While straightforward songwriting certainly has its place in every last genre of music, it's the sneaky, or clever, or “is this a joke or not?” kind of tunes that can really leave a lasting mark on discerning listeners. John Fullbright’s new single, “Social Skills,” is a striking example of the GRAMMY-nominated musician’s deviously masterful songcraft; combining deeply funny lyrics with a distressed delivery that leaves listeners confused about whether or not they’re supposed to laugh.

The latest standalone single from sisters Leah Song and Chloe Smith—better known as world-folk troubadours Rising Appalachia—is all about gratitude. The song, “Thank You Very Much,” is an uplifting slow-burn, adding layers of the band’s world music leaning instrumentation one at a time until the final, swirling refrain. It’s simple. And lovely. And certainly meaningful to its intended recipients.

Reba McEntire announced today Reba: The Ultimate Christmas Collection, set to release Friday, October 14. The collection is made up of favorites from her previous Christmas releases along with the stirring track “I Needed Christmas,” featured in the Lifetime movie "Reba McEntire’s Christmas In Tune." The collection is available for pre-order now HERE.

Today Dark Horse Records releases Joe Strummer 002: The Mescaleros Years, the first-ever comprehensive collection highlighting Strummer’s work with his post-Clash band, The Mescaleros.

Leftover Salmon banjo player Andy Thorn never expected to go viral. But in 2021, he was in his backyard, playing an improvised banjo tune to a wild fox, when his wife caught the whole thing on video. The video made headlines around the world. Soon, Andy was interviewed on the Kelly Clarkson Show, The Dodo, and A & E’s Neighborhood Wars. Even Political Gabfest discussed the video. A New York Times writer, Ferris Jabr, called it “a moment plucked from Aesop.”

Funk masters Lettuce deliver a new performance video of “Shine” from the studio where they recorded their latest masterpiece UNIFY. Within the first few seconds of the track, fans are met with what could be described as sunshine, hence the name of the song.