Faye Webster - 'But Not Kiss'

Faye Webster could be this generation's Tori Amos.  Just as Tori was, in many ways, the 1990's Carole King, Faye uses her feminine experience to uniquely blend rock, country--and sometimes rap--to author some very authentic and vulnerable tunes.  

'But Not Kiss' depicts the classic battle between love and lust; the conflict between seeming too eager, versus trying to present oneself as being just out of reach to avoid the tremendous ache of rejection.  (Some old fashioned folks might simply call this "playing hard to get").

Beyond its lyrical implications, 'But Not Kiss' presents some tasty chord changes and ear worms as well. And for those who like piano singer-songwriters, this tune does not disappoint.

Watch the video for 'But Not Kiss' by Faye Webster in the player below:

Jessie Baylin - 'A Song For While I'm Away'

A little bit Duffy coded, Jessie Baylin delivers a Mid-Century Modern strain with 'A Song For While I'm Away.'  Her voice is commanding and steady amidst an electro-organ, which serves as the obvious
hook that grasps me to this one.

You can stream the song via the YouTube link below:

Rayland Baxter - '79 Shiny Revolvers'

Like most of my music discoveries of late, I stumbled upon '79 Shiny Revolvers' six years after its release.

The tune is penned by Rayland Baxter, a more grounded version of Mac DeMarco.  But he happens to hail from Nashville, as opposed to the Great White North.  Rayland's dad is Bucky, a guitarist in his own right, who passed away in 2020.  

'79 Shiny Revolvers' presents itself as a Jeff Buckley-meets-John Prine exegesis;  it is a wistfully plaintive ditty about America's great firearm obsession. (Think 'Pumped Up Kicks' by Foster the People, but without the electronica and reverb).  

I am honestly surprised that Rayland hasn't had more press or hype than I am aware of.  He seems to have a lot of potential.

While there is no official music video for this track, Rayland Baxter performed it live for Paste Magazine a few years ago.  You can stream that performance below:

Video Age - 'Away From the Castle'

Video Age is a New Orleans duo that makes Elephant 6 sounding indie power pop.  Brian Wilson-inspired vocal hooks lay themselves upon jangled guitar strumming.  Fans of Real Estate will enjoy this one.

Check out 'Away From the Castle' below: