Most of us have had the experience of immediately “connecting” with a song at one time or another. It’s an inexplicable feeling, totally unexpected, a sudden knowing that somehow this song fits with our lives, or at least with our mood at that very moment.

And so it was for me several weeks ago, kicking back in the “great room” at my house, relaxing on a weekend afternoon, listening to the radio and the wind on the lake, thinking about how summer was just around the corner and contemplating the inherent goodness of life.

Then a song came on the local community radio station that just stopped me in my tracks. It was an indy tune, with loud, slow slide guitar, sweet harmony and mellow lyrics about… summertime. It seemed to me at that moment the perfect summer song and I knew it would be a song that I had to have and play over and over again. The DJ eventually announced the name of the band, The Townsmen, and the album name, Dim as a Glimmer.

I dragged out the laptop and a few Google clicks later I had found the band’s website. They did have a couple of songs to download, but the song I had heard on the radio wasn’t there. After searching in vain for a way to buy and download the CD online, I sent the band an e-mail and they shipped me their two latest CDs, Dim as a Glimmer and Townsmen: II. I discovered during my search that the two albums were recorded at the same time, but were issued separately.

As one reviewer wrote, you may have heard these chords before, but their music is delivered with “honest sentiment that doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but improves upon it.”

After a few e-mail exchanges, I was able to persuade the band to post the song I fell in love with so that you could listen to it today. So, kick back in your chair, pour yourself a lemonade or other beverage and crank up the sound all the way. Ready? Allright, here’s Spend Another Night.

While you’re listening to Spend Another Night, you might want to read through one of the very few reviews of the CD that I’ve been able to find.

This is a record that could only be made by a group rooted firmly in the history of rock and pop. Sure, a lot of bands live and breathe rock and pop, but it’s the rare band indeed that can revel in their understanding of the musical past and draw upon it at will without pointing fingers to an obvious source.

And the Townsmen, made up of four longtime friends who have played together in different area bands for years, make that past, both musical and personal, work for them in ways that can escape many a band. Guitarists and lead singers David Holm and Jeff Clowdus, bassist Ed Mann and drummer Brad Swiniarski have a musical understanding, - the near mythical “swing” sought after by all musicians, if you will - that propels Dim as a Glimmer along and adds to its near perfection as a pop record.

I couldn’t agree more. They definitely got that swing.

I also found a video of one of their tunes, Oakland Park, recorded live at Workbook Studios. Workbook is putting together a regular TV show, featuring three bands at a time and The Townsmen were on the first show. You can find the video and a short interview here. (If that page doesn’t load, the file’s direct link is posted in the comments section). The Townsmen are the last of the three featured artists, so it’s around 10 minutes or so into the program.

The Townsmen posted another song on their site at my request. “Hello Waitress” is a rollicking punkish tune that I’m sure gets the heads banging and the beers spilling every time they play it. I gotta see these guys.

And that brings us to the bad news. The Townsmen are based in Columbus, Ohio. I was convinced when I heard them the first time that they must be from Chicago, but apparently Columbus has a thriving indy music scene. I wish I had known that when my parents were stationed there several years ago.

Anyone up for a road trip? I’m serious about this. The band’s schedule will supposedly be updated on their site this weekend, so check it here. Let’s do it. I’ll buy the first two rounds, at least.

In the meantime, you can now purchase both Dim as a Glimmer and Townsmen: II online right here. At ten bucks each you can’t go wrong. Send ‘em some love.

If we go we’ll never know what secrets might reside inside tonight

· Spend Another Night
· Hello Waitress
· Oakland Park video
· Purchase CDs here.