Best of 2004, #21: Another Summer by Roman Candle

Okay, okay, I know that this song was originally released on their Says Pop album a couple of years ago, but I'm not reviewing that song. This version of the song is from their very hard to find, home-grown A Brief Introduction EP that came from the AMAZING "Exiled On Main Street" recording sessions at Tyler's Speak Easy on Main Street in Carrboro. Quite possibly the most different and memorable "concert" I've ever been to, this recording session with Thad Cockrell and the amazing Chris Stamey only allowed about twenty-five fans in to listen each night. We had to be silent, which was the hardest thing to do at a concert ever... especially this one... it was so good.

Let me just say it -- I've never heard Roman Candle sound this good again, ever. They were on that night. Really on. Stamey had coached them or something, and they were taking this as serious as death. Even Nick Jaeger didn't miss his guitar solos (well, except once, which for him is practically perfect.)

This EP, which was only available at a few shows and at Merlefest 2004 (for the bargain basement price of $6!!!), is chock-full of great songs by the fabulously talented Skip Matheny! We'll definitely see these cats again in my top 30 list.

Another Summer is a great Sticky Fingers-era Rolling Stones-esque country rocker. It's a funny round-a-bout story with a hidden (or not-so-hidden) murder ballad inside. Great song!