Neon – 49 Winchester

I promised more 49, so here it is! While “Hays, Kansas” was the first song I heard by them and loved it, “Neon” is the song that really sold me on them as a band. I mentioned in my previous post about these guys how I felt they were essentially a country/honky-tonk soul band; case in point, this song.

Lyrically, “Neon” is a great working-class anthem, with the first verse recounting the small-town life many of us are familiar with, and the route that many of my friends took after high school. I can’t understate my respect for them. This song reminds me a lot of some of the ones that I’m still in contact with, especially the ones who travel around the southeast weekly. Finding solace and an underlying camaraderie in the “neon” is, in some ways, a beautiful thing.

I’m a sucker for any song that name-drops Atlanta, especially when I don’t expect it. Something about the first half of the second verse seems to hit my ears in a way that just makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I also appreciate the pronunciation of Atlanta, as the way most Georgians actually say it, “Atlana”.

“I’m a long way from temple hill
About halfway down to Georgia
I gotta be in Atlanta by five
And the same ghost I left at home
Followed me down here to Dixie”

Overall, “Neon” is a soul-filled tune that, even if not relatable to all, is enjoyable for everyone, and is probably my favorite song by 49 Winchester so far. I love the tone of the telecaster in this song, paired with some great keys that drive the song along. And as always, Isaac Gibson delivers a vocal performance that blows me away. Getting to see this song live is a definite highlight of my concert going career.

Link to the song – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmtwY83TeKU

Link to a live performance –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxVPd_F9RWc