More a legend than a band. Â That phrase was first coined a couple of decades ago about a set of 4 guys from West Texas, the Flatlanders. Â But it could apply equally to a group of 4 young women, The Trishas. Â First performing together as a hastily arranged act as part of a tribute to […]
Whispering Pines
It is a digital world, mp3s are our music, the internet provides our news, and we can read on multiple devices. Oh and by the way we are connected wherever we go. Digital communication is the best …. Or is it? Along comes Whispering Pines. They take us to their world of analog recording. The […]
Rhett Miller- The Dreamer
The Dreamer may be my favorite Rhett Miller solo record since his solo “debut†The Instigator. Released back in 2002, The Instigator was produced by Jon Brion and received a fair bit of critical acclaim and even some radio play. It’s still one of my favorite records to spin for those uninitiated to the cult […]
La Resistance – Philosophy
Sometimes gaining momentum is better than a sprint. Greg Summerlin has passionately pursued his craft for years. As a solo artist his songs have been used in numerous TV shows. He has even owned his own record label. His new band, La Resistance, is an ambitious undertaking evocative of bands like Joy Division and Echo […]
Mayer’s Playlist for August 2012
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Radiant Land, by Leeroy Stagger British Columbia singer-songwriter Stagger is a bit of a dichotomy. One minute he is singing an uplifting ode to love, the next minute a seething indictment of economic injustice. He reminds one of Steve Earle in many ways, possessing a restless fervor channeled through no bullshit […]
SHEL – SHEL
It’s been my experience that bands who do a Led Zeppelin cover in an album are walking a dangerous line. Â As Yoda says, “do or do not, there is no try”. Â Tackling an interpretation of Plant and Page requires not just sharp musical insight, but a lot of skill to then pull off the execution. […]
Deanna Bogart – Pianoland
Having won three past Blues Music Awards for her saxophone playing and a trunkful of Wammies (Washington Area Music Awards) in a fertile Washington, DC blues scene that included the likes of the Nighthawks, Tom Principato, Jimmy Thackery, Cephas & Wiggins, John Jackson, and Saffire – the Uppity Blues Women, multi-instrumentalist Deanna Bogart focuses her attention on her magical piano […]
Mayer’s Playlist for July 2012, Part 2
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH Still Wanna Fight by Mic Harrison and the High Score There is something extremely satisfying listening to some straight-forward, guitar-driven rock and roll. The best of it holds no pretense, just an energy that is genuine and invigorating. Mic Harrison and the High Score make that kind of music. The record […]
Old Crow Medicine Show – Carry Me Back
Although you might think at first listen that OCMS were a trad bluegrass band, a few more songs would tell you that they’re more of a rockin’ string band. Their old-timey instruments mask a bit of a modern sensibility. But OCMS are really at their best when they sound the oldest. And that’s where “Carry […]
The Gaslight Anthem- Handwritten
“Singing oh sha-la-la-la, oh sha-la-la-la, listen honey here comes my manâ€- “Here Comes My Man†The Gaslight Anthem is now one of those important bands. How do 4 guys from New Brunswick, NJ become ‘important’? It’s pretty simple really, you make one, and you only need one, masterpiece record. In 2008, Brian Fallon and Co. […]