Stand Down at Sundown, Matt Mays and El Torpedo (from the album Matt Mays and El Torpedo)
One of the stand-outs from the 2005 SXSW festival, the roots-based Mays and company score with this ragged rock tune.
Funky Cupcake, Barfield (from the album The Tyrant)
I first encountered Mike Barfield at SXSW a few years back and his performance blew me away. Imagine James Brown after a year in Nashville and you’ll have a good idea of Barfield’s sound. This track is from his long overdue second solo album.
Wondertown, Patty Hurst Shifter (from the forthcoming album Too Crowded on the Losing End)
Another powerful rock and roll tune from the forthcoming Shifter release. If there’s any rock and roll justice in the world, this will give the band the recognition they deserve.
Love Train, Yayhoos (from the Bloodshot Records 11th Anniversary Compilation For A Decade of Sin)
Who doesn’t love this song, especially when it’s done Yayhoo’s style.
Rock and Roll, The Willie Graham Players (from the album Big Sweet Life: The Songs of Jon Dee Graham)
Young Willie Graham penned this song steeped in the Stooges tradition, played to perfection by four of Austin’s most prominent guitar slingers. This track closes the recent Jon Dee Graham tribute album.
Faithless, Jon Dee Graham (from the 1999 album Escape from Monster Island)
The aforementioned tribute inspired me to dig back into the Jon Dee Graham discography. I recommend that everyone do the same.
It’s a Great Day, Paul Thorn (available via www.paulthorn.com)
“It’s a great day to whup somebody’s ass…”
Better Things, Fountains of Wayne (from the Ray Davies tribute album This Is Where I Belong)
Not sure whether this track demonstrates the quality of Davies songwriting or the inspiration that he provided Fountains of Wayne. Great song, great band.
My Favorite Revolution, Eugene Edwards (from the album My Favorite Revolution)
Los Angeles-based Edwards offers up this rousing power pop song, steeped in the tradition of early Elvis Costello or Marshall Crenshaw.
Girl I Used to Know, The Darlings (from the self-titled ep)
Saw this unsigned band in New York a few weeks ago and was mightily impressed by the solid songs and great harmonies.
Darn Songs, Tim Rogers (from the album 2002 album What Rhymes with Cars and Girls)
I’ve been on a tear through the extended catalog of Australia’s You Am I. Songwriter Tim Rogers supplements the band’s output with series of solo outings.
Down By the Riverside, Michael Penn
(from the limited expanded edition of Mr. Hollywood, Jr., 1947)
“I’m gonna lay down my burden, down by the riverside, I’m gonna study war no more.” Sung as only Michael Penn can sing it.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.