Although you might think at first listen that OCMS were a trad bluegrass band, a few more songs would tell you that they’re more of a rockin’ string band. Their old-timey instruments mask a bit of a modern sensibility. But OCMS are really at their best when they sound the oldest. And that’s where “Carry […]
Monday Morning Video: Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers
Chances are that you’ve seen Nicki Bluhm and the Gramblers cover of Hall & Oates “I Can’t Go For That.” It has gone viral and has nearly 1.5 million views on YouTube. The cover is part of their Van Session series, recorded with an iPhone in their van as they tour (the video descriptions include […]
The Gaslight Anthem- Handwritten
“Singing oh sha-la-la-la, oh sha-la-la-la, listen honey here comes my manâ€- “Here Comes My Man†The Gaslight Anthem is now one of those important bands. How do 4 guys from New Brunswick, NJ become ‘important’? It’s pretty simple really, you make one, and you only need one, masterpiece record. In 2008, Brian Fallon and Co. […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2012, Part 1
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH O’ Be Joyful, by Shovels and Rope We’re gonna call Shovels & Rope the anti-American Idol or whatever other reality singing show you can name. It is hard to imagine music more authentic in feel, from the songwriting down to the performances, than what emanates from this husband and wife duo. […]
Monday Morning Video: Newport Folk Festival
Here’s a great video from this past weekend’s Newport Folk Festival. Torrential rain threatened to cancel the backstage bbq event but the musicians took it upon themselves to make it happen. Here’s Jim James, Ben Sollee, Joe Fletcher and others with an acoustic take on the INXS classic “Never Tear Us Apart.” Pretty special.
Please Come to Boston: A Special Boston Music Playlist
FEATURED ALBUM Riverboat, by Tim Gearan Tim Gearan has long been a mainstay on the Boston roots scene, with 2-3 weekly residencies and a tendency to show up to play at any number of other shows in a given week. His primary Friday night residency is a weekly party – there is no other way […]
Cee Cee James – Blood Red Blues
Caution: On first listen, Cee Cee James’ Blood Red Blues may blow unexpectant listeners away. James has a great voice and, at times, can channel Janis Joplin. And her accompanying band, including James’ songwriting partner and husband, Rob “Slideboy” Andrews on slide guitar, can provide the perfect vehicle for her vocals. Now based in St. Louis, James spent her […]
Monday Morning Video: John Doe (with Jon Dee Graham)
Here’s a lost classic that remains one of my favorite songs. Doe and his band (look closely to see Jon Dee Graham on guitar) let loose a furious romp that punctuates Doe’s social commentary. Some people say they like to hear me talk ’cause I tell ’em what’s wrong. I don’t see much more than […]
Kathryn Caine – When I Was His Wife
Decades ago, as part of my misspent youth, I listened to a band called the Good Rats. Â The closest thing they had to a hit was called Tasty, about a guitar player that could play fast, but he couldn’t play “tasty”. Â Let me just say that any of the musicians on Kathryn Caine’s latest release, […]
Mayer's Picks: The Best of 2012, So Far (The Songs)
Jericho, John Fullbright (from the Blue Dirt Records release From The Ground Up) Fullbright’s is a welcome new voice on the singer-songwriter scene. He writes and sings with a voice that belies his 23-odd years, as evidenced by this stirring track. Throw your arrows and your slings And your other precious things Outside your gate […]