Tim Barry/Cory Branan/Bryan McPherson

Gamers in their early twenties may recognize Tim Barry as the singer of “Simple Song,” which was part of the soundtrack to Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4. Then again, the acoustic music he performs now as a solo artist sounds way different than what he performed in his punk rock days. Barry’s only been performing folk music — deemed folk punk — since 2004, but on albums like year’s 40 Miler, he sounds like he’s played that style of music all his life. On songs like the album’s title track, Barry’s voice has a gritty intensity to it that’s uncommon in the folk tradition. The distinction makes for an interesting sound, but one that makes the artist’s music rough enough that it’d be a great addition on a summer road trip playlist. (Jacob DeSmit)