There’s something about city life that shapes and reshapes a person’s perspective. Sights, sounds, smells – really the totality of a city environment – have an influence, whether instilling a sense of excitement and wonder or causing anxiety and unhappiness. Few cities have a more dramatic effect than New York City. Just ask singer-songwriter Kevin […]
Monday Morning Video – Eleven Hundred Springs
Eleven Hundred Springs are something of a Dallas institution. Heck, they’re country music stalwarts, mining the depths of the genre’s traditions and legacy. The group is gearing up to release a fine new album, entitled Here ‘Tis., this Friday . For those in Dallas, come join me for the album release party at the Granada […]
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2019
Here, in no particular order, are more favorites from 2019.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2019, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2019, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’m fortunate to be able to explore and enjoy the music scenes of two cities – Boston and Dallas. Artists from both metropolitan areas have released some exceptional music this year. Here are a few favorites. Love it local. LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER (BOSTON YOU’RE MY HOME) LULA WILES, What Will We Do What Will […]
Monday Morning Video – Lost Bayou Ramblers
Want to start the new year off right? How ’bout some of Louisiana’s finest – The Lost Bayou Ramblers – taking over the legendary Preservation Hall in New Orleans to perform the song “Granny Smith”. And in case you missed it, group founders Louis and Andre Michot recently talked with us about Ramblers life past, […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2019, The EPs
As more and more artists are transitioning from albums to EPs, I thought I’d highlight a few of my faves in that medium. Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorite EPs of 2019 GOODNIGHT, TEXAS, The Senseless Age JESSE TERRY + ALEX WONG, Kivalina ANTHONY D’AMATO, Five Songs from New Orleans RADICAL […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2019, The Albums
Another year – heck, another decade – is winding down, which means that it is time for the ubiquitous best of year lists. Without further ado, here are my picks for the best albums of 2019. 10. MATTHEW RYAN, The Future Was Beautiful Matthew Ryan somewhat quietly released a pair of EPs in 2019 before […]
Remembering Sleepy LaBeef
One of my fondest musical memories was the time that Sleepy LaBeef got under-aged me and my younger brother into a club to see his show. I had been recently introduced to Sleepy’s music by a cousin, who himself was introduced to Sleepy’s music by music historian Peter Guralnick. I thought it would be fun […]
Monday Morning Video – A Slaid Cleaves New Years
There are a few occasions where I allow myself to re-post songs and New Years is one of them. I’ve always enjoyed Slaid Cleaves’ “One Good Year,” a magical blend of melancholy and hopefulness. Happy New Year everyone!