Hey Everybody, As always, the following is a link to ITunes to download a playlist containing a song from many of the records I reviewed below: BOBBY K’S 2008 PICKS. I took great care in arranging this playlist, which I think you’ll enjoy as a CD in and of itself. If you click on an […]
Eastwood – Everything’s Personal
I have made no secret about being a proud Texan, and to be even more specific, a proud Dallasite. What is also anything but a secret is the sizable amount of emerging and quality Folk, Country (“Alt” or otherwise) and even Bluegrass acts that are coming from the D/FW area and it’s neighbor to the […]
Best Songs of 2008, Mayer’s Picks
It would be easy to mine my top album list for the best songs of the year. But why take the easy road? Here then are the top songs that aren’t represented on the top album list. The World Should Revolve Around Me, Little Jackie (from the S-Curve release The Stoop) This song is an […]
Mayer’s Playlist for December 2008
ALBUMS OF THE MONTH: City Lights, by Javier Escovedo Ironically, we finish the year with an album that arrived at the year’s start. The Escovedo name may sound familiar. Brother Alejandro gets most of the attention but City Lights proves Javier to be equally talented. Escovedo is clearly a student of classic rock, filling his […]
Slithering Beast – Midnight Royalty
Raise your hand if you are tired of hearing much buzzed about indie bands being hyped with comparisons to The Band (my hand is raised as high as I can raise it). Darling indie bands such as Fleet Foxes, Dr. Dog and many others, while very good and deserving of credit for their tight harmonies […]
Best Albums of 2008, Mayer’s Picks
#1. MATTHEW RYAN, Matthew Ryan Vs. the Silver State (00:02:59) Whether he’s performing a ballad or a rock song, Ryan’s intelligence and intensity course through this release. (Twangville review, mp3s and video here.) #2. THE HOLD STEADY, Stay Positive (Vagrant) They rock, they roll and then they rock some more. The Hold Steady may very […]
Alternate Routes – A Sucker’s Dream
It is easier to describe the Alternate Routes by what they are not. They are not Rock, Pop or Folk. They are just good. Their eclectic sound will actually work against them but they are too talented to ignore. For some reason in the current music industry we need to pigeon-hole everything. Everywhere else in […]
The British Columbians
Ironically they actually are from British Columbia. So their name may lack a little originality. That is ok because it appears they put all of their originality and creativity into their music. The Blues have influenced Rock & Roll since, well actually forever. However, thanks to bands like White Stripes, Black Keys and Black Mountain […]
Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads & Disaster Songs.
Looking for a stocking stuffer for the Country Music fan in your life? Look no further than the remarkable new release from living legend,Charlie Louvin. With Charlie Louvin Sings Murder Ballads and Disaster Songs (Tompkins Square), Louvin has mixed his own classics with tales from other legendary names to createa document that will shine for […]
New Doug Burr – The Shawl
As I mentioned a while back, the excellent Doug Burr from Denton, TX is soon releasing an LP that consists of songs inspired by The Psalms. As high as my expectations are for this disc, I am certain that the disc will exceed those almost unfair expectations. The Shawl (Spune/Velvet Blue) comes out digitally next […]