Better By Now, Heather Little (from the Need to Know Music release By Now)
“I’ve wasted a lot of love being wrong, I learn too late and I stay too long,” in this haunting tale of heartbreak, “I oughta be better by now but I got mixed up with you somehow.”
So Glad You Made It/Go All Night, Fantastic Cat (from the Missing Piece Group Records release Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat)
I couldn’t decide on just one of these two great, albeit different songs. “So Glad You Made It” is pure melancholy pop while “Go All Night” is full on rock. My indecision means you get both.
The Heartbreak Store/Lagunita, Lizzie No (from the Thirty Tigers / Miss Freedomland release Halfsies)
I had a similar problem settling on a single track from Lizzie No’s Halfsies so here’s another two-fer. First, the soothing ode to a failed relationship with “The Heartbreak Store”. Then “Lagunita”, a hard rockin’ tribute to perseverance.
Still on the Run, The FBR (from the self-released Ghost)
The FBR hit the mark with a rousing pop anthem about messing up a relationship but hoping that it can be rekindled.
Burial Ground, The Decemberists (from the YABB Records/Thirty Tigers release As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again)
The Decemberists sure know their way around a pop song, in this case channeling Brian Wilson in all his melodic glory.
How I Lost Her/Lay By Your Side, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the self-released Forgotten but Not Gone and Few and Far Between)
A double album deserves two songs on the best of list, right? “How I Lost Her” is classic Stelling, a folk song that showcases his brilliant finger-picking guitar style. “Lay By Your Side” may be centered around a simple, repeated refrain but the pain that it conveys builds in intensity as the song progresses.
Rotations, Adeem the Artist (from the Four Quarters Records/Thirty Tigers release Anniversary)
Adeem the Artist shares a moving reflection on parenthood.
How many rotations am I gonna get with you?
To share with you the wisdom & magic spells I have accrued?
How many breakfasts before sunset?
How many songs you haven’t heard yet?
Only so long until I forget who I am and what I do
When I’m gone, you’ll carry on & carry all that there is left of me with you
Where I Started From, Kyshona (from the Soundly Music release Legacy)
A warm and welcoming celebration of music and home from Kyshona’s exploration of family and legacy.
When I have
music and song
I know I belong
Going right back
where I started from
Tennessee Road, Wesley Dean (from the self-released Music From Crazy Hearts)
Dean’s gospel-tinged anthem is the perfect summer road trip song… even if you’re not on the road.
Doing It Right, Silverada (from the Prairie Rose Records release Silverada)
Silverada explore a troubled relationship as only they can… “If she sounds like trouble, just take a look at me…”
Hat In Hand, J. Isaiah Evans & The Boss Tweed
The Dallas trio introduce themselves with a powerful – and soulful – blend of rock and classic R&B. A debut album is on the horizon, and eagerly awaited!
Don’t Plan to Lose, The HawtThorns (from the Red Parlor Records release Zero Gravity)
I didn’t come here as a witness, I came to get in on the crime
So don’t misunderstand I’m gonna dirty up my hands
To that I’ll testify
Skinny Lady, The Bluest Sky (from the self-released raindancer)
New Hampshire’s The Bluest Sky rock with a classic Uncle Tupelo vibe, never a bad thing…
Hello Sunshine, Jon Muq (from the Easy Eye Sound release Flying Away)
I found something new
Baby, when I found you
Funny what love will do when you let it show
Yesterday’s door has closed
Tomorrow’s door, who knows
Today is not too late to let it show
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.