“Pretty Things 2” by Muddy Marshall

Do you love the classic sound of rock music? I sure do! Sometimes it’s the simple things that make a great song: there’s no fancy tricks here, just the tried-and-true format of a swampy electric guitar, precisely pocketed drum fills, and lyrics all about life and love. After all, that’s the message of “Pretty Things 2.”

This song could almost fit on a Southern rock vinyl circa the 70s, if not for the subtle synth coming forward in the bridge and the slick, modern production. This appears to be a remastered version of the 2021 YouTube release “Pretty Things,” staying remarkably faithful to the original while also upgrading pretty much everything with a little more polish and grit.

There’s no posing, no trying to be something he’s not.

An opening drum fill leads to a swampy guitar riff that wouldn’t feel out of place on a country single, but it quickly becomes clear that Marshall’s sensibilities are all rock. Drums during the first verse are punchy and well-timed, highlighting rhythm. The chorus rests on a bed of guitar chords, which turn to single hits during the second verse. Then, of course, there’s the guitar solo in the bridge, starting off screechy and electric before transitioning into an impressively fast break, which takes me right back to my youth listening to rock radio in the car. “Chasing down a dream, holding on too tight,” he sings in the stripped-down final verse, distortion and EQ up front like it’s coming through an old radio or telephone call. The drums, guitar, and bass build up in the background until a final “All I ever wanted was you!” Then the riff strikes again, rising up and rolling into a smooth outro. This is a song about overcoming darker tendencies to enjoy the simple and beautiful things in life, which admittedly isn’t a revolutionary topic, but it doesn’t need to be. Marshall’s vocal deliveries cut right to the heart of the song. There’s no posing, no trying to be something he’s not. This is pure distilled Southern rock for those who love it.