Lay Down, Lay Low, by the Steel Wheels

This Ann Arbor–based quartet blends a wide variety of Americana styles. The title track is inspired by a friend who contemplated jumping from a high bridge—but turned back. The minor-key dirge haunts to the core: “Don’t believe everything that you hear about angels drawing near / But I hold on to a ghost who knows my name.” The song’s jaunty mirror image, “Endure,” ambles on a happy southern gospel rhythm, complete with rich bass backup vocals. Highly recommended.