What I Missed 2010--Sigh No More By Mumford & Sons

At the end of every year and the beginning of the new year, as I review the music I loved in the previous year and check out the favorites of other writers, I always realize that I've missed some great stuff. 2010 was no exception. And chief among the great albums that passed me by was Mumford & Sons debut release, Sign No More.

Hailing from London's new folks scene, the band plays an infectious rockin' old time/folk/Americana via the UK type of music, full of lovely harmonies and literary references including Shakespeare and Steinbeck. The band sounds totally fresh, however. There's no retro kitschiness, that can plague some modern interpretations of this type of music, making it more of a museum piece than and living, breathing thing. Not so with Mumford & Sons, as they clearly embrace the past while riding into the future, banjo plucking.

Since getting a hold of the record, I've pretty much been listening to it nonstop. It is that addictive. Don't believe me? Check out the band's set from last years Bonnaroo festival and I'm sure you'll be convinced. For fans of Old Crow Medicine Show.