folk-rock mainstay by releasing its first studio collection of original music in 13 years — an album including, of course, many songs that celebrate Michigan’s outdoor charm.
“It’s really no secret, but we have always loved the songs and respected each other as musicians and people,” Crittenden said of the band’s longevity. “It remains to be fun for us to play together and we laugh a lot, and our fans are the best.
“I know bands like to say that, but it’s true. We feel lucky that we’ve been able to create a community of like-minded people who have supported our music for a very long time. It’s fun to see kids who were 5 years old in 1995 who would come with their parents to festival gigs now come with their kids.”
Some of those diehard fans likely will turn out for the band’s next performance, July 21 at Sandy Point Beach House in Grand Rapids, followed by a Sept. 16 festival appearance at Sullivan Field on Grand Rapids’ West Side.
Troll for Trout wasn’t the only West Michigan band with an avid following that made a splash on May’s Hot Top 5 Chart.
Progressive neosoul band Earth Radio soared to No. 2 with its latest recording, “Mosaic Dreams,” followed by country faves The Bootstrap Boys with “Hungry & Sober.”
At No. 4 was a surprising comeback album from Grand Rapids’ Chance Jones, aka Joshua Burge, who recently released his first studio album, “Normandie,” in 14 years. Lowell’s RyneShyne rounded out the Top 5 with “Lofi Agent RyneShyne.”
Listen to tracks from all of the releases below.
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