Red’s 14 Favorite Songs of 2014
Well, I gave you my favorite sounds of 2014, so I figured why not flood the internet with another favorites list from the wonderful year that was 2014. I heard a ton of music in 2014, a lot of it was pretty incredible, a small amount didn’t blow my hair back, and an even smaller amount really stuck with me until this day. Some of those few songs that just stuck with me like a bad habit (but one that feels so good) are listed below. In no particular order below are 14 of my absolutely favorite songs from this past year that I simply cannot seem to shake, and for that I am very happy and lucky…
Wise Old Moon “Money Right” – Probably one of the records from 2014 that both my wife and I completely fell in love with. This tune has a downtrodden feel and vibe with warm tones and a rainy, gray day atmosphere that will make anyone feel something. Everything just works for this tune and Connor Millican’s voice and writing style is something for everyone to keep an eye on (and an ear out for). The line “now I’m livin’ a life that ain’t even worth wasting” gives me shivers when Millican sings it out…truly a great tune.
The Meadows Brothers “A Train Makes a Sad, Sad Sound” – You know when you hear someone talk about how “they wish they wrote that song” or as a songwriter when you hear a line and ask yourself why you didn’t write that line? Yup, that is this song. The Meadows Brothers have a chemistry that most of us spent a lifetime searching for. Their energy and the harmonies of their voices and playing is unreal. These boys are the real deal and this song is just killer.
Dan Blakeslee “Sleepwalkin'”– I was dead set on My Lightning Valentino being one of my favorites of Dan’s tunes for a long while, until we shot a video of this song in his living room. Then I heard it on his new record and couldn’t decide which version I liked better…the simpler one from the living room or the record version with all of its nuances that make it so special. Then I realized, its just a wonderfully amazing song, so, that really is all that matters!
Mark Whitaker “When the Weather Breaks”– Mark walks a thin line between folky pop goodness and Punch Brothers-esque chamber-grass. The arrangements in his songs are nothing short of genius, but he has catchy hooks and songs that have a superb mass appeal. This particular tune focuses on the instrumentation and really highlights all the members of the band. This one sticks with me…pretty much every day. Awesome stuff.
Ian Fitzgerald covers Will Houlihan’s “Vampyre”– Truth be told, its not fair for me to choose just one song from this project. It was like, “my baby”, more so than any of my own records I felt like I really put as much as I could into this project and the artists who were a part did the same. However, when Ian came in the early morning to the studio, sat down and started to play this song I was overcome by the atmosphere and the emotion of it all. This take on his good friend’s song is pure beauty and emotion.
Smith&Weeden “Drinking Through Some Issues”– These dudes are the best. Killer grooves, rock n’ roll vibes and excellent songwriting. If you really listen you get a lot of “oh man, yes! That line! Yes, please yes!”. S&W have very quickly become one of my favorite bands and always pick me up when I’m down…which most of the sad sounding music I listen to does the opposite. This whole record is amazing, but this tune in particular has so many great one-liners that I had to put it here.
Joe Fletcher covers Brown Bird’s “Mabel Gray”– Fletcher’s latest stripped down effort was one of my favorites of 2014, but it was the closing track that truly moved me. With friends in tow he takes on a tribute to his good friend David Lamb. Everything about this is incredible and wonderful and just plain awesome. It has a hollow, spooky, and such a raw vibe to it. Just…yeah, just listen to it.
Will Houlihan “Black Butte” – Haunting, moving, poignant. Will and his cohorts can do no wrong in my eyes. A simple arrangement is all that is needed in this song to make it truly captivating. Houlihan’s voice soars, it induces chills, truly gorgeous. “O come my prairie please come home/come back to where you once were from” a simple line, but so effective. God…so good.
Hayley Sabella “February” – There are textures and moods in this song I didn’t know were possible to put into a song. The way that Sabella builds into her song starts are always interesting and engaging. I didn’t realize it until listening back, but she has a hint of Jeff Buckley-ness to this track. Perhaps its her ability to inflict illusions into the minds of her listeners. And her voice…just incredible, focused, controlled, and beautiful.
Ryan Adams “Trouble”– Ok, OK the next song may not be a local, independent release, but it hit me hard and had a huge impact on me as a songwriter and listener. This tune from one of my biggest personal songwriting influences just rocks. The whole self titled record from Ryan Adams is filled with great songs, huge riffs, and a great variety of new tunes from Ryan. Seriously, check it out.
Kerri Powers “Tallulah Send a Car For Me” – The first time I heard Powers’ voice it was like a mack truck hit me square in the face. It just blew me away and bowled me over. There is just this comfort and confidence to her vocal while having such a growl and a deep and powerful timbre. “Tallulah” has a movement and a feel to it that is warm and wonderful. The picking of the guitar is bluesy tastiness and Kerri’s voice is smokey, seductive, and simply soulful.
Ron Gallo “Fine Diners & Finer Whiners”– Ok, you had me at the title of the song Mr. Gallo. But Ron’s voice is so unique and timeless. He has this cry to his voice in this song as he exclaims “gotta get out of heeeeeere”. The dude is just so endearing and really just fun to listen to. He is another songwriter who has an ability to say something really serious without making it seem that way. Gallo is a beast of a talent.
Eric Lichter “Drunk and Naked” – For a guy who owns and operates a studio with more toys to use for records than one would know what to do with, Eric has a way of recording through any conduit that makes the song really shine through. Point proven with this song, recorded in his iPhone. His harmony vocals are unparalleled and the emotion he injects into his performances are pure magic. iPhone, reel to reel tape, top of the line pre-amps…when a song is good and honest, it doesn’t matter.
The Huntress (MorganEve Swain) “Call to Arms”-I have always been a huge fan of Brown Bird. Dave and MorganEve’s writing, harmonizing and style of playing was always extremely influential to me. To see and hear what Swain has released after the world lost the beauty of Dave Lamb’s heart and soul is truly moving and beautiful and makes me happy to see that she is continuing to create. Although I didn’t know Dave well, I like to think that is what he would want. And MorganEve is continuing to create and make meaningful and beautiful music.
