“Some people say that we need to depend on the government,” sneers country singer-songwriter Zach Paxson on this working class anthem that sounds like a cross between Bruce Springsteen, John Cougar Mellencamp and Johnny Paycheck. A mid-song guitar solo has real grit to it and Paxson’s husky voice suits the track perfectly. “You ask me why my back always hurts/because I work,” he sings, adding that we live in a world where everything is disposable. The song’s sentiments are right on target.

This article appears in Jan 14-20, 2015.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.