Song We Like: Uncontrollably by Paige Beller

Song We Like: Uncontrollably by Paige Beller

Quiet often we trip over artists who should be national stars – and Paige Beller is the prime example of this type of artist. The instrumentation is retained and minimal, setting stage for an incredibly lush, rich, and emotional voice. This is what all country music should be – raw, real emotions, the truth about a broken heart, a slide guitar, and regret. This is the other side of the broken hearted love song – that she “didn’t love you the way I ought to,” and now her love is gone…

Song We Like: Done I’m Done by John Kirby and the New Seniors

Song We Like: Done I’m Done by John Kirby and the New Seniors

We are sons and daughters of the 80s, of that wonderful intersection of classic American rock-n-roll and the indie scene with R.E.M., Social Distortion and especially The Replacements. What elevates this song from only reproduction of that sound is the passion and the catchiness of the chorus – Done I’m Done – and I can’t hear no more!

Song We Like: Witches Flying High by Dan Ezra and his Band

Song We Like: Witches Flying High by Dan Ezra and his Band

We played both the demo version and the recorded/band version. Because this was Halloween and because we couldn’t agree which is the nest version. Both versions are all about Dan Ezra howling into the night. I liked with the full band recording – that snapping drums and surf rock / space rock guitars.

Song We Like: Ukrainian March by Watergate Sandals

Song We Like: Ukrainian March by Watergate Sandals

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I believe in Watergate Sandals. I believe this is a Ukrainian March. Everything that is good about rock-n-roll is smashed and broken and comes through the devastation still so good. The guitars are chainsaw on rusted roadsters. The voice is distorted to the point of human recognition but the screams – “you gotta read between the lines” – are true. This song is the perfect argument that all you need for great music is attitude and belief.

Song We Like: See Their Eyes Glow by Acid Carousel

Song We Like: See Their Eyes Glow by Acid Carousel

We return to Denton Texas and Acid Carousel and some wonderful psychedelia. This is The Beatles at their most psychedelic matched with interludes of an amazing female voice and classic folk. I could just fall into a deep dark hole and be happy for the rest of my days listening to that voice. This song is all about exquisite beauty.

Song We Like: Woomera by Pinch Points

Song We Like: Woomera by Pinch Points

Further cementing the status of the Melbourne music scene as the greatest hub of garage rock on the planet, Pinch Points will blow your mind with “Woomera” – which is a notched stick that native Australians use to increase propulsion when throwing a spear. In case you were wondering. You know. What we love is the bold hard rocking rhythm, large fat chords, that sung-shouted thick Australian accent, and then the female singer on the chorus adding catchiness, pop, and hooks. And we totally believe you saw a UFO!

Song We Like: Lipstick by Headcase The Band

Song We Like: Lipstick by Headcase The Band

We love some country songs, easy pace, rambling, slightly falling apart and then somehow pulling it all back together, like a night out at the local dive bar. Great vocals. The singer is another expression of this jam, ruminating over a lover, while the band finds new pockets of fun to musically explore.

Featured on our #76 podcast at www.hlycrp.com.

Song We Like: Inside Out by Moniker

Song We Like: Inside Out by Moniker

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The underground music world is funky – especially the groove of Moniker. These guys know how to write a song and they know how to write a great catchy chorus. Oh, it turns you inside out. It’s also such a nice arrangement and there’s a brain behind the writing of this song. The singer has a rich and sleepy voice – very cool and above it all.

Go listen to our #76 podcast at www.hlycrp.com.

Song We Like: When The Reaper Comes by Ugly Runner

Song We Like: When The Reaper Comes by Ugly Runner

Ugly Runner is taking the Asheville underground music scene by storm. To cool for their own good – which means they’ll probably be doing fine when The Reaper Comes. Behind the distortion and garage rock attitude this is some classic blues, maybe even classic gospel. Oh this shit is going to go down – but not yet, not until I finish my cigarette.

Go listen to it on our #76 podcast at www.hlycrp.com.