Sure, I know that March is nearly over. Between my day job and my preparations for SXSW, however, time got away from me. Stay tuned for the complete SXSW recap…
Feb. 14, Drive-By Truckers (from the forthcoming A Blessing and a Curse)
A fine preview that proves the band’s legendary triple guitar attack remains intact. “Said I’d rather be alone, take your chocolates and go home. Be my valentine.”
Love from a Scar, Will Hoge (from the album The Man Who Killed Love)
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.
Asking Annie Out, Willie Nile (from Streets of New York)
I dare you to listen to this song and not crack a smile. Guest Larry Campbell (of Bob Dylan’s band) lends some tasty mandolin and fiddle riffs to this tale of adolescent dating. Make that a double dare.
Siren Song, The Fags (from the forthcoming Light ’em Up)
Power pop with a capital “P” — singer John Speck’s strained vocals shine through a wash of guitar riffs.
Joe Strummer, Cowboy Mouth (from the album Voodoo Shoppe)
“She started talking ’bout being my wife, but why would I want to be with someone who doesn’t know the Clash saved my life… She had to go because she didn’t know who Joe Strummer was.”
The Trench, The Figgs (from the album Continue to Enjoy the Figgs)
Garage rock at its finest, or in this case basement rock. The Figgs, featuring the notable Mike Gent (also in The Gentlemen), recording this album in a band member’s basement in front of a small group of friends. The band moonlights as Graham Parker‘s band and this track captures the rough hewn rock sound of Parker’s early albums.
Shine, Patty Hurst Shifter (from the album Too Crowded on the Losing End)
The guitar’s ring loudly on this great track, propelled by the driving beat of drummer Skillet Gilmore.
Blue, All Day Sucker (from the album All Day Sucker)
After kicking off with a soulful bass-driven groove, the chorus explodes with funky guitar riffs and a KC & the Sunshine band feel. The full album is chock-full of great 1970’s pop-soul with outstanding instrumentation and production.
Suddenly I See, KT Tunstall (from the album Eye to the Telescope)
By now many have been introduced to KT through the refreshingly original “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree.” This similarly acoustic-based track proves KT is no one hit wonder.
Wolves, Josh Ritter (from the forthcoming The Animal Years)
Driving drums and piano propel this catchy song about the demise of a relationship, “Then one day I just woke up and the wolves were all there.”
The Powers That Be/Ohh La La, Daddy (from the album Live from the Women’s Club)
Another gem from the mighty Will Kimbrough, in the vein of — and with a nod to — the Faces classic ode to middle age reflection.
Since You’ve Been Gone, Butch Walker (from the limited edition EP Color Me Badd)
The man who produced and co-wrote one of Avril Lavigne’s “My Happy Ending” tackles Kelly Clarkson’s monster hit.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.