I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2020 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year.
I Remember Everything, John Prine
I Don’t Want This (Job Interview), Jackson Emmer (from the Diamond Ranch Records release Alpine Coda)
Emmer comically gives the middle finger to a job interview with lyrical brilliance – “My future avocation is a lack of occupation…”
Glenfern, Kathleen Edwards (from the Dualtone Records release Total Freedom)
As if we needed a reminder of Edwards’ greatness, she puts her professional and personal past in perspective in a triumphant pop song – “I will always be thankful for it.”
Hour in the Forest, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Quiet Lives)
Simply sublime… and epic.
I Can’t Do Crazy Anymore, John Gorka (from the Paradiddle Records release Willie Nile Uncovered)
Sorry Willie, I think Gorka just stole your song.
Cry Over, Austin Lucas (from the Cornelius Chapel Records release Alive in the Hot Zone!)
Austin Lucas, never one to shy from getting political, unleashes something between a plea and a broadside on how we deal with social and political problems. “What do you cry over, if not these things?”
Called Out Your Name, Terra Lightfoot (from the Sonic Unyon Records release Consider the Speed)
A confident rocker flavored with a touch of R&B, the riffs flowing from Lightfoot’s guitar rival the power of her vocals.
Heaven is a Place on Earth, Matthew Ryan
Ryan has been prolific this year with a string of EPs (both solo and with his revived Strays Don’t Sleep project) but I keep coming back to his cover of Belinda Carlile’s 1987 pop hit. His hushed and ethereal version reveals the song’s sober beauty. “They say in heaven love comes first, let’s make heaven a place on earth.”
Why When the Love Is Gone, The Jaded Hearts Club (from the Infectious Music release You’ve Always Been Here)
The Jaded Hearts Club add an extra sense of urgency to the Isley Brothers R&B gem. This is the song that you put on repeat and keep cranking up the volume.
It’s Alright Just to Be, Isaac Hoskins (from the self-released Sell the Farm)
A somber and poignant tale of how a chance encounter and mistaken assumptions spark profound personal reflection.
Voices, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Glad You Made It)
The anguish in Walker’s voice gives an already powerful song even more emotional punch.
In God We Trust… All Others Pay Cash/Amazing Grace (Slight Return) Ben de la Cour (from the self-released Shadow Land)
I had a tough time picking between the snarling social commentary of “In God We Trust… All Others Pay Cash” and the stark Southern ballad “Amazing Grace (Slight Return)” so I’m including them both.
Remember It, The Northern Belle (from the Die With Your Boots On Records release We Wither, We Bloom)
Don’t let the captivating musical charm of this song fool you, the lyrics are a middle finger to an ex-lover.
Slow and Steady, Thad Cockrell (from the ATO Records release If In Case You Feel the Same)
“I’ll get over you in time, I’m not ready. I’ll get you in time, slow and steady.” Cockrell unleashes a song raw and emotional.
Money Ain’t a Thing, Sam Morrow (from the Forty Below Records release Gettin’ By On Gettin’ Down)
A boot-stomping blast of Southern rock. Not sure what hits harder – the drums or the furious guitar riff.
My Turn to Cry, Ted Russell Kamp (from the self-released Down in the Den)
Kamp turns heartbreak on its head with this fun romp.
Fine, Bonnie Whitmore (from the Aviatrix Records release Last Will & Testament)
Whitmore shares a sparking and confident pop song about moving forward from a failed relationship.
Good, Jerry Joseph (from the self-released The Beautiful Madness)
You said you’re seeking something bigger
I think you should
It’s up to us now to deliver
And make it good You be good
2-4-6-8 Motorway, Lee Bains III and the Glory Fires (from the Don Giovanni Records release 2-4-6-8 Motorway)
As if we needed a reminder of how strong Bains & company’s rock and roll heart beats, they share this electrifying cover of Tom Robinson Band’s classic 1970’s anthem.
Don’t Break Her Heart, Jon Snodgrass (from the A-F Records release Tace)
A glorious three minute blast of punk-flavored rock and roll.
Bronco, Los Brujos (from the self-released Alchemy)
I haven’t been able to write about the debut EP from New England’s Los Brujos… yet. In the meantime, I’m smitten with the intoxicating melancholy of this song from the release.
First Yoke, Daniel Romano’s Outfit (from the You’ve Changed Records release How Ill Thy World Is Ordered)
An insistent and catchy pop song punctuated with horns? Sign me up!
The World Is Upside Down, Peter Parcek (from the Lightnin’ Records release Mississippi Suitcase)
I’m not sure which is angrier in this song, Parcek’s lyrics or his guitar.
Bewildered, Dan Israel (from the self-released Social Distance Anxiety Disorder)
Israel is pissed off an channels his energy into some biting commentary on the state of the world, to wit: “It’s a long way to redemption when you’re stuck in the tunnel of disregard”
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.