Lost Highway Records (ND story) announced a 25th anniversary, vinyl gatefold edition of the beloved O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack due out on February 20, 2026. In conjunction with the recently revived label, T Bone Burnett will present a special event honoring the film and its music at the Grand Ole Opry on February 28, 2026. Additional celebratory events and releases are due to come out later next year. Read No Depression's tribute to the 20th anniversary of O Brother, Where Art Thou? here and check out co-founder Grant Alden's review of a live performance at the Ryman from 2000 here. Dan Tyminski, who sang for George Clooney in the film, has been sharing some wild behind-the-scenes stories and videos on his Instagram.
The sudden loss of Todd Snider is still reverberating throughout the roots community. Red Dirt rockers Turnpike Troubadours recently shared a cover of Snider’s song, “Just Like Old Times” as tribute. As lead singer Evan Felker said in a press release:
This song, to me, was really eye-opening when I heard it. When that record came out, it’s the first song I remember hearing that described characters that well with that little information. I learned a lot from it. I didn’t know you could even do that.
Todd was larger than life. And you sort of think he’ll be around forever, but unfortunately that’s not the way the world works. The guy was just in a league of his own as a storyteller. Sometimes it was in the song, sometimes it was in the monologue, and then he’d play the song, which was like the extra punch after he’d finished some great story setting it all up. An old school prize fighter setting up the knockout blow. I don’t know that there’s ever been, or ever will be, anyone better at that than him. I forget how much, especially in the early days, we tried to learn from him. To be like him. Everything from talking on stage to writing a song. He wrote all kinds of songs. Every genre of music there was. He wrote funny songs. He wrote some of the saddest songs I’ve ever heard. Deeply personal stuff. Random observations, and he made that into art. He was always like a cat playing with a mouse with everybody else. One of the few people where you always felt like he knew something you didn’t. Had something up his sleeve. He preached the idea of being a lifer. He had this quote where he was like, ‘I don’t even know how to log into my bank account.’ We took that to heart.
A barefoot hippie in an old truck, driving around East Nashville. He built a community. East Nashville was Todd Snider to us. The first time we ever went to Nashville, we wanted to go to East Nashville. We wanted to see where Todd Snider hung out. He built the legend. Music Row, Broadway, that’s cool for the tourist. But we wanted to see East Nashville. Todd Snider’s Nashville. I’m glad we got to know it.
Will Kimbrough and friends are organizing a tribute concert for Todd Snider at The Eastside Bowl in Nashville on Tuesday, December 16. The event, simply titled Viva Todd Snider, will also include Audley Freed, Shamus Bacon, Doug Lancio, Robert Kearns, Steve Ebe, Jimmy Wallace, and many special guests. Although tickets are sold out, Kimbrough also recently released an original song in honor of Snider.
The Lone Bellow announced their sixth album, titled What a Time to be Alive, is set to come out on February 13, 2026. For the first time, the core trio of Zach Williams, Brian Elmquist, and Kanine Pipkin wrote collaboratively with the full touring band and they all decamped to Muscle Shoals to record together.
Singer-songwriter John Cragie announced his 10th album, I Swam Here, due out February 6, 2026 via his own Zabriskie Point Record. Listen to new single "Fire Season" below.
Singer-songwriter and host of Apple Music Country radio show Color Me Country Rissi Palmer announced a new EP titled PERSPECTIVES, due out February 6, 2026. The four-track set marks her return to solo releases since her 2019 LP, Revival.
I'm With Her surprise-released a live EP titled Songs from the Stage: Kansas City. The three-song collection features music from their Grammy-nominated album Wild and Clear and Blue, which came out earlier this year (ND feature).
Anyone still looking for holiday presents should check out the annual auction benefitting the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. According to its mission statement, the nonprofit "provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing physical or mental health issues, disability, or age-related problems." Participating roots musicians include Billy Strings, The Decemberists, Gregory Alan Isakov, Amanda Shire, and more.
HBO announced a new documentary about roots-rock band Counting Crows from executive producer Bill Simmons and director Amy Scott. Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? will be available for broadcast and streaming on December 18. Check out the trailer below and for a deep-dive into the band's stunning debut August and Everything After, grab a copy of the Winter 2023 issue of No Depression
RIP reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who passed away at 81 years old. Head to Rolling Stone for a full tribute and 10 essential songs to listen to.
RIP blues guitarist Steve Cropper, who passed away at 84 years old. Head to The Guardian for more on his work with Booker T & The MGs, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and more.
And ending on a high note, congratulations to Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle on their engagement! The bluegrass power-couple shared engagement photos on their Instagram pages.
WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO:
Nat Myers - "Baby Mama"
Jacob Furr - "Voices on The Sea"
Frightened Rabbit - "The Woodpile"
Brooke Combe - Dancing At The Edge
Mavis Staples - Sad And Beautiful World
Joshua Burnside - Teeth of Time
NEW RELEASES - 12/5/25
Judy Collins - The '60s Singles
The Gunshy - Hurricane Umbrellas
Daniel Knox - Mercado 48
Lettuce - Cook
Tommy Womack - Live A Little
COMING IN 2026
Mon Rovia - Bloodline
John McCutcheon and Tom Paxton - Together Again
Lucinda Williams - World’s Gone Wrong
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