Love It When You Call, The Feeling (from the album Twelve Steps and Home)
For fans of the late, great Jellyfish, this may be the best thing since, well, Jellyfish. The Feeling blend 1970’s pop classicism in the vein of ELO with the polish of 1980’s alterna-pop. The icing on the cake is the closing piano that evokes Hall & Oates “Kiss on my List.” A prime candidate for song of summer 2006.
Life, Will Kimbrough (from the album Americanitis)
On the rare ocassions when Kimbrough isn’t touring with artists ranging from Jimmy Buffett to Rodney Crowell, he turns out some of the most satisfying pop songs around. At first unassuming, songs like “Life” dig there way under your skin with their catchy hooks and clever lyrics.
Bethamphetamine (Pretty Pretty), Butch Walker (from the album Butch Walker and the Let’s Go Out Tonites)
From the opening stacatto piano, this song packs a punch. Walker continues to raise the bar with catchy guitar-driven rock songs. Pop music doesn’t get much better than this… Check out the video featuring none other than Avril Lavigne (whom Walker has produced and co-written songs like “My Happy Ending”.)
I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight, Lucero (from the forthcoming album Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers)
Memphis’ Lucero continue their reach for rock and roll glory with this muscular track from their forthcoming release. Comparisons to Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” abound, from the youthful ambitions and escapism of the lyrics to the monumental sound of guitars and piano. The Boss would be proud. You can preview this track and three others on the Lucero web site.
Rise Up, Paul Thorn (from the cd/dvd So Far, So Good: The Best of the Paul Thorn Band)
Few artists have the energy and optimism that Paul Thorn has. This track from his current live release captures Thorn at his finest, bringing together Southern-baked songwriting prowess with an unrivaled performing enthusiasm. If you like John Hiatt, you’ll love Paul Thorn. “When life hits you like a truck, you gotta rise up.”
Unhinged, The Drams (from the album Jubilee Dive)
Three-fifths of the late Texas bar-band Slobberbone return as the Drams. The band’s sound — likes its members — have aged a bit but the result is no less potent. Great harmonies, a piano-driven melody and plenty of road house guitars make this song a fist-pumping rock and roll gem.
Less Polite, Will Kimbrough (from the album Americanitis)
“I’m trying to be less polite, I’m saying what I really think. The President’s a fool, I don’t wanna get up early and I wish I had a good stiff drink.”
Too Close to Home, Chris Knight (from the album Enough Rope)
Often compared to Steve Earle, Knight packs a healthy country sentiment with the right touch of heartache. This is music with a genuine spirit, telling the tale of a traveling man who continuously encounters reminders of the home life that he’s missing.
What Does It Mean Now?, World Party (from the album Dumbing Up)
After bouts with health issues and record companies, Karl Wallinger picks up right where he left off — creating brilliant Beatles-esque pop music.
Valerie, The Zutons (from the album Tired of Hanging Around)
Liverpool’s Zutons create a potent mix of rock and R’n’B. This track, from their latest release, compiles elements from some of rock’s greatest moments into something fun and original.
Mood Ring, Paul Thorn (from the cd/dvd So Far, So Good: The Best of the Paul Thorn Band)
“If it turns black I should turn back, if it turns red she likes what I said, if it turns blue I should leave her alone, and if it turns green she wants me I know.”
The River, Crooked Fingers (from the 2002 ep Reservoir Songs)
While I wait for the forthcoming Eric Bachmann solo release (To the Races, due August 22nd), I dug into his earlier catalog with Crooked Fingers. This take on Springsteen’s classic, anchored by a consistent banjo, keeps the same haunting quality that made the original so moving.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Guilty, Matthew Ryan (from the 1997 album May Day)
Ryan established his presence right from the start with this opening track from his debut release. While three guitars and a pounding bass give it a nasty edge, its the lyrics that make this song a gritty masterpiece. “Tell ’em there in heaven and mutter, ‘Welcome to hell,'” Ryan sings, “I need some to save me… I need someone to say to me that everything is gonna be alright.”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.