Illiterate Light – Rock Is The New Roll

There have been a lot of really great songs released in 2019. This year, we will be revealing our top 100 songs five tunes at a time all the way to number one. Here are our picks for 75-71.

75. Ezra Collective (feat. Jorja Smith) – Reason in Disguise

There is more than a little bit of Talking Book era Stevie Wonder vibing going on with this highly groove-able jam that features Jorja Smith providing the vocals fronting the Progressive Jazz ensemble Ezra Collective.

74. Illiterate Light – Carolina Lorelei

The band Illiterate Light is one of our under the radar bands of the year. Blending the ethos from Neil Young, My Morning Jacket, and Fleet Foxes, these guys produce soaring, psychedelic Indie Rock of the highest order. “Carolina Lorelei” is a love song wrapped in a sweater of Rock and Roll.

73. Josh Ritter – Old Black Magic

A touch of Petty, a bit of Dylan, there is a lot of coolness going here that is made even hipper with Jason Isbell’s crackin’ band The 400 Unit backing Josh Ritter on this one. The album, Fever Breaks, is one of the best of the year.

72. Karen O & Danger Mouse – Turn The Light

With a bass line that would make Bootsy Collins blush, this mid-tempo Funk soong is hipper than an episode of Hugh Hefner’s Playboy After Dark. The entire album, Lux Prima, is well worth a serious listen.

71. Mandolin Orange – The Wolves

The band Mandolin Orange is slowly creeping into our list of favorite bands. This North Carolina band has a lot to say and on “The Wolves” they tackle the handling of grief and coming through that tunnel to brighter days. Andrew Marlin has a real Jason Isbell tenor to his voice and can stand quill for quill with him on the songwriting front, and Multi-Instrumentalist Emily Frantz brings to mind Allison Krause and Amanda Shires.

I am really starting to like the release patterns of bands these days. Every time you turn around one of your favorite bands is putting out a great new single for you to enjoy. Here are five new(ish) songs we are jamming to this week.

Caamp – Peach Fuzz

There is a definite folk appeal to this trio from Athens Ohio. “Peach Fuzz” is from their latest album By and By. There is a bit of a Ray Lamontagne by way of Bryan Adams on this. The summery surf guitar sheen is an addictive high.

Joseph – Fighter

From Good Luck, Kid with their debut single “fighter” all of the familial harmonies are on full display. Think ABBA meets First Aid Kit.

White Reaper – Might Be Right

In 2017 White Reaper announced that they were in it to win it with their modestly titled L.P. The Worlds Best American Band. Now, with their latest single “Might Be Right,” these boys from Louisville, Ky show some real glam and grit in advance of a new record coming out later in the year.

Brittany Howard – Stay High

With the lead-off single from her first post Alabama Shakes record, Brittany Howard lays down a record that might end up on many song lists for song of the year.

Illiterate Light – Better Than I Used To

The first single from their new self titled LP, these organic farmers turned rock stars blend soaring Indie Rock with Psychedelia and atmospheric Folk to create a sound all their own.

Tag: Illiterate Light

The Top Songs of 2019 (75-71)

Five Cool Ones: Five New Songs We Are Listening To This Week (October 11, 2019)