Here are some of my favorite songs this year. An eclectic lot to be sure.
The Fold, Brent Cowles (from the Dine Alone Records release How To Be OK Alone)
Easily my favorite song so far this year. Cowles confronts anxiety and self-doubt with a determined and uplifting anthem.
Tough Folks, American Aquarium (from the New West Records release Things Change)
“Life ain’t fair, saddle up boy and see it through, tough times don’t last only tough folks do.”
Comin’ Around, Andrew Duhon (from the self-released False River)
It’s hard not to be entranced by the warmth that radiates from this gem among gems on Duhon’s latest release.
Simple Scenes, Marie/Lepanto (from the Big Legal Mess Records release Tenkiller)
Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster and Will Johnson pare a break-up down to its core in this haunting ballad.
As I Live and Breathe, Eli Paperboy Reed and The High & Mighty Brass Band (from the Yep Roc Records release Eli Paperboy Reed Meets the High & Mighty Brass Band)
Classic R&B overflowing with horns makes for one magical song. Try not to smile while listening – I dare you.
This World Will Break Your Heart, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records release Out From Under)
Michael McDermott is in a league of his own when it comes to expressing emotion in a song. This gripping song is the latest in a career laden with examples.
Don’t Give a Damn, Ruby Boots (from the Bloodshot Records release Don’t Talk About It)
There are plenty satisfying rockers on Don’t Talk About It, but I love the closing track’s ambling 1960’s feel that calls to mind The Band. Special bonus – it’s ripe for the long overdue next edition of my Kiss-Off playlist.
The Weight of a Stone, Sam Morrow (from the Forty Below Records release Concrete and Mud)
As much as I enjoy the honky-tonk moments that permeate Morrow’s latest album, I keep coming back to this dark and smoldering ballad.
Boundless Love, John Prine (from the Oh Boy Records release The Tree of Forgiveness)
A master at work, reminding us that sometimes simplicity can be profoundly moving.
The Driving, Session Americana (from the self-released Live at the Haybarn Theatre)
This live track is quintessential Session Americana – a fun-loving and irreverent attitude underpinned by their outstanding musicianship. You’ll undoubtedly be singing along by song’s end.
I’ll Never Sing Your Name, Fruition (from the LoHi Records release Watching It All Fall Apart)
The sound of a folk band letting out some aggression in a searing break-up song.
Haunt Me, Death By Unga Bunga (from the Jansen Records release So Far So Good So Cool)
A glorious shot of adrenaline from Norway.
Leftover Mistake, The Shellye Valauskas Experience (from the DeeVeeUs Records release History Of Panic)
The early leader for power pop song of the year. The perfect blend of an infectious hook and an equally incessant beat.
Fool, Mia Dyson (from the Single Lock Records release If I Said Only So Far I Take It Back)
Dyson unleashes an infectious ode to youthful exuberance, a guitar-fueled reminder for both young and old to “do it anyway”.
Sleeping Dogs, Jeff Plankenhorn (from the Spike Steel Records release Sleeping Dogs)
Plankenhorn scores with a catchy bit of Americana that reminds us to leave our troubles behind.
1000 Blackbirds, Ian Moore (from the Last Chance Records release Toronto)
Moore never takes his foot off the gas in this 3 minute gem – it’s an in-your-face sonic blast.
Bakersfield, Buckley (from the self-released Las Cruces)
A song as wonderfully tattered and frayed as the relationship that it describes.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.