Happy New Year to all. Let’s start with a holiday classic from Slaid Cleaves and a gem from Josh Ritter. Ritter has a way of making even melancholy sound uplifting, all the better via a regal arrangement courtesy of the Boston Pops.
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2017, Part 3
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2017 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. Stone Age, David Ramirez (from the Thirty Tigers release We’re Not Going Anywhere) “Well […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2017, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2017 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. No Heart Left Behind, Hannah Aldridge (from the Rootsy Music release Gold Rush) I […]
Monday Morning Video – Christmas From the Drunk Tank
I always love when holidays fall on Mondays as it gives me license to share holiday-themed videos. On this day how about partaking of two of the best holiday songs ever written. Two songs which happen to share a common theme of spending the holiday in jail. Go figure. Enjoy the Pogues (with Kirsty MacColl) […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Albums of 2017, Boston/Dallas Edition
I’ve had the pleasure to explore the music scenes of two cities this year – Boston and Dallas. Both have exceptionally vibrant music scenes. The albums below were my favorites from each city. Love it local. DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS Ronnie Fauss, Last of the True Fauss takes the listener on a short […]
Monday Morning Video – Isaac Hoskins
I saw Denton, TX-based singer-songwriter Isaac Hoskins at a holiday show last week. He previewed several new songs from a work-in-progress album, each filled with vivid details that brought to life the engaging stories that he sung. While we wait on that release, here’s a song that he quietly released online last year.
Mayer’s Picks – More Favorites from 2017
Here, in no particular order, are a few more favorites from 2017. New MistakesTerra Lightfoot Letters Never ReadDori Freeman Other Love SongsFront Country Boy Crazy and Single(s)Lydia Loveless Transient LullabyThe Mastersons The World We BuiltThe Wild Reeds Youth DetentionLee Bains III and the Glory Fires Tomorrow ForeverMatthew Sweet Life Is FinePaul Kelly This Is My […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2017
Another year 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 2017. #10. BAND OF HEATHENS, Duende The Heathens plugged in their guitars more so than previous albums without losing any of their Texas Americana allure. […]
Monday Morning Video – Roger Clyne
How about some good ol’ rock and roll to start the week. As the man says, “Baby, I do love Rock and Roll.”
Monday Morning Video – Leeroy Stagger
Leeroy Stagger has been consistently putting out some fine releases for nearly 15 years. He’s never been one to pull his punches and Love Versus, his latest album, is no exception. He pays tribute to the “prophets” of punk (“Joe Strummer and Joey Ramone”), contemplates racial disharmony and violence (“Living in the Future”) and questions […]