Todd Snider, mostly because of his self-destructive tendencies, is perhaps the best songwriter nobody's ever heard of. Considering his monumental struggles with substance abuse (rehabilitation clinics practically leave the light on for him Motel 6 style) it's rather astounding that he's managed to produce 5 albums over the course of the past 10 years.

His on-stage meltdowns are legendary in and around Nashville, but this just doesn't change the fact that he's a genius and one of the most fascinating wordsmiths working in any genre. Take for example the tune "The Ballad of The Kinsmen" which is kind of a comprehensive look at the conservative paranoia that accompanies our constitutional freedom of speech as it applies to music. When the Kingsmen released "Louie Louie" way back in 1963 there was sort of a reefer-madness kind of hysteria that came about as the song became so popular and parents had no idea what the song was about or what sort of unwholesome message it might be sending to their children. In a voice that channels John Prine and then Kid Rock and then Eminem he traces this right-wing concern right up through Marilyn Manson.

If this song doesn't convince you that in Todd we should trust, nothing will. Somehow he manages to make it the smartest of social commentary while still being wickedly funny. Musically, Todd pretty much stays in the same groove he's worn himself over the course of his career. 60's influenced folky protest style, mixed with a dash of Jerry Lee and a splash of Lynyrd Skynrd/Allman Brothers Country rock - but what makes it tick is his preternatural ability to observe and so cogently comment on everyday American life.

You might call him a Patterson Hood for the cheerful. The language is frank and incredibly observant, but the mix of humor keeps it from beating you black and blue. He makes more reckless, and deliberately provocative statements than Hood or Oldham - Snider isn't content to just get his point across he wants to get a rise out of somebody. Which of course polarizes, but for those that fall on the amazed and delighted side will take all the Snide remarks he's willing or able to dish out. Take care brother.