David Jameson – Tall Dark Pines
Genre: Country, Americana, Southern Rock / Red Dirt
Similar artists: Colter Wall, Cody Jinks, Zach Bryan, Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins
David Jameson lends his voice to tales of murderous desires on the single Tall Dark Pines.
Folk music goes in and out of style, but never fully disappears for long. When caricatured, folk music appears as the refuge of wet-blanket singers lazily strumming acoustic guitars. At its worst, it is the refuge of the fearful and untalented.
At its best, it is the home to the greatest and most dangerous songwriters. The smartest kids in the class have used the medium to tell their tales. Arguably the most frightening songs ever written have belonged to this format. In the case of murder ballads, for example, it’s highly important for each word to be heard.
For David James, the acoustic guitar plays the role of enhancer to the dark, brooding tales he spins on Tall Dark Pines. This is a murder ballad that could be sung in a bar, after too many drinks. It’s a heartbreaking confession, and an ember of trouble to come. Daniel Jameson’s performance here is masterful.
Debbie vanBo & Caitlin – Evil Man
Genre: Americana, Southern Rock / Red Dirt, Alternative Rock
Similar artists: Dolly Parton, Sharon Van Etten
Debbie vanBo & Caitlin create a danceable revenge fantasy with their single, Evil Man.
Pop music has become so clean that it means nothing at all anymore. For most artists, the main purpose is not to offend. Creating something of genuine force and meaning is secondary at best. Do these songs mean anything to anyone? Will they survive in time?
Most of them won’t. There won’t be anything to remember them by. The songs, however, where the writers and performers take a chance have a much better chance. Like Johnny Cash, or Nick Cave singing murderous odes, history will absolve those whose intentions were honest.
Debbie vanBo & Caitlin are honestly angry. They feel no reason to disguise their intention on the single Evil Man. Behind the country meets disco backing, lies a revenge fantasy of colossal proportions. It’s a song about taking on abusers and vanquishing them. It’s a tune that puts wickedness on trial and gives it no mercy. These kinds of songs end up meaning a lot to people. That’s what they do not to disappear.
