New music that doesn't suck. Industry veteran Hersrud says these singer-songwriters' lyrics are worthy of a listen
If you follow the music industry (which I do) you know there’s the good, the bad and the ever-so-strange.
For example Mars Tapes in Manchester (https://www.marstapes.co.uk/) is the last UK music shop that only sells cassette tapes.
Record companies began producing cassettes a number of years ago when it was difficult to get vinyl pressings. Mars Tapes even makes its own cassette players. And while vinyl record sales continue to grow, so is the demand for old music equipment.
Who knows, maybe someday I may regret throwing out my old 8-tracks. If you are interested in what happened to the 8-track, here’s a video with the story.
Turning to our latest edition of NMTDS, I came to the realization that my first seven selections for this issue were all by singer-songwriters. But not just ANY singer-songwriters. I listen to about 200 to 300 new songs a week. Research shows that people will usually make up their minds if they like a song in as little as five seconds.
I probably go a bit longer as I listen to the melody (if there is one). I listen initially without knowing the artist, the writers or having read any public relations material. Later on I listen to the lyrics if I like the song. However with these seven, their lyrics are usually so profound that they grab your attention immediately.
James McMurtry: “Pinocchio In Vegas” and “The Black Dog and The Wandering Boy”
McMurtry is the son of Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Larry McMurtry, so his way with words comes naturally. “Black Dog and The Wandering Boy” is his 13th album and is already on my list of the “Best Albums of 2025.”
Once again, McMurtry calls like he sees it!
Chuck Prophet: “It’s A Good Day To Be Alive”
“Wake The Dead” is Prophet’s 17th album and one of this best. It was released in late 2024 but didn’t hit my desk until January. Probably best known for his song “Jesus Was A Social Drinker” and the album “Bobby Fuller Died For Your Sins,” Prophet has dabbled in surf music, punk, country, folk and turns here to cumbia the rhythmic Columbian dance music.
The album was recorded with the Mexican cumbia band ¿Qiensave?
Paul Thorn: “Tough Times Don’t Last”
Thorn plays a mix of Southern rock, blues and country, with some gospel thrown in and has released (my unofficial count) 16 or 17 albums. He has built a loyal following that enables him to self-release his albums. “Life Is Just A Vapor” is his latest.
Van Morrison: “Down To Joy” and “Back To Writing Love Songs”
“Remembering Now” is Van’s 47th studio album and I am happy to say I like it. His last few were … if you bought one add your own description.
This isn’t a perfect album as Van’s never are but as always the good outnumbers the sometimes average. And as a friend once remarked, “An average Van Morrison is better than most artist’s good songs.”
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts: “Big Change”
It seems that Neil Young has been making music since the dawn of time. I wouldn’t be surprised if they found his name inscribed on a prehistoric cave wall.
But you gotta love the guy. He marches to his own drummer and expresses his sentiments and beliefs regardless of public opinion. “Talkin To The Trees” is his first album with his new touring band The Chrome Hearts.
Rodney Crowell: “Taking Flight”
I am not a charter member of the Rodney Crowell fan club, but close enough to argue the point. “Airline Highway” comes out in late August and the songs I’ve heard so far indicate this may be one of his best albums yet. His songs have been recorded by the likes of Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, Bob Seger and Johnny Cash. Another artist who transcends genre pigeonholes.
Bruce Springsteen: “Rain In The River”
“Tracks II: The Lost Albums” is a suite of seven albums recorded between 1983 and 2018 and never released. Contemplating an artist recording seven albums and not releasing even one boggles the mind! Then again, it’s Bruce Springsteen.
And now for three more songs you should hear:
Fishbone: “Last Call In America”
The ska-punk-funk pioneers join forces on “Stockholm Syndrome” with George Clinton, the godfather of funk, for another twist in their decades-long music activism.
Connie Francis: “Pretty Little Baby”
So David, why are you including a song from an album “Connie Francis Sings Second Hand Love & Other Hits” released in 1962? Well, this is what happens when a song is featured in videos shown on various social media websites 63 years later and a single is released and becomes a worldwide hit.
Here is the Spanish version.
The Third Mind: “Darkness Darkness” and The Youngbloods: “Darkness Darkness”
The Third Mind is described as an experimental, improvisational musical collective or a psychedelic supergroup. They can take a three-minute 1963 hit by the Jaynetts (“Sally Go Round The Roses”) and turn it into a six-plus minute opus. Their version of Darkness Darkness from their upcoming album “Right Now!” is a tribute to Jesse Colin Young, who died this year. I am including The Third Mind’s version and the original as recorded by The Youngbloods in 1969.
Till next time, good listening.
David Hersrud is a third-generation South Dakota native. After college and graduate school, he spent more than six years in the music industry working with bands and artists like George Harrison, Eagles, The Beach Boys, Queen, Led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra and Fleetwood Mac. He stayed active after returning to South Dakota and the family business as a writer, consultant and then the host of CDTV for 12 years. David and his wife Kathy live in Sturgis.
Photo: courtesy David Hersrud
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