This edition of LITM Singer-Songwriter Picks brings to you rich country tracks, deeply emotional acoustic tracks, and more. The list features artists Rich Allen, Marty Van Wells, and Serf.
Rich Allen - Shadows and Stones
Capturing the spirit of Americana and country music, ‘Shadows and Stones’ by Rich Allen will make you smile and glad that you call this life yours. The instrumentation has been delicately crafted, through the lovely banjo, guitars, soft drum patterns, and offers a calming energy. The lyrics are brimming with vivid imagery and put a full movie in your head as you listen to the track. There is a Springsteen and Dylan energy in the song, both in terms of the lyrics as well as the musicality of the track. Put on this song and drive along those vast, open roads; you will not regret it one bit.
Marty Van Wells - Fell
Raw, real and unconventional, ‘Fell’ by Marty Van Wells feels like a moment of awakening through deep introspection on a cold winter’s night. The song occupies a different position with regards to the world of folk music. The instrumentation is simple, with moody guitars and a steady, subtle percussion that gives the song its rhythm. There is an unpolished nature to the track’s instrumentation which allows the vocals to be at the forefront, and thereby the emotional quotient of the track. Wells’ vocals are the real star of the track, as they set the mood and maintain it throughout the length of the track. This is a song that is meant to be experienced in solitude, and you must sign up for that experience.
Serf - Through Your Mind
With riffs and rhythms like no other piece of rock music, ‘Through Your Mind’ by Serf is here to infiltrate your senses and take them under its grip, and you will let it willingly. The instrumentation is characterised by a superb balance of restraint and loosely flowing energy. Dynamic guitars that show key changes and shifts as the song progresses, and the drum pattern that is pure intoxication, will have you utterly obsessed. The song has a 90s rock energy with a dash of the 2000s sound. The vocals don’t try anything fancy, but together with the instrumentation bring to you a real, raw sound that will have you coming back for more.
Gerry Farrow and Rue Randall - It’s Your Tomorrow
An acoustic sweet guitar riff starting off the track, ‘It’s Your Tomorrow’ by Gerry Farrow and Rue Randall will make you want to push yourself for that life you dream of. The instrumentation is majorly driven by love guitar progressions that add such a shimmer to the track. A depth-laden electric guitar plays towards the end of the track supported by a gentle drum pattern. Gerry and Rue’s vocals are the kind that emerge from deep seated wisdom after having engaged with all that life has got in store in big amounts. A really gentle, beautiful song with the nicest messages, you simply need to listen to this at the start of your days.
Ashley Ray Simon - gone(with Minna)
Delicate, fragile and yet so very powerful, ‘gone(with Minna)’ by Ashley Ray Simon feels like staring at the ocean in the dead of the night, with one burning question, one burning plea in your heart. The instrumentation builds stunningly, and by the end of the song will feel like a movement from night to sunrise. Gentle, weathered acoustic guitars characterise the song primarily. Simon and Minna’s vocals, through their beautiful fragility and gentleness, offer two perspectives on this story of heartbreak. The song gains added layers towards the end of it, with lush basslines coming, a light percussion and lighter synths. You are simply missing out if you do not listen to this rare track.
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