Songs really don’t come much better than “It’s Alright Just to Beâ€. The acoustic ballad starts with a random encounter between the singer and a drunk man at a bar. As the man’s heartbreaking story emerges, the singer considers the false assumptions he made about the man. A musical pause transitions the song into a […]
Monday Morning Video: Kevin Gordon Goes Back to the Well
There’s something special about hearing songs in their truest form. Kevin Gordon’s recent release of the demos from his 2000 release Down to the Well is a fine case in point. Sure, it’s nice to hear Lucinda Williams adding her voice to the album version of the title track. The original demo, however, bristles with […]
Monday Morning Video – “Sitting In Limbo”
“Sitting In Limbo” is one of the classics. The song, which was originally recorded by songwriter Jimmy Cliff with the legendary Swampers in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, has gone on to be recorded and performed by countless musicians. Here are versions of the song performed by the Neville Brothers and the Jerry Garcia Band, as well […]
When the Lawn Gets Dark – a Premiere from Jackson Emmer
You can hear lots of musical touchpoints in Jackson Emmer’s music. There’s the lyrical perceptiveness of Jackson Browne, the melodic air of fellow Colorado artist John Denver, and the occasional flash of wit reminiscent of Todd Snider. It all comes together quite nicely on Alpine Coda, Emmer’s forthcoming new album (arriving 2 Oct). “When the […]
Monday Morning Video – More Linda Ronstadt
We’re gonna stick with Ronstadt for another week because why the heck not. Step aside Mick…
Monday Morning Video – Linda Ronstadt
I don’t often post full concert videos but this one is so, so worthy of it. Linda Rondstadt captured live at New Jersey’s Capitol Theater back in 1975. Sure, she plays a bunch of her many hits but Lowell George/Little Feat’s “Willin’” into Jimmy Cliff’s “Many Rivers to Cross” into the Paul Anka-penned/Buddy Holly recorded […]
Monday Morning Video – Neville Brothers
The world is simply a better place when it’s accompanied by a Neville Brothers soundtrack.
Do You Miss Niteclubs, Too? A Premiere from Chris J. Norwood
Damn, this makes me nostalgic in more ways than one. Dallas singer-songwriter pays tribute to live music – and live music venues – with this cover of fellow Dallas troubadours Old 97’s “Niteclub”. Sure, there’s an irony in that the song talks about burning the club down as touring is keeping the singer from a […]
Monday Morning Video – On the Road Again
Another day, another week, another month without live music to sustain us. The Willie Nelson classic has never been as relevant as it is today. Here’s Billy Strings performing “On the Road Again” just last year and Willie, along with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, closing out a show with it back in […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2020 (So Far), the Songs
No Time for Love Songs, The Mastersons (from the Red House Records release No Time for Love Songs) I love you so much but it’s no time for love songs We’re starting to unravel at the seams Maybe I care too much and this world is hard enough How come everybody’s gotta be so mean? […]