No Time for Love Songs, The Mastersons (from the Red House Records release No Time for Love Songs)
I love you so much but it’s no time for love songsWe’re starting to unravel at the seams
Maybe I care too much and this world is hard enough
How come everybody’s gotta be so mean?
I want to sing a song that will make you stop and think
Instead of turning a blind eye to all that’s wrong
The world doesn’t need another broken hearted outlaw
Belting out another whisky drinkin’ song
I Can’t Have You But I Want You/Hold On Tight, Rookie (from the Bloodshot Records release Rookie)
It’s hard to go wrong when you’ve got three electric guitars in the band, a point that Chicago’s Rookie make with emphasis on their Bloodshot Records debut. The opening tracks on said album are a potent one, two punch.
Good Man, Andy Frasco & the U.N. (from the SideOneDummy Records release Keep On Keepin’ On)
It’s taken all this time to be a good man
You know what they say, better late than never.
Glad I’m Gone, The Steeldrivers (from the Rounder Records release Bad for You)
Longtime readers will know that I’m an aficionado of break-up songs. Add another gem to the list: “She ain’t sad and that’s two of us glad I’m gone.”
You Don’t Wanna Hear It, Ron Sexsmith (from the Cooking Vinyl release Hermitage)
Sexsmith wraps his magical voice around a brilliant song that recalls the best of 1960’s R&B.
The Morning, Dinty Child (from the self-released Lucky Ones)
Strings infuse this rock song with both anxiety and composure. Another gem of a song that demonstrates the intelligence and charm of Child’s songwriting.
I just want to hold you but you’re staring at your phone
You’re connected to the whole damn world but still feel all alone.
Love Divine, Laurie Sargent (from the self-released Smiley Face)
Damn if this charming love song doesn’t feel like a lost 1960’s R&B classic. Intoxicating.
Worst Kind of Hurt, Meg Toohey (from the self-released Butch)
Toohey finds a way to turn painful heartbreak into something musically soothing.
Run Free, Willie Nile (from the River House Records release New York at Night)
Nile knows his way around rock anthems and this one ranks among his best. I dare you to not 1) play this loud and 2) shout along with the chorus.
I’m Learning How to Tell Myself the Truth, John Moreland (from the Old Omens/Thirty Tigers release LP5)
Few artists today writes songs as raw and honest as Moreland. Here’s proof.
Nothing Worth Saying, Ronnie Fauss (from the New West Records release Nothing Worth Saying)
A poignant song of self-reflection that is packaged as a rousing barroom sing-along.
The Top, Todd Mathis (from the self-released Learning to Do the Harder Things)
But Momma’s gonna be proud no matter whatJust get out there and give it all you got
Be kind and be happy, and don’t worry about the top.
Take a Stand For Yourself, Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers (from the self-released Praise)
Ft. Worth duo Frenchie’s Blues Destroyers serve up some rumbling and rough-hewn blues, topped off with a hearty pop chorus.
Carillon, Ry Cavanaugh (from the self-released Time for This)
Quiet, intoxicating, and breathtaking.
Sooner Than Later, Anthony da Costa (from the AntiFragile Music release Feet on the Dashboard)
Three minutes and twenty-one seconds of power pop perfection.
What in the World…, Michael McDermott (from the Pauper Sky Records release What in the World…)
Michael McDermott is pissed off. A true artist, he deals with it in the best way possible – by writing a furious blast of rock and roll social commentary.
In God We Trust… All Others Pay Cash, Ben de la Cour (from the self-released Shadow Land)
Like Michael McDermott, Ben de la Cour channels his frustration with the state of the world into a raucous and bluesy musical indictment.
Trouble Don’t Follow Me, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the Anti- Records release Best of Luck)
Stelling unleashes an uplifting and infectious blast of R&B.
You gotta stretch like the sea.
You gotta keep, keep on moving,
Singing trouble don’t follow me.
I Was Hurt Today But I”m Alright Now, Robert Vincent (from the self-released In This Town You’re Owned)
A songwriting masterpiece, as mesmerizing as it is heartbreaking.
Her Town Now, Mark Erelli (from the self-released Blindsided)
The perfect blend of musical charm and lyrical intelligence.
Waiting (Scenes From a Lonely Planet), Aloud (from the self-released Sprezzatura)
A great song taken to even greater heights thanks to a stellar horn section accompaniment.
She’s a Self Made Man, Larkin Poe (from the Tricki-Woo Records release Self Made Man)
This is rip your face off rock and roll, pure and simple.
No Good Reason, Texicana (from the self-released No Good Reason)
Damn if this doesn’t shine like a glorious lost Eagles or Jackson Browne classic.
Answers, Town Meeting (from self-released Make Things Better)
A freewheeling – and fun – blast of rock and roll.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.