Chances are that you’ve never heard folk classic “Sixteen Tons” quite like this. The legendary song paints a grim picture of life working in the coal mines back in the early and mid 20th century. Christopher Paul Stelling takes an already somber song and gives it a haunting edge. Here he pairs it with his […]
Cold and Bitter Tears – The Songs of Ted Hawkins
Sometimes it’s the unexpected show that becomes one of the most memorable. Such was the case when I saw Ted Hawkins shortly before he passed away in 1995. Hawkins was booked to play Boston’s historic Faneuil Hall, a seemingly odd choice for an artist who was touring to promote a new album. For those who […]
Monday Morning Video – Brandi Carlile Covers Fleetwood Mac
We can thank Brandi Carlile for turning October into a seeming Fleetwood Mac tribute month on our Monday Morning Video series. Carlile passed through Boston over the weekend and played an incredible show that moved gracefully between intimate ballads and foot-stomping rockers. Heck, she even kicked off the encore with an enchanting acoustic song sung […]
David Ramirez – A Lyric Explained
When I first heard David Ramirez’s brilliant new release Fables, I was immediately struck by a lyric in “New Way of Living,” a poignant song about escaping the morass and finding a path forward. “There’s a plumber down in Arkansas, the best writer I ever met,” he sings, “When I asked where to find his […]
Monday Morning Video – Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear Cover Fleetwood Mac
Here’s one of the best covers that I’ve heard in awhile. Kansas City musicians Madisen Ward and his mother Ruth, otherwise known as the Mama Bear, turn Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” into a soulful ballad.
Americana 2015: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals are the crazy comments that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections from this year’s Americana Festival. We have a tradition in Ireland that when an album comes put, we pour whisky on it. My album came out today. Glen […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 2
JOSH RITTER Ritter and his Royal City Band always put on energetic performances but they seemed particularly excitable as they celebrated the impending release of their new album. They won over the crowd right out of the gate by opening their set with the longtime fan favorite “Me and Jiggs.†DONNIE FRITTS Muscle Shoals legend […]
Americana 2015: The Sounds, Part 1
GLEN HANSARD Hansard delivered what was easily the best set of the week. He brought a full band, including strings and horns, to showcase songs both new and old. Josh Ritter joined for a couple of choice covers, including songs by Jason Molina (Magnolia Electric Company), Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen. THE BOTTLE ROCKETS At […]
Americana 2015: The Scene
Every fall, The Americana Music Association gathers members, artists and music fans together in Nashville for its annual conference. Starting with the Americana Music Awards at the legendary Ryman Auditorium and continuing through four days of showcases and panel discussions, it is a tremendous celebration of Americana music. East, West and Parts In-Between The conference expanded […]
Monday Morning Video – “September Gurls”
It’s been a few years since we celebrated September with the Big Star classic. We’ll forgo a version featuring any of the Big Star family and instead feature two young bands paying homage to the Memphis legends. First up is NYC-based indie rockers Dum Dum Girls. They are followed by a new favorite band, UK-based […]