Craig Finn has always had a reputation as an accomplished lyricist. In fact, he is as much of a poet as he is a Rock and Roll musician. His lyrics invoke an emotional connection that is evident as the crowd sings along at Hold Steady gigs. After all, this is the man who weaved the suicide of John Berryman into “Stuck Between Stations”. Not surprisingly, Clear Heart Full Eyes brings Finn’s poetic distinction to the forefront.

To be sure, the front man for Hold Steady has not forgotten the importance of the music. For this project, it tends to be more mellow and introspective, but is powerful none the less. My friend David, who has a daughter that is a budding musician at 13, recently made the point that musicians are sometimes far too serious and afraid to make people laugh. In fact, humor is a quality he is trying to encourage in the music of his daughter (Katie Deter). Humor has certainly never eluded Finn, as shown by the song, “New Friend Jesus”. He also invokes religious imagery often on Clear Heart Full Eyes. Consider this verse from “No Future”:

“I’ve been reading about the Calvary. The crucifixion still gets to me. I guess Golgotham meets the mount of execution. The best advice I got comes from ‘ol John Rotten. He said ‘God save the queen’ no future for you , no future for me”.

Finn is a modern day creative genius, and, Clear Heart Full Eyes is the perfect conduit to display his prodigious creativity.

Live At Lincoln Hall, by Joe Pug
Since arriving on the singer-songwriter scene in 2008, it didn’t take long for Joe Pug to establish himself as a rising star. This live album, recorded in Chicago last spring and comprising songs from his one full-length album and two eps, is a spectacular demonstration of his songwriting prowess.

Album opener “Nobody’s Man”, from his debut ep, is a personal favorite. “I’d rather be nobody’s man than somebody’s child,” sings Pug. It is a statement of independence but not without some regret at his loneliness. “There’s an ugliness growing up inside me, from where it has come I don’t know.”

“Lock the Door Christina,” from the In the Meantime ep, serves as both a love letter and a warning. “Lock the door, Christina, I’m standing on your porch tonight,” he sings with a gentle sway.

An electric guitar joins Pug’s acoustic to give “Speak Plainly Diana” some extra punch. Not that it needs it as Pug’s lyrics pack plenty of punch already. To wit, “And when there’s too much to get rid of, and you get rid of me, speak plainly to me Diana, there’s nothing you must be.”

“Call It What You Will” finds Pug struggling with heartache. “I call today a disaster, she calls it December the 3rd,” he laments, “call it what you will, I’m heartbroken still, words are just words.”

Live At Lincoln Hall is a great introduction for those who haven’t heard him and a treat for those who already have. And with a new release shortly to follow, it is the perfect set-up for what could be Pug’s best year yet.

Audio Download: Joe Pug, “Call It What You Will”

Grand Hotel, by The Explorers Club
This talented sextet from Charleston, SC whip up a magical blend of three minute pop masterpieces. Each track is masterfully crafted, filled with spectacular musicianship and brilliant harmonies.

Lead single “Run Run Run” opens with some regal horns before giving way to a bouncy pop beat. A percussive march towards the chorus is rewarded with a blast of airy harmonies as the band sings, “I’ll run run run ‘til I get back to you, run run run, do what I have to do, run run run ‘til I get back in your arms again.”

“Anticipatin’” starts off with a guitar, piano and organ riff that recalls the opening of the Beatles “Get Back.” The opening quickly transforms into a classic pop melody that leads to a falsetto-led chorus. Throw in some tasty guitar riffs and you’ve got a feel-good classic.

Did I mention harmonies? “Go For You” brings them in full force. The song’s already head-bobbing and harmony-laden chorus reaches even higher when the horns join the fray. The fun continues with “I’ve Been Waiting,” which matches percussion and taut guitars with honeyed harmonies.

Album closer “Open the Door” starts with a bit of flamenco guitar before launching into an emotional ballad that builds towards a symphonic conclusion. This is the kind of music that makes Brian Wilson smile.

Audio Stream: The Explorers Club, “Run Run Run”

THE PLAYLIST
Abaddon Blues b/w All the Good You Lose (demo), Kasey Anderson and the Honkies
Kasey Anderson and the Honkies rocked out on 2011’s Twangville fave Heart of a Dog. But last year is so last year. A new year is upon us now and Anderson and crew have hatched plans for a new album.

Here are two tracks recorded for the album to be known as Let the Bloody Moon Rise. One is a bruising blues number with the Honkies; the other is an Anderson demo recording of a brilliant ballad.

Like what you hear? Anderson and the Honkies are going the sponsorship route to fund Let the Bloody Moon Rise. Click here for more details on the campaign and here to lend your support.

Gloryland, Kevin Gordon (from the self-released Gloryland)
Gordon is Louisiana’s answer to James McMurtry, spinning tales of weathered characters that come across as part song, part short-story. Check out the bluesy, dark and edgy title track.

Audio Download: Kevin Gordon, “Gloryland”

Bandit of Love, Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents (from the DeeVeeUs Records single Bandit of Love b/w That Moon Was Low)
For years Boston musician Jenny D’Angora has played with various punk and rock bands. Now she’s stepping out with a new outfit that pays homage to the 1960’s girl groups and their shiny pop sound. It’s retro with all the trimmings, what’s not to like?

Audio Download: Jenny Dee and the Deelinquents, “Bandit of Love”

Caught Me Thinking, Bahamas (from the Universal Republic release Barchords)
Toronto-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Afie Jurvanen, who records as Bahamas, reminds me of Harry Nilsson. His simple and airy arrangements stand in contrast to the often dark side of his lyrics. He actually pulls off a slight Caribbean feel with this track as he sings, “Back when we started, before we parted, I would wonder what would make her stay; what was I thinkin’, as if my drinkin’ was the only thing that drove her away.”

Audio Stream: Bahamas, “Caught Me Thinking”

One Voice Together, Martin Sexton (from the Kitchen Table release Fall Like Rain)
Simply put, Sexton has one of the most magical voices singing today. It is a voice soulful and smooth as molasses.

Audio Download: Martin Sexton, “One Voice Together”

A Good Feelin’ to Know, Tom Gillam (from the Great Tone Records release Rustic Beauty)
Austin by way of Philly singer-songwriter Gillam takes on the free-wheelin’ Poco classic. It is a great cover selection as it fits comfortably along side Gillam’s originals. He and his band have a relaxed feel that just makes the music fun.

Audio Download: Tom Gillam, “A Good Feelin’ to Know”

Aim For the Heart, Ruthie Foster (from the Blue Corn Music Release Let It Burn)
“When in Rome,” the old saying goes. Foster took it to heart, figuratively if not literary, with her latest release. The album came to life in New Orleans, where it was infused with the spirit of local musicians including the Funky Meters rhythm section of bassist George Porter Jr. and drummer Russell Batiste. While most of the album is covers ranging from the Band’s “It Makes No Difference” to Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” Foster includes a couple of originals including this soulful track.

Audio Download: Ruthie Foster, “Aim For the Heart”

Honolulu Blues, Craig Finn (from the Vagrant Records release Clear Heart, Full Eyes)
At this point there should be little doubt that Finn is one of rock’s most literate lyricists. He puts the point on that exclamation with his debut solo release. Finn leaves the rock and roll musical bravado of the Hold Steady behind and proceeds with more subdued arrangements that shine an even brighter light on his lyrics.

We’re all good, we’re all bad
We’re euphoric and we’re sad
We roll the rock away and check the tomb

Audio Stream: Craig Finn, “Honolulu Blues”

Runaway, Imperial Teen (from the Merge Records release Feel the Sound)
The winter snow may be falling as I type this but the shimmery sounds of Imperial Teen are transporting my spirit to a summery place. The arrival of the band’s latest release, filled with upbeat melodies and bright harmonies, is a sure sign that summer will soon be upon us, right? If not, you’ll find me cranking this one by the fireplace.

Audio Download: Imperial Teen, “Runaway”

 1) Roger Waters: I got a chance to see The Wall at the HP Pavilion in San Jose.  Holy cow.  As far as I’m concerned, when you look up the word “spectacle” now it should have a video of this show.  There was the light show that would have been technically impossible back in the 80′s. The 30 foot inflatable nightmare figures (plus the anatomically correct Pig balloon).  The Wall itself.  The explosion at the end.  Even the intermission was a multimedia show with snippets of stories from oh so many fallen soldiers.  It was over-the-top sights and sounds that still managed to have a social conscious.  It’s coming to outdoor arenas this summer–I don’t know if that will ruin the experience or just raise it to a new level, but worth the heart-stopping price of admission to find out.

2) Neko Case: Doing a show at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA, Neko showed that even in a not-particularly-intimate setting a really good performer just draws the audience in.  In addition to the standard fare about why she wrote some of the songs she was also telling anecdotes about the drive to the venue and what they had been doing the day before.  It was like a fabulous performance by a rock star done in your living room for just you and your friends.

 3) The Band Of Heathens: On tour for their latest release, the Band came through Santa Cruz to play at the Kuumbwa Jazz Center.  As usual, the boys from Austin know how to give a live performance.  Lots of their own tunes, sometimes similar to how they sound on the album and sometimes not, along with a sprinkling of covers.  On this night those included Rod Stewart, the Grateful Dead, and Gram Parsons.  Not to mention more cowbell on Medicine Man.

4) Terri Hendrix: Closing the Old Settler’s Music Festival at the Campground, Terri put on a performance that was pure festivarian joy.  She played old songs and new songs and even made up an Old Settler’s rap.  Every outward appearance was that this was the most fun she’d ever had in her life and it was infectious.  The crowd ate it up and it was the perfect end to a music-filled weekend.

5) The Gourds: Also at Old Settler’s, Kevin Russell and his band of merry men closed out Saturday night with a set that had the audience worked into a frenzy.  The stage MC tried to bring the show to a close at curfew time and the band was having none of it.  Sometimes too much is just enough.

So there you have it: my top 5 live sets of the year.  I obviously just get to see a fraction of bands on tour, so please add your favorites to the comments so Twangville readers know who to look out for in their local this year.

 1) R.E.M. – Collapse Into Now

 2) Old Californio – Sundrunk Angels: I keep coming back and listening to this album.  It’s rock ‘n’ roll, and twangy, and a little bit funky.  There are slide guitars and harmonicas, ballads and ditties.  It’s a veritable jambalaya of Americana music.

 3) Suzanna Choffel – Steady Eye Shaky Bow: Choffel, a guitarist as well as singer, manages to put a very jazzy spin on some tunes that are otherwise more country and pop, all while maintaining an Austin sensibility to the production.  Normally when someone says music is hard to classify it’s because the music is all over the map.  In this case, the songs are in a consistently similar vein, albeit not something you hear very often.  Undoubtedly the best Americana album of the year to play for someone who says they don’t like country and twangy.

 4) Gillian Welch – The Harrow & the Harvest: I was a little bit meh about this record when I first heard it.  But it’s grown steadily on me since it came out.  I think what I like most is that it’s so different from just about anything else I heard all year, and yet it’s still so essentially Gillian.  If you just listened to this once or twice and then put it away, go back and listen again 6 months later.  You’ll see.

5) Sons of Fathers – Sons of Fathers: And speaking of great harmonies in the vein of Welch & Rawlings, check out the debut release of David Beck and Paul Cauthen, otherwise known as Sons of Fathers.  These guys have a crack set of musicians behind them and give a vocal performance that is mesmerizing.

6) Milk Drive – Road From Home: Sometimes there’s no substitute for the ability to shred.  Milk Drive consists of members who collectively have probably won more picking awards than any band in existence.  They’ve put a jazz spin on a bluegrass sound and are seriously pushing the envelope of how sophisticated Americana music can sound.  Not to mention that instrumental virtuosity.

7) The Bottle Rockets – Not So Loud: An Acoustic Evening: Just as the unplugged MTV performance by Pearl Jam defined the very plugged-in sound that was grunge, this acoustic performance by a normally loud band shows why they’ve been so successful.  With all the amplifiers stripped out, the songs are still well written and well performed and stand the test of time.

8 The Decemberists – The King Is Dead: Lots has been written about the early 2011 release by one of the darlings of the indie crowd.  For me, this album showed how wide ranging they can be with its twangy influence that simply presents Colin Meloy and his mates in a new light that’s an easy extension to their previous catalog.

9) Dave Alvin – Eleven Eleven: No real surprises here, it’s another solid effort from Alvin who proves that, first, he can without fail drum up a supporting ensemble that’s so incredibly tight you’d swear they’ve played together for years.  And second, he keeps writing songs that convey such a sense of time and place that you’re transported with him to the moment in time so carefully documented in the lyrics.

10) Sarah Jarosz – Follow Me Down: Jarosz’ vocals have gained strength and capability on her second release.  Combine that with mandolin (and other strings) chops that may be the best in Texas even though she’s barely old enough to vote and you have a winner.  She just gets better every time you see her.

11) The Band Of Heathens – Top Hat Crown & the Clapmaster’s Son: I liked this album as a follow up to their two previously acclaimed efforts, but the real reason it’s in the years top was that it provides new material for them to perform live.  You have to catch them in a club to experience the full joy of TBOH.

12) Robert Earl Keen – Ready For Confetti: Another album that’s here because it’s just full of good songs.  Keen has his sound and his fans and no one’s going home disappointed from this.

13) Sinful Savage Tigers – The Last Night Of The Revels: A really solid effort from a group that’s bound to start gaining more notice.  They’re just too good and the tunes too catchy to fall into some regional bucket where they only play for the locals.

14) Great American Taxi – Paradise Lost: Sort of an Americana supergroup, Great American Taxi is a little retro and a little progressive and someone you need to go hear live.

15) Wilco – The Whole Love: The year off did these guys right.  There’s more excitement in this record than I’ve heard from Tweedy & company in a while.

16) Beirut – The Rip Tide: Another good release from one of the kings of the neo-Balkan indie sound.

17) Hayes Carll – KMAG YOYO (& Other American Stories): Carll continues to craft a unique sound and there are some real keepers on this album.

18) The Gourds – Old Mad Joy: Kevin Russell and his band mates have pushed out the boundaries on what most people would consider “Gourds music”, which was a pleasant surprise.

19) Allison Krauss & Union Station – Paper Airplane: Krauss is back into her groove from the rock-royalty side projects and as much as I enjoyed those, this seems to capture her spirit better.

20) The Wailin’ Jennys – Bright Morning Stars: When it’s all about the vocals, you can’t do much better than the Jennys.  Another group I have to recommend seeing live.

I instantly fell in like with McLauchlan’s music when I saw him on PBS in the mid-seventies playing with John Prine and Steve Goodman at the Philadelphia Folk  Festival (I remember he sang “Maybe Tonight” from his 1974 album Sweeping the Spotlight Away – “Maybe tonight at the motor hotel there’ll be a stewardess and a glass of booze ...”).   The Scottish-born, Toronto-raised McLauchlan has a gritty, harmonica-driven style of folk and folk rock that produced some memorable albums for the True North label.   Some of his early work, including Day to Day Dust, which as a teenager I practically wore out on my turntable, is out of print (not to worry, I downloaded the disk into the computer - a miracle of modern technology!).   

Human Writes is McLauchlan’s first album in six years.  It’s a good one.  McLauchlan’s unique voice shines through in this, his 14th solo album (McLauchlan has recently been a member of Lunch at Allen’s, a band that was conceived, quite literally, during lunch at Allen’s restaurant in Toronto).  In releasing the album, McLauchlan acknowledged that not all his work has been top-40 material.  “Each album I’ve released comes from a very personal creative space,” McLauchlan was quoted in his True North bio.  ”Sometimes your fans connect and join you in that space, and sometimes, unfortunately, they don’t.”  But  Human Writes should not be one of those lonely trips to the outhouse.   With a supporting crew that includes McLauchlan’s son Duncan on trombone and some beautiful songs, this looks like a strong outing.  It is a mellow, introspective effort, however, that isn’t for everybody and isn’t intended to be.   McLauchlan plays acoustic guitar (a handmade instrument built in 1938), piano occasional harmonica on the album.  The steel guitar and soft trombone accompaniment  give this album an atmosphere that is sweeter than some of McLauchlan’s past work.  But the songs are generally good (I didn’t care for his ode to the simple life, “Pickin’ Up Mary Lou”).

Songs from the Street, released by True North in 2007, provides a compelling retrospective of McLauchlan’s work.  For the uninitiated, I would recommend starting with that one.  For converts, Human Writes would be a good addition to the collection.

#1. JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT, Here We Rest (Lightning Rod)

I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping for a full-on rock assault from Isbell and crew. What I got was something better — a nuanced musical tour of his home state of Alabama. From the back porch acoustic sway of “Codeine” to his soulful swagger on the Muscle Shoals classic “Heart on a String,” Isbell proves that his musical talent is boundless. (Twangville reviews here and here and here.)

Audio Download: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, “Codeine”

#2. LYDIA LOVELESS, Indestructable Machine (Bloodshot)

Here’s to a newcomer who established her presence with authority. Her debut burst from the gate with a fire-cracking, rabble-rousing confidence. (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: Lydia Loveless, “Can’t Change Me”

#3. KASEY ANDERSON AND THE HONKIES, Heart of a Dog (Red River)

This January release has held a steady spot in my musical rotation. Anderson and the Honkies run the table with an outstanding collection of rockers furious and ballads forlorn. (Twangville review here and here.)

Audio Download: Kasey Anderson and the Honkies, “Mercy”

#4. DAVID WAX MUSEUM, Everything is Saved

A potent mix of Appalachian and Mexican folk music makes for one of the year’s most vibrant musical celebrations. “Some of us come with new hearts, most of us come with used hearts, baby, why do you look so sad?” (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: David Wax Museum, “Born With a Broken Heart”

#5. THE DUKE AND THE KING, The Duke and the King (So Recordings)

Although these songs were technically culled from the band’s two earlier UK releases, they are finally getting a proper US release. I’m not sure what took so long but it was well worth the wait. We’ll call this Americana soul, filled with beautiful harmonies and haunting melodies. (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: The Duke and the King, “Shine On You”

#6. THE DECEMBERISTS, The King Is Dead (Capitol)

The Portland, Oregon band intentionally shifted away from the song-cycle approach that defined 2009’s The Hazard of Love. Simpler doesn’t mean less striking, as this release gloriously proves. Guests Peter Buck and Gillian Welch are just icing on the cake. (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: The Decemberists, “Down By the Water”

#7. NATHAN HAMILTON, Beauty, Wit & Speed

Austin, Texas songwriter Hamilton just gets better with age. His latest is filled with songs of lyrical intelligence and musical restraint, delivered in a style that is warm and assured. (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: Nathan Hamilton, “The Heart That Aches To Open”

#8. BARNSTAR!, C’Mon!

This is how music is supposed to sound, fresh and carefree. These five talented folk and bluegrass musicians serve up engaging covers ranging from the Louvin Brothers to the Traveling Wilburys and from Paul Simon to Neil Young. And don’t miss their brilliant take on Dawes’ “When My Time Comes.” Then, of course, are the handful of originals which more than hold their own alongside the covers. (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: Barnstar!, “Northern Rail”

#9. BUTCH WALKER AND THE BLACK WIDOWS, The Spade (Dangerbird)

Walker proves yet again why he is the master of melody. He and his crack outfit crank out another collection of sing-along rock anthems. It’s like power pop fueled by a case of Red Bull. (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: Butch Walker and the Black Widows, “Summer of ’89″

#10. JO WYMER, Living With Scars

Explosive is the best word to describe Wymer and this release. Her voice is strong and forceful, an intensity matched by her crack band. And the songs? Tales of love gone wrong delivered with immensely catchy hooks. What’s not to like? (Twangville review here.)

Audio Download: Jo Wymer, “This Ain’t Love (Love and War)”

#11. CARRIE RODRIGUEZ AND BEN KYLE, We Still Love Our Country (Ninth Street Opus)

Americana has a rich tradition of male-female duets, from Johnny and June Carter Cash to Graham Parsons and Emmylou Harris. Add Rodriguez and Kyle to the list. Their vocals blend magically as they wrap them around this collection of six classic covers and two originals. (Twangville review here, here and here.)

Audio Download: Carrie Rodriguez and Ben Kyle, “Your Lonely Heart”

#12. BUFFALO TOM, Skins (Scrawny Records)

The fact that this Boston-based power trio just celebrated their 25th anniversary (with the same line-up!) would be an impressive enough milestone. Commemorating it with yet another in a long line of raw rock and roll records makes for quite the celebration.

It’s Christmastime in Washington
The Democrats rehearsed
Gettin’ into gear for four more years
Things not gettin’ worse
The Republicans drink whiskey neat
And thanked their lucky stars
They said, ‘He cannot seek another term
They’ll be no more FDRs’
I sat home in Tennessee
Staring at the screen
With an uneasy feeling in my chest
And I’m wonderin’ what it means

Chorus:
So come back Woody Guthrie
Come back to us now
Tear your eyes from paradise
And rise again somehow
If you run into Jesus
Maybe he can help you out
Come back Woody Guthrie to us now

I followed in your footsteps once
Back in my travelin’ days
Somewhere I failed to find your trail
Now I’m stumblin’ through the haze
But there’s killers on the highway now
And a man can’t get around
So I sold my soul for wheels that roll
Now I’m stuck here in this town

Chorus

There’s foxes in the hen house
Cows out in the corn
The unions have been busted
Their proud red banners torn
To listen to the radio
You’d think that all was well
But you and me and Cisco know
It’s going straight to hell

So come back, Emma Goldman
Rise up, old Joe Hill
The barracades are goin’ up
They cannot break our will
Come back to us, Malcolm X
And Martin Luther King
We’re marching into Selma
As the bells of freedom ring

The opening song is Chocolate Cake with its newgrass instrumentation and tight harmonies.  It sets some good expectations for the rest of the album with a well-balanced mix of vocals and tasty instrumental licks.  And yet there’s more than meets the ear when an otherwise upbeat song about finding one’s place in the world ends with an admission that the singer is “looking for something I can believe” and also “looking for something I can betray.”

Most of the songs on the disc have that similar toe-tapping groove of mandolin, guitar, and bass, with some fiddle, harmonica or banjo thrown in.  The lyrics tend to more of a poetic and experiential nature than of the narrative variety.  In addition to Chocolate Cake I’m enamored with End Of The Horse Drawn Zeppelin with its lazy Sunday feel and rat race observation that “everything slow becomes mere scenery”.  Still Waiting In Line is a humorous little ditty that probably has a pretty good story behind it.  The record finishes with Kentucky Steel, a bluesier number that loops back to the beginning of the album and its theme of searching for where you belong.

With their mix of Colin Meloy lyrics and Avett brothers harmonies, Sinful Savage Tigers are a side stage appearance at Coachella or Bonnaroo away from being the next darling of the indie grass crowd.  The Last Night Of The Revels is good primer on their ability and with it you’ll be able to gloat that you knew of them back when.

Long Live All of Us, by Glossary
Glossary have always had a reputation as a scrappy rock band from Murfreesboro, TN. While their latest doesn’t abandon the past, the band has injected a healthy dose of southern soul into the mix. And, man, does it sound good.

Opener “Trouble Won’t Always Last” matches hopeful lyrics with a lilting beat driven by a percussive piano. “When trouble comes around, don’t you be afraid,” sing husband and wife Kelly and Joey Kneiser, “This world can take your life, but it can’t take the love you’ve shown away.”

“Shoulder to Cry On” has the type of soulful swagger that hearkens back to the late 1970’s, yet with a sound that feels fresh today. Some stellar Stax-style horns punctuate the Kneisers’ harmonies, “So crawl with me out of the dark, let it be us the light shines on, for nothing is promised or guaranteed, but I’ll be the post that you can lean on.”

Lest anyone think otherwise, “When We Were Wicked” and “Heart Full of Wanna” prove that the band still has the chops for straight-up rock and roll. Electric guitars burst from the former track while a great bass line propels the latter.

“Some Eternal Spark” showcases the band’s quiet side and shines a light on Joey Kneiser’s thoughtful lyrics. “But listen to your heart and it will lead you through the dark,” he sings, “‘Cause somewhere in you burns a light lit by some eternal spark.”

See Eli’s take on the new Glossary release here.

Audio Download: Glossary, “Heart Full of Wanna”

THE PLAYLIST
Everyone Has Their Day, Warren Zanes (from the self-released I Want To Move Out in the Daylight)
The New Jersey by way of Boston musician and rock and roll scholar channels the end of a relationship into a mature and meaningful release. “It got a little crowded there in your cage, the trash piled up no one took it away,” sings Zanes in a pop song subtle and sublime.

Audio Download: Warren Zanes, “Everyone Has Their Day”

Not Once, Todd May (from the self-released LTD)
May, the songwriter behind Twangville faves the Mooncussers, has quietly put out a solo, primarily acoustic release. The format puts his impressive songs front and center, emphasizing the country flavor of his writing. There are songs that can be described as about having a tear in one’s beer, this one goes straight for the whiskey.

These songs are billed as demos, but I’ll take them just the way they are, thanks. Download some additional tracks here.

Audio Download: Todd May, “Not Once”

Tin Can, Wires in the Walls (from the self-released New Symmetry)
The LA-based quintet caught my ear with this pop anthem. Electric guitars ring out gloriously as the song works its way to an explosive chorus. This one is meant to be played loud.

Audio Download: Wires in the Walls, “Tin Can”

Sara Smile, Vance Gilbert (from the self-released Old White Men)
The New England folk musician is blessed with a sweet and soulful voice. Gilbert will captivate regardless of whether performing his originals, which range from solemn to humorous, or taking on a cover. I challenge you to not get in his dazzling cover of the Hall and Oates classic.

Audio Download: Vance Gilbert, “Sara Smile”

Sweet and Fine, Tom Evanchuck and the Old Money (from the Peloton Records release The Evanchucks)
This 22 year-old from Cleveland, Ohio knows how to coax some deep and lowdown sounds from his guitar. His sound hearkens back to the classic rock of the 1960’s, heavy with blues-based riffs alongside a rumbling organ. The song title says it all.

Audio Download: Tom Evanchuck and the Old Money, “Sweet and Fine”

Pretty In Pink, The 65’s (from the Dromedary Records release Strike Hard!)
The members of this New York-based quartet honed their craft in a number of regional bands and solo acoustic outings. Together, they bring on the rock with a healthy dose of guitar, bass and drums. Their debut has some enticing originals, but I’m going to take the cover route as they rock this song proud. And if you like the scruffy guitars here, I’m quite certain that you’ll like the rest of this release.

Audio Download: The 65′s, “Pretty In Pink”

When I first read about the concept of the “new” album, The Singing Mailman Delivers, I assumed this would be strictly for die-hard fans or Prinologists working on their dissertations. The music on both discs was recorded in 1970 – the first in August at a Chicago radio station after Prine was interviewed by Studs Terkel, the other at a live performance in November at the Fifth Peg nightclub in Chicago. Both sets consisted of Prine playing essentially alone (only some bass accompaniment at the live performance), just him and his guitar - much like the fated night in 1971 when he played a sort of impromptu audition for Kris Kristofferson at a closed nightclub after Kristofferson’s performance across town. 

The Singing Mailman recordings were made while Prine was still working his day job as a letter carrier.  Many of Prine’s classic songs are included in these recordings.  Some of the best songs that punctuated his first five albums are here – “Paradise,” “Hello In There,” “Souvenirs,” and even “Aw Heck,” which didn’t appear on a studio album until Bruised Orange in 1978.  His song delivery was straightforward and unadorned, but his talent at age 23 was obvious.  Already his connection to the audience was evident in the live performance, as the audience sang along with ”Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore” and “Illegal Smile.”  This compilation, although unlikely to top the Billboard 100, is not just a redundant recording of interest only to die-hard fans.  The songs are so good, and the delivery so true, these recordings could actually serve as a decent entry-point for new Prine fans – although in the age of Lady Gaga it may be wishful thinking to believe that this compilation would inspire many converts.  Prine fans and other roots music enthusiasts will appreciate the recordings though.     

If Mark Twain was a singer-songwriter, he would have sounded something like John Prine.  The Singing Mailman Delivers provides a portrait of the artist as a young man that is definitely worth the listen.