"Running Home" by Venice

Named after the California town where they formed, Venice is a band of brothers and cousins that have been quietly cranking out amazing songs since their first (self-titled) record arrived in 1990. Despite crafting beautiful acoustic heartfelt ballads and mood-lifting pop, they have yet to see any chart success.

One of the additional draws of the group are the astonishingly well-crafted harmonies, sung like only brothers can.

Reaching for one of those ballads, I am going to highlight "Running Home," a gorgeous song about the refuge that home provides when times get tough. It comes from their 1997 record, "Born And Raised."

"Good Day" by Buffalo Nickel

It's too difficult to find information about the Atlanta-based band called Buffalo Nickel, who released their album called "Longplay 33 1/3" in 2000. It shouldn't be so hard because in a just musical world this roots rock band would have blown up big time. Not only did they have a collection of outstanding, heartfelt songs, they also had some big time contributors including drummer Kenny Aronoff, Gary Louris (Jayhawks), Benmont Tench and Mike Campbell (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), and the Lennon brothers from Venice.

One of the best records of the decade in my opinion, "Longplay 33 1/3" is a terrific listen from start to finish. "Good Day" is just one of many highlights.