ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Long Live All of Us, by Glossary Glossary have always had a reputation as a scrappy rock band from Murfreesboro, TN. While their latest doesn’t abandon the past, the band has injected a healthy dose of southern soul into the mix. And, man, does it sound good. Opener “Trouble Won’t Always […]
Monday Morning Video: Ryan Adams Covers Bob Mould
I hope that everyone has been keeping up with Suzanne’s survey of Ryan Adams musical catalog (parts 1 and 2; stay tuned for part 3!). Adams recently appeared at a tribute to legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist Bob Mould. Mould has provided us with legions of music from his tenures with Husker Du and Sugar […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Oct/Nov 2011, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Beauty, Wit & Speed, by Nathan Hamilton “Give me the mad ones, the sad ones, the ones who’ve got nothing to lose,” sings Hamilton in “Through Ether and Time” from his latest release. It is a telling comment and a great introduction to an album that deftly explores the search for […]
Monday Morning Video: Mike Farris and the Muscle Shoals Sound
A highlight from the recent Americana Music Conference was the tribute to Muscle Shoals soul sound. Starting at FAME Studios and continuing with the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, Muscle Shoals became a rock and roll institution. Beyond defining an era in soul and R&B, it became a destination for artists ranging from the Rolling Stones […]
Monday Morning Video: Willie Nelson & Waylon Jennings
We’re goin’ old school this week with two legends of country music. Back in 1983 Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak sponsored the US Festival, a multi-day musical event held in California. Among the performers were Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, who each delivered sets filled with their classic hits. Shout Factory! has just released dvds of […]
Monday Morning Video: Gordon Gano + Lost Bayou Ramblers
I spent a day at the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans a few weeks back and happened upon a set by Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes playing with Lafayette, Louisiana’s Lost Bayou Ramblers. When they launched into the classic “Blister in the Sun,” the crowd erupted. I couldn’t find good footage from Voodoo, […]
Win Big: The Beach Boys “SMiLE Sessions”
SMiLE may be the most famous album never heard. After unleashing Pet Sounds, arguably one of the greatest albums ever recorded, Brian Wilson wanted to further explore the complex and innovative recording techniques of that release. Painstakingly recording an array of instruments and meticulously layering vocal harmonies, Wilson was on a quest for perfection. Forty-five […]
Monday Morning Video: The Frames
If you only know Glen Hansard from the Swell Season, then you’ve been missing out. For much of his career Hansard has led the Frames, a merry band of Irish musicians whose music radiates a powerful intensity. Here are two versions — one acoustic and one electric — of “Fake” from 2007’s The Cost.
Americana 2011: Say What?!
One of my favorite things about attending music conferences and festivals is the crazy things that you hear along the way. Here are a few choice selections. I know that it is time to get back on the road when I run out of those little shampoos. Road Manager Phil Kaufman I don’t get Twitter. […]
Americana 2011: The Sounds
MUSCLE SHOALS TRIBUTE SHOW Detroit may have by Motown and the Funk Brothers, but Alabama had Muscle Shoals. Side-stepping which was the better musical factory, it is impossible to ignore the impact that Muscle Shoals has had on American music. This performance provided irrefutable evidence to the greatness of this legacy. The set was loose […]