Marley Hale – “The Ballad of Spider John”
-If you’re a fan of carefully picked acoustic guitars and delightful lead vocals, definitely give this track a spin. It’s a narrative, sure, but it’s also got this cathartic energy to it that feels like sitting back and listening to a truly special performance. The song builds to the expressive chorus that brings together a number of classic country and Americana elements, from a banjo to a perfectly mixed steel guitar. This is a track that feels like it takes advantage of the hallmarks of the genre without leaning into any of the tired stereotypes or tropes. It’s a story that demands attention, even if it feels like you could listen to it sitting in the back of a dusty bar in Nowheresville, USA. This is a real treat.
Lucy Clearwater – “Elephant Monster”
-I’m not sure how many times I’ve featured Lucy Clearwater in the past year, but it’s getting up there. Any time I keep seeing the same name in coverage, I feel a bit more of a connection to their music. Lucy Clearwater writes with a style that feels like it was tailor made for my music taste; the acoustic guitar is soothing, the vocal as sweet as honey, and the overall composition all comes together for something that feels equal parts Joni Mitchell as a soft, simple version of someone like Loretta Lynn. The compositional style feels more folk than country, but there are some delicious connections to a long Americana history here. Fans of the sound of the Milk Carton Kids or even the David Rawlings and Gillian Welch duo will find a lot to like about this delicate but meaningful sound.
James Isaac – “I’ll Be There”
-If you’ve ever tapped your toe to a chill acoustic track, this song will resonate with you. One of the things I like right from the start is that sound is solid, but the melody itself is unhurried. You get the sense that the track will get there when it gets there. In a world with so much “in your face” musical energy, there’s something deeply restorative about the gentle nature of this track. It’s an acoustic folk song that has equal parts charm from the guitar as from the lead vocal. This might be a bit of a slanted comparison, but this feels like reading a Wendell Berry story. It’s a timeless love song about wanting to be with someone no matter the circumstances. The line, “God take me away from me” strikes me as more philosophical than I expected (in a good way). There’s a good bit of wisdom hidden in these lines, a sneaky uplifting song that’s a little about finding love and a little about finding your way.
Image courtesy: Marley Hale IG
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