Sid Griffin, a pioneering figure in the Americana music scene, has been shaping the genre since the early 1980s. Starting with The Unclaimed in L.A.’s post-punk scene, Griffin went on to co-found The Long Ryders, a band that laid the groundwork for what would become Americana and alt-country. Today, Griffin’s contributions are recognized in Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame, where The Long Ryders are honored alongside legends like The Byrds.
Beyond his work with The Long Ryders, Griffin is a multifaceted artist—an accomplished solo musician, record producer, author, and musicologist. He’s written chart-topping singles, produced for artists like Lindisfarne, and penned four books, including the acclaimed *Million Dollar Bash: Bob Dylan, The Band, & the Basement Tapes*. Griffin’s deep knowledge of music history has also made him a go-to commentator for documentaries on icons like Bob Dylan, Leadbelly, and Gram Parsons.
After a decade-long break from solo work, Sid Griffin returns with *The Journey From Grape To Raisin*, his first solo album since 2014. Recorded in Nashville with producer Thomm Jutz and featuring top-tier musicians like Mark Fain and Tammy Rogers, the album showcases Griffin’s masterful songwriting and deep connection to Americana roots. The eleven tracks are a blend of introspective lyrics and rich, acoustic-driven melodies, with standout songs like “When I’m Drinking I Think In Spanish” and the haunting “Permanent Twilight” exploring themes of mortality, memory, and resilience. The inclusion of a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Femme Fatale” adds a surprising twist, reinterpreting the classic with a warm, folk-infused style. Griffin describes this album as his “career highlight,” and it’s easy to see why, as the cohesive work captures his artistry at its peak.
Track Listing:
- The Last Ten Seconds Of Life
- When I’m Drinking I Think In Spanish
- Not A Lot of Sande Left In The Glass
- Don’t You Leave Me Too Soon
- Femme Fatale
- I Want To Be He Man (My Dog Thinks I Am)
- Song For Okraine No.2
- Permanent Twilight
- The First Of The Gang To Go
- Son, Won’t You Teach Me To Waltz?
- Why I Play Guitar
Available in limited edition turquoise vinyl and CD.
