How about “You Don’t Know Me” by the Randy Rogers Band (written by Jon Richardson – the bass player).

That’s probably the best one in this category I’ve heard in quite awhile.

“dear mr. johnson, we are sorry to inform you, your request for second loan has been refused….”

the verses are taken from the letter the bank sent to mr. johnson and the chorus shows the consequences. even though, the song roots in the years of the farming crisis, the current housing-crisis is most likely producing similar letters and desperate situations.

tanya tucker’s vocals and delivery together with the fine instrumentation hit home strongly.

For anyone who says that she is a mere “remake” artist, here’s where Linda calls your bluff. Not only is this ultra-passionate, R&B-tinged country-rock ballad a prime example of Linda doing contemporary material (and seeing her spiritual protege Trisha Yearwood cover it in 2000), this ballad is one that she actually co-wrote with her longtime backing musician Andrew Gold. Linda puts everything she has into this gut-wrenching song, showing why she is one of the most influential female artists of any genre in the last forty years.

“I’m Gone” from Dolly’s “Halos & Horns” is a great kiss-off song, and it’s been in heavy rotation here this last week.

Just ’cause he’s wearing my old clothes! :-o