FEATURED ALBUM I Was Hurt Today But I’m Alright Now, Robert Vincent (from the self-released In This Town You’re Owned) Robert Vincent has a few things to say. In This Town You’re Owned is an expansive meditation that finds the Liverpool-based songwriter reflecting on religion, war, relationships, and struggles in a way that is both […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2020, Part 1
FEATURED ALBUM Trouble Don’t Follow Me, Christopher Paul Stelling (from the Anti- Records release Best of Luck) Christopher Paul Stelling has never been much of a conformist. While many artists are expressing anxiety and frustration with the state of the world, Stelling has decided to celebrate harmony and contentment. It’s all the more noteworthy for […]
Mayer’s Picks – Best Songs of 2019, Part 2
I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2019 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year. Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) […]
Dallas After Midnight – A Special Twangville Playlist
Glass Bottles, Ottoman Turks (from the State Fair Records release Ottoman Turks) Ottoman Turks, the album, is a debut release that was 10 years in the making. The band’s back story is simultaneously typical and refreshing – four long-time friends who bonded over a love of music. That shared enthusiasm and exaltation resonates across the […]
Bring Back the Boston Rag – A Special Boston Playlist
Pockets Full of Sighs, Lisa Bastoni (from the self-released How We Want to Live) Some of the best albums take both artist and listener on a journey. One need look no farther than the title of Lisa Bastoni’s latest release to appreciate that this is her musical intent. How We Want to Live may speak […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2019, Part 2
Have You Seen My Girl, Todd May (from the self-released Let’s Go Get Lost) There are certain albums that were meant to be heard on vinyl. While the latest from Todd May isn’t available in that format, one can hear both its inherent warmth and insistent crackle in every song – even when streamed or […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Summer 2019, Part 1
Love Is Dangerous, Dalton Domino (from the Lightning Rod Records release Songs from the Exile) Dalton Domino does more than wear his heart on his sleeve; he lays it bare. Much of his latest release finds him cycling through the various stages and emotions of heartbreak, from bitterness to self-reflection. He opens with the brooding […]
Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2019 (So Far), the Songs
Canyon, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release Wish You Were Here) Talk about making a statement on your debut album. Walker’s moving acoustic ballad is both a highly personal reflection on his father’s battle with cancer and his own desire to be a better person. Simply stunning. Full Moon Goodbye, Michael McDermott […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 2
All Some Kind of Dream, Josh Ritter (from the Pytheas Recordings release Fever Breaks) Josh Ritter is one of the most literate songwriters of these times, waxing poetic as easily as unleashing fiery commentary. He sets the tone early on the newly released Fever Breaks with “Ground Don’t Want Me” a somewhat jubilant melody and […]
Mayer’s Playlist for Spring 2019, Part 1
Waiting For a Sign, M. Lockwood Porter (from the Black Mesa Records release Communion in the Ashes) M. Lockwood Porter is on a quest, longing to step beyond the anguish and misery he sees around him in hopes of finding a better place, personally and for everyone. The opening – and title – track freely […]