Win Big: Rosanne Cash
It is hard to top the story behind Rosanne Cash‘s latest release entitled The List. Her father, the legendary Johnny Cash, was concerned that a young Rosanne wasn’t connecting with the rich country music heritage. So he made her a list.
Coming Soon: Lucero, Drivin’ N’ Cryin’, Tom Russell
We’re getting into the fall release season and there are some good ones on the horizon. Here are a few for your consideration. 1372 Overton Park, Lucero This may be my most anticipated release for the fall. The boys from Memphis have long been known for their raucous live shows and whiskey-soaked songs. (Although whiskey-soaked […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2009, a Video Companion
We’ll cut right to the chase with this live performance only edition of the Video Companion. The Drive-By Truckers burst out of the gate with Patterson Hood’s fiesty “The Righteous Path” followed by Austin’s (by way of Somerville) Porterdavis singing “Smack You Back.” We carry on with Ian Hunter, Delbert McClinton, Sam Baker, These United […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2009, part 2
Showerhead, Rachelle Van Zanten (from the RZV Records release Where Your Garden Grows) Canada’s Van Zanten sure can play a mean guitar. What really caught my ear, however, was the confidence and brawn in this track. Mix the rawness of a Lucinda Williams tune with the slide guitar chops of Bonnie Raitt and a touch […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2009, part 1
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Late Music, by Dennis Diken with the Bell Sound Who knew? After nearly 30 years sitting behind the drums with the Smithereens Dennis Diken emerges as a pop maestro. Diken and collaborator Pete DiBella shine with an album that brims with echoes of the Beach Boys and the Who, circa the […]
Win Big: Signed Bloodshot Records Poster
The Bloodshot Records day party is a traditional highlight of every SXSW. Held behind the Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery in Austin Texas, it is a relaxed afternoon of filled with beer, food, merriment and, of course, great music. To celebrate their 15th anniversary, the folks at Bloodshot decided to take that experience on the […]
Indie Hour: Bleu
This album is a testament to perseverance. Originally recorded in 2005, Bleu was dropped by his label mere weeks after he finished recording the album. For most, the story – and album – would have ended there. Bleu, however, kept after the label and finally won the rights to release A Watched Pot on his […]
Les Paul, 1915-2009
Les Paul could be called a legend merely for the 80-year recording and performing career that saw him playing regular weekly gigs nearly 12 years leading up to his passing today. When one considers his innovations — ranging from the “Les Paul” model electric guitar to multi-track recording techniques — and his legacy becomes nothing […]
Indie Hour: Brendan Benson
With The Raconteurs, his side-project with friend Jack White, on a hiatus, Brendan Benson returns to his solo roots to unleash a power pop bonanza with My Old, Familiar Friend. Opener “A Whole Lot Better†sets the tone with a rash of electric guitars powered by an urgent beat and walking baseline. “I fell in […]