#23 of 25
· Cratewise Editorial
Songs of the Plains
Colter Wall
Year
2018
Genre
Country/AmericanaLabel
La Honda
Format
Vinyl LP
“He was 23 and his voice sounded 63. Canadian prairie country that feels like it was recorded in 1952. 'Plain to See Plainsman' is stunning. La Honda Records pressing.”
Colter Wall is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Helleyér, Saskatchewan, who emerged in the mid-2010s with a deeply rooted commitment to traditional folk and country storytelling. His self-titled debut album (2015) introduced listeners to his fingerpicking guitar style and narrative-driven songwriting, with subsequent albums like 'Montana, Wyoming and the Great Plains' (2017) and 'Tyson Durazo' (2019) establishing him as a contemporary heir to the folk and country ballad tradition. Wall's meticulous attention to historical detail and character study draws comparisons to artists like Johnny Cash and Woody Guthrie, crafting songs about working-class life, rural America, and the American West with remarkable authenticity.
Style
Colter Wall plays acoustic folk and country music characterized by fingerstyle guitar work, spare arrangements, and richly detailed storytelling. His sound draws from traditional Americana, country ballads, and folk music, delivered with an intimate, understated vocal approach.
Significance
Wall represents a meaningful contemporary voice in vinyl-friendly acoustic music, appealing to collectors who value traditional songwriting and craftsmanship. His albums are popular among vinyl collectors for their warm, organic production quality and thematic depth, positioning him as part of a broader revival of authentic folk-country narratives in the streaming age.
Colter Wall's 'Songs of the Plains' represents the Canadian folk singer-songwriter's deep dive into the stories and landscapes of the American West and Great Plains. Recorded with a sparse, intimate approach that emphasizes Wall's fingerpicking guitar work and distinctive baritone vocals, the album captures the essence of traditional folk storytelling applied to contemporary and historical narratives. Wall drew inspiration from his travels across the region, conversations with working people, and the vast geography itself. The production prioritizes authenticity and emotional directness, with minimal instrumentation allowing each song's narrative weight to resonate. This approach became Wall's signature, establishing him as a modern keeper of folk tradition while exploring themes of labor, loss, displacement, and resilience.
Historical Context
Released in 2015, 'Songs of the Plains' emerged during a broader revival of interest in traditional and Americana folk music. This period saw growing appreciation for acoustic, lyrically-driven songwriting as a counterpoint to mainstream pop and hip-hop dominance. Wall's work resonated with listeners seeking authentic storytelling and connection to place. The album helped establish Wall within the growing contemporary folk scene alongside artists like Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell, appealing to both traditional folk audiences and younger listeners discovering roots music. The record gained particular traction in Canada and among vinyl collectors drawn to its unadorned aesthetic and thematic depth.
Pressing Notes
Initial pressings of 'Songs of the Plains' were released on Maple Music Recordings, Wall's Canadian label. The vinyl edition features warm, clear sonics appropriate to its intimate arrangements. Collectors should note that early pressings can vary slightly in pressing quality; later reissues may offer improved sound depending on the mastering source used. The album's understated cover art and minimal packaging reflect its folk aesthetic. While not as rare as some indie releases, original first pressings have become collectible among Wall enthusiasts. The album has been reissued multiple times as Wall's popularity increased, so edition year and catalog number are worth noting when collecting.
Purgatory
Tyler Childers
A Kentucky native with the same sparse, introspective country-folk style and narrative storytelling that defines Wall's work.
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
Sturgill Simpson
Features the same blend of traditional country instrumentation with literary lyrics and a focus on authenticity over commercial appeal.
Southeastern
Jason Isbell
Shares Wall's commitment to deeply personal Americana songwriting with acoustic guitar-driven arrangements and emotional resonance.
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