Songs You Need To Hear: David Vandervelde, “Learn How To Hang”

Videos by American Songwriter

You could say a lot of things about David Vandervelde, but one thing is for sure: Dude likes fuzz guitar. And he knows how to use it.

Back in October of 2009, Vandervelde stopped by the American Songwriter barracks for a session, in association with Next Big Nashville. Vandervelde and his associate (or “nemesis” as he called him) Mr. Jimmy divvied up acoustic versions of “Learn How To Hang” and “Wave Country.” Listen to those nuggets here.

But, as Vandervelde alluded at the time, there were actual recordings of his new summertime jams too, just waiting in the wings. Now comes a 300-pressing, limited-edition 12″ EP, entitled, what else, Summer Time Hits.

On “Learn How To Hang,” Vandervelde tosses off sassy rhymes like “You were talking shit/Didn’t know how to tighten your lip,” building to the killer hook, “Learn how to hang.”

“Wave Country” finds the Vanderveldes at the water park, Nashville Shores, with Bobby Bare, Jr. and his kids (“Bobby and Lauren are swimming in the pool/Davy’s on the tall slide looking so cool”). It’s the first time a barrage of cheesy, fuzz-metal guitars has ever sounded this good.

The vinyl EP is scheduled for release on August 3, but the songs are available as free downloads here and here. Pool party, anyone?

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