Friday Five: New Heartaches

I’m no cardiologist, but I’ve always thought old heartaches were the worst kind, festering like some sort of flesh wound turned gangrenous. However, these artists make a good case for the sharp pain of the new heartache. You know, should you ever find yourself in a heated debate over the subject.

• 5. “Brand New Heartache” – The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

  Jeff Hanna sings “I swore that the last time/I’d learned from my mistakes/But I think I’m headed for a brand new heartache.” Perhaps he should form a support group with the other artists on this list, as they all appear to have the same learning disability.

• 4. “This New Heartache” – Vince Gill

  There’s no better soundtrack to a new heartache than an old country song, says Gill on this classic sounding track from These Days. Listening while curled in the fetal position, a bottle of Evan Williams cradled against your chest is purely optional.

• 3. “Brand New Heartache” – Cherryholmes

  According to Cherryholmes patriarch Jere, banjo-pickin’ daughter Cia “never had a boyfriend or been on a date or anything,” yet was still able to write this excellent bluegrass song about being done wrong by a fella. (Link)

• 2. “I’ve Got A New Heartache” – Ray Price

  The smooth-voiced Price has a new heartache over an old sweetheart who’s back in town. The version below is a duet between Gene Pitney and George Jones, no slouches in the vocal department either.

• 1. “Brand New Heartache” – Gram Parsons

  This “Brand New Heartache,” written by husband and wife team Felice and Boudleaux Bryant (“Rocky Top,” “Sleepless Nights,”), takes the Number One spot on today’s list thanks to the magical combination of Gram and Emmylou. A new guy moves into town and your gal is three hours late for your date? And the same thing happened last time a dude moved in next door? Sounds like a brand new heartache to me.