It is easier to describe the Alternate Routes by what they are not. They are not Rock, Pop or Folk. They are just good. Their eclectic sound will actually work against them but they are too talented to ignore. For some reason in the current music industry we need to pigeon-hole everything. Everywhere else in […]
The British Columbians
Ironically they actually are from British Columbia. So their name may lack a little originality. That is ok because it appears they put all of their originality and creativity into their music. The Blues have influenced Rock & Roll since, well actually forever. However, thanks to bands like White Stripes, Black Keys and Black Mountain […]
Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs.
Looking for a stocking stuffer for the Country Music fan in your life? Look no further than the remarkable new release from living legend,Charlie Louvin. With Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs (Tompkins Square), Louvin has mixed his own classics with tales from other legendary names to createa document that will shine for […]
A Kickbacks Holiday Treat
Boston’s Kickbacks are a sentimental favorite. For ten years they’ve been serving up some mighty fine Americana. Singer-songwriter Tad Overbaugh has a knack for catchy melodies made all the more satisfying by the band’s harmonies. The band is celebrating the holidays by offering a free five-song ep for download. The ep features songs from Even […]
New Doug Burr – The Shawl
As I mentioned a while back, the excellent Doug Burr from Denton, TX is soon releasing an LP that consists of songs inspired by The Psalms. As high as my expectations are for this disc, I am certain that the disc will exceed those almost unfair expectations. The Shawl (Spune/Velvet Blue) comes out digitally next […]
Goin’ Acoustic with Mike Errico
I can count only a handful of times where I’ve seen an artist silence a room with a song. My first time seeing Mike Errico was one such occasion. And it wasn’t just any room, it was a NYC club filled with an audience that managed to chat through every other performer on the bill […]
Ryan Adams, How We’ve Missed You
From a recent Q&A with Ryan Adams in the UK newspaper the Guardian: What’s the frequency, Kenneth? I mean, seriously, who is Kenneth? The answer should be, “Hey Michael [Stipe] what would happen if you sat down and actually thought this shit out for 10 minutes?” I mean, no offence but there’s a slight difference […]
The Taste of Victory
No, I’m not writing about this past weekend’s UF vs. Alabama football game. I’ll leave that to Tom and Chip, although I suspect that Chip will be rather quiet on the subject. Just wanted to acknowledge several recent winners in Twangville give-aways: Sharon Goldberg of New York, NY will be receiving the new Dar Williams […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2008, A Video Companion
We bolt right out of the gate this month with Butch Walker’s smokin’ video for “The Weight of Her” followed by the Right On’s blazing through a live performance of “Do Your Thing, Babe.” After that, you’ll want to catch your breath with live acoustic performances from Ben Nichols and David Garza. From there we’ve […]
Mayer’s Playlist for November 2008, Part 2
Duets, Rachel Yamagata featuring Ray Lamontagne (from the Warner Brothers release Elephants’ Teeth Sinking Into Heart) As sparse as it is breathtaking, this acoustic ballad finds two weary lovers quietly trying to reclaim a faded relationship. Yamagata and Lamontagne’s breathy vocals are a magical combination. Do Your Thing, Babe, the Right Ons (from the 2Fer […]