The Rounder Circle – “These Days”
-If you’re a fan of throwback country music stylings (and traditional bluegrass) definitely click play on this delightful track from The Rounder Circle. Something about the chording here feels almost ancient in its lasting significance. The vocal style has that storytelling near-shouted expression, allowing the listener to connect with every line with clarity. While there are some subtle harmonies, this is not the layered four part harmony of some bluegrass outfits. Rather, these folks let the strings do the talking (so to speak), with a great mandolin, fiddle, and of course guitars to keep the sound moving. If this doesn’t get your toes tapping, I don’t know what will. I could listen to the mandolin solo “until the day is done” indeed.
Caelen Perkins – “Me and All My Overthinking”
-So I have several things I want to say about this song. In the first minute of the song, I shared with two IRL friends who love Americana. Secondly, I looked at the artist bio (which I rarely do) to see if he was related to Carl Perkins. And if you don’t know who Carl Perkins is, then you need to stop and listen to a few of his tracks before you read any further or listen to this song. (OK, back?) Now, if you hear that crispy electric guitar from the elder statesmen Perkins (no relation, as far as I could find), you’ll hear a similar rockabilly vibe here. The guitar work is outstanding. The lyrics are clever, witty, and takes a few listens to really grasp. Even at that, I think there’s a layer beneath the personal confession and the toe-tapping Americana that requires some deeper connection. I love that. The vocal is solid, the overall production is to DIE FOR and, without gushing too much, this might be one of those rare genre-blend tracks that actually finds its way onto my year-end list. It’s got “charming meets challenging” all over it.
St. Arnaud – “Midwest Superstardom”
-This is a song that you feel as much as you listen to it. As someone living “on the edge” here in the midwest, this song resonates on an existential level. I have a lot to say about the Americana opening and the overall “down and out” lyrical style there, but it’s actually the bridge (transition?) that makes this track stand out for me. It has this lovely melodic structure that sets off the main message of this song with a stark-yet-welcome style. Of course I love the harmonies and overall throwback folk rock ethos of this track. Even more so, I just love the accessible lyrics and a style that feels like it could have come from the Band, Creedence, or even more recently a band like Dawes. I know that rarified air to compare these guys, but if you listen I think you’ll agree. File this under “effusive praise” and I’m not even mad.