The Goods: Local albums put JH on musical map

By Aaron Davis (for JHWeekly.com)Jackson Hole, Wyo. - It’s been a banner year so far for local album releases, so there’s plenty to tap into while considering stocking stuffers and additions to your own collection. Keep in mind purchasing directly from the artist – or from indie-friendly sites such as Bandcamp and CD Baby – puts a larger cut of the dough in the musician’s pocket. Here’s an alphabetical roundup:Artist: Michael G. Batdorf Album: Weather May Come. His sixth solo release, this is a solid collection of story songs, historical fiction, ballads, blues and bluegrass picking with a range of stripped down acoustic to ensemble arrangements. MichaelGBatdorf.com.Artist: Benyaro EP: The Cover EPThis is the third studio album from folk/soul duo Benyaro. Recorded in a Teton Village condo, it features airy, acoustic arrangements of songs from Sam Cooke, Etta James, Blaze Foley, Moby, Procol Harum, and The Coasters. Benyaro.com.Artist: Elk Attack Album: Second BornRiding acoustic and electric lines for the full-length debut, here are eight tunes of indie folk-rock laced with three-part harmony, a dash of psychedelic, and plenty of groove. Facebook.com/ElkAttack.Artist: King Street Ramblers Album: King Street RamblersFeaturing a trio of vocalists and fine instrumentalists – guitarist Tom Marshall, banjoist Pete Sibley, and mandolinist Tim Farris – this debut is a mix of originals and harmony-filled covers. Facebook.com/kingstreetramblers.Artist: One Ton Pig Album: One Ton PigThe 12 tracks feature three bluegrass-tinged songs written by Tim Farris, two by Justin Smith, and the remainder by Michael Batdorf in an alt-country storytelling fashion that brings to mind Robert Earl Keen. OneTonPig.net.Artist: Victor Pokorny Album: N/AFormer frontman of Rotating Superstructure, Pokorny has gradually been releasing outtakes, demos and home recordings via Soundcloud.com/Lori-Lori-Lay. Some are streaming, others are downloadable for free, and include the Bon Iver-vibed “Hey There,” and a solo-strumming banjo on “How and Where? Part 2.”Artist: Screen Door Porch Album: The Fate and The FruitRecorded in Austin, Texas, the sophomore release mends lush roots-rockers with soulful, stripped-down acoustic arrangements. ScreenDoorPorch.com.Artist: Anne and Pete Sibley EP: Wandering to be FoundAs the title suggests, The Sibleys have wandered the country for the past year, posting up momentarily in California, and have come full circle to JH. The softly sung folk EP features six tracks, accompanied by an in-studio video featuring the title track spliced with interview snippets. AnneandPeteSibley.com.