You might think that an alt-country singer from the 80s and 90s playing an acoustic set would be tame. You might think that it’d be soft and gentle with some strumming and fingerpicking. But if you did, you don’t know Cary Hudson and his “dirty blues” and “nasty swing.” At 45, Cary may use the […]
Tom’s Picks: Best of 2010’s “Greatest Hits” Albums
I’m bending the rules a little by claiming that The Black Crowes, ‘Croweology’ double album is the best “greatest hits” record of the year. In fact, there was only one true “greatest hits” album that I listened to this whole year so nearly all of the four in my list stay true to adhere to […]
Amos Lee – Mission Bell
On January 25th, Amos Lee is going to release Mission Bell on Blue Note Records. Mark your calendars, this early January release will remain on many best of lists by the end of 2011. Characteristically, Lee’s soulful voice is the focal point of the album. However, the sound of Mission Bell exhibits more texture than his previous […]
Listen Up: The Q-Dee Rock and Soul Series
Q Division Studios has long been a mainstay of the Boston music scene, hosting everyone from burgeoning local bands to internationally renowned artists (see the list here). The studio has been known to put out a few releases of their own, as they are doing with the limited edition Q-Dee Rock and Soul Series. Beginning […]
Meatyard – Sweet Old Green Life
Somewhere in the information that I dug up on Meatyard, it says something about how “Leonard Cohen would sound if he had a country band”. There are all kinds of implications in that statement, like future greatness, cult following, and even that somehow nothing Cohen does is country. I don’t subscribe to much of that, […]
Caleb Stine- I Wasn’t Built For A Life Like This
“My Service Isn’t Needed Anymore†is the song that begins Caleb Stine’s new record I Wasn’t Built For A Life Like This. Boy is he wrong. IWBFALLT is easily Stine’s best effort yet, and his service is definitely needed. He’s released a couple records of solid stylized alt. country with his backing band the Brakeman […]
Mayer’s Playlist for October/November 2010, Part 2
ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Victims, Enemies, & Old Friends, by Doc Dailey and Magnolia Devil A strong Southern accent imbues Muscle Shouls musician Doc Dailey’s voice and music. His songs continue a rich Southern storytelling tradition, filled with characters struggling with the hands that they’ve been dealt. In album opener “Prove Me Wrong” Dailey strives […]
Kathryn Caine – Down Home Girl
Ever notice there aren’t many female-oriented songs about not being tied down? I’m sure there are, but they don’t come to mind like Free Bird or Ramblin’ Man. I suppose Thelma & Louise gives the XX perspective for the movie genre, but what about something you can sing along to? Kathryn Caine, on her latest […]
Graham Weber/ Slaid Cleaves- Live at St. Stephen’s
Everyone knows you can’t throw a whiskey bottle in Austin, TX without hitting two great songwriters. Now I know you can’t even throw the whiskey bottle unless you’re a kick-ass songwriter. Where do these guys come from? Does Austin offer free beer to songwriters? I’m talking about Graham Weber, who blew me away last night […]
Paul Thorn – Pimps & Preachers
You can always count on Paul Thorn to provide a picture of life in the margins. His new effort Pimps and Preachers paints many different portraits. There are catchy singer-songwriter story songs like the opener “You’re Not the Only Oneâ€, which shows that the problems and trials of life are not unique to the family […]