ALBUMS OF THE MONTH The Great Despiser, by Joe Pug If you listen closely to The Great Despiser, Joe Pug’s latest release, you’ll hear a theme carrying through the songs. The songs map a journey in which the protagonist seeks to find his path, generally with clear intent yet often daunted by societal expectations and […]
Monday Morning Video: Steve Poltz covers “Waterfalls”
Steve Poltz takes on the TLC classic, acoustic style. This longtime staple of Poltz’s live show never fails to bring a smile to my face.
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2012, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Women & Work, by Lucero Lucero jumped on the major label train for their last release, 2009’s stellar 1372 Overton Park. Things didn’t go quite as planned but Lucero are a band that just won’t give up. Good thing, too, as the band are in peak form with a sound that […]
Monday Morning Video: Mike Barfield
One of the highlights of SXSW is Alejandro Escovedo’s Sunday Night Extravaganza. And, as I’ve written here, one of the highlights of this year’s show was seeing Mike Barfield. Here’s a classic video from the Barfield archives. Let’s get funky now.
Monday Morning Video: Missing Levon
It was just shy of a month ago that we lost Levon Helm, a true legend of rock and roll. The outpouring from the music community was immediate and immense. Here are but a few of the musical tributes (see below for the playlist details). Levon, you will be missed. Simone Felice performs “Radio Song†[…]
SXSW 2012: Say What?!
One of my favorite parts of SXSW is the crazy things you see and hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. I was going out with an actress, that was my first mistake. She was going out with a musician, that was her first mistake. Antonio Lulic It’s a real treat for […]
SXSW 2012: The Sounds, Part 2
Antonio Lulic A late start at the venue limited me to just a couple of songs from this singer-songwriter from North East London. His songs have a quiet intensity and his voice a weathered timbre, a pairing that combined for an impassioned performance. Audio Download: Antonio Lulic, “Hey, It’s Okay” [audio:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/17612247/Antonio%20Luli%C4%87%20-%20Rough%20-%201%20-%20Hey%2C%20It’s%20Okay.mp3] Glen Hansard The skills […]
SXSW 2012: The Sounds, Part 1
Bahamas Former Feist guitarist Afie Jurvanen, who performs as Bahamas, caught my ear with his second release earlier this year. Live he takes it to another level, creating an ambiance that makes his already strong songs even stronger. Part of the reason is the distinctive make-up of his band: electric guitar, drums and two back-up […]
SXSW 2012: Springsteen
Now did you really think that I could talk about SXSW and not mention Bruce Springsteen? Springsteen delivered the conference keynote and then joined the E Street Band and guests that evening for an unforgettable performance. The keynote speech was clearly geared towards the musicians in attendance. Springsteen delivered a rollicking history of rock and […]
Monday Morning Video: SXSW 2012
There are literally thousands of performances that take place across Austin during SXSW. Here is a small sampling for your listening and viewing enjoyment. See below for a detailed list of the performances in this video playlist. Tom Morello, “World Wide Rebel Song” from the New West day party Bahamas, “Caught Me Thinking” The Lumineers, […]