Buddies

Released in 2010, Buddies is a collaborative project between Frank Turner and Jon Snodgrass (of Drag the River), written and recorded in a single day while on tour in the United States. Positioned between the breakout success of Poetry of the Deed and the polished folk-rock of England Keep My Bones, this album serves as a low-stakes creative palate cleanser. The recording context is central to its identity: it was tracked using minimal equipment in a hotel room or similar temporary space, resulting in a lo-fi, 'bedroom production' aesthetic that contrasts sharply with Turner's more bombastic solo work. Lyrically, it functions as a travelogue, referencing specific American locations like Little Rock and New Orleans, while maintaining a lighthearted, often humorous tone. It is a cult favorite among completionists for its raw, unmediated glimpse into Turner's songwriting process and his affinity for classic Americana and alt-country influences.