Monday- Jayson’s DJ Pick: The Beths- ‘Straight Line Was a Lie’
Jayson’s pick this week comes off of Beth’s 2025 album, titled “Straight Line Was a Lie.” On this track, the New Zealand outfit features a driving bass line that propels the songs into booming choruses. The uptempo feel gives this track a feel good sound, but the lyrics juxtapose the soundscape. The lead singer, Elizabeth Stokes, sings about feeling stuck and failing to stay on the straight and narrow. The band writes, “I thought I was getting better, but I’m back to where I started, and the straight line was a circle, yeah, the straight line was a lie.” These compelling lyrics illustrate the difficulties and turbulent nature of trying to improve and the shame and frustration one feels when they fail. This song explores the thinking that we are not fit for change. Possibly, every attempt is a roundabout way for us to go back to our old ways. Between the crisp drums, jubilant guitars, deep cutting lyrics, and driving energy, ‘Straight Line Was a Lie’ is a track you won’t want to miss. Listen to the single below or on Lightning 100!
Tuesday- Dan’s DJ Pick: CMAT “When a Good Man Cries”
Lt. Dan’s DJ pick of this week is CMAT’s When a Good Man Dies. Released on CMAT’s 2025 album titled “Euro-Country,” this track features somber guitar strums, satisfying tambourines, driving piano comping, lush fiddle, and an emotional vocal delivery. The layers of instrumentation compliment the surreal lyrics, which explore themes of broken families, difficult relationships, and spirituality. This track hits a climax towards the back end, where Ciara Mary-Alice Thomspon hits emotional gospel-like harmonies, singing, “Kyrie Eleison,” which means “Lord have mercy.” This is an homage to ‘The Donor,’ by Judee Sill. This album is the third in CMAT’s discography. Interestingly, this album’s release comes three months after her sophomore album. Although this album was constructed quickly, CMAT notes that it was incredibly difficult due to the subject matter. However, When a Good Man Cries served as an opportunity to go full country and observe herself making an ex-partner cry to change the power dynamic in their relationship.
Wednesday- Stephanie’s DJ Pick: Buckingham Nicks “Don’t Let Me Down Again”
Stephanie’s pick this week is from the recently uncovered 1973 album from two Fleetwood Mac members before the success of Rumours. Buckingham Nicks is the early effort of Fleetwood Mac guitarist, Lindsey Buckingham, and lead singer, Stevie Nicks. The self-titled album’s release in 1973 on Polydor Records, it was a flop. The couple had spent years in LA working odd jobs to fund the recording with Keith Olsen. Nicks even cleaned his house every week to make ends meet. Despite the work and expertise of the team that put together Buckingham Nicks, it did not latch onto the airwaves. Subsequently, the pair was dropped from Polydor.
As Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks continued scraping by and making music, Fleetwood Mac drummer, Mick Fleetwood, met with Olsen to discuss using his studio for a new album. After Olsen played a track off of Buckingham Nicks as an example to Fleetwood, the drummer- impressed by Lindsey Buckingham’s guitar work- was quickly calling the Buckingham and Nicks residence asking them to join the band.
“Don’t Let Me Down Again” is Buckingham at his best. This track features a catchy guitar riff and an anthemic chorus to sing along to. Stevie Nicks’ harmonies soar atop the track. Here, she demonstrates the first signs of the signature sound that Fleetwood Mac will be known for in coming times. After years of tumult, Rock n Roll’s most infamous couple announced the reissue of their “flop” album earlier this summer. On September 19th, Buckingham Nicks finally became available to the whole world. Tracks like “Don’t Let Me Down Again” leading the album to the top of the charts 52 years after its initial release. Listen to the single below and on Lightning 100!
Thursday – Casey’s DJ Pick: Boy Orbison ‘DayQuil’
Casey’s DJ pick for this week is Boy Orbison’s newest single, titled ‘DayQuil.’ This track features emotional vocals, massive drums, wailing guitars, and unorthodox production. Interestingly, this track begins with a mariachi sample, lulling the listener into a false sonic category. Quickly, rocking drums and driving bass take over the stereo-field, effectively subverting the listener’s expectations. This single follows Orbison’s 2024 EP titled “Sad Rock For Lovers,” and lives in a similar sonic space. Orbison is searching for a retro, emotional feel through his music. On DayQuil he achieves this with a modern spin. The production reinvents this sound with unique ear candy sprinkled throughout the track’s three minute run time. Boy Orbison released his first single back in 2020. While he may be new to the Nashville scene, it’s clear through this track that he is here to stay. To listen to this song click the link below or tune into Lightning 100.
Friday – The Rev’s Pick: Charlie Crockett ‘Bad Company’
The Rev’s DJ pick for this week comes from Charley Crockett. This track, titled ‘Bad Company,’ appears on the album “Can’t Get Enough: A Tribute To Bad Company.” This album aims to create the legendary band’s first ever cover album. Here, the outfit is honoring their legacy ahead of their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This album includes a star studded cast list, and reimaginations of ten of the band’s notorious hits. Bands like Def Leppard, The Struts, and Black Stone Cherry are set to appear on this release. ‘Bad Company’ features Charley Crockett’s vocals, following his smash hit record titled ‘Dollar A Day.’ Throughout the track, the lyrics detail the life of an outlaw. References to duels, double-crossings, and the wayward life of a criminal are sprinkled through the tracks 3 minute and 40 second run time. This track is a reimagination of an old classic, with one of the biggest vocalists of the year on board. If you are a rock fan, by any stretch of the imagination, this track is one you will not want to miss.
Tune in to 100.1 FM or lightning100.com all day to hear our DJ’s picks of the week and more! Also, share your thoughts on the tracks by tagging #L100DJPicks on Twitter!
