What Else Would You Have Me Be, Lucero (from the album Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers
The opening track of the band’s great new Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers, shows a band reaching new creative heights. The addition of piano to this track gives the song a new-found grandeur while singer Ben Nichols’ whiskey-soaked voice and the staple ragged guitar maintain enough of the edge on which Lucero has built its reputation.
Don’t Let It Go, L.E.O. (from the album Alpacas Orgling)
Songs in the style of ELO, courtesy of Bleu and a host of power poppers including Mike Viola (Candy Butchers), Tony Goddess (Papas Fritas/The Rudds) and Andy Sturmer (Jellyfish). This track captures the essence of Jeff Lynne’s group in its hey-dey, from the gang vocal choruses to the synthesized string flourishes over a rockabilly back-beat.
It Ain’t Funny How We Don’t Talk Anymore, You Am I (from the album Convicts)
From the opening Pete Townsend guitar riffs to singer Tim Roger’s yowl of “Let’s Go” you know that you’re in for a slashing rock song. You won’t be disappointed.
Jumping Again, the Figgs (from the album Follow Jean Through the Sea)
With a guitar riff that is among the catchiest I’ve heard all year, I can’t get it out of my head. The icing on the cake is the pub-style harmonies from start to finish. This song is addicting!
Become the Enemy, the Lemonheads (from the album The Lemonheads)
Evan Dando returns with the first Lemonheads album in ten years and hardly misses a beat. The guitars are a bit stronger here, courtesy of his new bandmates (late of punk band the Descendents), but the melody and lyrics pack the expected Lemonheads punch.
Somerville, Pernice Brothers (from the album Live a Little)
Although they began their career as the roots-based Scud Mountain Boys, the Pernice Brothers sound has progressed to a more lazy power pop sound with British overtones.
Little Things, Los Lobos (from the album The Town and the City)
You have to admire Los Lobos for their consistent inconsistency. The band continues to demonstrate their musical mastery as they move effortlessly from varied Latin musical styles to rock and blues. This song, in particular, simmers with an organ setting the backdrop in a style reminiscent of Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight.”
Beyond the Mountain, Michelle Malone (from the album Sugarfoot)
Atlanta’s Michelle Malone has a voice that commands authority regardless of whether she’s singing a ballad or a rock song. This tale of unrequited love ends where it begins – with Malone’s voice and acoustic guitar – but in-between it soars with rich harmonies and a mighty Wurlitzer organ.
Angel on my Shoulder, Melvern Taylor (from the album Fabuloso)
This is grinnin’ music, a song guaranteed to put one on your face. Taylor and his Meltones swing with this olde-time number built around Taylor’s ukulele. “It’s a bad day for the angel on my shoulder…”
Traveling and Unraveling, Michelle Malone (from the album Sugarfoot)
Seek out this song just to hear Malone wail on the slide guitar.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.