So the end of the year is coming soon, and due to the influence of VH1 on mine and every other American's life, I feel the need to encapsulate it in one fell swoop in the ever popular form of a Best of 2007 List. But the difference with this list is that you may have never heard of anyone on it. But that's the point. Take my word for it, pass it on, and check out these amazing singers, songwriters, and bands that Byrne and I have been privileged to meet over the course of our musical travels. So without any further ado, here is the first annual Megan Jean and the Clay Family Band's Best of Truly Independent Songs of the Year List. (In no particular order). This isn't MTV after all...)
1. "Pub's Crawl" by Daniel Wayne.
We took this kid, this guy, this amazing songwriter on tour with us. We fought like family and played like kids, and I'll remember it for the rest of my life. Pub's Crawl is the kind of song that sweeps you up in it. It makes you feel small, and bigger than the world, all at the same time. It's heartbreaking and hopeful, just like the purest prayer you've ever heard. "People are vicious, people are cruel, people don't think a thing like you do, people are lonely, people are puddles, under the rain they cause...people are people. I'm people too." Take it to heart and you'll be a changed person. Please check it out, with the rest of Danny's amazing work at
www.myspace.com/danielwaynesongs.
2. "Coals and Water" by Angel Snow
We met her at a competition that we both lost. When she started playing this song, I nearly lost my composure. There's a line in it that takes you completely off-guard the first time you hear it. "Tell me how you gonna walk on coals and water too?" I've never heard the human condition so succinctly and poetically rendered as in this song. She's located in Nashville, and I expect to hear great things of her in the future. Please do yourself a favor and check her out at
www.myspace.com/angelsnowmusic
3. "Kiss" by Adam Masterson
I first saw Adam at a house party in Manhattan, unamplified and accompanied by his own guitar, a single snare with brushes, and enough charm to power the space program should they choose to convert to green energy. As a performer, I've never seen better. He has so many amazing songs (Avenue Walk is gorgeous...), that it was hard to pick a favorite. We played a handful of shows together, and I always looked forward to hearing his set. His melodies are achingly beautiful on "Kiss," and the lyrics convey a sense of sincerity lacking in most every love song you'll ever hear on the radio. This lad's back in London but makes it Stateside every once in a while. Please check him out at
www.myspace.com/adammastersonmusic
4. "Down at the Robert E. Lee Motel" by Clint Miller
So here's the deal with this one. I've never actually met him. I was turned onto his "Ballad of a Modern Day Cowboy: A Tragedy in Three Acts" by some friends we met in UpChuck (that's North Charleston, SC for y'all that don't know). They said this kid was amazing. They said this album was one of the best they'd ever heard. They said he was my age, and when I heard it, I wondered what kind of demon he'd sold his soul to get that voice. When they showed it to me, I couldn't help but agree. "The Robert E. Lee Motel," serves as the opening for his Rockabilly Opera (though I hate to attach labels...and that one hardly does it justice...) "It was like suicide in room 35 down at the Robert E. Lee Motel." Please listen to the whole thing. Buy it and pay attention. It is available at
www.cdbaby.com/millerclint and check him out at
www.myspace.com/cowboyclintmiller
5. "Sinners and Sailors" by Casey Schuck
We love Casey Schuck. He looks like Apollo, and I think he sings like him too. He writes music for those of us that have perhaps taken a beating or two by this great game of life, and manages to see you through to the sun. "Sinners and Sailors," has unfortunately been taken off the site, but ask him please and he'll give it back. It's a beautifully angry, heartfelt, and tragic tale of life and love any everything in between, with a voice that's strong and true. Send your love to Casey, and take a listen to the rest of his work at
www.myspace.com/caseyschuck
6. "Babylon is Fallen" by Pariah Beat.
This is, without a doubt, our favorite band out there. They put on the most energetic fucking firecracker of a live show that I've ever had the privilege of seeing first hand. They make you shake and rattle and fall right down like the walls of Jericho. You feel every note in the gut. They are a fearless band. Their music is intelligent, defiant, angry, and jubilant. We've had the absolute privilege of playing several shows with them, and I will continue to support this band until you're as familiar with them as I am. If you're out in the country (They're in Boston...), write them and tell them you'd like them to come out and play your town. They tour regularly, and you won't be disappointed. Just forget them shoes and dance like the world is ending. Please check them out at
www.myspace.com/pariahbeat and take a look at the upcoming tour dates. They could be near you soon!
So kids, that's it for next year. Read it, take a listen, buy some shit, support some truly independent music, and go and see 'em next time they come your way.
Megan Jean and Byrne