Music Review

Song Picks of the Week – Sept. 22, 2020

Song Picks of e Week feat. Pixiesand the Partygrass Boys, Lithium 7 and Matthew & the Hope

This week features Come November by Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, If Only You Knew by Lithium 7 and Leavin’ Soul by Matthew & The Hope.

Each week, Salt Lake Bard posts our favorite song discoveries — both new and old — from local artists around the Intermountain West. Check out our three picks below, find past selections in our archive of past Song Picks of the Week (SPW), and stream all of our picks on the Bard Spotify playlist or watch them on the Bard Youtube playlist.


1) “Come November” | Pixie and the Partygrass Boys | Bluegrass

I moved to Idaho years ago, which is how I ended up in the Intermountain West. I was living in a small ski town on the Idaho/Wyoming border and I remember acclimating to a live music scene that consisted primarily of Bluegrass and Folk. It was surprisingly easy for a reformed L.A. rocker. Bluegrass naturally resonates with people who love the mountain life. “Come November” perfectly tells the story of chasing snow in the winter and water in the summer. I think Pixie and the Partygrass Boys are at their best when they go old school…like they do on “Come November.” Classic harmonies, great bluegrass riffing, and a story about the lure of the mountain life. Stream the band on Spotify, watch them on Youtube, visit their website at pixieandthepartygrassboys.com or buy their music on the bandcamp page. – Scott Cullins

2) “If Only You Knew” | Lithium 7 | Rock / Metal

My editor tells me I need to give a shout out to Lyndi W for turning us on to this band. Lithium 7 is an incredibly talented hard rockin’ metal band that has a classic sound similar to bands like Miss May I and Memphis May Fire. “If Only You Knew” has a classic ballad sound that we love bere at the Bard. Check out all of Lithium 7’s videos on Youtube, stream them on Spotify, and learn more about the band on their website lithium7.net and facebook page. – Norman Boland

3) “Leavin’ Soul” | Matthew & The Hope | Americana / Alternative Country / Bluegrass

The hook on “Leavin’ Soul” is subtle, but when it kicked in on my first listen, I felt like I was floating off on a warm breeze. The piece has an endearing homespun production feel that I suspect that is by design and I love it. I love the idea that we can all interpret songs differently. For me, “Leavin’ Soul” conjures up memories of coming home to the small town you grew up in…borrow ditches and all. Matthew & The Hope are another great find for me this week. Stream the band on Spotify, watch them on Youtube, and learn more about the band and upcoming events on the facebook page. – Scott Cullins

That’s it for this weeks song picks. Check back next week for more great local music picks.


If you are an artists and would like to be featured on a future Salt Lake Bard Song Picks of the Week, please check out our submission requirements. And if you hear of anything you think we should be listening too, send it our way.

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