I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local.
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS
Sunset Diner by Brandon Callies
Callies chronicles a painful break-up with honesty and bittersweet melodies, creating one of the best pop albums of the year.
Key Tracks: All of ’em
See You Next Time by Joshua Ray Walker
Walker’s third brilliant album in as many years shows that he may have an endless well of incredible songs.
Key Tracks: Dallas Lights, Three Strikes, Cowboy, Sexy After Dark, Flash Paper, See You Next Time
Peters doesn’t pull any punches with her social commentary, fueled by electric guitar and a muscular beat.
Key Tracks: Modern Age, The Band Played On, Never Really Gone, The Weight of This, Yes, Still Got Time
Good Company by The Roomsounds
Tight and catchy melodies steeped in 1970’s style classic rock – what’s not to like?
Key Tracks: We Can’t Lose, In Over My Head, Take Me As I Am, Lightning, Blame It On the Liars, Spinnin’
Little Bit of Trouble by Texicana
Eventually we’ll get a full length from these fellas, but in the meantime I’ll enjoy their two EPs of Big Star-influenced rock and roll.
Key Tracks: All of ’em
Vincent Neil Emerson by Vincent Neil Emerson
Emerson’s sophomore album was a more acoustic affair, all the better to showcase the depth of his lyrics.
Key Tracks: Debtor’s Blues, High on the Mountain, Learnin’ to Drown, Ripplin’ and Wild, High on Gettin’ By
I Am Not Cool by Chris J. Norwood
Catchy pop songs are always cool.
Key Tracks: The Final Girl, Good Guy With a Gun, Leaving Louisiana Behind, I Am Not Cool, I Need You (To Quit Breaking My Heart), Love and Mercy
Law’s debut solo album is brooding reflection on love lost, softened by Law’s soothing voice and engaging melodies.
Key Tracks: Slowly, Houston, I Don’t Care If She Ever Comes Home, Voicemail, Anything, It’s Not Right
LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME)
Quite simply the classic country album of the year. Seriously.
Key Tracks: Soul Train, Tequila & Lime, El Paso, Bad Seed, 40 Miles to Memphis, Heard It Through the Red Wine, Tough Kitty, Ramble On Man, Kiss My Boots
Try It…You Might Like It by GA-20
Two guitars and drums are all GA-20 need to make a magical sound, in this instance making a glorious racket as they pay tribute to Hound Dog Taylor.
Key Tracks: Let’s Get Funky, Sitting at Home Alone, Phillips Goes Bananas, Give Me Back My Wig
Honest Mechanik by Honest Mechanik
The duo of Susan Cattaneo and Paul Hanson craft a marvelous pop confections that are beautifully anchored by their intoxicating harmonies.
Key Tracks: Love Alone, Glory, In This Town, Outsider
Free Country by Ward Hayden & the Outliers
The twang in his voice excepted, Hayden and the Outliers continue to move away from their country roots. No complaints from me, especially when they serve up the satisfying rock found on Free Country.
Key Tracks: Nothing to Do (For Real This Time), Shelly Johnson, I’d Die For You, Sometimes You Gotta Leave, All Gone Mad, Bad Time to Quit Drinkin’, When The Hammer Falls
Backyard Birds by Lisa Bastoni
Bastoni quietly released this album, recorded during the dark days of the winter 2020, in spring of 2021. The warmth of her voice softens the gentle yearning found in the songs.
Key Tracks: Bring It On, Sorrow’s a String, If Not Today, This Is My Love
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.