Willin’… Despite The Odds
The odds sometimes don't work in favor of artists, despite their excellence
From this perspective, it seems that Little Feat was never a band that had odds in their favor. A brilliant take on all things roots rock, mixing in all things rock, blues, country, and R&B, primarily led by one brilliant songwriter in Lowell George and a few very strong other ones, all of them exceptional instrumentalists.
A series of equally brilliant albums (until George was part of the band), and some quite good ones after he was not around anymore, and definitely one of the best live bands of all time, they garnered quite a large cult following, but never that big time recognition they definitely deserved at any point in their career.
Still, they never gave up, they always gave their best. Quoting the title of one of their most recognizable songs, they were always Willin’ to give it all they could, despite all odds. Something probably all of the artists below should do if they really want to make it. no matter what.
Amy Stroup - Break The Feeling
Stroup shows here what a modern pop single should sound like - at the same time bringing something familiar and something really new. This single is a showcase of what modern production can do when it handles a good song in the first place.
The Revivalists - Kid
No, not what is one of The Kinks’ ( also via The Pretenders) classics but in a similar classic rock vein with quite a few current touches. No wonder The Revivalists often find they are close to the top of the charts.
Organ Morgan - Figurehead
Organ Morgan is the moniker of songwriter and guitarist Harris McMillan, here with the help of long-time collaborators Stefano Amoretti (harmonium/keys) and Frank Wright (bass). Somewhat of a personal take that ranges between the ‘usual' singer-songwriter mode and dream-pop, but with a good balance that works.
Doug Paisley - Rewrite History
From Paisley’s latest mainly acoustic album ‘Say What You Like,’ presents a true showcase of what a modern, subdued, soft-spoken, album and/or song should sound like. He seems to be growing better by the day.
Mediocre - To Know You're Screwed is to Know a Lot
A quite self-telling title for a crunchy post-punk/power pop that really works. They might call themselves Mediocre but are nothing but. Air guitar fans will have quite some fun with this one.
Lipstereo - Stop
The best way to follow some good post-punk is with more post-punk (no power pop in sight here though), from these up-and-coming Australians. Seem destined to make it quite big.
Sweet Dreams Nadine - Weird Love
Not many things are considered weird in love these days, but the title might bring more listeners to this bossa-tinged pop ditty, that definitely deserves to be heard.
Tan Lines - Outer Banks
Tanlines - Eric Emm and Jesse Cohen, haven't been around for a while (eight years to be precise), but being back with a new single and an upcoming album, they show what modern-day electro-pop should sound like - electro actually serving pop.
GracieHorse - What I’m Missing
GracieHorse asks the question, but as far as coming up with some excellent Americana - nothing much, really. Great voice, song, and a very strong arrangement.
Karmelien - Wait For Me
Leanie Kaleido is the daughter of one-time Yardbirds guitarist Top Topham, and she and her cohorts show that a good music lineage can definitely have a part in coming up with some strong music.
Eydis Evensen - Transcending
Iceland seems to be producing some excellent post-classical composers/pianists these days, and Eydis Evenesen confirms that with her latest single. Skipping the dreaded new age category with ease.
Sam Burton - Long Way Around
Songwriters working in the Jimmy Webb/Burt Bacharach mode seem to be sadly missing these days, but Los Angeles singer-songwriter Sam Burton seems to be successfully trying to fill that gap. The production by Jonathan Wilson definitely helps.
Mazey Haze - Back To Start
Amsterdam’s Nadine Appeldoorn has that cross between great pop and Americana dead center, with some intriguing songwriting and that guitar twang that always seems to work.
Jack River - Lie In The Sun
Jack River, aka Holly Rankin, is not ashamed to show that she loves pure pop, and she shouldn’t be, as she is able to combine her pop sensibility with some good rhythmic background, a combination that doesn’t always work, but here it does.
The Last Second Save - Baltimore
Not the Randy Newman classic but, still a very good, piano-led pop with not-so-usual chord changes and a Ween-like melody. A tribute to the people of Baltimore, close to songwriter Jesse Procaccini's heart.
Dominic Sen - World Of Noise
Dream-pop always had that pop element included, and Sen accentuates it here with some added electronic instrumental and production touches that elevate this song from her upcoming new album above the current average pop produce.
Sam Zalta - Altar
Some dark pop/rock from Zalta’s upcoming album. Songwriting has touches of both The Cure and Nick Cave at the same time, something hard to achieve and make it work.
Scott Matthews - My Selfless Moon
Nick Drake never achieved the fame he deserved while he was still around, but his melodic and songwriting combinations with some added vocal harmonies seem to have had great inspiration on Matthews here, making his upcoming album a must-listen.
Eleni Drake - Rookie
Drake is neither a rookie, nor does she sound like one, with some gauzy, gentle summer melody progressions and J.J. Cale-like guitar licks. Works anytime.
Joy Guidry - Almost There
Guidry is billed as bassoonist/composer and the quality of her compositional skills definitely shines here, with space between the notes is as important as the notes themselves. Brief and excellent at the same time.