Plain and Simple, Scrappy Jud Newcomb (from the album Byzantine)
A solid rock and roll song from the Austin guitar slinger that conjures up the country-esque moments of the Stones Sticky Fingers.
Something to Look Forward To, Jon Dee Graham (from the album First Bear on the Moon)
“Someday the Saturday sun will shine, another chance to get it right, another chance to get it right.”
The World Some Sad Hour, Chris Mills, (from the album The Wall to Wall Sessions)
Love that this song has a doo-wop feel to it, buried beneath the tasty horns and a great piano solo.
Walt Whitman Bridge, Marah (from the album If You Didn’t Laugh, You’d Cry)
The band shows off its acoustic side with a stellar folk song.
Intelligent People, Rob Dickinson (from the album Fresh Wine for the Horses)
Another pop gem from Dickinson’s debut solo release, “You’ve just got to smile and hang out with intelligent people”
Can’t Make It Here, James McMurtry (from the album Childish Things)
Do you think he’s pissed at the Bush administration? I bet George W. isn’t happy to have listed McMurtry as one of the artists on his iPod…
Just a Man, Jon Nicholson (from the album A Lil Sump’m Sump’m)
I first heard this song several years ago at SXSW in Austin when I stumbled upon Jon playing with Stroller, his former band. This version is a potent combination of roots and soul.
Room 712, The Apache, Michael Penn (from the album Mr. Hollywood Jr., 1947)
Another from Penn’s latest release, a plaintive ballad with a wonderful souring chorus.
Walking to Do, Ted Leo (from the album Shake the Sheets)
I finally got around to picking this one up – punk rock with a pop sheen, complete with biting and intellectual lyrics.
Oh No! (They’re Gonna Make Another One), The Rudds (from the album Get the Femuline Hang On)
“Oh no they’re they gonna make another one. They gotta another record to do. Its gonna sound exactly like the other one, just not as good and it won’t rock you. Its dead wood that don’t ring true.” Classic.
Suzanne, Jeff Klein (from the album The Hustler)
It rock and roll rather than lounge music, but I can imagine listening to this in a retro-club with red leather couches. Co-produced by Greg Dulli of Afghan Whigs fame.
Bandages and Scars, Son Volt (from the album Okemah and the Melody of Riot)
“The words of Woody Guthrie ringing in my head.”
Home is on the Horizon, Josh Cole (from the album Hypocriticool)
Powerhouse drums and machine-gun guitar riffs propel this solid rock and roll tune. Available for download from Josh’s web site.
Cheryl (Come and Take a Ride), Waltham (from the self-titled debut)
The spirit of Rick Springfield rides again!
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.