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One Last Album Review Request for the Year

With only a few weeks to go before AllMusic likely releases their article regarding their favourite albums of the year, I've gathered another small list of forgotten pretenders to put forward, with consideration for a last minute review. Though the previous request didn't find any takers (feel free to check them out too) hopefully this one has a few names that will gain interest. All the albums suggested reviewed well elsewhere, gained a healthy number of user ratings and have even received at least a couple of user reviews:

It would be great if anyone would consider doing a write-up for any of these, if you have some time to spare.

Would also recommend visiting this thread if you're looking for any other ideas. I found the suggestions on the Amaarae, Earl Sweatshirt, McKinley Dixon, MIKE and Tinashe albums in particular to be very helpful, interesting and worthwhile listens.

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I'm less concerned when Allmusic passes on an established artist, unless that artist has very sporadically dropped releases.  I don't consider Teddy Thompson as established though, especially in the American market and since his major-label releases.  So I feel bad for both of this year's releases (solo and duet, which was with a newer artist) being overlooked, but I'm resigned to the likely reason.

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Wow, Allmusic would drop coverage on Allison Russell's second album?  It's certainly in contention for "best of 2023" lists, especially in Americana music!  Although it's not released by a major label, Concord Music Group is almost "as big as it gets" now for Americana artists.  Allmusic should give good new artists at least two reviews, before deciding whether to continue coverage.

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It would be a shame if 'The Returner' didn't get a review but looking it up, there could be a valid reason for why it didn't initially get one: the editor that reviewed Russell's previous album chose to review two other new albums the week it was released. So it's possible that the album slipped though due to being released during a busy time.

Looks like the editorial team have reviewed this one. It's a very good review too!

Thanks for the review Tim and thanks for passing the request along Zac.

Such a swift reply - was still editing the original post for mistakes.

Cheers Zac.

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I'll pass this on.
Thanks for the suggestions.

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I'm still dismayed that Allmusic dropped coverage on Allison Russell's second album.  Perhaps Allmusic felt the same dismay at her debut album being swept from all of the Grammy categories in which it was nominated.  With her second album nominated in one more Grammy category than her debut, "The Returner" may have the distinction of becoming the most nominated with the most losses in the Americana categories if voters randomly divide up her votes.  So if Allmusic insists on using the Grammy as a retrospective gauge of achievement, then I'd think that the number of nominations should count for something regardless of wins.

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