ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: I Recall Standing As Though Nothing Could Fall, by Matthew Ryan If I needed proof as to why Matthew Ryan is among my favorite songwriters, I needn’t look any further than his explanation of his latest release: It wasn’t my intention to make a gloomy album. I know it will be […]
Mayer’s Playlist from July 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Not So Loud: An Acoustic Evening, by The Bottle Rockets I don’t know why, but I’ve always hedged when considering the Bottle Rockets as an acoustic outfit. It makes no sense, I know, given that the band is so well travelled on the Americana road. Sure, I love the backporch feel […]
Nick 13
By now, surely it’s no secret that country and punk go together about as good as peanut butter and chocolate. And typically, when these two classic American forms of music are welded together, the result seems to resemble a harder, thrashing product. Of course, the overall ethos attached to artists that practice either style in […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2011, So Far (The Songs)
Stacy C’Mon, Maxim Ludwig & the Santa Fe Seven This song has held a permanent place on my music rotation since I first saw Ludwig and crew light up an afternoon crowd with it at SXSW. It’s simply impossible to not get caught up in the sheer enthusiasm of the “na na na” chorus. Audio […]
Mayer’s Picks: The Best of 2011, So Far (The Albums)
Here, in no particular order, are some of my favorites from 2011. Here’s to more great music in the back half! HERE WE REST, JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT Isbell continues to mature as a songwriter, exploring the more soulful and acoustic side of his Alabama music heritage. Which isn’t to say that he […]
Mayer’s Playlist From June 2011, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Queen of the Minor Key, by Eilen Jewell It is perhaps fitting that Dave Alvin and Eilen Jewell have just released new albums. Both are flagbearers of American roots music, adept at a wide array of styles but imbuing everything that they do with integrity and authenticity. Jewell is often compares […]
Mayer’s Playlist for June 2011, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: Eleven Eleven, by Dave Alvin It’s hard to believe that this Alvin’s first full album of new songs since 2004’s Ashgrove. Not that he hasn’t been active; Alvin has put out a series of live albums that showcase gems from his songbook with a variety of musicians and arrangements. I, however, […]
Really Rockin’ in Boston: A Special Playlist
Here’s the latest installment of my playlist series highlighting the latest and greatest in New England music. Zero, Sea Monsters (from the Q-Dee Records single Zero b/w Don’t Make Me Wait) It’s about time that we let you in on a little Boston secret. They’re called the Sea Monsters and for over three years they’ve […]
Mayer’s Playlist from May 2011
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: I’ll Never Get Out of This World Alive, by Steve Earle Steve Earle could perhaps be America’s most honest songwriter. When one listens to his albums there is never a doubt what he is thinking. Whether railing against George W. Bush (“Little Emperor”) or pledging his love (“Every Part of Me”) […]
Shoulda Been Huge: A Special Playlist
I’m sure that everyone can name a band or two that shoulda been huge. Someone with tremendous talent, for sure, but who got side-swiped by the recording industry or for some other reason never achieved the recognition that their talent deserved. Here are a few on my list. The bridge between classic 1950’s rock and […]