Don Cavalli

Sounds of Faith and Sorrow   vinyl

(Doghouse and Bone Records)

A man in a bar contemplated his despair. Later, the same man knelt in a pew, begging his Supreme Creator for salvation. Country music souls Jimmy Skinner and old-timey fellows understood such men. And voice-of-hard-scrabble Don Cavalli understands Country music.

This simple, acoustic work is limited to 300 LPs. 

Recommended: "Don't Give Your Heart to a Rambler," "The Old Crossroad," "With Body and Soul," "Memories of You," "Morning Light," "The Drunkard's Hell"

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Clay Babies

'54 - '64

(Self-issued)

Adventurous and sensitive artistry enjoys vent, as a denim-and-plaid duo have their intriguing ways with Americana stylings. Pleased, indeed, will be ears upon which fall these lissome airs.  A plethora of acoustic music makers are joined in exultant ballet by electrified siblings and judiciously-pitched voices. (And when's the last time you heard an Irish bouzouki?)

Recommended: "Osmanthus," "Coco Tiki," "Rastaman," "Last Banana," "Tilt a Whirl," "Asper Agus P," "Heavy Whipping Cream"

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The Nightdrivers

"You're the One"   single

(Rehn Music Group )

Every quality this song possesses, charms. Against gentle acoustic strums, a swain (assumedly on bended knee) plights his troth to a Heaven-sent woman he caresses with poesy of adoration: "You're the one meant for me / I am so lucky as a man could be." The pillow of melody upon which our hero's whispered devotion is offered comforts as it encourages.

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Peccadillo

All Hand Made

(Self-issued)

Notes on the Bandcamp page assert humble origin: "Recorded primarily in the bass-player's lounge room, using low-cost equipment and mixed and mastered on a basic laptop. It is every bit All Hand Made." That modest circumstance, though, did not muffle grandeur. Every instrument shines. Reflecting artistic maturity, compositions unfold depths and levels at generally relaxed paces. When in consequential company, the wisest course is focused appreciation. (And as to sound quality, wonders were performed with tools at the disposal of lead guitarist/backing singer/egg shaker and tambourine player David Burton.)

Recommended: "Great Tree," "Two Tree Hill, "Now Is Here," "Two Cones," "Blue Ball Blues," "Together"

Video: "Now Is Here"

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Pete Berwick

That's What I Think

(Shotgun Records)

It's surely a struggle, having an intellect as broad as one's heart is full. Pete was blessed with bardic capacity with which he dissects emotional turmoils with analytical exactitude. Surging acoustic strings, world-weary drawl, and plaintive harmonica prove sufficient for compelling portrayals. There's a heartsore grappler in each passage.

Recommended: "Here On My Shelf," "That's What I Think," "Trolls," "Now That Danny Don't Come Around," "I'm Tired," "Memphis Took My Son From Me," "Love Hurts," "Is That What You Want"

Videos: "Now That Danny Don't Come Around"   "Memphis Took My Son From Me"   

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Ritchy Nails

Hard-Luck Life   3-track 7" vinyl

(Thumper Punk Records)

Were it not for simplicity -- just earnest testimonies and acoustic affirmations -- Ritchy's verity might be obscured. As it appropriately is, the unplugged Punkmetal footsoldier pours forth heartfelt introspections nearly brutal in their frankness. He is defiantly spiritual ("Listened to the preacher when the punks told me not to"), sending implorations Heavenward.

Guest Matt Gilbert adds uninvolved electric stingings to cut #3, embellishing quietly.

Recommended: "Hard Luck Life," "That's Okay With Me," "Roadblocks and Dead Ends"

Video: "Hard Luck Life"

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