Suicide of Town, Ben de la Cour (from the Julian Records release Sweet Anhedonia)
Amidst an album of dark and sobering ballads, de la Cour proves that he can rock with the best of ‘em.
Simple Things, The Band of Heathens (from the BOH Records release Simple Things)
Getting by on simple things, letting go of material dreams
Search for quiet in my mind
Take a minute, look up at the stars, go for glory on the air guitar
Step outside, find my voice and sing
Pleasure in simple things
Alameda, Anna Rose
A powerful song about moving on from a troubled relationship, delivered with passion and conviction.
Broken Heart of Mine, William Prince (from the Six Shooter Records release Stand in the Joy)
Don’t go faultin’ the assembly
How I’m dealin’ with this heartbreak
I’m just doin’ what they taught me
With a guitar and a drink
I know there’s things worse than you leavin’
But, they seldom cross my mind
Please don’t judge the way I’m dealin’
With this broken heart of mine
Tumbleweed, Jeremie Albino (from the Good People Record Company release Tears You Hide)
Glorious, happy-go-lucky, and ready for your summer playlist.
I don’t know just what we’ll see
But I know we’ll make some memories
Cause having you right by my side
I know we’ll be alright
Rockaway, Brian Dunne (from the Kill Rock Stars release Loser on the Ropes)
Dunne puts things in perspective with this melancholy ode to finding companionship amidst a world on fire.
And some people think they got it figured out
Some people get up on the roof and shout
And think they’re right just because they’re loud
And so proud of what they know
Some people wanna see the world in flames
Some people wanna have a god to blame
I don’t wanna leave here alone
No, I don’t wanna leave here alone
No Apology, Samantha Fish and Jesse Dayton (from the Rounder Records release Death Wish Blues)
While Fish’s and Dayton’s guitars are center stage for most of their collaborative release, in this case it’s the song that shines the brightest – a sultry old school R&B classic.
Nothing’s Alright, Lucero (from the Liberty & Lament release Should’ve Learned By Now)
Up until the moment I put this list together I was anchored to “One Last F.U.”, the band’s ode to dealing with the obnoxious person at the bar. But damn if this celebration of heartbreak didn’t elbow its way in. Rick Steff’s persistent piano and Brian Venable’s emphatic guitar give the song its intensity as Ben Nichols’ sings:
Empty hearts we drink alone
I wonder what went wrong and where she could’ve gone
She’s not coming back
And I’ll make due with that
I guess nothing’s alright
Nothing’s alright
Dear John, Wild Child (from the Reba’s Ranch Records release End of the World)
Austin’s Wild Child take a former lover to task on this pop gem with an infectious sing-along chorus.
Over It, Matthew Logan Vasquez (from the Nine Mile Records release As All Get Out)
Vasquez gives us a peek into band dynamics in a recording studio with this glorious and furious rocker.
And give another hand
To the bully in the band
So over it
Madeline, Jamie McDell (from the self-released EP Beach House)
McDell paints moving pictures of a the title character’s life, a melancholy tale made all the more compelling by emotional richness of the singer’s voice.
I don’t think she had a plan
Little girls and anger always dance that dance
Even with no growing pains at all, old shoes can still feel small
Broken Record, Somebody’s Child (from the Frenchkiss Records release Somebody’s Child)
My pick for rock anthem of the year. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be singing along loudly…
Fall (Devin’s Song), Jaimee Harris (from the Folk N’ Roll Records release Boomerang Town)
Harris pays tribute to a childhood friend, who tragically died, by describing what would have been his graduation day. This song is a powerful reminder of the emotional impact that music can have.
Patience, Wilder Woods (from the Dualtone Music release Fever / Sky)
Bear Rinehart – aka Wilder Woods – does rock ‘n’ soul right with this stirring tale of fighting through self-doubt and asking for forgiveness from a loved one.
Your Internet Sucks, ber (from the self-released Halfway)
A glorious pop song that doubles as a tremendous kiss-off. And as long-time readers know, I do love a good kiss-off song.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.