Breaking a Heart/The Wind’s Just Gonna Blow, Jack Ingram, Miranda Lambert, and Jon Randall (from the Sony Music Nashville release The Marfa Tapes)
If you thought their song “Tin Man” was achingly beautiful, they’ve got a few more from their time in Marfa that just might make your eyes a little misty. I couldn’t decide between these two so I’m including them both.
Far Away In Another Town, Steve Earle & the Dukes (from the New West Records release J.T)
The raw emotion in Earle’s vocals get me every time…
Modern Age, Vanessa Peters (from the self-released Modern Age)
Part reflection on simpler times, part indictment of contemporary life.
Talk is Cheap, Mando Saenz (from the Carnival Recording Company release All My Shame)
I’ve long enjoyed a good kiss off song, and Nashville’s Mando Saenz adds another to the list.
Now you say you wanna talk it over
You’re only talking when the talk is cheap
I ain’t buying your crying on my shoulder
Only when the talk is cheap
Song for a Hard Year, The Pines at Night (from the self-released maxi-single Song for a Hard Year)
A quiet anthem for arduous times from Matthew Ryan, aka The Pines at Night.
Every Saturday Night, Vandoliers (from the self-released single Every Saturday Night)
Another great Covid-era anthem, this time of the more rocking variety, courtesy of Dallas combo Vandoliers.
I took for granted every Saturday night with my rowdy friends and the love of my life,
We should have danced when they turned out the lights,
I took for granted every Saturday night
All Shall Be Well, the Accidentals (from the self-released ep Time Out Session #1)
A simple yet powerful gospel-based folk song.
Walls will be built, walls will be torn down;
hope will be lost, faith will be found…
All shall be well, all shall be well, In the end, all shall be well
Drive My Blues Away, Charlie Treat (from the self-released The Comet)
Although it starts as a restrained piano ballad it builds to a euphoric conclusion.
Back in Ohio, Lucero (from the Liberty & Lament Records release When You Found Me)
While most of their latest album is dark and brooding, this is just the kind of fist-pumping anthem that we’ve come to know – and love – from Lucero.
Deep End, Joe Pug (from the Nation of Heat Records release The Diving Sun)
‘Cause if not now, then when?
Shut up, jump in
Both feet, deep end
If not now, then when?
Too Much, Fretland (from the Soundly Music release Could Have Loved You)
I think you drink too much
I think you dance too much
And you’re not serious enough
And that much is true
Now You Know, Aaron Lee Tasjan (from the New West Records release Tasjan!, Tasjan!, Tasjan!)
A sublime pop song that finds Tasjan grappling with self-doubt. “Tried to be a poet, couldn’t find the words, Maybe someday they’ll flow” he sings, “That’s all I can say, and now you know.”
Damn Right, Jaimee Harris (from the self-released The Congress House Sessions)
Angry and acoustic, Harris reimagines this fiery song originally recorded full band style on her debut record Red Rescue.
Family Farm, The Hold Steady (from the Positive Jams release Open Door Policy)
It’s great to have Franz Nicolay back in the band. His keyboard and vocals on this song hearken back to the band’s early days. Add another glorious, fist-pumping rock anthem to the band’s collection.
Double Shift, Ole Kirkeng (from the Die With Your Boots On Records EP Rocking Chair)
Kirkeng’s ambling verses lead to a great beer hall-style sing-along chorus.
Wishbone, Brigitte DeMeyer (from the self-released Seeker)
A proverb and a prayer gets you by
‘Til one day you see another sky
Willing and a wondering
And one more ‘nother try
Lo behold and blessed to be fine
40 Miles From Memphis, Charlie Marie (from the Soundly Records release Ramble On)
Charlie Marie brilliantly channels Dusty Springfield with this intoxicating touch of Memphis soul.
Learnin’ to Drown, Vincent Neil Emerson (from the La Honda Records release Vincent Neil Emerson)
Emerson stakes his claim as an heir apparent to Townes Van Zandt with this haunting tale of a life hard lived.
I Can’t Dance, Zach Schmidt (from the Boss Dawg Records release Raise a Banner)
Schmidt, backed by Jason Isbell’s the 400 Unit, serves up an insistent rocker about focusing on love as a means of getting through hard times.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.