“Holy Ghost Blues”, the lead single from Silas Nello’s forthcoming From West Hollywood EP is a bit of a paradox. The song originally appeared on his 2018 debut full-length album, recorded in Dallas where he was living at the time. That version had a decidedly LA flair with its Sunset Strip swagger and snarl. Nello […]
Monday Morning Video – Clarence Carter
Muscle Shoals Alabama has turned out so many incredible hits over the years. Here is one of my favorites. Clarence Carter recorded “the song”Drift Away” back in 1967, backed by legendary Muscle Shoals musicians like Spooner Oldham on keyboards and a young Duane Allman on guitar. Here’s Carter performing the song at a festival in […]
When It’s Twilight in Boston – a Special Playlist
Enough, Alisa Amador (from the Thirty Tigers release Multitudes) If I’m honest, I’m really skeptical about music competitions. Call me idealist, but I think the music industry is tough enough already and pitting artists against one another is counterproductive. That said, watching Alisa Amador win the NPR Tiny Desk Contest is somewhat reassuring. It’s wonderful […]
Hermanitas in the Rain – a Premiere from Lisa Morales
Music has been a constant in Lisa Morales’ life, dating back to childhood days singing mariachi songs with her sister Roberta at Mexican restaurants in Tucson, Arizona. From those precious beginnings, she’s gone on to a tremendous career. The core of her musical journey has been Sisters Morales, a collaboration with her sister Roberta, who […]
Monday Morning Video – Lucinda Williams “Passionate Kisses”
While it was Mary Chapin Carpenter’s cover that ultimately earned Lucinda Williams a Grammy award for the song, I’ve always been partial to the grittiness of Williams’ original version. Here’s a performance by Williams from Austin City Limits.
“Hand-Rolled” – a Premiere from The Belle Curves
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Delaney Hafener, the mastermind behind The Belle Curves, around New York City a few times over the past year. Each time I’ve been impressed by her ability to blend wondrous power pop with a rocking edge. It’s a sound that is lively and refreshing. Well, it’s finally time for […]
Monday Morning Video – Tom Waits
Let’s kick off the week with one of the greats singing one of the greats: Tom Waits performing “Ol’ 55”.
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2024 (So Far), the Songs
Better By Now, Heather Little (from the Need to Know Music release By Now) “I’ve wasted a lot of love being wrong, I learn too late and I stay too long,” in this haunting tale of heartbreak, “I oughta be better by now but I got mixed up with you somehow.” So Glad You Made It/Go All […]
Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2024 (So Far), the Albums
Now That’s What I Call Fantastic Cat by Fantastic Cat The sum is greater than the part with this collective of four singer-songwriters. Each of the four brings their own personality and songwriting style to the group, but they compliment one another beautifully. The songs crackle with intelligence and humor, all the better when the […]
Monday Morning Video – Twangville in NYC on July 15th
Twangville is back in NYC for another great show! Join us on Monday, July 15th at Heaven Can Wait for a singer-songwriter showcase featuring Mando Saenz, Graham Weber, and Parker Twomey. Here’s a trio of videos that will give you a taste of what to expect at the show. First up is Mando Saenz’s “As […]