Three folk tunes that will stop you in your tracks… so maybe slow down and click play

Matthew Payne – “The Light I Cannot See”
-I liked this song the first time I heard it, but when I clicked play on it to write I… couldn’t. I just… sat, dumbfounded… and a little bit broken (in a good way). There’s something spiritually resonant about this song that feels like it hits right where I’m at in life. It’s about the journey that we’re all on in life, exploring and finding our way through relationships and connections. The acoustic guitar is lovely, the fiddle work a perfect accent, and the vocal delivery that feels like a smoothed out version of John Prine’s storytelling. The harmonica break is delightfully refreshing, setting up the final section of the song to connect with renewed emotionalism. “I want to travel lightly. I want to travel to the light I cannot see.” Amen, brother.

Dan Pallotta – “Trash Man”
-If you had told me that I’d find a song about a garbage man captivating, I would probably not believe you. But here we are… and this song is soulfully significant. The writing reminds me of the common folk storytelling of bands like Dawes or Anna Tivel. The phrasing on this recording is absolutely stunning; I don’t throw that compliment around easily, but if you listen you’ll hear what I mean. The delightful care with which Pallotta says “trashman” with a lyric about waving goodbye… it just works so well. There’s a tender humanity to this song that I absolutely adore. It’s about work, about dignity, about love, and about community. It’s a treat.

Cole Swensen – “farmers market song”
-I’ve been a fan of Cole Swensen for over a year now and I feel like I’ve become one of his biggest supporters. I think I’ve approved everything he’s sent for over a year. But like… can you blame me? Just listen to this delicate, articulate, peaceful song. There’s emotional tension in the lyrics and instrumentation, all being delivered by this calm and sincere vocal style. I can guarantee you’ve never heard a vocal quite like this, especially on the chorus with the vocal layering. There’s something about the line, “Wish you called me when I needed you” that connects so deeply. We expect people to be there for us in the most difficult situations and when they aren’t, it makes us question the entire relationship. I feel like this song could be about a romantic connection or any type of friendship, really. It’s so deeply human and meaningful. Stylistically Swensen has this genre-bending folk ethos that I adore and when it connects with these artful, engaging lyrics… it just feels right.