I fell down a Buddy Holly rabbit hole this weekend. It had been a while, but it was great to remind myself of how impressive a talent Holly was. And how inspirational. Below is a playlist that features a jaw-dropping collection of artists performing just a single song from the Holly catalog – “Not Fade […]
Merry Mulligans
I haven’t played golf in 20 years, and when I did play, I was terrible at it. But I gotta say that when I did play I was the master of one particular stroke – the “Mulligan.” That’s when your shot off the tee is so bad you either miss it all together or you […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2024, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2024 back in June (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of 2024. Rosemary and Thieves, Garrett Owen (from the self-released Memoriam) Owen’s tale of fractured relationships is […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best of 2024, the Albums
11. Our Time in the Sun by Jeremie Albino Bursting with raw emotion, swaggering grooves, and a touch of grit, Jeremie Albino’s Our Time in the Sun is a joyous revival of classic soul. Albino may sing about “Rolling Down the 405” in California, but one listen and you’ll imagine yourself cruising down Highway 72 […]
Beau Janke of Them Coulee Boys on Touring in “The Breakdown King” and Keeping Perspective
Beau Janke of Madison, Wisconsin’s Them Coulee Boys talks about enjoying regional foods while on tour, the rabbit that invaded the band’s rehearsal space, and working as a printmaker.
Monday Morning Video – Roky Erickson & The Black Angels
The late psychedelic rock legend Roky Erickson was joined by Austin’s The Black Angels for this incendiary performance of Erickson’s classic “You’re Gonna Miss Me” back in 2008. Yes, that’s a water jug being used for vocal effects in the song.
Schmoon Song Premiere – Not A Girl
Remember when people asked kids what they wanted to be when they grew up, like they would have a single career, maybe even a single job? At this point in society’s arc that seems more nostalgic than realistic, witness the career of Portland, Maine (by way of Connecticut and NYC), artist Matt Cascella. His first […]
Fancy Hagood on Chase Rice, Cracker Barrel, and Being an Independent Artist
Singer-songwriter Fancy Hagood talks about “yes men” and “no people” in the music industry and names his favorite Nashville rehearsal space.
Monday Morning Video – Hothouse Flowers
A gospel choir joining in for an uplifting classic? Yes please. Here’s Ireland’s Hothouse Flowers singing “Give It Up”. Well, this song’s inspired by a good man and his tuneDoing good for others, sing “Amazing Grace” for you, yeahIt doesn’t really matter if you’re all jumbled up insideAs long as you know that love is […]
Readers’ Pick: Best of 2024
It’s the season to ask you, our beloved readers, what your favorite album of 2024 was. To help, we’ve created a poll with over 100 nominations.