Songs of the Week: Mise en Scene, Clayton Ryan, & Megan and Shane

Welcome to Songs of the Week, a running series with new selections.

Mise en Scene – “Burn Out”

Mise en Scene‘s “Burn Out” rattles the bones. “I’m giving in to frustration, and I fear I’ve lost motivation,” sings the indie-rock duo. The song, a jangly jam-band tune, explores the feeling of burning out on life, work, and relationships. “Save me from burning out,” they plead, over scratchy guitars and haunted backing vocals. The refrain goes on a loop in its final moments, enough so that it lingers on the brain long after the static has cleared and the music drops out. It’s a salve, really, especially as we all feel burnt out sooner or later. It’s just the way of life sometimes.

Megan and Shane – “Things Don’t Have to Change”

Heartache can do a number on you. It often leaves open wounds and scars, those markers that serve as constant reminders of what once was. With “Things Don’t Have to Change,” duo Megan and Shane work through Megan’s heartache, sifting through ash to find what’s left of her broken heart. “I don’t want to hold to the heartache or the pain / Yes, some things are different, but some things don’t have to change,” sings Megan. Enlisting Lillie Mae and Brit Taylor, the song flutters away into the stratosphere. It’s the sort of star-studded collaboration we’re not likely to forget anytime soon.

Clayton Ryan – “No Return to Sender”

Part of a double single release, “No Return to Sender” is a prime showcase for Clayton Ryan and his sandpaper-covered vocals. “I feel just as alone but only when I’m at home,” he sings. “The only thing colder is a love that’s been long dead…” Playing his heartstrings, Ryan muses on a former relationship, one that left an indelible mark on his very soul. Captured in one take, “No Return to Sender” is an impressive, evocative, and moving performance. Simply put, Ryan is the kind of singer-songwriter Americana and roots music needs right now. He’s that good.

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