Love from a Scar, Will Hoge
I’ll stick with my description from last March… “The horns, oh the horns! Imagine a classic rock song finished off with the Muscle Shoals soul sound — this track is a lock for my list of 2006’s top songs. Even if the song weren’t a perfect blend of classic rock and Muscle Shouls soul, the horn arrangement alone would make it a leading candidate for the Twangville top songs of the year.”

Audio Download: Love from a Scar (live from Charleston, SC)

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[source: Will Hoge Fan Site]

Cell Phones Ringing (in the Pockets of the Dead), Willie Nile
Inspired by the 2004 Madrid bombings, Nile spits out a stream-of-conscious commentary that reflects on a society poisoned by terrorism. The music is a perfect match to Nile’s lyrics, conveying a blend of urgency and frustration that builds towards an explosive conclusion.

Thin Blue Flame, Josh Ritter
Josh Ritter crafts a modern folk epic of unparalled ambition and beauty. As the music swells, Ritter contemplates a poisoned society and a hope for reclaiming peace and prosperity. At the conclusion of this musical journey you’ll be awe-struck at the power a single song can deliver.

Audio Download: Thin Blue Flame

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[source: The Josh Ritter Fan Site]

Misundercould, Matthew Ryan
A jarring and emotionally charged song made all the more powerful by Ryan’s raspy vocals. A persistent, percussive piano tone reminds me of a clock ticking, a chilling reminder in a song about loss.

Nothing to Say/Kill the Poor, Matthew Grimm
Grimm is one of the sharpest lyricists around, equally adept with a semi-love song (“And If I was a better man I’d take the time to try to see what it is that makes me worthy of what you see in me.”) as he is with his political rants (“Mall of america, pristine and sterilized. And woe to those who can’t afford the price.”) Best of all, Grimm writes heartland rockers like no other.
Audio Download: Kill the Poor (Live from LA)

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[source: Matthew Grimm & the Red Smear]

Lookin’ for a Job, Todd Snider
“Watch what you say to someone with nothing, its almost like having it all.” My favorite lyric of the year in a song chock full of memorable lines.

Hot Girls in Good Moods/Bethamphetamine, Butch Walker and the Let’s Go Out Tonites
Walker has long mastered the pop songwriting craft, but these two tracks harness an energy unrivaled this year. From the opening sonic blast of “Hot Girls in Good Moods” to the soaring acoustic-driven chorus of “Bethamphetamine” Walker will infect you with his unbridled enthusiasm.

Daylight, The Drive-By Truckers
The contrast of Jason Isbell’s falsetto on the soaring chorus set against the ragged guitars make this song magnificent and captivating.

Jumping Again, The Figgs
This is easily one of the simpliest — yet catchiest — hooks of the year. The Figgs are the bar band that you wished you could see every weekend at the local pub. Don’t believe me? Ask Graham Parker, who invites them regularly to tour as his backing band.

I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight, Lucero
Lucero scores with this majestic rock song bursting with energy and restlessness. “Long legs use ‘em and run, blue eyes that blind like the sun,” declares singer-songwriter Ben Nichols, “I might not be the one but that’s alright, I can get us outta here tonight.”

Back of the Line, the Fags
The guitar wails and the cymbals crash while singer John Liccardello roars “I’m just trying to have a good time, you just want to make your problems mine take a number honey ‘cause I got no time tonight, get in the back of the line.”

Am I Wasting My Time, Eli “Paperboy” Reed & the True Loves
A few weeks ago, Concord Records “revived” the Stax label to market a series of 1960’s soul compliations. For a true revival of that classic soul sound, look no further than Boston’s Eli “Paperboy” Reed and this burst of rhythm and blues.
Audio Download: Am I Wasting My Time

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[source: Eli Paperboy Reed]

Shakespeare, Susan Cagle
Recorded live in the New York subway, this track bursts with a refreshing innocence and sincerity. The chorus is infectious.

A Way to Say Goodbye, Mike Viola
A tender duet between Viola and Inara George that portrays a couple grappling with the question of whether their relationship is worth saving.

About the author:  Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.

by Mayer Danzig in Best of Year, Playlists, Reviews