Chris Shiflett unleashes a rocking anthem with Liars Word, Caylee Hammack bridges Dolly Parton sweetness and alt-rock crunch in Just Friends, Riley Green sings of his grandfathers experience with Alzheimers in Numbers on the Cars and more songs to hear this week.
Riley Green, Numbers on the Cars
He aint all there, but I dont care, Riley Green sings about his grandfather, whose battle with Alzheimers has prevented him from remembering much beyond his favorite NASCAR drivers. Despite the communication breakdown, the two relatives still find solace as they watch the race cars circling the track. Written by Green alone and produced by Dan Huff, Numbers on the Cars is an up-close account of the debilitating disease, as well as the newest release from Greens upcoming Big Machine Label Group debut, Get That Man a Beer.
Jenny Tolman, High Class White Trash
Written alongside producer Dave Brainard, High Class White Trash is an eccentric, leisurely blast of funky-tonk, delivered with a sly wink and a toast of budget-priced Natty Light. Nashville native Jenny Tolman isnt poking fun at hillbilly culture here; shes saluting it, celebrating a lifestyle that she knows quite well.
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Chris Shiflett, Liars Word
A country-rock anthem fueled by electric guitars and a supersized chorus, Liars Word builds a bridge between Chris Shifletts Americana-leaning solo career and his longtime day job as the Foo Fighters main shredder. Produced by Dave Cobb, the song doubles as a hard-hitting highlight of Shifletts upcoming album Hard Lessons, which arrives June 14th.
Clare Bowen, Let It Rain
After a six-season run as Nashvilles Scarlett OConnor, Clare Bowen will release her debut LP of cinematic country music this July. Leading the charge is Let It Rain, a song about taking strength in ones own scars. Its poignant and personal an aptly chosen single for a songwriter who, after launching her career portraying somebody else on TV, is ready for her own close-up.
Ted Russell Kamp, Heart Under Pressure
While Jaime Wyatts harmonies ring in the background, Ted Russell Kamp a staple of the SoCal country scene, thanks to a prolific solo career and a longtime gig as Shooter Jennings bassist delivers a wistful salute to the hearts resilience and resolve. With its mix of California cool and breezy bounce, Heart Under Pressure, off the album Walkin Shoes, never breaks a sweat, relying instead upon the laid-back lope that drives much of Kamps material forward.
Caylee Hammack, Just Friends
After a soothingly lulling intro that evokes fluttery-voiced icons like Dolly Parton, Caylee Hammacks Just Friends kicks into electrified gear, nodding to the songwriters alt-rock influences along the way. Its a mix of country classicism and Nineties nostalgia, in other words, with amplified guitars that owe more to Weezer than Waylon.
Josh Abbott Band, Little More You
This week could use a little more weekend, sings Josh Abbott, whose newest single finds the performer mixing his bands Texas-sized twang with a summery, radio-ready chorus. Set to appear on next months Catching Fire, Little More You also features a cameo from Duck Dynastys Jep and Jess Robertson in the songs music video.
Sheryl Crow with Mavis Staples and Bonnie Raitt, Live Wire
Not long after sharing the stage with Mavis Staples during an all-star performance at Nashvilles Ryman Auditorium, Sheryl Crow teams up with the R&B icon once again. This time, theyre also joined by blues-rock belle Bonnie Raitt. A celebration of soul music and sisterhood, Live Wire is the latest from Crows upcoming LP Threads, which finds her duetting with Keith Richards, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell and others.
Jon Pardi, Heartache Medication
The title track from Jon Pardis first album in three years finds the singer at a bar, drinking away the pain of a breakup. Im drinking enough to take you off my mind, he announces, while fiddle, pedal steel guitar and twangy Telecasters ring in the background. Written alongside Natalie Hemby and Barry Dean, Heartache Medication is a new song about the age-old practice of self-medicating.
Gold Child, Roses
Lushly laced with reverb, pedal steel and background harmonies, Roses is the latest from Brooklyn-based country artist Gold Child. Theres a lovely, softly focused haze to the song, which dovetails with Childs swooning voice and nostalgic songwriting.