Noah Derksen and Lori McKenna – “Mercy on the Skyline”
-I don’t remember exactly what I said the last time I reviewed Noah Derksen’s music, but I know I’ve liked everything he’s sent me. It’s easy to hear why in the opening of this song, a thoughtful and engaging style of sentimental acoustic folk music. But then Lori McKenna’s vocals enter the track… and I melt. Good heavens, these two can sing together. I’ve been writing about folk duos for over a decade and this sound is definitely up there at the top. There’s an energy to this recording that is intimate (it is a love song, after all), but that apprehension (the “too scared to fall”) element really sticks with the listener. I love the organ, the bluesy rhythm, and the overall mood of the track. I don’t know that a song can ever be perfect, but this particular recording of this particular tune is pretty darn close. I adore this one.
Hayden Everett – “Montana Day”
-I was introduced to Hayden Everett for the first time just a few weeks ago and I think I’m going to be a fan for a really long time. If you’re curious why, just click play on this tune. It’s got it all; the guitar is cathartic and engaging, the vocal is clear and accessible, but the overall mood of the track is the best of what makes folk music stick with us. The production style leans a bit more pop than much of the folk I typically cover, but this one just resonates. It says a lot about the whole performance when I don’t think of the instrumental breaks as “breaks” at all… the whole track from start to finish feels satisfying. To me, this is the point of Americana that we can hear so many timeless styles from folk, pop, and even a dash of theatricality that reminds of writers like Gershwin from an earlier era. If you listen to this song, you’ll feel an emotional connection. I know I sure do.
Jack Summers – “Rocking Chair Song”
-I don’t know Jack Summers personally, but the one thing I can tell you for sure is that he probably listens to John Prine as much as I do. I can hear it in his phrasing, in his clever songwriting, and the overall vibe of the song. The line, “I would kill just to find some peace” is vintage Prine. I adore this songwriting style as it is both tongue-in-cheek humorous alongside a deep, abiding sincerity down inside the cynicism. The line about being a “dopamine fiend” is excellent and hits closer to home than I care to admit. The expressive writing about nothing being built to rely on is a daily experience for anyone living in our 21st century dystopia. Frankly, I love the melody and writing here, but I hate how relatable the lyrics are for all of us.
Image courtesy: Jack Summers IG
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