The Milk Carton Kids' Top 5 Songs Right Now

EDITOR’S NOTE: No Depression’s new “Top 5” series features a quick playlist in which roots musicians share what they’re listening to at the moment. It gives artists the chance to highlight their contemporaries, as well as classic songs getting them through the days. This installment comes from Los Angeles-based, harmony-led duo The Milk Carton Kids, whose new album, Lost Cause Lover Fool was released April 24 via Far Cry/Thirty Tigers.

When The Milk Carton Kids released their debut album, 2011's Prologue, Joey Ryan and Kenneth Pattingale were conscientious of trying to make their voices song like one. Now, 15 years later, they're in a position to highlight and uplift other bands who are trying to do the same thing.

Over that time, the duo has released seven LPs, earned four Grammy nominations, hosted the Americana Music Association's awards night, and got their songs featured in countless films and television shows. Yet, they've also navigated health crises, sonic changes, and multiple cross-country moves — from Los Angeles to Nashville and back west to where they met and began.

Across the nine tracks of Lost Cause Lover Fool, The Milk Carton Kids continue their trajectory of deliberate, conscientious folk music (ND feature). They explore growth — interpersonally and sonically — as well as stagnation when that growth isn't linear. The result is yet another musically gorgeous collection, but one that also requires multiple listens for audiences to appreciate its depth and nuance.

On the heels of the release of Lost Cause Lover Fool, No Depression checked in with Ryan to learn more about what he’s listening to and who is inspiring him these days.