I typically stick to writing about albums and EPs – it’s enough to just keep up with all of those. There have been a slew of stand-alone singles over the past several months, however, that caught my attention. Here’s a sampling of them.
Optimistic, Fee Doyle
I had a conversation earlier this year with a group of songwriters about the frequency and virtue of happy songs. The consensus was not, um, positive. New York’s Fee Doyle finds the middle ground with the reserved but catchy “Optimistic”, singing:
I feel like it’s getting a little better
everyday I’m standing in the sun
even though I’m falling on my face
Dance Another Dance, J.D. Clayton
Arkansas’s Clayton delivers some mighty fine honky-tonk on this song about an attempt to reclaim a lost love. “So what do you say pretty lady can we have another chance,” he sings, “and what would it hurt my darlin’ for us to dance another dance?” Spoiler alert – it’s a true story with a happy ending.
Knock, Knock, The Explorers Club
Nashville by way of South Carolina are retro pop in all the right ways. Think 1960’s Beach Boys with their perfect marriage of infectious melodies and brilliant harmonies. Throw in some bright percussion and horns and this is a happy-go-lucky classic, not to mention a welcome return from a group that hasn’t shared new music in several years.
Let’s Rock, J. Isaiah Evans and the Boss Tweed
We’ve written several times before about Dallas, Texas power trio J. Isaiah Evans and the Boss Tweed. Although they’ve only been in existence for little more than a year, they’ve firmly established themselves as a band to watch. This single, which might as well be the band anthem, is proof to the point.
Guiding Light, Dev Wulf and the Midnight Howl
Dallas, Texas-based Dev Wulf and company get soulful with this track that calls to mind The Faces and Leon Russell. It’s hard to go wrong with a mantra like “Don’t you let the darkness steal your guiding light”.
The Ballad of Joni and Graham, Other Brother Darryl
There’s a certain irony that a song about Joni Mitchell and Graham Nash sounds like a lost Neil Young track. The song finds Boston’s Other Brother Darryl looking back at a failed relationship. “I miss the telegrams, I miss your letters,” they reflect, “Most of all those laughs we shared when we were together”.
Make Another Me, Will Dailey (featuring Juliana Hatfield)
Boston’s Will Dailey explores the sense of isolation and loneliness found in the digital age in this moody song. “Here’s my password it’s my mother’s maiden name and some thoughts I’d like erased,” he sings before pleading in the chorus, “I’ve lived too long to be this lonely, go ahead and make another me please”.
Half-Price Books, Remy Reilly
Dallas-based Remy Reilly sings about being melancholy and forlorn, searching for contentment among the shelves of a book store. A swirling and insistent musical backdrop gives the song a feeling of both urgency and resignation.
New Used Car, Laura Zarougian
This is one of a pair of singles recently released by Zarougian. Of the two, I’m particularly drawn to this one with its catchy melody and freewheeling attitude. Theoretically it’s about the hazards of buying a used car, but a closer listen reveals that its caution extends beyond the used car lot.
Better, Somebody Someone
I can’t think of a better way to introduce oneself than with a song as wonderful as this. Austin’s Somebody Someone shines on this poignant ballad, made all the more moving by the majestic arrangement of voice, piano, and strings.
I Put a Spell on You, Samantha Fish
Blues guitarist and singer Samantha Fish digs into the Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ classic “I Put a Spell on You”. Her version leans into the song’s ominous side, a simmering organ laying the foundation until the song explodes into a fiery Fish electric guitar solo.
Pancho and Lefty, Restos
Austin’s Restos rev up Townes Van Zandt’s classic song, Replacements style. A simmering organ gives the song extra punch.
Angel, Butch Walker (featuring Ashley Monroe)
Aerosmith’s retirement from touring brought a rousing chorus of appreciation for their songs and musical history. Among the standouts was Butch Walker’s and Ashley Monroe’s acoustic take on this Aerosmith’s 1988 power ballad.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.