It is only May and it has already been an amazing year for Boston music. Below are some of the highlights from some of the impressive releases making for a mighty fine musical spring in Beantown. FEATURED ALBUMS Waterfall, by Todd Thibaud Thibaud’s latest album is a bit of a paradox. For all it’s upbeat [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

This week’s video finds Twangville faves Barnstar! in the studio recording their bluegrass cover of the Traveling Wilbury’s “Handle With Care.” The song appeared on their spirited 2011 release C’mon!. As a special bonus, here’s Barnstar! taking on the Dawes gem “When My Time Comes.” An enchanting performance of a magical song. more »

by Mayer Danzig

Kevin Russell is an enigma.  As lead singer and songwriter for The Gourds, he led one of the biggest party bands in Texas history.  Just try to find someone in central Texas who doesn’t know the words to Gin & Juice (written by Snoop Dogg: a good example of why you shouldn’t get locked into [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

It is hard to describe songs that leave you speechless. The breathtaking tracks on “American Kid” mesmerize from beginning to end. This is Patty Griffin’s first album of original material in six years. Since then she has recorded an album of Gospel songs and hymns, “Downtown Church”, and toured with Robert Plant’s Band of Joy. [...] more »

by Chip Frazier

Country music lost a giant late week. George Jones, you’ll be greatly missed. Here’s a collection of four videos — two recorded in his early years and two from his later years — that feature some of his biggest hits. more »

by Mayer Danzig

In the middle of April, a few weeks after the madness of SXSW, one of the more under appreciated events on the Austin music scene happens about 30 miles southwest of town; The Old Settler’s Music Festival.  Here are some of the highlights from this year’s festivities. Who Was That Band? Festivals like this always [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

It’s been an emotional and frightening week for the greater Boston area. Neil Diamond lent his voice to support the community by flying to Boston for Saturday’s Red Sox game, the first home game since last Monday’s tragedy. Diamond apparently showed up at Fenway unannounced just prior to game time and said “I’m here.” Fenway [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Writing this review is difficult for me, and not because my feelings about the album are ambiguous. I almost uniformly adore the record. The difficulty arises in attempting to write about the record. Because, despite my adoration of The Stand-In, I can’t really put my finger on the reason why. Every thought comes across as [...] more »

by Eli Petersen

Lisa Biales (pronounced “Be-Alice”) has a uniquely clear voice reminiscent of Patsy Cline, whom she once portrayed in a community theater musical production. That clear, soothing voice of hers is a fresh change from the scorching vocals of many country and blues singers today. The Oxford, Ohio based Biales has independently released seven previous albums [...] more »

by Bill Wilcox

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Other Life, by Shooter Jennings I’ll admit that I haven’t spent much time with Shooter’s previous releases. No real explanation, his music just never made it into my rotation. My bad. His latest is one of the most refreshing country records that I’ve heard in quite some time. Shooter and [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Here’s a question for you.  Who’s the female John Hiatt, or Randy Newman, or Willie Nelson?  All are people who were super well-known in the music business for the quality of their songs long before they hit the public eye.  I’ll be the first to admit that  it’s maybe pointless to discuss the sex of [...] more »

by Shawn Underwood

Here is part two of our Reader’s Pick series, the up-and-coming artists that you told us about as part of our Joe Pug give-away. This week’s video playlist includes: Communist Daughter Rayland Baxter Ryan Bonner Drew Holcomb Cat Beach Gaslight Anthem more »

by Mayer Danzig

Duke Robillard, a founding member of Roomful of Blues and the first great guitarist to emerge from the band, has a long track record of superb guitar work.  Unlike his fellow Roomful alumnus Ronnie Earl, Robillard is a colorful singer as well as a guitarist, and Robillard’s music usually frames his vocals, although he has also [...] more »

by Bill Wilcox

ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Beast In Its Tracks, by Josh Ritter It’s easy to be angry after a break-up. You want to grab a bottle of whisky and crank some classic angry Bob Mould songs (Black Sheets of Rain, anyone?). I suppose that Josh Ritter had a few of those moments when his marriage [...] more »

by Mayer Danzig

Unless you are a die-hard blues enthusiast, Ronnie Earl is probably the best guitarist you’ve never heard of.  A sensitive, masterful guitarist, he has been laying down magical licks for close to 35 years.  He is totally in love with his instrument, and, as evidenced by his expressive playing, he has a special connection to [...] more »

by Bill Wilcox