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For being blessed with one of the most powerful voices in soul, Darrell Banks is often at best considered a side-note in the very congested history of soul music (for “Open The Door To Your Heart”). A belter worthy of Wilson Pickett and J.J. Jackson, his career was tragically cut down when he was shot by an off-duty police officer in the midst of a heated exchange. “Forgive Me” comes off of his 1969 release for Stax Records subsidiary Volt, Here To Stay. With a string arrangement evocative of Impressions records of the period, it’s Banks pleading emotional croon that makes this song so powerful.

Forgive Me – Darrell Banks

RIYL: Wilson Pickett, The Impressions, J.J. Jackson, Stax Records

This gorgeous sepia-toned piece of Americana is the opener to Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit’s latest release Here We Rest. Entitled “Alabama Pines”, its strength lies in its universality, he may be talking about his home state, but the longing for things past and where you call home touches everyone. Blessed with an unassuming, but mellifluous voice, Isbell drives this narrative home with soaring vocals and intimately placed fiddle and guitar parts, a song that is perfect for those colder summer and early autumn nights, where its truly people and thoughts that keep you warm. 

Alabama Pines – Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit 

You can grab the vinyl here

Find the digital version on iTunes

Follow Isbell on Twitter @JasonIsbell

Here We Rest was released on Lightning Rod Records on April 12th, 2011

Elvis Costello’s debut album My Aim Is True sounds as visceral now as it did in 1977. Equally due to both strong songwriting by Costello and subtle production by Nick Lowe, songs from the album like “Alison” “(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes”, “Less Than Zero” and “Watching The Detectives” have all become classic rock staples.  Yet for all the rock criticism that focuses (deservedly) on Costello’s cynical and smart lyricism, a New-Wave/Punk Randy Newman if you will, many don’t emphasize that My Aim Is True is just chock full of powerful and catchy melodies.

Following the devastating “Alison”, “Sneaky Feelings” features quite a hook and replete with nice backing harmonies and a swaggering Costello putting on his best Van Morrison impression trying to deal with being in love. A great song off of a great album. Also check out the excellent album opener “Welcome To The Working Week” which packs a Beach Boys homage and some powerful pop-punk into its under 1:30 run time.

Sneaky Feelings – Elvis Costello 

Welcome To The Working Week –  Elvis Costello 

I’m always game to support some local music, and Sam McDougle aka Polly Hi is a refreshing change of course from the out-there indie scene that is Brooklyn, NY.  He doesn’t have an official EP yet, but has three very fine singles “In The Morning”, “All My Energy” and the song I’m featuring here, “Bombs & Galaxies”. Clocking in at a brief 2:05, the song features a strong acoustic hook and some spacey harmonies.  It’s equal parts Vetiver and a more relaxed Elliot Smith. The strength of the song lies in the dynamic tempo shifts between verse and chorus. A catchy number from an artist to watch. A perfect song for those days where the skies are grey.

Bombs & Galaxies – Polly Hi

Follow Polly Hi on Twitter: @smickdougle

Official Site