To tide his fans over until his next studio release, Austin legend Alejandro Escovedo released Room of Songs this past Tuesday. The album, recorded live in Austin earlier this year, features Escovedo on guitar backed by a string quartet. For fans, its a reminder of Escovedo’s musical diversity. For non-fans, its a welcome introduction to […]
Album Review: Big Sweet Life: The Songs of Jon Dee Graham
“Then Scrappy said, well, we’ll have a benefit. And I said no. I said a bunch of stuff about self-sufficiency and those-more-in-need and so on. Scrappy said, okay, then asked how many benefits did I think I had played in the last 25 years.†If you buy one album this year, consider Big Sweet Life […]
Notable Releases: 22 November 2005
Various Artists, High School Reunion: A Tribute to Those Great Eighties Films! (American Laundromat/Face Down) Gotta love this: Matthew Sweet, Frank Black and others cover 1980’s movie soundtrack “hits”. Lori McKenna, in particular, soars with a cover of “In Your Eyes”. Do you remember what film featured this Peter Gabriel tune? Ray Davies, Thanksgiving Day […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November, Part 2
Plain and Simple, Scrappy Jud Newcomb (from the album Byzantine) A solid rock and roll song from the Austin guitar slinger that conjures up the country-esque moments of the Stones Sticky Fingers. Something to Look Forward To, Jon Dee Graham (from the album First Bear on the Moon) “Someday the Saturday sun will shine, another […]
More Notable Releases: 15 November 2005
Townes Van Zandt, A Private Concert (Varese) Says Steve Earle, “TOWNES VAN ZANDT is the best songwriter in the whole world, and I’ll stand on Bob Dylan’s coffee table in my cowboy boots and say that.” Who am I to argue? Bruce Springsteen, Born to Run: 30th Anniversary Edition (Sony) It would have been enough […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2005, Part 1
Stereo, Jon Nicholson (from the album A Lil Sump’m Sump’m) “I used to listen to Al Green and the Faces, Cheap Trick and the Replacements, now I’m sitting in my basement, singing to myself.” Check out the video on Jon’s mySpace page. The Demon of White Sadness, Marah (from the album If You Didn’t Laugh, […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October 2005
Older Girls, The Rudds (from the album Get the Femuline Hang On) A tasty blend of garage rock and late 70’s/early 80’s soul. This is one that you’ll be humming for days. On Automatic, Michael Penn (from the album Mr Hollywood, Jr., 1947) A welcome return from a true pop craftsman! When You Lie, Patty […]
Notable Releases: Stevie’s Back!
Stevie Wonder – It’s hard to believe its been ten years since Wonder’s last release, but this one is worth the wait. The first single, “So What the Fuss†has the classic groove that is a Wonder hallmark. Release Date: 18 October 2005
Release Preview: Charlie Sexton
Austin journeyman Charlie Sexton steps out with Cruel and Gentle Things, his first release in nearly a decade. Sexton crafts a tasty blend of roots, blues and gospel, featuring his signature guitar work and well-worn vocals. Click here for audio samples. Release Date: 13 September 2005
2005 ACL Preview
The 2005 Austin City Limits Festival is nearly upon us. Here are some top picks for the Fest. The Frames — My must-see for the Festival. Rockers from Ireland who put on some scorching shows at SXSW. Arcade Fire — Never seen but have heard great things. Oasis — Their live shows have a reputation […]