This one is straight for you TNG, and for other fans of Sandro Perri, Cass McCombs, and Bill Callahan type music. Album is called If this Country had a Heart, That's Where I was Born by Ohtis. Self-released in 2008 from two guys in Illinois. Back in '08, it was easily on my year end list. Upbeat music with witty lyrics. Sometimes Ohtis will just sound like a folk-country outfit that plays standard pop tracks until you listen to songs like "Bloodshed on Calvary and Snakes in the Cradle" which is still folk-country inspired, but is a sprawling - shape shifting 6 and a half minute track. Not to mention track #1 on the album. I recommend buying the whole album for your next road trip. Ease into it with these: If this Country had a heart, that's where I was born Lollalollalollalollalollapalooza Curse of the Generations Downtown Your Heart Then try these more adventurous tracks:
bgood79, based on the introduction to that first song, I think you should check this out. The guitar work at the outset reminded me of you. I dig it s_s, it's pretty happy sounding, sounds like good sunny-day music.