1. A Way to Say Goodbye, Mike Viola (from the album Just Before Dark)
An achingly beautiful ballad recorded live in an LA club, with captivating vocals from Inara George.
2. You Made Your Bed, Daddy (from the album Daddy at the Women’s Club)
Featuring the mighty Will Kimbrough and partner in crime Tommy Womack, Daddy recorded this album live with only a handful of rehearsals. Among the stand-outs is this rough-hewn blues song with a driving rock beat.
3. Save Yourself, Greg Johnson (from the album Here Comes the Caviar)
Currently un-signed in the US, he’s starting to get radio airplay with this catchy acoustic pop song. His sound is similar to fellow New Zealander’s Crowded House.
4. Childish Things, James McMurtry (from the album Childish Things)
McMurtry consistently puts out quality albums, filled with masterful stories set against muscular roots melodies. This song is a stand-out from the latest release, capturing the journey from childhood to adulthood.
5. So She’s Leaving, The Trews (from the album Den of Thieves)
The Trews let loose with this driving rock track that features a great Living Colour vibe.
6. You Know Me, Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass-Kicking Team (from the album Terry Anderson & the Olympic Ass-Kicking Team)
You gotta like the band for the name alone, but they live up to their Olympic dreams with this bar-band pop. Oh yeah, be sure to visit Terry’s web site for the site intro.
7. Bruises, Steve Wynn and the Miracle Three (from the album …tick…tick…tick)
Steve Wynn crafts simple pop songs, which he and the Miracle Three drag through a chipper to create an engaging jagged sound.
8. Beggar’s Delight, Jabe (from the forthcoming album Where Are We Going and When Do We Get There)
A stand-out artist on the Boston roots scene, Jabe offers up this acoustic song with a relaxed feel. The track features Dana Colley (Morphine) on saxophone.
9. Twin Cinema, New Pornographers (from the album Twin Cinema)
Slick and gritty, this A.C. Newman-penned track is pop genius.
10. Ohh La La, the Faces (from the album The Best of Faces: Good Boys… When They Sleep)
Mike inspired me to dig into some classics, like this oft-covered gem. “I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger.”
11. (What’s So Funny ’bout) Peace, Love and Understanding?, Michael Carpenter (from the Nick Lowe tribute album Lowe Profile)
A tasty version of the classic song, part of a double-disc tribute to Nick Lowe. Not quite as brawny as Elvis Costello‘s version, but just as tasty with an acoustic feel and great harmonies.
12. I Miss Ronald Reagan, Daddy (from the album Daddy at the Women’s Club)
“With Reagan I was younger, there were parties going on. Now my hair is gone and the World Trade Center’s gone.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.