There’s no question this week. Hands down its Rhett Miller lead singer of the Old 97s. His second solo effort is outstanding. If you don’t “believe” me, trust Mayer or listen for yourself. Album contributors include guitarist Lyle Workman (Sheryl Crow, Beck), drummer Matt Chamberlain (Pearl Jam, Tori Amos, David Bowie), multi-talented Jon Brion (Kanye […]
Notable Releases: February 28, 2006
It’s generally a slow release week, but here are a few highlights: Rhett Miller, The Believer You might know him as the lead singer and songwriter for Old 97’s. This, his second solo outing, mines familiar Old 97’s territory: an acoustic-based mix of pop and alt-country with clever lyrics. Bruce Springsteen, Hammersmith Odeon, Live ’75 […]
Pickin’ through the Blues…
I started picking through some of the posted songs for the upcoming SXSW festival. As always (or at least since Mayer introduced me to the festival), I start with some of the smaller genres like Blues and Bluegrass and then make my way over to Alt Country, Singer-songwriters and Rock. Last year my Blues pick […]
Listen to KT Tunstall’s “Eye to the Telescope”
Check out up and coming folk pop star KT Tunstall’s full release “Eye to the Telescope” on ARTISTdirect.com. Its so refreshing to see someone new to the pop scene that carries some solid songwriting, outstanding acoustic guitar and bluesy vocals. For her, I’m going to start an early campaign for Best New Artist of 2006. […]
New Releases from Robinella & more
My pick of the week: Robinella Solace for the Lonely (Dualtone) americana, folk, bluegrass, jazz A great week for new releases. I have to admit, I’m only moderately familiar with most of these. Up until today, my pick of the week would have been Ray Davies having listened to his Thanksgiving Day EP late last […]
Notable Releases: February 21, 2006
Although winter is still upon us, the spring release season kicks off with a bang this week. Check out these great releases, plus a few re-releases. Willie Nile, Streets of New York This is my pick of the week. Its hard to believe that its been over six years since Willie’s last release. It was […]
Album Review: Railroad Earth – “Elko”
Elko Railroad Earth Folk / Bluegrass / Americana / Jamgrass Live albums just suit some artists. Anyone who’s compared Peter Frampton’s studio recordings to Frampton Comes Alive knows this well. Some artists go to great lengths to preserve the live vibe; Joe Jackson recorded his Big World album in a New York club and asked […]
Check Out Jon Nicholson’s “Stereo”
They say that we all benefit from artists’ pain and sacrifice. Well here’s one tale that proves the point. A few years back, the drummer in Jon Nicholson’s former band broke into the band’s storage locker, stole all the gear and pawned it for cash. Nicholson took the tale and turned into this great track. […]
New Releases from Shawn Mullins & more
Only one release really shines for me this week, but it shine, shine it does like a full moon on a clear night. My pick of the week: Shawn Mullins 9th Ward Pickin’ Parlor (Vanguard) acoustic, folk, americana Referring to the New Orleans home studio of old friend Mike West, the title of the album […]
Check out The Minus 5
The Minus 5 released their seventh full length album this week. The self-titled album is being referred to as “The Gun Album” due to the handgun pictured on the cover (or is it the gunpowder laden tracks?). Already loaded with talent, guest appearances include Peter Buck, Jeff Tweedy, John Wesley Harding and more. Give the […]