Tired Pony initially started off as a solo project for Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody but swiftly morphed into a sort-of supergroup (members include former REM guitarist Peter Buck, and star producer Garret 'Jacknife' Lee). Their second album sees a more unified approach to Lightbody's Americana-style songwriting. It largely works, despite the very Snow Patrol-like The Beginning of the End; if anyone has a way with teary-eyed songwriting it's Lightbody, and his more emotive turns of phrase find better grip within the Americana/country genre – especially with Buck's premier musicianship to assist him. In truth, some of the songs (notably Your Way Is the Way Home, I Don't Want You as a Ghost and Carve Our Names) are simple and beautiful, traditional in format, perhaps, but graciously gifted and blessed all the same. tiredpony.com
Download: Your Way Is the Way Home, Carve Our Names