Crate Digging is a recurring feature that takes a deep dive into music history to turn up several albums all music fans should know. In this edition, Hovvdy highlight 10 of their favorite albums by artists from their home state of Texas.
Hovvdy have been at this for a while. Since forming in Austin, Texas over a decade ago, Will Taylor and Charlie Martin have favored both quality and quantity — they’ve released five albums, two EPs, two great covers collections, and a split with Loafer, all in the last 10 years. Their latest self-titled album (a double-LP that we named as one of the best records of the year so far) is as majestic as ever, filled with passionate songwriting and fearless, dazzling production.
One key to the Hovvdy lore has always been Taylor and Martin’s home state of Texas. Throughout their catalogue, references to the Lone Star State abound, and their heartland-inspired sound is suited for a Southwestern expanse.
When chatting over Zoom about the duo’s favorite albums from Texan artists, however, Martin and Taylor are an ocean away, getting in some pre-show relaxation in a Manchester green room before beginning their UK tour. Meanwhile, the band will be opening for Beabadoobee on her forthcoming fall tour in North America (get tickets here), so there are plenty of Hovvdy shows on the way.
Martin and Taylor are happy to dig into their respective lists of some Texas highlights, and they have lots of memories attached to these albums. The list spans several eras, from the classic outlaw sound of Blaze Foley to more recent favorites like Kacey Musgraves’ Deeper Well.
Read on for Hovvdy’s list of 10 albums from Texan artists that everyone should own.