The centerpiece of Brent Best”s most recent solo album (Your Dog, Champ) is a haunting tale of family tragedy, written from the perspective of an eight year old boy. The song had been kicking around for awhile – here”s Best performing it back in 2006.
Monday Morning Video: Girls Guns & Glory cover Hank Williams
There are certain statements that are indisputable. One of those is the profound impact that Hank Williams has had on American music. There’s really no escaping it. From the tortured heartache of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry†to the gospel jubilee of “I Saw the Light†to the unbridled joy of “Jambalaya†he has […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2015
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2015 back in July (here and here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Get Better, Frank Turner (from the Xtra Mile Records release Positive Songs […]
Monday Morning Video – Chris Stapleton “Parachute”
Stumbled across this great acoustic performance by Chris Stapleton, playing one of the stand-out tracks from his long overdue debut release. The show took place at Musician’s Corner in Nashville, a special venue in a public park that offers free shows by an impressive roster of artists each year.
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2015
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2015. All A Man Should DoLucero Maudlin DaysOcean Carolina Adventures in Real TimeDylan Gardner The Firewatcher’s DaughterBrandi Carlile Positive Songs For Negative PeopleFrank Turner The Spirit MovesLanghorne Slim and the Law Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night SweatsNathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats High On […]
Monday Morning Video – Jeffrey Foucault Sings About “That Night in Des Moines”
Jeffrey Foucault played a marvelous show in Boston a few weeks back. The singer-songwriter left the crowd in awe with an inspired set that highlighted songs from Salt As Wolves, his latest release. Foucault excels at painting wistful musical landscapes, as this favorite from the new album attests.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2015, Boston Edition
This has been a great year for music in Boston and throughout New England. Here, in no particular order, are some favorites 2015 releases from area artists. SESSION AMERICANA, Pack Up the Circus What started as an informal gathering of friends playing primarily cover songs has blossomed into a remarkable musical collective. The group’s latest […]
Monday Morning Video – Marah “Reservation Girl”
Marah, who have a well-earned reputation for incendiary live performances, have reunited their classic line-up to celebrate the reissue of their legendary breakout album Kids in Philly. Only a handful of shows have been scheduled but here’s hoping that the reunion morphs into an on-going revival. Although this song isn’t on Kids in Philly (or […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2015
Another year is winding down, leading us to the moment where we look back at all our favorite releases from 2015. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of the year. #10. (tie) ANDERSON EAST, Delilah The Nashville by way of Alabama singer-songwriter is a welcome new talent whose songs are […]
Monday Morning Video – Glen Hansard’s Surprise Serenade
People prepare for Thanksgiving in different ways. Me? I prepared for turkey and stuffing by catching Glen Hansard in Atlanta last week. What better way to ease into the holiday, right? Hansard started the show solo and sans mike, silencing the crowd with “Grace Beneath the Pines,†the opening track from his latest release Didn’t […]