"PRETTY GIRL FROM RALEIGH" THE AVETT BROTHERS (2003)

For the next 30 days, I’ll be taking the #AprilAcrossAmerica challenge, picking one song a day as I make my way across the country and across genres at the same time.

Day 13: Raleigh, NC

Seems so rock ‘n roll to write a song about a girl. “Layla”, “Roseanne”, “Amanda”, “Roxanne”, “Michelle”, “Maggie May”, “Sweet Jane”, the list goes on and on and on. Most of these songs obviously focus on the girl and the persona. Which is what makes The Avett Brothers ongoing “Pretty Girl…” series so unique. These are nameless girls. The songs are largely focused on the stories and the place that the girls come from. As I head south on the journey, it seemed as good a time as ever to pay a visit with The Avett Brothers.

“Pretty Girl From Raleigh”. Who is she anyway? Just a local girl? College student? Budding tech guru? Does it even matter? The song isn’t about her. It’s about the memories that were forged between her and the lucky, selfish man. One thing’s certain. The Avett Brothers love pretty girls. And they’ve been able to pass along these anecdotes rather well with their crossover appeal – from bluegrass to folk to indie rock audiences.

“Who sold you this anger? I suspect it was your friends. Or was it a stranger Convincing you that this was the end.”

"THUNDERBOLT'S GOODNIGHT" JOSH RITTER (2017)

Music has the ability to change our mood and mindset. At least the good, powerful stuff can. “Thunderbolt’s Goodnight” is that kind of song. The pandemic hasn’t been exactly a restful time. But this song reminds me to reflect on what’s most important and slow down enough to catch the beautiful moments in life. Its contemplative nature makes it a tune best played at night. “Thunderbolt’s Goodnight” is the calm after the storm.

“Take this feeling, take my dark and reeling mind from these poor words. Find a meaning far deeper than these clumsy lines.”

"SNOWED IN WITH YOU" OVER THE RHINE (2006)

In a frenzied, often frantic holiday season, “Snowed In With You” is a slow-brewing musical masterpiece. Warm. Inviting. And hopelessly romantic. It’s more of a winter seasonal song than a Christmas tune. The musical components that I like best: The violin. The upright bass. And Karin Bergquist’s vocal delivery. The song—and the entire Snow Angels album—put an infectious Americana spin on the time of year.

“When you come home and all the world's asleep, I'll close my eyes and breathe with sweet relief.”

"THE LAUGH OF RECOGNITION" OVER THE RHINE (2011)

I’ve had a special affinity for Over the Rhine” for several years now. A humble, talented couple that’s content playing concerts inside their barn in Ohio. Around the time of The Long Surrender, they started delving into a more bluesy sound. It made their songs richer and wiser. To me “The Laugh of Recognition” is about grinning and bearing it, because we simply must go on. This pandemic we’re living in is a powerful reminder of exactly that.

“It's called the laugh of recognition. When you laugh but you feel like dyin'.”