Saginaw Paper Mill, Ronnie Fauss (from the New West Records release Last of the True) There are some albums that just radiate fun, even when the music and lyrics veer towards melancholy. Take one listen to “Big Umbrella”, a ramshackle ode to love gone wrong on Ronnie Fauss’s new release, and you’ll see what I […]
Well You Heard About The Boston… Playlist, Part 2
Climb the Ladder, The Rationales (from the self-released Upstream) I’m a sucker for great power pop and have long enjoyed The Rationales, who have consistently been among Boston’s finest practitioners. Their latest release not only continues that trend, it raises the bar a few notches higher. The band’s line-up has evolved over the past few […]
Well You Heard About The Boston… Playlist, Part 1
Ex-Girlfriends Cost Less Money Than Ex-Wives, Greg Klyma (from the self-released Never Knew Caroline) There are some artists who are tireless students of music, constantly exploring the historical corners of country, blues and folk to better understand the anatomy of song. Greg Klyma is one of them. In fact, for several years he has brought […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2017 (So Far), the Songs
I thought that I’d do something different this year and, with one exception, focus this list on songs that aren’t from my list of favorite 2017 albums (so far). Each of those releases, of course, could contribute songs to this list but let’s highlight some other faves of the year. Hope the High Road, Jason […]
Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 4
Sallisaw Blue, John Moreland (from the 4AD release Big Bad Luv) It speaks volumes when some of Americana’s leading lights are, pardon the pun, singing an artist’s praises. Such is the case with Oklahoma boy Moreland. Perhaps they are captivated with his profound storytelling, simple tales that overflow with emotion and meaning. Or maybe it’s […]
Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 3
Battle Born, Matthew Ryan (from the self-released Hustle Up Starling) I tend to judge the quality of a year in part based on the caliber of new music unleashed within them. In that light, any year that we get a new album from Matthew Ryan is well on its way to being a good one. […]
Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist, Part 2
It’s time to get back in the playlist game. After a not-so-brief hiatus during which I opened the Twangville office in Dallas, I’m ready to get back to the playlists. And, given that the last one appeared in August of last year (!), let’s just say that I’ve got some catching up to do. To […]
Back in the Saddle Again – a Special Twangville Playlist
It’s time to get back in the playlist game. After a not-so-brief hiatus during which I opened the Twangville office in Dallas, I’m ready to get back to the playlists. And, given that the last one appeared in August of last year(!), let’s just say that I’ve got some catching up to do. To that […]
I Will Remember Massachusetts, Part 2 – A Special Boston Playlist
Good Old Wind, Kingsley Flood (from the self-released Another Other) There’s been a recent trend of artists producing EPs rather than full-length LPs. The economics make sense, certainly for independent artists, in the context of the continuously evolving music industry. I also appreciate the possibility of getting more frequent, albeit shorter, releases from my favorite […]
I Will Remember Massachusetts – A Special Boston Playlist
Monroe, Ian Fitzgerald (from the self-released You Won’t Even Know I’m Gone) For many a year Fitzgerald has plied his trade as a folk singer, a troubadour with an acoustic guitar. Over that time he has earned the respect of fellow musicians, always a good indicator that an artist warrants attention. Let’s give credit where […]