There’s a lot going on right now. My first born is set to make his way into the world any day now, and I am in the final semester of graduate school. I’m reading books about legal issues in public relations and I am reading books about how to teach a child to sleep on their own. It’s a strange, busy time around here. Of course in the midst of all the painting, crib construction, picture hanging, thesis writing and studying, I am still listening to lots of music. I’m not really taking the time to write about it as much as I’d like, but trust me, I’m listening. In the last 2-3 weeks, I’ve been listening to the new Steven Fiore a ton, and the new Vampire Weekend found it’s way to my iPod and is getting lots of love. It’s been a very solid year for music so far, and I just wanted to share a few of the songs that I haven’t really talked too much about yet, but love.

Matt Nathanson – Mission Bells
Everyone knows how much I love Matty Nay and this song has me so pumped for his new album that I can hardly stand it. The album cover looks sweet and if “Mission Bells” is any indication, this will be one of my favorite albums of the year. The full band version can be found here, and it’s well worth your $0.99. For now, here’s the acoustic version.
Mission Bells

Andrew Galucki – A Shot For Us
I have absolutely no information to give you on this guy. Someone who works for me mentioned that he was from New England, forwarded me the song and I’ve been listening to it since. He’s done some outstanding covers that are floating around, but not a lot else out there. Hey Andrew, if you Google yourself and this post pops up, how about sending a blogger some songs man. Help me help you.
A Shot For Us

The Young Romans – Where You Go
One of the best ways of finding new music is by simply checking out the bands that bands you like talk about. Twitter is a great way to do this. Make a list that is made up of your favorite bands, and check in from time to time. They share lots of similar (and great) music. The Young Romans were getting a lot of love from Dave Barnes recently, so I grabbed the album. A Barnes song was used when I proposed – a Barnes song was our first dance – and a Barnes song has been the unofficial “anthem” for our unborn son. I trust the guy. After listening to this song, chances are, you will too.
Where You Go

Shane Gamble – Turn My Way
My good friend Reid is my go-to for country music. He almost always gives me stuff that’s way too country, but occasionally he’ll throw me someone like Love and Theft or David Nail. He emailed me about Shane Gamble a few days ago, and I have to say – I dig it. I think a lot of you will too.
Turn My Way

Bastille – Overjoyed
These guys hooked me a while back with a killer Youtube rendition of “Overjoyed” acapella. A US album release has yet to be announced (as far as I can tell), but everything I’ve heard so far is interesting. It’s A LOT more electronic than anything I’d normally listen to, but give it a shot.
Pompeii

Oscar Isaac – Never Had
I recently watched a decent movie with my wife that had an AMAZING four minute stretch. There aren’t many instances when a live performance of an original song is the best part of a movie – this was one of those times. Oscar Isaac is a very good actor and an even better musician. He was cast as the lead role in the upcoming Coen Brothers movie, Inside Llewyn Davis, so chances are good you will see his face soon. Youtube searches of Isaac will find him playing alongside Marcus Mumford and also playing small coffee houses. He’s got a great voice, and is a killer songwriter. Here’s proof:
Never Had

Glenn Yoder and the Western States – Just Want You to Love Me
The older I  get, the less I am able to keep up with Boston’s music scene. Live shows are becoming harder and harder to attend but every now and then, you hear so much about a band that you have to check them out. Thankfully, I was able to see Glenn Yoder and the Western States. They’re a little bit country, a little bit blues and a little bit pop. The combination works well. “Javelina” is a fantastic album and it’s got nearly everything you’re looking for in an Americana album.
Just Want You to Love Me

Sons of Fathers – Roots and Vine
A few weeks ago, a Sons of Fathers album fell onto my desk. I’d heard a bit about them through a friend and wanted to hear what all the fuss was about. The fuss was justified. From the first track, I fell in love with the harmonies, the booming vocals, the songwriting and the alt-country/blues/gospel style. These guys are perfectly loud when they need to be, and on songs where a little more intimacy is necessary, they deliver as well. The album contains some of the best two-man harmonies I’ve heard in a while, and it’s a must-have for any alt-country fan.
Roots & Vine

Ivan & Alyosha – Running for Cover
I’ve been listening to Ivan & Alyosha for a few years now, since I first heard “Easy to Love,” and I’ve always wanted “more” from them. It’s as if you could hear the potential in every song.  Their most recent release is by far their best work, and honestly, it’s exactly what fans have been waiting for. The Seattle based band certainly delivers with this album and I am excited to see what happens as they continue to evolve.
Running for Cover

Greg Holden – She’s Got Something
Everyone of you has heard Greg’s work. No really. EVERY. SINGLE. ONE OF YOU.  Holden co-wrote the Phillip Phillips mega-hit “Home” with Drew Pearson. Holden’s music can also be heard in tons of commercials, making it even more difficult to escape. Holden’s been known to play with The Damnwells, so you know he’s aces in my book.
She’s Got Something

Johnnyswim – Home
Handclaps. Killer harmonies. Male/female vocals. A character named Peggy Sue in a song. Do I need to to keep going?
Home

Judah & the Lion – Our Love
The Sweet Tennessee EP is perhaps one of the more accurately named EPs I’ve ever listened to. If I asked you to tell me what Tennessee sounds like, you’d mention a banjo. You’d mention a mandolin. You’d probably expect subtle harmonies and lyrics with a gospel influence.  You would be dead on.
Our Love

“How come the donkeys and the elephants are sinking ships instead of building things?” – The Brain is a Beautiful Thing

If you know me or have read the blog for a while, you’re well aware of my love for Stephen Kellogg. It’s been close to a year now since I blogged about the hiatus and how it affected me (and presumably a lot of SK6er fans). For me, SK6ers was a way of life, and Stephen’s songwriting was (and is) very different in that I connect to his words more than any other songwriter. As I write this, my first child will be here in the next few weeks, and I listen to each and every song with a new appreciation for virtually every aspect of my life.

My wife and I saw SK play Club Passim solo late last year. Aware that he was working on a solo album, we understood we’d be hearing some songs for the first time. “The Brain is a Beautiful Thing” was an early stand out (along with another song about sons and daughters that I didn’t catch the name of). SK then settled in and trekked through old favorites.  All in all, it was exactly what I expected – a fantastic evening of storytelling.

After a short encore, SK ended the evening with a new song. “Thanksgiving” started exactly the way I’d expect. Vivid lyrics, strong vocals and an interesting story. A few minutes in, it was apparent that “Thanksgiving” wasn’t your usual SK song though. It was bigger. It was deeper. It felt more honest. It was just…..more. More everything. It’s happy, it’s sad, it’s redemptive. Walking out of the show, my wife looked at me and said, “I feel like I just read Stephen’s diary.” She’s right, and that’s precisely what makes “Thanksgiving” such an amazing song.

The new album, Blunderstone Rookery, is set to release in June but keep reading – I’ll be sure to remind you constantly once release date gets closer.

Thanksgiving

I Don’t Want to Die on the Road

“I’m losing my head, I’m running in circles and I can’t carry on.” – Walking Away

I have Sirius/XM in my office. When I first subscribed, I had grand plans to listen to music all day. Unfortunately, my inner Jiminy Cricket wins out a lot of times, and I listen to CNN instead. It’s a turning point for me really. It makes me feel grown up.

When things are slow though, I always turn it over to The Coffee House or Alt Nation. There’s a lot of great music to be discovered through Sirius/XM and I find these to be two of the five channels I turn to most. Thankfully, I tuned in to Alt Nation recently and heard “Believer” by  American Authors. I immediately checked out more of their stuff and I loved it all.

AA is an indie rock band with an Imagine Dragons/Saints of Valory feel. The band was formed in Boston, but now calls Brooklyn home. If you haven’t heard these guys yet, prepare yourself because it’s coming.

Believer

Lights – (Elle Goulding cover)

“When winter’s burden shows its teeth and tears your autumn clothes apart. I’ll take you by the hand, we’ll flee the world that left you sad. I won’t forget your broken heart.” – Dreaming Free

Bora York’s Dreaming Free is an album that fell into my lap about a month ago. Fronted by Chris and Rebekah Bartels, Bora York was born as Chris began writing a follow up album to his folk debut. Dreaming Free, however,  is NOT a folk album, it’s much more airy, with a synth-pop feel. Bartels called the new style a gradual transition from folk as the songs began to take a life of their own.

Rebekah’s voice is prominent throughout the album, and she’s a perfect compliment to Chris’ style. After a few listens, this album have really grown on me. If you are able, listen to this album with a great pair of headphones – trust me, it makes every bell and whistle stand out so much more. Even if the genre isn’t your thing, you have to appreciate the vocals and very solid production of Dreaming Free.

The entire album is worth a listen – my issue is that there are four songs from this album that I like so much, I haven’t really listened to the rest other than a handful of times. I’m interested in seeing where the Minnesota band goes next.

New England Love

Open Tales

“I’m not like the kid you’d remember, I’m relaxed and satisfied. I’ve come to terms with the object of failure and I’m setting past heartache aside.” – Chapel Hill

Patrick Dyer Wolf lives in North Carolina while Avi Vinocur calls San Francisco home. Between the homes of the two songwriters sits a small town called Goodnight, Texas. Despite the dual locations, the band’s debut album, A Long Life of Living, sounds much more “North Carolina” than “California.” Gritty, powerful vocals are prominent throughout the album and instrumentally, every move seems to keep the focus on the strong songwriting.

This album has a bit of everything. There are some sing-a-longs, some sad bastard tracks and some fine storytelling that will leave you scrambling to hit “repeat.” The album somehow feels both modern and antiquated, and just like Wolf and Vinocur,  the sweet spot falls somewhere between the two. A Long Life of Living is worth a listen and for me, it’s a must own.

Harmony

Plan of Attack

“I don’t want to know who I am without you” – Agape

At some point in late 2011, I stumbled upon “Pompeii” by Bear’s Den. I nearly broke the internet trying to find more songs, and failed miserably. I wound up saving the song on Youtube and returning every few days to hear it. It’s one of those songs that I never could quite get tired of. A few weeks ago, I found out that Bear’s Den was set to release Agape in the US. I’d hoped for a full length album, but an EP would certainly hold me over for a while. I had big expectations, and those were met and exceeded.

This summer, Bear’s Den is heading out on the Gentlemen of the Road tour with Mumford and Sons, Alabama Shakes and Edward Sharpe among others and I think they’re due for a rise similar to those bands. If the songs from Agape are an indication of how they like to do things, then a slow build is exactly what these guys are looking for.

There are certainly a few standout songs but overall, it’s a solid EP from top to bottom. There’s a Sufjan Stevens vibe in the instrumentation, but the vocals are far crisper than Sufjan’s. Prominent banjo, strong songwriting and catchy hooks get me every time.

Pompeii

Isaac

“I’m mining for treasure deep in my bones that I never find.” – Simple as This

Let’s start with something not related to Jake Bugg. If you aren’t listening to the new album from The Lone Bellow, you are missing out. Seriously.

OK, on to Jake Bugg. For starters, let’s all note that Jake was BORN when I was finishing my junior year in high school. This officially makes me feel old while also wondering how a guy this young can be such a polished musician. Bugg is British and boasts a voice you have to hear. It’s sort of a Kristian Matsson meets Chris Henderson sound. He’s a solid songwriter and he’s getting huge in the UK. It’s only a matter of time before his popularity crosses the pond. Bugg’s EP is available in the US but the full length is only available overseas right now. Looks like I’ll be making a trip over to amazon.co.uk some time soon.

Someone Told Me

2012. Another great year for music. I was introduced to some bands that I believe I will love as long as they make music and a few  old faithfuls released records that did not disappoint. Some EPs were released (this one, this one and this one specifically) that would have certainly made the list had they been full albums, and only a handful of albums didn’t quite live up to the hype in my mind. I added 184 albums from 2012 to my collection and 67 albums were good enough to be considered for this list.  As always, it took me quite a while to narrow it down to 25 but here you go, the Music is Golden top 25 of 2012.

25. Cold Specks – I Predict a Graceful Expulsion
Cold Specks had me hooked the very first time I heard “Blank Maps.” This is a wonderful CD that got a lot of play from me earlier this year. It’s held up over the course of the year, as I still give it a spin every now and then.
Blank Maps

24. John Mayer – Born and Raised
Maybe I’m alone on this island, but I do not hate John Mayer. Personally, I think he’s a strong songwriter and when he’s on his game, I think he’s one of the 5 best storytellers we have right now. Born and Raised has a few of those moments, namely Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967.
Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967

23. The Gaslight Anthem – Handwritten
Brian Fallon is a huge Springsteen guy. It’s pretty obvious at first listen and this album is no exception. It feels like Fallon’s voice is always about to break, and I’m not sure he has a setting other than “intense,” but I’ve always been a fan. This is their most complete album, with a few rock heavy tunes and some of the more intimate sounds displayed on Elsie. I’m excited to see what happens next.
Handwritten

22. David Ramirez – Apologies
The first time I heard Ramirez, I was hooked. Someone sent me an EP with a song called “Shoeboxes,” and I was absolutely floored. My wife and I were able to see him in Boston this year with about 8 other people and I just couldn’t believe how good he was. You know the music industry is tough when guys like this aren’t rich.
Stick Around

21. Alabama Shakes – Boys & Girls
Could have been one of my five favorite albums of the year if it wasn’t so hyped. Unfortunately, I didn’t give it a chance until some of the noise died down, and now I find myself really liking it.
You Ain’t Alone

20. Jack White – Blunderbuss
Love Interruption is a bad ass song. Anyone who says otherwise can not be trusted and if you listen and hate it, please don’t tell me. I will judge you. I’m not some huge White Stripes fan, but this is an album that I love. It rocks when it needs to rock, it throws down the blues when it needs to and it basically always seems to be exactly what you need it to be.
Love Interruption

19. Passenger – All the Little Lights
Imagine Ben Howard if he was a little happier. Or maybe David Gray if he earned his living playing in subway stations. It’s not often that an album can make you laugh out loud in one song, and force you to listen to another on repeat because it’s so damned sweet.
Let Her Go

18. First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar
Sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg may come from Sweden, but their style and influences are steeped in Americana. There’s a song about Johnny Cash, June Carter, Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris and one of today’s heavy hitters in the folk genre, Conor Oberst, joins them on another song. The two have extraordinarily rich and steady vocals for kids born while I was in high school and their vocals and lyrics are the strongest parts of The Lion’s Roar. Definitely a folk duo to keep an eye on.
Emmylou

17. Field Report – Field Report
Chris Porterfield has had an interesting ride so far. He was in a band (DeYarmond Edison) with Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and since the split, created Field Report. I can’t say I am the biggest fan of Justin Vernon’s voice, and Field Report feels a lot like the “Bon Iver style” without Vernon’s vocals. Porterfield’s voice is relatively standard, not really doing much to separate him vocally from his counterparts, but  lyrically, this album stands above most released this year.
Fergus Falls

16. Maps & Atlases – Be Aware and Be Grateful
Maps & Atlases reminds me of a band I fell in love with on a vacation to London a few years ago, The Magic Numbers. It’s not really something I can listen to everyday, as it’s a little more electronic/experimental than my usual favorites, but this is definitely an album that I appreciate.
Vampires

Old & Gray

15. Michael Kiwanuka – Home Again
Holy shit at the voice on this kid. Home Again is one of those albums that actually makes you feel guilty that you’re listening on your iPod. Simply put, Kiwanuka has crafted an album so nostalgic that it begs to be played on vinyl. This album has it all: flutes, violins and a wide array of instruments back Kiwanuka’s superb vocals and it’s a wonderful “chill” album.
I’m Getting Ready

13. Walk the Moon – Walk the Moon
Walk the Moon‘s Unplugged is one of my favorite episodes of the show in years. “Anna Sun” was the first song I heard, and while it’s a bit poppy for my tastes, I found myself humming it…a lot. It’s an album full of earworms, that’s for sure.
Tightrope

12. Passion Pit – Gossamer
If Gossamer were candy, it’d be sour patch kids. Stripped of the vocals, everything you hear is sugar coated and poppy. Stripped of the instruments, it’s a very dark lyrical journey. Add to that the fact that Gossamer has the best song written from a recent immigrant’s point of view and you have a top 25 album.
Take A Walk

11. Tyler Lyle – The Golden Age and the Silver Girl
The thing I love most about music is that it lives on its own. I’d say the most powerful sense of all is sight, and great music doesn’t need that, as the listener’s imagination suffices. One listen to this album and I was begging for illustrations to these songs though. My imagination just doesn’t work well enough to grasp what Lyle is singing about in some of these songs. I love this album more and more with each listen and I think you will too.
When I Say That I Love You

I’ll Sing You a Song

10. Bruce Springsteen – Wrecking Ball

“Yeah we know that come tomorrow, none of this will be here. So hold tight on your anger and don’t fall to your fear.” – Wrecking Ball

Springsteen comes through. Again. Will it ever get old? This album cements the fact that The Boss isn’t hanging it up anytime soon. After 17 studio albums, you’d think Springsteen might start to sound stale. Not. Even. Close. Side note: it’s so nice to hear Clemons on the sax, even if it’s only a couple of tracks.
Wrecking Ball

We Take Care Of Our Own

9. The Oh Hellos – Through the Deep Dark Valley

“And the sun it does not cause us to grow. It’s the rain that will strengthen your soul, it will make you whole.” – I Have Made Mistakes

Concept albums are tough for me to get into. Personally, I can only think of ten (or less) that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed (Schaeffer’s Something Worth Fighting For being my favorite) and while I was excited for this full release, I was a little disappointed in hearing that it’d be somewhat of a concept album. I was wrong to worry. While it’s a bit biblical for my taste at times, Through the Deep, Dark Valley is a beautiful record.

I Have Made Mistakes

8. The Avett Brothers – The Carpenter

“I guess it’s kinda funny how, I loved you so way back when. You say I wouldn’t know you now,
Well I didn’t even know you then.” – I Never Knew You

I won’t hide my love for The Avett Brothers. In fact, I once hired a guy when this conversation took place:
Guy: So where did you grow up?
Me: Just outside of Charlotte. I went to East Carolina for my undergrad.
Guy: Just outside of Charlotte AND East Carolina? You must be an Avett Brothers fan too.
Me: You’re hired.

That’s basically exactly how that went down. Anyway, The Carpenter took some time to grow on me, but ultimately, I learned to love it. I do still prefer more of the “Appalachia” sound from the brothers, but this new, more polished, cleaned up version seems to be suiting them as well.

Live And Die

7. Dave Matthews Band – Away From the World

“Love is not a whisper or a weakness. No, love is strong. ” - Mercy

I’ve grown up with Dave Matthews. Maybe that’s why I love them so much. DMB was basically my soundtrack in finishing High School and all through college, and I’ve never looked back. Though they’ve changed a bit over the years, it feels like their fans have changed with them. The live shows are different than they were 15 years ago, but still somehow I leave thinking it’s one the best shows I’ve ever been to.

Belly Belly Nice

6. The Lumineers – The Lumineers

“It’s a long road to wisdom but it’s a short one to being ignored.” – Flowers in Your Hair

The Lumineers have had a damned good year. They’ve gone from playing house shows to Saturday Night Live, basically in a 15 month time span. It’s unbelievable how fast bands get big in some cases, while others work their asses off to get a bit of recognition. I’ve been on The Lumineers bandwagon for a while, and this album solidified that for me.

The Dead Sea

5. Fun. – Some Nights

“May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground.” – Carry On

Nate Ruess can virtually do no wrong in my book. I nearly shut down when word came that The Format was parting ways, but once fun. came around, I was whole again. I mentioned in my 2009 favorites that their first album was gaining steam with me, and I’ll still say that I love it. I knew Some Nights would make them big, but THIS big? It’s outrageous.

Some Nights

We Owned The Night

4. Matthew Mayfield – A Banquet for Ghosts

“Did someone let you down with truth? The echo of my whispers, meaningless to you” - Beautiful

Matthew Mayfield is pumping out albums like crazy. And they’re all really, really good. For 2013, I heard three more might be on the way. This guy is getting in to Ryan Adams territory with the sheer amount of writing he’s doing at this point. Mayfield is one of those voices that you just can’t get sick of. Keep pumping out albums my man.

Heart in Wire

Safe & Sound

3. Mumford & Sons – Babel

“I will not tell the thoughts of hell that carried me home.” - Holland Road

Mumford and Sons had a 2010 similar to the year The Lumineers had in 2012. Let’s hope The Lumineers follow up is as good as Babel though. It’s more of the same, as no one really wants to fix what isn’t broken at this point. Eventually, they’ll need to evolve a bit but for now, this is just fine.

Whispers in the Dark

2. The Dirty Guv’nahs – Somewhere Beneath These Southern Skies

“Don’t leave your dreams up in the sky. Oh, you got an astronaut’s mind and honey I do too.” – Goodnight Chicago

In 2010, The Dirty Guvs released one of my 3 favorite albums of the year. In 2012, they’ve done one better. The Dirty Guvs have seemingly found their sweet spot. The Black Crowes on one side, Blackberry Smoke on the other, and The Guvs nestled right between the two. It’s a good place to be. SBTSS has all the southern-rock bases covered. Big guitar riffs, soulful vocals, some tongue in cheek lyrics and some straight forward rock and roll can all be found here. It’s a very good album, and if you’ve yet to hear of The Dirty Guv’nahs, this will serve as a fantastic introduction.

3000 Miles

Good Luck Charm

1. Spirit Family Reunion – No Separation

“We went to the well, the well had run dry. So we rolled cigarettes and looked at the sky. You were on my mind.” – On My Mind

The aforementioned guy that I hired because he liked The Avetts has turned into quite the resource when looking for new music. In the winter of 2011, he walked into my office and mentioned that he’d heard one song by a band called Spirit Family Reunion and that I simply had to give it a listen. 30 minutes and 9 listens later, I was scouring the internet for ANY clues as to who these people were and how I could hear more songs. I literally emailed the band, sent them some loot via paypal and a few short days later, a burned CD in a homemade sleeve made it’s way to my mailbox.

That was their first album, a great little EP that you can’t find on iTunes but is well worth going to the depths of the internet for. Then this year, they released No Separation. Before the album’s release, the folks from Music Savage hosted SFR for a Brunch Session. The session was held in a South Boston apartment, and I’ve never had as much fun sharing beer and breakfast with an apartment full of strangers. Ultimately, SFR had the room dancing and stomping throughout the apartment and I’m sure it will be one of the experiences I’ll remember forever.

For those of you who also read Fuel/Friends (if you don’t, you should), you’ll quickly realize that SFR would be perfect for a Chapel Session. The album is full of banjos, fiddles and voices that alone aren’t nearly as great as they are together. It’s a New York band with an Appalachian sound and if bluegrass/kinda country/kinda southern gospel is in your wheelhouse, No Separation is an absolute must-own.

Put The Backseat Down

Green Rocky Road

I know I haven’t blogging as much lately, but there’s just too much listening to do. I can’t be expected to write when there are so many great albums floating around.  But every once in a while, I get into a musical conversation with some of my friends that simply must be discussed.

A non-music geek recently asked me what I thought to be the most underrated songs of all time. I asked if he’d ever heard of SK6ers or The Damnwells and he said “no.” I told him that I really had nothing to offer him then, because virtually everything I listen to would be “underrated” to him.

So I started trying to answer this question for myself. It’s taken me a very long time to be honest. There are so many songs that I pump up with every opportunity. Songs like “You Can Always Come Home” and “The Hills and Manhattan.” These are songs that I love with every fiber of my being but to most people they aren’t underrated, they’re just songs by bands they’ve never heard of. So, I decided to pick ten songs from bands/artists that I’ve been listening to forever. No Mumfords, no Lumineers, just songs from bands that I’ve spent the greater part of my adulthood with.

If It’s The Beaches – The Avett Brothers
For my money, only a few can rival the Avett’s songwriting prowess. From the opening line of this song, I knew it’d be a favorite of mine. A lot of my favorite songs are sort of self deprecating. I gravitate towards the songs where the artist knows that they aren’t good enough, or understands that what they’re doing can’t last forever. “If It’s The Beaches” is just that. It’s a song of desperation with heartbreaking optimism. And I love it.
If It’s the Beaches

All Things – Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers
Fine. Maybe it can’t really be underrated if it’s never been released but this song needs to see the light of day. Virtually every SK song focuses on love and family, and the idea that we all have to do the most with the short amount of time we have in this world. There are so many unreleased SK6ers songs that I wanted to add to this list, but “All Things” gets the nod.
All Things

I am a Leaver – The Damnwells
All Damnwells songs are underrated. They should be played in every Target, on every radio station and in every home in America at every given musical moment. Alex Dezen writes well enough to let you know that he’s far smarter than you are, but honest enough to let you share in his grief. This is my favorite version of this song, and if you don’t love it yet, you will.
I Am A Leaver (alternate stripped)

Words – Ryan Adams
Somewhere along the way, I amassed a ridiculous Ryan Adams collection. 723 songs at last count. That’s admittedly absurd, but I really do love them all. Of all the RA tunes, there are 20 or so that no one really discusses in “how awesome is Ryan Adams” discussions. “Words” is one I always make sure to bring up. It was in the movie “Elizabethtown” but wasn’t even on the soundtrack. A second volume of the movie’s music had to be released because of demand though, and “Words” made the cut.
Words

Michigan – Josh Rouse
Rouse has released a ton of records. Some are great, some are good but the songs don’t get much better than “Michigan.” A pretty straight forward song, it revolves around a young man’s letter to his parents whom he’s left behind in their hometown. he’s just trying to find his way and luckily, Uncle Ray and Aunt Terry gave him a place to land. Just listen to it already.
Michigan

Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967 – John Mayer
A lot of people don’t like Mayer. A lot of people think he’s an ego maniac and a down right shithead. I think he’s one of the strongest songwriters in the country. In every Mayer song, there’s at least one or two lines that just amaze me, and as a start-to-finish story, Walt Grace’s tale may be my favorite.
Walt Grace’s Submarine Test, January 1967

Company Calls Epilogue – Death Cab for Cutie
DCFC is one of my favorite bands. I’m much more into the older albums than the newer and CCE is one of my old favorites. This song is up there with heart wrenchers like “Champagne High” and “A Spot for my Sister.”
Company Calls Epilogue

When I Can Afford to Lose – Will Hoge
Another one of those “she’s no good for me, but I don’t care” songs. Hoge is a brilliant storyteller, and while a lot of artists seem to only write about boy meets, girl, boy loses (or keeps) girl, Hoge is so much more talented. I think I am a pretty predictable Hoge fan. Most of my favorites are the ones that everyone loves, but this is one that I don’t hear as much about. In all honesty, you can’t go wrong with Hoge records.
When I Can Afford to Lose

Skeleton Key – Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s
I fell in love with MNSS when I heard The Dust of Retreat. It was by far my favorite album of 2006 and this is one of a handful of songs that makes that album so great. MNSS has had some ups and downs since, but the ups are amazing enough to weather the downs. If you’ve never listened to them, give them a shot and let me know what you think.
Skeleton Key

Jerk – Brad Passons
To round out this list, I give you a very old song from my good friend, Brad Passons. “Jerk” is the song that all guys can relate to – especially those of uswho were trying to understand women in our late teens and early twenties, when we were all realizing that girls our age somehow hated nice guys. It’s a song I really wish Brad would re-record, as it’s not quite as crisp as it could be. Brad’s still writing cheesy love songs, and he’s been co-writing for a while now.
Jerk

OK, so there’s ten songs by artists I’ve loved forever that I think are a bit underrated. If you’d like, I can always talk at long length about underrated Pearl Jam, DMB, Ben Harper, Willie Nelson, Matt Nathanson, Queen and Switchfoot songs (among others). What are some of your most underrated songs?